A U S T I N S P O T L I G H T SEPTEMBER 2020
C O N T E N T S
06 10 18 22 TROY SCHLICKER
TOP 6 HOME ORGANIZATION UPGRADES THAT "SPARK JOY" Turn areas of your home that bring you stress into areas that bring you joy.
BRYNNA CONNOR, M.D.
MASKS & COVID
We know we need them but what are the best practices to ensure our health.
GUSTAVO
BREATH
The breathing technique I'm obsessed with.
TROY SCHLICKER
WHAT'S YOUR BEST OPTION FOR MORE SPACE
Larger home or vacation home. We look at which option for more space is right for you.
C O N T E N T S
30 33 36 42 I LIVE HERE I GIVE HERE
AMPLIFY AUSTIN
Join the local generosity movement.
MICHELLE SMALLWOOD
HELP KIDS GET THE MOST OUT OF ONLINE LEARNING How parents can help kids maximize virtual learning.
TROY SCHLICKER
20 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY & STRETCH YOUR BUDGET Helping you find ways to spend less and save more.
DR. JEANNIQUE NORBERT
TIPS FOR PROLONGED SITTING
How to stay healthy while spending all day sitting.
C R E D I T S Photo Credits Kevin McCutcheon on Unsplash Adeolu Eletu on Unsplash Vera Davidova on Unsplash gryffyn on Unsplash Jonathan J. Castellon on Unsplash Solen Feyissa on Unsplash Engin Akyurt on Unsplash Fayatri Malhotra on Unsplash Annie Spratt on Unsplash Terricks Noah on Unsplash Afif Kusuma on Unsplash Gustavo Padron Fabian Moller on Unsplash Mark Adriane on Unsplash Siniz Kim on Unsplash Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash Thomas Park on Unsplash I Live Here I Give Here Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash Karolina Grabowska from Pexels Jason Briscoe on Unsplash Austin Distel on Unsplash Matt Ragland on Unsplash Konstantinos Eleftheriadis from Pexels Tina Witherspoon on Unsplash
A U S T I N S P O T L I G H T INSIGHTS AND STOREIS
With school back in session we should all be getting back to our normal routines. However, nothing about this year has been normal and the start of school is no exception. For those trying to navigate multiple people sharing the same office on simultaneous video call we feel your pain. This month we've tried to provide information on making the most of online learning as well as finding ways to relax and relieve stress as well as continuing to stay safe.
Troy Schlicker
Top 6 Home Organization Upgrades that "Spark Joy" Thanks to Marie Kondo and her hit Netflix series “Tidying Up,” home organization is a hot topic right now. Marie encourages her viewers to minimize their possessions and keep only those items that “spark joy.”
With all the time we are spending at home, now is the perfect time to do some cleaning and add organizational systems to your home. Not only will you clear out clutter, your efforts can actually increase the value of your home.
Ready to give it a try? Here are six home organization ideas that will “spark joy” for you and your property value.
Boost Bathroom Storage Capacity When was the last time you cleaned out your bathroom cupboards? If it’s been awhile, remove everything and take a look at each item. Toss any old or expired products—keep only what you actually use. If your vanity has drawers, add drawer organizers, so you have a dedicated space for smaller items, like makeup and jewelry. For deep cabinets, install roll-out shelves or baskets to maximize the use of space. And don’t forget about the walls! Mount open shelves to store towels. If you’re short on storage space, a cabinet over the toilet can offer additional room for supplies. These inexpensive additions can make your morning routine a little easier while giving your bathroom a more custom feel.
Upgrade Your Laundry Room Sort through the items in your laundry room and throw away or donate anything you no longer need or use. If you’ve been holding onto a collection of old washcloths and single socks, it’s time to say goodbye. Then give your laundry room an upgrade with some customized organizational features. A mix of open cubbies and cabinets with doors will give you plenty of options for storing detergents and supplies. If you have space, a divided hamper or set of laundry baskets can provide a place to sort your clothes before washing. Install a hanging rod or drying rack for delicates and a flat work surface for ironing and folding clothes. With a few simple tweaks, you can turn this chore into a score!
