Your earnings every paycheck should not only be for your living expenses today, but also for your future life. At some point, you are going to look at your life and say….something needs to change in order for me to get ahead. Your pay increases from your job will not keep up with inflation, which is the cold hard truth; check the news tonight for further confirmation. Doing better financially, year over year will come from your “money moves”, not from a job. When moving into a new rental these days, you’ll need to pay for; |
 On average, a local move can range from $300 to $1,500 depending on the move's size. Long-distance moves can cost on average $2,500 to $5,000 depending on the move's size and the distance, and that is likely a conservative estimate because of the labor shortage's effect on the moving industry in the last few years. - Forbes Think twice about your next move. Do you really need to move because that drawer in the kitchen is wonky and management hasn’t repaired it yet? Grab a screwdriver, go to YouTube and handle it. Maybe you need to spend $75 annually of your own money for a pest control treatment, use the Thumbtack App to comparison shop for a pest control company. Do you see where I’m going with this? Those little annoyances should not propel you to uproot your household financially every 12 months. AND…we didn’t even cover the stress involved with moving. Whew! I hope that changing your perspective slightly about your largest monthly expense can start you on your way to changing some of your other “money moves” in the upcoming new year. All the best to you, Diana |    |
It’s fall, time for home care, self-care and all the other cares too! Here are a few books to go with your fav fall drink, the warmth of your fireplace and a comfy throw. Dim the lights and enjoy!
Is it difficult to relax in your small home or apartment? Are you having a hard time getting to sleep? How about your energy levels, do you feel drained while inside your small living space? Or maybe your mind keeps racing with thoughts that just won't give any peace. If you answered yes to any of these questions, your living space might be out of sync.
When this happens, the ancient art of feng shui can snap your living space into a harmonious state. Simply put, feng shui is a way to rearrange your home to improve its effect on your quality of life. Check out the details below.
When this happens, the ancient art of feng shui can snap your living space into a harmonious state. Simply put, feng shui is a way to rearrange your home to improve its effect on your quality of life. Check out the details below.
1. Clear the Clutter
A clean, clutter-free apartment is a harmonious one in the land of feng shui. You want energy to flow freely through your living area, and clutter tends to impede your flow. One of the most important areas you’ll want to de-clutter is your entryway. This is a main energy source, so you want as little junk in that area as possible. Shoes, for example, can add a lot of clutter to the area. Use a decorative storage box to store shoes and only keep a coat or two near the entryway. By getting rid of the clutter, your small space will not only look bigger, but also increase the amount of positive energy that can enter your home.
A clean, clutter-free apartment is a harmonious one in the land of feng shui. You want energy to flow freely through your living area, and clutter tends to impede your flow. One of the most important areas you’ll want to de-clutter is your entryway. This is a main energy source, so you want as little junk in that area as possible. Shoes, for example, can add a lot of clutter to the area. Use a decorative storage box to store shoes and only keep a coat or two near the entryway. By getting rid of the clutter, your small space will not only look bigger, but also increase the amount of positive energy that can enter your home.
2. Divide Your Rooms
Each room needs balance, which means it needs its own division. In a small living space this can be tough because most rooms spill into the next, but there are some space-smart, room-dividing options. Size-appropriate screens are an option, or consider creating a small division line with tall plants. Placing two or three plants between the kitchen and dining room, for example, is enough of a division to balance the energy. A bookshelf or a row of curtains can also divide a room in a small space.
Each room needs balance, which means it needs its own division. In a small living space this can be tough because most rooms spill into the next, but there are some space-smart, room-dividing options. Size-appropriate screens are an option, or consider creating a small division line with tall plants. Placing two or three plants between the kitchen and dining room, for example, is enough of a division to balance the energy. A bookshelf or a row of curtains can also divide a room in a small space.
3. Hang Mirrors
Mirrors are a feng shui miracle for small homes and apartments. Mirrors reflect light and give your space a larger appearance. Try to hang a mirror near a window to bounce natural light into the room. This is especially useful when placed to the side of your front door, never directly facing the front door. Try to mount mirrors where you can see the reflection of outdoor view to bring more beauty into your home. Also, keep in mind hanging a mirror behind the top burners of your stovetop to magnify wealth. Make sure you clean your mirrors often and avoid hanging mirrors right across from each other.
Mirrors are a feng shui miracle for small homes and apartments. Mirrors reflect light and give your space a larger appearance. Try to hang a mirror near a window to bounce natural light into the room. This is especially useful when placed to the side of your front door, never directly facing the front door. Try to mount mirrors where you can see the reflection of outdoor view to bring more beauty into your home. Also, keep in mind hanging a mirror behind the top burners of your stovetop to magnify wealth. Make sure you clean your mirrors often and avoid hanging mirrors right across from each other.
4. Incorporate the Five Elements
In feng shui there are Five Elements — wood, fire, earth, metal and water.
Each element channels a certain kind of energy. Wood brings about peace and prosperity; fire symbolizes passion; earth encourages stability; metal improves focus; and water enhances communication. Depending on the kind of energy you want, you should incorporate that element in your living space.
In feng shui there are Five Elements — wood, fire, earth, metal and water.
Each element channels a certain kind of energy. Wood brings about peace and prosperity; fire symbolizes passion; earth encourages stability; metal improves focus; and water enhances communication. Depending on the kind of energy you want, you should incorporate that element in your living space.
5. Add a Small Window Garden
Lastly, for the most impact – living plants cancel negative energy and improve air quality. But, adding too many plants to a small space can make your apartment feel smaller, so give it some thought before you place your plants. Try planting a small herb garden next to your window, or add a flowering houseplant to your windowsill, such as an African violet. Despite living in a tight space, you can still achieve the energy you want in your home or apartment, you just have to be a little creative. Overall, you’re looking to make furniture and design choices that make you feel happy in your home. Namaste!
Lastly, for the most impact – living plants cancel negative energy and improve air quality. But, adding too many plants to a small space can make your apartment feel smaller, so give it some thought before you place your plants. Try planting a small herb garden next to your window, or add a flowering houseplant to your windowsill, such as an African violet. Despite living in a tight space, you can still achieve the energy you want in your home or apartment, you just have to be a little creative. Overall, you’re looking to make furniture and design choices that make you feel happy in your home. Namaste!
  | As you think about buying a home, saving for a down payment is likely top of mind. But you may still have questions about the process, including how much to save and where to start. If that sounds like you, your down payment could be easier obtained than you originally thought. |
Author
Diana Alexander, a member of the Houston Association of REALTORS®, Certified Real Estate Negotiation Expert, and Property Manager provides real estate services and trending real estate awareness.
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