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10 Ways to Autumn-ize your Home

October 8, 2019 loansbyjoanna

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The crispness in the air, the small gusts of wind, the faint aroma of pumpkin spice. Even in a county like San Diego, you can feel change in the air when Autumn rolls around. I personally love Autumn, and although I’m sometimes late on getting the decorations up, I enjoy decorating for all major holidays and seasons. Today I want to share with you 10 ways I like to make my home a little more comfy for the fall and winter season. Leave a comment at the end if this helped you, or if you want to share some ways you make your home a little more Holiday.

#1 – Aromatic Candles

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If you know me, you know I’m a sap for an aromatic candle, and it’s fact scented candles are the best in the fall. I tend to burn different candle fragrances depending on the weather. For example, food fragrances and warm and cozy fragrances work best when it’s cold and gray outside. Floral fragrances tend to work best when it’s bright and warm outside.

#2 – Pumpkins

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Add a pumpkin (or three) to your tables and centerpieces. Just a few scattered pumpkins can make your home go from drab to fab in a matter of seconds. Some people swear by real pumpkins, but let me tell you, don’t discount the plastic ones. With faux pumpkins, you can use them again and again. You can even paint them white and use them as decorations for the winter season as well.

#3 – Golden and Pine Centerpieces

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Pine cones, squash, colorful maize, and autumn leaves are another perfect and easy way to Autumnize your home. Just leave a few bowls or cornucopias around the house to give it that crisp, Autumn feel. Browns and beiges are perfect, but adding pops of orange, red, gold, and even rose gold will give your pieces a rustic-glam look.

#4 – Throw Rugs and Wall Art

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Add color, texture, and warmth to your home by way of a smartly placed runner or throw rug. Not many people change their furniture with the seasons, so, changing the rug or your on-the-wall art to something more Fall-like can make it seem like you did. Keep your furniture simple throughout the year, and make your rugs or paintings the focal point. Doing this will make it easy to switch out a few details every season and have it look like you’ve redecorated your entire home.

#5 – Coffee Beans, Cloves and Oranges

There’s a little trick to making your home smell delicious all season: cloves and oranges. Make it a family event and have the kids stick the cloves in the oranges. They can even make their own designs or their names out of the cloves. Then either place them in a bowl or hang them with ribbon around the house. Another great trick is filling glass containers with coffee beans. It will look très chic, but also make the house smell great.

#6 – Succulents (Always)

If you’ve met me, even for just a few minutes, you probably know that I am obsessed with succulents. Not only are they great to have throughout the year, in the fall you can use them as centerpieces, by placing them inside pumpkins, or you can give them as gifts for friends during the holiday. Unlike many plants, succulents are not relatively easy to take care of, so you can be sure that they won’t be destroyed.

#7 – Don’t Forget the Front Porch

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I have to say, I love pulling into a driveway and seeing fall decor! You just know that the rest of the home will be comfy and inviting. Again, pumpkins are great this season, as they are able to go with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas decor. If you have the time, and are able, paint the front door: Red, Green, something inviting. It’s a small detail that can change the whole look of the home. Don’t forget to take pictures. Fall is the best time for front porch pictures of the Family.

#8 – Cider, Cinnamon and Baked Goods

Like the coffee beans and oranges with cloves, cinnamon is a great way to keep your home smelling like the Holidays during, well, the Holidays. Keeping baked goods like cupcakes and pies around, or hot chocolate and apple cider, will make the whole family stay in the spirit while feeding their souls and their bellies. However, try to find vegan, gluten free, and healthier delicious recipes, so that their bellies aren’t growing as big as your love for them.

#9 – String Lights

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There is something about string lights that make an evening more romantic, and family nights that much more special. They aren’t just for outside the home anymore. You can string them up on the porch, in the house, or even drop them in a glass vase or dish to give a room just a little more oomph. I love string lights not only for the Fall and Winter season, but also in the Spring and Summer for weddings and special events, so having some on hand at all times is always a good idea.

#10 – Family & Friends

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This is a big one. To me, family is everything, but not everyone is lucky enough to have a loving one. So, if you do, count your blessings. If you don’t, create a new family with friends you meet every day. If you have a loving family, and the room to do so, invite a friend or someone who may be lonely for the Holiday season. It’s a small gesture that that make someone’s entire year. The more the merrier! Have a happy Fall and Winter Season, and I hope I gave you some great ideas on how to Autumn-ize your home!