Fully Utilize Your Basement or Attic Basements and attics can easily become a dumping ground for clutter. If that’s the case in your
home, you know what to do! Once you’ve conducted a thorough clean out, think about how you can better utilize the space to meet your family’s needs. Install cabinets and a table so you can use the area as a craft room. Or you could turn it into a game room with a media center and ping-pong table. Investing in your basement will add function for your family. If you have an attic, consider adding a cedar closet to store your off-season clothing. The cedar lining will keep your clothes free from moths and smelling fresh year round. Turning your attic into a more usable space will pay off down the road, too.
Customize Your Closets Cleaning out the closet is a chore most of us dread, but by now, you’re a pro! Get rid the clothes and shoes that don’t fit you, are uncomfortable to wear, or that no longer “spark joy.” Then it’s organizing time. So where do you start? You’ll want to create
a designated space for each type of clothing: high hanging rods for dresses and long jackets, lower rods for skirts and shirts, and shelves for folded items like jeans. And accessories need a place to go, too. Add racks for your shoes, drawers for jewelry, hooks for hats, and shelves or racks for handbags. A well-equipped closet can be a major draw if you're considering selling, but more importantly, it’ll improve your day-to-day life. Surveyed homeowners gave their closet remodel a “Joy Score” of 10 out of 10, higher than kitchen or bath upgrades.
Install Built-in Bookcases and Cabinets Built-in furniture adds functionality and storage to a room while giving your home a high-end look. Built-in bookcases can turn an empty room into an office. Custom cabinets can be used in a living room to display media equipment while providing hidden storage for DVDs, board games, and family albums. When designing any built-in feature, remember not to go too custom. A design that only fits your tastes or belongings could turn off future buyers. Instead, select standard sizes and classic finishes to appeal to a broad range of buyers when it comes time to sell.
Equip Your Garage If you can no longer fit your car in your garage, it may be time for a clean out. Similar to an attic or basement, the garage can quickly become overrun with clutter. A thorough cleaning will help you assess which items are worth keeping. When adding organizational systems to your garage, start with a small rack to store yard tools and larger racks for bikes and sports equipment. Overhead racks are a great place to put seasonal items and bulky luggage. A workbench against a wall lined with pegboard and hooks creates a dedicated space to use and store tools. With a little effort, you’ll be pulling in your car (and buyers) in no time!
Article by Troy Schlicker Troy Schlicker is a Real Estate Advisor & Broker with Reserve Realty. He is also the host of the Austin Spotlight Podcast. 512.809.6166 | troy@reserverealty.com | www.troyschlicker.com
MASKS & COVID
I am a huge fan of the outdoors on a normal year, but given that the year of 2020 has thrown us a major curveball with the pandemic, many of us are re-thinking what used to be such simple, long-standing activities. And while you may find this counterintuitive, I suggest moving out of your comfort zone and get outdoors as much as possible--
especially from a health perspective. Not only will this allow for proper social distancing and other precautions (it’s a lot easier to be 6 feet away from someone when you don’t have to worry about bumping into walls!), but you will also be able to enjoy the beautiful outdoors as well! We know that the coronavirus is most infectious when people are in
close proximity to one another and/or in enclosed or tight spaces. With this in mind, outdoor activities are still a great way to have fun and stay safe. Try these: Go for a hike! Hit the road for a road trip, or go for a "Sunday drive." Get out there to watch the leaves change Visit an open pumpkin patch, or even a not-so-local apple orchard Visit the many Bluebonnet fields in the Texas Hill country! There are so many options. And by nature of just getting outside you can get some important exercise while doing any of these activities. And be sure to bring a mask just in case!” In cases where social distancing is difficult, experts say that nearly everyone should wear masks. Masks are especially useful when you’re spending time indoors. While masks don’t completely prevent viral spread, they greatly lower the chance of the virus --or
any virus---passing between two people. Yes, There are some people who should not wear masks: 1. Kids under the age of 2 2. People who have breathing problems 3. Anyone who is unconscious 4. People who would not be able to remove their mask on their own People who can’t wear masks should take other measures to help protect their families and communities. For example, people who are working out or swimming may not be able to wear a mask. In these cases, exercising outside and keeping a large distance between yourself and other people helps minimize risk. Everyone should also try to embrace additional protective measures, such as: Washing your hands regularly, for at least 20 seconds Using hand sanitizer if you can’t wash your hands Avoiding touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth
Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and immediately cleaning your hands Disinfecting surfaces that you regularly touch, such as counters, doorknobs, handles, phones, and light switches Do Masks Work? What does the research show? Masks have been worn during surgery for nearly 100 years, in order to prevent surgeons from spreading germs to patients. Healthcare providers also wear them to protect themselves from their patients. We have long trusted masks to protect us in medical settings. As COVID-19 has grown into a global health crisis, researchers are scrambling to get more data about the effectiveness of masks. In one large study, researchers at the largest healthcare system in Massachusetts studied how quickly COVID-19 spread before and after implementing a mask policy. In the early days of the epidemic, the number of cases among healthcare workers rose by 1.16% per day. After a policy went into
place requiring that all employees and patients wear masks, the number of cases decreased by 0.49% per day. One interesting case is the story of two hair stylists working in Springfield, Missouri. The stylists had COVID-19 symptoms while working with clients, and eventually tested positive. However, both the stylists and their clients wore masks during appointments, and none of the 139 patients tested positive or developed symptoms. This doesn’t mean that masks are 100% effective – if you feel sick, stay home. However, it does show that masks can play an important role in protecting people. Which Mask Types Work Best? Several past studies have found that surgical masks and N95 respirators, often worn by healthcare workers, can help prevent the spread of seasonal viruses such as the flu. When it comes to COVID-19, mask research is in the early stages, but we are slowly gathering new information.
Mask Types: What We’re Learning: A few recent studies have provided information regarding which fabric types may be effective at preventing the spread of viruses or respiratory droplets: Research using artificial particles that act like respiratory droplets found that a single-layer bandanna wasn’t very protective, but a folded handkerchief worked slightly better. Cloth masks that contained two pieces of cotton fabric blocked the vast majority of the particles, although a small percentage could escape from the top of the mask
may break up larger droplets into many smaller ones, which were more likely to hang around in the air. More research needs to be done to find out whether this is in fact the case. Hybrid fabrics may block particles the best, according to an additional study. These fabrics include cotton-silk, cotton-chiffon, and cotton-flannel. The study authors also found that fabric with a higher thread count was probably more effective. because of gaps between the nose and the mask. Another study showed that many cloth masks worked about as well as surgical masks for blocking respiratory droplets. These included masks made from cotton, polypropylene, cotton polypropylene blends, and polyester. Interestingly, this study found that bandannas essentially offered no protection, and a gaiter or neck warmer made from fleece may actually lead to more respiratory droplets than not wearing anything at all. The authors hypothesized that fleece
Masks made from one layer of cloth and paper towels may be able to block the majority of virus particles. Masks made from 2-3 layers of Tshirt fabric might be a good balance between effectively blocking virus and being breathable. When researchers analyzed the ability of nontraditional materials to filter out viral particles, they found that vacuum cleaner bags were fairly effective. People may be able to use these bags as a filter in a mask.
You may notice that there is no clear answer here, and that the results of some experiments may actually be slightly conflicting. This is because many of these studies were very small, and some researchers studied artificial particles rather than actual viruses. Much more research is needed in order to get clearer data. However, takeaways from these studies show that effective masks most likely: Have multiple layers of fabric Are made from cotton or cotton blend fabric (although synthetic poly blends may be effective too Fit the face snugly, with minimal gaps The World Health Organization recommends wearing a threelayer mask, in which the outer two layers are cotton and the middle is a filter made from polypropylene fabric. Duke professor Warren S. Warren, who worked on the second study listed above, gave an additional tip: “If you can see through [a mask] when you put it up to a light and you can blow through it easily, it probably is not protecting anybody.�
Buying a Mask A huge variety of masks are currently available for purchase. Many clothing and streetwear brands are producing different types and styles of fabric masks. Face masks are available from both large retailers such as Amazon and Target, and small businesses, who may sell their products through social media or through commerce sites like Etsy. More expensive designer brands have even been offering masks. No matter what colors, patterns, or styles you prefer, there is a mask
out there for you! Masks come in many different sizes. The fit of a mask is also influenced by whether it ties behind the head or uses loops that go around the ear. People have different preferences when it comes to which style of mask feels the most comfortable, so you may have to try a couple of different types before you get one that works for you. Whichever style you get, you should make sure that the mask is able to completely cover your mouth and nose and fits snugly without any large gaps.