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7 Steps to a Stress Free Home: Living Mindfully in Your Own Space

January 24, 2019January 24, 2019 loansbyjoanna

Your home should be a place of relaxation and restoration, not a stress-inducing reminder of your troubles or tasks left undone. While it’s true that people are soothed by different things, and what relaxes one person, might not relax another, there are certain universal ways to quickly boost your home’s good vibes, and put you in a more relaxing mood.

#1 – Make Your Bed

To some, this might seem like the most tedious chore. Maybe you’re replaying your mother’s voice in your head as we speak, “make your bed before you leave.” Well, sorry you have to hear this from me, but maybe she had a point. Experts say that coming home to a made bed has the ability to make you feel calmer almost immediately, and can actually help you get a better night’s rest. Next time you jump out of bed, take a couple of minutes to straighten up the place where you spend at least 7-8 hours a night.

#2 Let Natural Light Be Your ALarm

Speaking of 7-8 hours, this is how much sleep you should be getting a night. People who can get by on four hours of sleep, sometimes like to brag about their endurance, but recent scientific studies show that a lack of sleep causes you to be a risk of many health concerns. Sleeping 7-8 hours a night can decrease risk for health conditions, manage your hunger levels, maintain your immune system, retain memory, and so much more. Turn off your alarm and get into bed nine hours before you need to get up. If you need help with this, iPhones have a “bedtime timer” that will tell you when to go to bed at night, and will calculate how much sleep you actually get in a week.

#3 – Consider Colors

You might not even notice it, but your mind and body react in different ways when you see certain colors. Blue, violet, and pastels have been proven to reduce stress and calm you down. Brighter colors stimulate your brain, energize you, and can sometimes even make you feel a little anxious. When painting your rooms, or applying wallpaper, think about how you’d like to feel when you’re in each room. If relaxation is your goal, especially in your bedroom while you’re trying to get those 7-8 hours, you’ll want to go with a muted pallet.

#4 – Keep What Sparks Joy; Let Go of What is Left

Marie Kondo is all the rage right now. If you haven’t heard of her, she is the Japanese organizer, author and star of the Netflix series “Tidying up with Marie Kondo” who encourages people to “keep only what sparks joy” when getting rid of clutter. Some people like clutter, and that’s fine. Your intention shouldn’t be to throw away everything you’ve got, but to hold each item in your home in both hands and ask “does this spark joy.” If it does spark joy, keep it, and put it out where you can see it every day (not in storage). If it does not spark joy (or is not conducive to your future), thank the item for serving you in the past and let it go.

#5 – Keep Houseplants or Flowers

Most of us have heard that if you talk to, or pray for, a plant, you will help their growth and well-being. Well, did you know that the reverse is also true? Studies have shown that indoor plants improve concentration and productivity by up to 15%, reduce stress levels, and boost your mood. This, along with their visual beauty, makes them perfect for your home and work space too!

#6 – Start each day with morning meditation

Morning meditation doesn’t have to mean two hours of pretzel-y yoga poses, or even morning-long prayers and fifty hail-marty, though if you’d like to do those things, more power to you! All you need is to carve out 10-30 minutes in the morning as time for yourself. Meditation makes you feel good, emotionally and physically, and enhances activity in the area of your brain that is associated with positive emotions and experience. Some studies even suggest that it helps combat depression, anxiety, and improves pain tolerance when done regularly. Take some time to breathe intentionally and let go of everything in your life that is causing you stress.

#7 – End each day with a completion ritual

Ending each day with a ritual is just as important as beginning your days with one, and maybe more. When you end each day doing the same thing, like writing in your journal or planner, reading, listening to relaxing music, or even something as simple as brushing your teeth or washing the last few dishes in the sink, your brain starts to pick up on the pattern and your body will start to automatically wind down. This means less time tossing and turning before you fall asleep.

Most of all, look after yourself. Your home is your sanctuary, and you’ve earned it, so treat your home (and yourself) accordingly.