Making a Mask There are a huge number of tutorials available for making masks of different styles. Try Googling or searching on YouTube to learn more about how to sew yourself a mask! The CDC also offers basic instructions for sewing a simple rectangular mask with elastic ear loops. The CDC’s website also includes a no-sew tutorial for folding a bandanna or piece of square fabric into a face mask. Putting on a Mask You should wash your hands anytime you put on your mask. Make sure the mask completely covers both your mouth and your nose. As you’re wearing the mask, don’t push it down around your neck or push it up onto your forehead. You should also avoid touching the mask if possible. If you do need to touch or adjust your mask, wash your hands before and after.
Removing a Mask Leave your mask on until you get home. Once you’re back inside, take your mask off by touching only the ties or ear loops. Immediately put your mask into the washing machine and wash your hands. Washing a Mask Wash your mask after every single use. Follow any care instructions, if they came with your mask. Wash with detergent and warm water in the washing machine, along with your clothes. You can also hand wash using a disinfecting bleach product and rinsing thoroughly. Conclusions Masks are an extremely important tool for slowing and preventing the spread of COVID-19. For the highest amount of protection, use a mask that contains multiple layers and fits snugly to your face. Following recommended protocols related to wearing and washing your mask will also play a big role in reducing your disease risk.
Article by Brynna Connor, M.D. Dr. Connor is a physician who is double board certified in Family Medicine and Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine. 512-382-9500 | www.doctorconnor.com brynnaconnormd@gmail.com
The breathing technique
I'm obsessed with We are living in a day and age where work from home and sitting for the majority of the day has become the new normal. Our poor posture and the daily stress is affecting the way we breathe. Try this right now, sit up tall right
where you are, take a deep long full breath in through your nose, hold it for 3 counts, exhale out of your mouth. How do you feel? Much better? I hope so.
It is known that we breathe in and out about 20,000 times a day and since our breath is so automatic, most of us might not be breathing to our fullest capacity. There are numerous breathing techniques that can help restore the rhythm of your breath. One of my favorite breathing techniques is Nadi Shodhana (AKA Alternate Nostril Breathing). The word “Nadi” translates to "channel" or “flow” and the word "Shodhana” translates to "purification." The literal translation of Nadi Shodhana is purification of channels. Nadi Shodhona has been around for thousands of years and it makes
me so happy to know that this practice is gaining popularity in the western culture. I personally love this breathing technique for the calming and grounding effects it gives me when I feel stressed and overwhelmed. I love knowing that practicing this breathing technique can help harmonize my breath while regulating the flow of energy between the systematic (left brain) and creative (right brain) part of me. I incorporate this practice before my meditation in the mornings and sometimes mid-day when I need a quick pick me up (it works
better than a shot of espresso and this is coming from someone who loves caffeine). If you are not fully sold if this is for you, maybe the following benefits will convince you? reduces stress and anxiety fosters clarity of mind re-energize body and mind restores the harmony of the right and left brain harmonizes yin and yang energies slows down heart rate regulates blood pressure improves lung function
Are you ready to practice? Feel free to check out my Instagram IGTV @gustavoapadron for a guided tutorial or simply read along. I recommend washing your hands before starting as you have to touch your face and we need to make sure you are keeping it cute. Ready. Set. Get to breathing. Sit comfortably with a tall spine and your eyes closed. Bring your right palm in front of your face. Place your right thumb on your right nostril.
Invite your peace-making fingers (index and middle finger) between your eyebrows — your third eye. Hover your ring finger and pinky finger above your left nostril. Close your right nostril with your right thumb. Exhale out of the left nostril. Pause for a second at the bottom of the exhale. Keep the left nostril open and inhale through the left nostril. Pause for a second at the top of the inhale
Close the left nostril and exhale out of the right nostril. Pause for a second at the bottom of the exhale. Keep the right nostril open and inhale through the right nostril. Pause for a second at the top of the inhale. Close the right nostril and exhale out of the left. Pause for a second at the bottom of the exhale. This is one round: do 510 total rounds. I hope this serves you.
Article by Gustavo Gustavo is a fitness instructor and personal trainer in Austin, TX. lifewithgustavo@gmail.com www.gustavopadron.com
What's Your Best Option for More Space?
The pandemic and shelter in place order have changed all of our lives. Most significantly in the amount of time we spend at home. With many of us working and attending school at home as well as living there our priorities have changed when it comes to choosing a home. The Harris Poll conducted a recent survey which showed that 75% of Americans who have started working remotely would like to continue to do so – and if those people didn’t have a commute as frequently a significant 66% would consider moving. The list of reasons that topped most desires to move were to have a dedicated office space (31%) a larger home (30%), and more rooms overall (29%). Now that school has gone virtual for many families the need has only intensified for additional space. We are seeing buyers increasing deciding on homes further away from downtown areas as they look for more room and less congestion. In fact, nearly 40% of urban residents are
considering leaving the city due to Coronavirus. Not everyone is ready to give up their currently home and lifestyle completely and many are choosing to purchase a second home as a co-primary residence or for frequent getaways. Homeowners are feeling less restricted on where they spend their time and without the need for a commute five-days a week many desire to have a more frequent change of scenery after being stuck in such confined quarters for the last few months. Have you been feeling suffocated in your current space? If so, you’ve probably considered what options there are for you. But which one is best? Would a bigger place or a getaway destination be right for you? Let’s explore the options to help determine which one might be right for you.
Why Buy a Larger Home? Buying a larger home or moving up to a nicer is a great choice if you and your family need more
space, want features your current home doesn’t have – like a dedicated home office, a different floor plan, or more entertainment and relaxing areas, or you want to move to a different location that better reflects your lifestyle The majority of move-up buyers decide to sell their current home to have additional funds available for the purchase of their new home. If you have a lack outdoor space or functional space for all the new activities you’re having to do in your home, buying a new/larger home could greatly improve your everyday life. Fortunately, mortgage rates are at historic lows which means that larger home has never been more affordable. You may be able to move-up without a staggering increase in your monthly payments. Another major benefit of deciding to buy a larger home is that by deciding to spend your housing budget in one place you can afford for that place to be nicer. If, however, you’ve been anxious to jet out of town for that vacation, a second home might be the right
decision for you.
Why Buy a Second Home? Once reserved only for the ultrawealthy, a vacation or second home has become more mainstream. Sales of homes in resort or bedroom communities have been on the rise as urban residents look for places to escape the quarantine and crowds. With air travel on hold for the foreseeable future for most families, many are taking the travel budget and using it on a vacation home they can take
advantage of many times during the year. If you are preparing for retirement a second home might also be a great option. Purchasing your dream retirement home now will allow you to lock in these historically low interest rates. You will also start to pay down your mortgage and have the benefit of enjoying the perks of the home and area as a way to get away. The mortgage qualification process will generally be smoother and allow you to qualify easier while you’re still employed.
Another advantage with choosing a vacation home is the potential to offset some of your costs in the home by using services like Airbnb and VRBO to rent it out when you’re not using it. In some cases, you might even turn a profit. You will want to make sure to consult with a real estate professional or renal management company to make sure the property you purchase is in an area that allows these shortterm rentals and for a realistic idea on what you can reasonably expect in rental income potential.
a vacation home!” But if you’re dealing with a limited budget (aren’t we all?), you will probably have to make a choice between the two. Here are three tactics to help you decide on the best course of action. 1. Determine Your Time and Financial Budget
Which Option is Best for You?
Even if you meet the mortgage qualification to purchase a home it’s important to understand if you have the time, financial resources and energy to maintain it. This is a critical question to ask yourself regardless of the type of home you choose.
When reading this you may think “I’d really like a larger home AND
Most people realize that a vacation home will be double
mortgage payments, utilities, taxes and insurance. It’s important not to forget the extra time and expense in maintaining multiple properties. Two lawns to mow. Two houses to clean. Two sets of appliances and home systems that can breakdown. A second home isn’t always a vacation. Being prepared to maintain the labor and costs need to carry two home is a commitment you need to be realistic about. Of course, some larger homes require more work than a vacation home. If your move-up home is a fixer-upper, you’re likely to invest more time, energy and finances that if you purchase a small condo near a beach. It’s important to have an honest discussion about how much time and money you want to spend on your new property. Would a larger home or a vacation home first better given your lifestyle? 2. Rank Your Priorities If you still are uncertain which option would be best for you,
make a wish list of the features and characteristics that are important to you in a new home. Then rank those items from most to least important. This will aid you in figuring out your “musthave” features and which ones you might need to sacrifice. A few samples that may spark you are Dedicated Home Office Extra Bedroom Pool Exercise Room Media Room Closer to Family and Friends Larger Yard and Outdoor Space
Best Potential Investment A Shorter Distance to the Lake or Mountains 3.Explore Your Options After you have figured out your priorities, it’s time to begin your home search. If you’re still undecided on a larger home or vacation home there’s help. Contacting a trusted real estate advisor will allow you to discuss your options and get expert advise to assess the pros and cons of both options for your unique situation.