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11 Things to do in San Diego THIS weekend! (9/14/18 – 9/16/18)

September 15, 2018September 15, 2018 loansbyjoanna

TGI…Friday! Let’s get out and go play this weekend! Here are some fun things (and a few FREE things) to do with your friends and family this weekend.

1. KAABOO Del Mar 2018
Get your dance on with Foo Fighters, Katy Perry, Robert Plant, and more at the fourth annual Kaaboo festival at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. A little pricey, but every year, all of the festival-goers swear it’s worth it. Kaaboo is called the “not your typical festival” and tend to emphasize guest comfort at their festivals. Buy tickets at: kaaboodelmar.com

2. Barefoot in the Park
The Old Globe’s revival of Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park” began performances in July, before the passing of the playwright on August 26th. The romantic comedy follows a newlywed couple’s journey as they navigate through their new life together in New York City. Performances start at 8 p.m. tonight, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday at Old Globe’s Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre in Balboa Park. theoldglobe.org

3. Santee Bluegrass Festival
Not just bluegrass, this festival will have beer and wine and unlimited food samples, a “giving tree” activity, an opportunity drawing (in place of a silent auction), and a kids’ night at the YMCA, where the kids can hang out while the adults having their fun at the festival. santeebluegrassfestival.com

4. San Diego Bayfair
Boat races, barbecue competition, kidzone, and fun. The SD Bayfair will take place during various times through Sunday on East Vacation Island, Crown Point and Fiesta Island in Mission Bay. For more information, visit: sandiegobayfair.org

5. Sunset Poolside Jazz Series
Experience the exquisite sounds of Jazz in this free poolside event at the Westgate Hotel. The event is free, however, there is a $25 minimum food/drink purchase (which includes appetizer trays, signature cocktails, and a selection of craft beer and wine) to attend. It’s your last chance of the summer to attend this electrifying jazz series. westgatehotel.com

6. “The Heart of Rock & Roll”
Listen and watch the musical adaptation of Rock & Roll legend Huey Lewis at the Old Globe this weekend. The hilarious comedy follows a band searching for their big break in the Chicago dive bar circuit. Tickets start at $39 and can be bought here: theoldglobe.org

7. San Diego Padres v. Texas Rangers
Head over to Petco Park to watch the Padres play the Texas Rangers in one of their last home series of the year. This weekend, Petco Park and the Padres celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. There will be a Fiesta in the Park on Friday, a firework show on Saturday ,and a Mexican Independence Day celebration on Sunday. Each day of the event, a commemorative Dia de Los Muertos bobblehead will be given away to ticket holders. mlb.com

8. Hausmann Quartet
The Maritime Museum of San Diego is hosting a concert series on the century-old ferryboat Berkeley. The concert series features three performances, each with a different theme and takes place on the beautiful, church-like, original-wood upstair seating. Watch the sun go down as you enjoy beautiful pieces by contemporary and classical musicians. sdmaritime.org

9. 49th Annual Julian Music Festival
Celebrate the end of summer with music, family and friends in beautiful Julian. There will be a diverse lineup of musical acts all with the backdrop of San Diego County’s backcountry, the picturesque “small town” of Julian. Children are free with a paying adult. Julianmusicfestival.com

10. Cans & Jams
On the third Saturday of each month, The Reader partners with a local brewery to bring you an afternoon of Cans & Jams. This month, they have partnered with Ballast Point, and have plenty of swag and discounted cans to go around. Take off your shoes and sip your favorite local craft varieties and special limited releases as you eat great food and jam out to live music. searsucker.com

11. Oceanside Harbor Days
It’s a festival at the beach! One of the city’s longest-running festivals, the event features more than 200 arts and crafts booths, music, a swim marathon, a food court, and a beer garden sponsored by the Prohibition Brewing Company and Golden Coast Mead, boat races, There are even pirates and mermaids roamin’ the area and the Oceanside Firefighters Association will hold its annual pancake breakfast each morning. Don’t miss out on this one. oceansidechamber.com

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Prepare for your First Home Loan (Mentally, Spiritually, and Emotionally)

September 14, 2018September 14, 2018 loansbyjoanna

There’s no disputing that a home will be one of the biggest and most important purchases of your life. It’s an exhilarating, taxing, wonderful event. However, armed with the knowledge you need to begin the home loan process, it can be a satisfying experience.