LET'S GET MOVING Whether you’re ready to make a move or need help weighing the options a trusted real estate advisor can help determine your
current home value and show you local properties that fit within your budget. If your heart is set on a vacation home in another market, they can refer you to a quality agent in your dream locale.
Article by Troy Schlicker Troy Schlicker is a Real Estate Advisor & Broker with Reserve Realty. He is also the host of the Austin Spotlight Podcast. 512.809.6166 | troy@reserverealty.com | www.troyschlicker.com
Join the Local Generosity Movement with I Live Here I Give Here Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to town, I Live Here I Give Here is your resource to discover meaningful ways to get involved with local nonprofits. A nonprofit organization that works in collaboration with over 750 nonprofit members, I Live Here I
Give Here (ILHIGH) envisions a Central Texas that is the most generous community in the nation. ILHIGH believes that generosity is key to improving equity and quality of life for all, and that every person has value to contribute to the place they call home.
ILHIGH convenes and connects people, foundations, and businesses with causes they are passionate about, empowering them to give back local through volunteerism, advocacy, nonprofit board and committee service, and sustained financial giving through a variety of programs. Amplify Austin Day, the organization’s signature program, is the biggest day of giving in Central Texas. Over 24 hours, Amplify Austin Day brings the entire community together to give to local nonprofits. Through matching gifts and prizes sponsored by local foundations and businesses, gifts of all sizes have an amplified impact, especially when thousands in the community participate. In the past eight years, Amplify Austin Day has raised over $69 million for 750 local organizations. As the Central Texas home base for the global #GivingTuesday movement, ILHIGH rallies Central Texans to give back to their community after the commercial shopping days Black Friday and
Cyber Monday through its Actions for Good campaign. Last year, Central Texans reported over 8 million actions for good, ranging from complimenting a stranger, to volunteering, to setting up monthly recurring donation to a local nonprofit, to sharing a personal giving story on social media using the hashtag #ILiveHereIGiveHere. ILHIGH also produces a dynamic range of programs that facilitate mentorship opportunities for the next generation of philanthropists. These programs include See Us Give, which connects young professionals with established philanthropic leaders and equips them with tools to develop their personal philanthropic journeys, and the Austin Involved Board Internship Program, which empowers and trains professionals to serve on nonprofit boards and committees. While Austin tops many lists, it ranks 33rd out of the top 50 cities in terms of giving, is the least charitable of the four largest cities in Texas, and is one of the most economically segregated metro
areas in the country. I Live Here I Give Here is working to change this. They want Austin to be not only the fastest-growing city or best city for start-ups, but the #1 most philanthropic community and the #1 most hospitable city for nonprofit organizations. By inspiring Central Texans to give back in their local community, I Live Here I Give Here instills community-wide culture of compassion and generosity. ILHIGH can provide support to anyone looking to make a positive mark on Austin and Central Texas. Check out their programs to develop your personal philanthropic journey and connect with them year-round to discover unique giving opportunities at AmplifyATX.org.
I Live Here I Give Here is a non-profit with the mission to make Central Texas the most generous community in the nation. We believe that we can build a more united, prosperous environment for all when we give together as a community. To get involved contact us: 512.717.4190 | operations@ilivehereigivehere.org ilivehereigivehere.org
How Parents Can Help Their Kids Get the Most Out of Online Learning
Online learning is a different experience than traditional classroom instruction, and some students may need to make some changes to their normal academic routine in order to properly adjust. Here’s how parents can help their kids to get the most out of online learning! Consistency. As with any form of instruction, online learning works best with a consistent schedule. Make sure your kids are fulfilling their daily attendance requirements for online classes, and encourage them to complete their assignments on a daily basis. Having a dedicated time slot for homework provides consistency in a student’s schedule, and this routine can be carried on when traditional school attendance resumes. Due to a lack of daily structure from not physically attending school, many students will require extra support in order to remain focused. Parents can provide this support by giving them friendly reminders throughout the day and offering to help plan a
schedule. If your student is working with a tutor, we also recommend setting a recurring time and day to help students stay on track! Provide a quiet environment. Many parents have discovered that one of the biggest challenges with online learning is dealing with the fact that our homes are shared spaces. Whenever possible, try to provide your student with a quiet environment to work in, ideally free of distractions and other electronic devices. Since students may be logged in for a few hours at a time, the living room may not be the best place for them to attend online classes. We recommend students set up their workspace in advance to ensure there are no surprises!
Encourage them to speak up. With online learning, it can sometimes feel more difficult for kids to reach out to their teacher when something doesn’t make sense. This can especially be the case with virtual classrooms – in regular school, asking the teacher for clarification is as simple as raising your hand. In an online environment, students may feel intimidated or embarrassed when asking their teacher to stop the lesson and re-explain something that wasn’t clear. Rather than talking to their teachers after class like they would normally do, students now find themselves contacting their teachers through school emails and messaging features built into online learning platforms. Although it feels
different, encourage your kids to treat their online learning experience the same way they would approach regular school. Remind them that their teachers are still there to help them, and they shouldn’t hesitate to reach out if something isn’t making sense. Sign up for online tutoring. Parents should also consider having their kids work with an online tutor. One of the major benefits of private tutoring is having the instructor’s undivided attention. With one to one tutoring, learning is driven at the student’s pace. Many students feel more comfortable asking for clarification when working with a single individual that can fill the role of a personal academic coach.
Article by Michelle Smallwood Michelle Smallwood is a the Owner of Tutor Doctor in Lakeway 512-550-9924 | msmallwood@tutordoctor.com www.tutordoctor.com/lakeway
20 Ways to Save Money & Stretch Your Household Budget These days, it seems like everyone’s looking for ways to cut costs and stretch their income further. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce your household expenses without making radical changes to your standard of living. When combined, these small adjustments can add up to significant savings each month. Here are 20 things you can start doing today to lower your bills, secure better deals, and begin working toward your financial goals. 1.Refinance Your Mortgage - For prime borrowers, mortgage rates are at or near historic lows. Depending on your current mortgage rate and the terms you choose, refinancing could save you
a sizable amount on your monthly payments. There are fees and closing costs associated with refinancing, so you’ll need to talk to your lender to find out if refinancing is a good option for you.
cable subscription altogether. An antenna should give you access to the major stations, and many of your favorite shows are probably available on-demand through a less expensive streaming service subscription.
2.Evaluate Your Insurance Policies - If it’s been a while since you priced home or auto insurance, it may be worthwhile to do some comparison shopping. Get quotes from at least three insurers or independent agents. Try bundling your policies to see if there’s a discount. And inquire about raising your deductible, which should lower your premium
5.Revisit Your Wireless Plan - You can often save by switching from a big brand to an independent, lowcost carrier. If that’s not feasible, ask your current provider for a better deal or consider downgrading to a cheaper plan.
3.Bundle Cable, Phone, and Internet - You can also save money by bundling your cable, phone, and internet services together. Shop around to see who is willing to give you the best deal. If switching is too much of a hassle, ask your current provider to match or beat their competitor’s offer. 4.Better Yet, Cut the Cord on Cable - In many cases, you can save even more if you cancel your
6.Adjust Your Thermostat Turning your thermostat up or down a few degrees can have a noticeable impact on your monthly heating and cooling costs. To maximize efficiency, change your filters regularly, and make sure your windows and doors are well insulated.
7.Use Less Hot Water - After heating and cooling, hot water accounts for the second largest energy expense in most homes.2 To cut back, repair any leaks or dripping faucets, install low-flow fixtures, only run your dishwasher when full, and wash clothes in cold water when possible. 8.Lower Overall Water Consumption - To decrease your water usage, take shorter showers, and turn off the sink while you brush your teeth and wash your hands. If you don’t have a low-flow toilet, retrofit your current one with a toilet tank bank or fill cycle diverter. And irrigate your lawn in the morning or evening to minimize evaporation.