Many advisors will inform you of what documents you’ll need to prepare. There are countless articles and workshops about collecting your checks, paystubs, W2s, and receipts, and they aren’t incorrect, however I’d like to offer you a few conceptual, and maybe uncommon, steps that you’ll need to shop for a home, apply for a mortgage, and close with the confidence that you got your money’s worth.

1. KNOW YOURSELF

First time home buying is about knowing yourself, what your life goals are, your priorities, and knowing how to use your income, assets and/or credit in a way that works for you.

I don’t say this lightly, but for some, getting a home might not be the best thing to do right now. I’m not trying to discourage you, but not everyone is at a place in their life to be able to afford a home. Let me explain.

I have a friend (I’ll call him Joe) who grew up in a household where his single father lived life paycheck to paycheck, and not necessarily because he had to, but because his father had been taught by his mother who happened to take life as it came, without thinking too hard about saving.

Consequently, as great a woman as Joe’s grandmother was, Joe has never been able to spend money smartly. In fact, every month he spends more money than he has.

Now, for Joe, he’ll need to first practice paying off small purchases now, until he is able to work his way up to affording to owe on a home loan. Otherwise, he may find himself biting off more than he can chew.

Before applying for a loan it’s important to know yourself, know what type of spender you are, what type of payment plan would work for lifestyle, and if it’s a good plan for your life right now.

2. FIND WAYS TO SIMPLIFY

We’re marketed to everyday. Everywhere we go, there are people telling us what our life should be or what life that we should have. As soon we turn on our TVs and our devices, we receive messages: If you buy this, you’re going to have that life. Go here or buy this and it’ll be worth your while, your taste buds will dance, your kids will be happy, you will be popular, admired and attractive!

I like to tell people to consider living a minimal lifestyle. Minimalism can be a tool in helping you find simplicity and subsequently, freedom. Most people hear that M word and immediately think they’ll have to downsize their possessions. In reality, minimalism is about making all of your decisions more consciously and deliberately.

We want to be able to spend more time with our kids, family or friends. We want to spend our time in a more balanced way. For instance, we all know that we should be exercising. In January, we all go out and buy these gym memberships. This is good news for fitness and nutrition companies, they capitalize on this want for a better life.

I’m not saying not to buy that gym membership. I’m not saying to empty out your home and get rid of that beautiful collection of books. In fact, if you’re happy and it doesn’t cause stress, then continue to do that thing.

If any aspects of your life IS causing you stress (not the good stress where you’re learning and growing, but the type where you’re not sleeping at night because you feel like you didn’t make the right decision) cut it out of your life.

I’ve been working on this aggressively, because I’m a collector, shopper and all around early adopter of anything electronic! And I can tell you, when you simplify your life because you want to align your life to support your values, that’s when happiness occurs. When minimalism is coming from a place of fear, and you’re throwing things out because you think some type of Zen will magically occur if you empty out your house, it won’t work.

3. REEVALUATE

To start simplifying your life, you need to reevaluate what your life is. The first thing you have to do is stop and consider what your grand, massive, colossal life-goal is. This is the thing that keeps you going—maybe it’s to become the CEO of an international clothing design company, or to have a non-profit historical museum. Perhaps it’s just to have a happy, stress-free, intentional life. Now ask yourself what is standing between you and your goal.

I like tell folks to identify their pain points. Maybe you have a hour-and-a-half commute to work every day. People can spend 1000 a month or more on transportation because of extra costs, they need need a better car, gas millage, maintenance, they need to house the car, parking, etc. When really, maybe they should live closer to work.

I understand, sometimes you look at your life, you want your kids to be in a certain school district, you want to be close to your parents, you like a certain coffee shop. Ask yourself if the lifestyle you’re maintaining is worth anything you’re giving up, including your financial freedom.

It’s important to be authentic. When you’re trying to be inauthentic, trying to impress others, not being honest with yourself about whether you can afford all the credit cards that you have, or whatever the case may be, it’s very hard to take a step back and evaluate your day-to-day choices and not judge yourself. You can start this new life anytime!

I am going to tell you now that you will need to collect your important papers, your paystubs, and documents, documents, documents, but really, the first step is to realize how you want to live, what lifestyle you want, what works for your lifestyle right now, and what works for your eventual goal.