9.Conserve Electricity - Save electricity by shutting off your computer at night and installing energy-efficient LED light bulbs. You can minimize standby or “vampire” power drain by utilizing power strips and unplugging idle appliances. 10.Purchase a Home Warranty While there is an upfront cost, a home warranty can provide some protection and peace of mind when it comes to unexpected home repair costs. Most plans provide coverage for major systems (like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC) and appliances (such as your dishwasher, stove, or refrigerator). 11.Outsource Less - From lawn
care to grocery shopping to minor home repairs, we pay people to do a lot of things our parents and grandparents did themselves. To save money, try cutting back on the frequency of these services or taking some of them on yourself. 12.Prepare Your Own Meals - It costs nearly five times more to have a meal delivered than it does to cook it at home.5 And home cooking doesn’t just save money; it’s healthier, cuts down on calorie consumption, and can offer a fun activity for families to do together. 13.Plan Your Menu in Advance Meal planning is deciding before you shop what you and your family will eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It can help you lower your overall food bill, eliminate waste, and minimize impulse purchases. When possible, buy produce that is in season, and utilize nutrient-rich but inexpensive protein sources like eggs, beans, ground turkey, and canned tuna. 14.Plant a Garden - You can save even more on produce by growing it yourself. If you have space in
your yard, start-up costs are relatively minimal. Gardening can be a rewarding and enjoyable (not to mention delicious) hobby for the whole family. And it could save you around $600 per year at the grocery store!
15.Review Memberships and Subscriptions - Are you paying for services and subscriptions you no longer need, want, or can utilize? Determine if there are any that you should suspend or cancel.
little money back each month. However, they often come with high-interest rates and fees if you carry a balance. Commit to only using it for purchases you can afford.
16.Give Homemade Gifts - Who wouldn’t appreciate a scratch birthday cake or tin of cookies? And if you enjoy crafting, Pinterest and Instagram are full of inspiring ideas. Show your recipient how much you care with a homemade gift from the heart.
19.Ask for Deals and Discounts - It may feel awkward at first, but becoming a master haggler can save you a lot of money. Many companies are willing to negotiate under the right circumstances. Always inquire about special promotions or incentives. See if they are able to price match (or beat) their competitors. If an item is slightly defective or nearing its expiration date, ask for a discount.
17.Minimize Your Debt Payments The best way to reduce a debt payment is to pay down the balance. But if that’s not an option right now, try to negotiate a better interest rate. If you have a good credit score, you may be able to qualify for a balance transfer to a 0% or low-interest rate credit card. Keep in mind, the rate may expire after a certain period—so be sure to read the fine print. 18.Get a Cash-back Credit Card - If you regularly pay your credit card balance in full, a cash-back credit card can be a good way to earn a
20.Track Your Household Budget One of the most effective ways to reduce household expenses is to set a budget—and stick to it. A budget can help you see where your money is going and identify areas where you can cut back. By setting reasonable limits, you’ll be able to reach your financial goals faster.Want more help getting a handle on your finances? Use my budget worksheet to track income and expenses—and start working towards your financial goals today!
Article by Troy Schlicker Troy Schlicker is a Real Estate Advisor & Broker with Reserve Realty. He is also the host of the Austin Spotlight Podcast. 512.809.6166 | troy@reserverealty.com | www.troyschlicker.com
Tips for Prolonged Sitting
Take a Load Off Your Spine With Good Posture! It’s back to school time and the start of the school year looks very different for most students here in Lake Travis and across the world this year as online learning is the mode of schooling for most. During this time of adaptation to new forms of digital communication and education this year, there’s one thing that the body can never truly adapt to, and that’s PROLONGED SITTING! DID YOU KNOW that sitting can increase disc pressure in the spine by 300 percent when compared to standing? When such compression is repetitive and prolonged, it can lead to degenerative numbness, pain and weakness in the spine. Did you know that sitting too long may have a more long-term effect on children? *** It’s estimated that children spend up to 85% of their waking hours sitting, which means they'll
have spent much of their lives sitting by the time they reach adulthood, making the issues that sitting causes even more difficult to overcome.
4 Effects of Prolonged Sitting Chiropractic Care can Address: Slower Metabolism: The decreased muscle contractions that occur with prolonged sitting slows the clearance of fat from the bloodstream and decreases the effect of insulin
Neck and Back Injuries: Sitting for long periods can also cause problems with your back, especially if you consistently sit with poor posture or don’t use an ergonomically designed chair or workstation. Poor posture may also cause poor spine health such as compression in the discs in your spine, leading to premature degeneration
Headaches: Sitting for prolonged periods of time creates tension in the back and neck, especially if you exhibit bad posture. Because the neck muscles directly connect to the head, any tension in the neck can cause pressure to build up in the head, causing headaches. Not only could this lead to tension headaches, but this type of discomfort and stress could also trigger a migraine, which can be debilitating and could drastically affect your child’s productivity at school.
Comprised Posture: Sitting causes the pelvis to rotate backwards and puts pressure on the lumbar discs. This position forces the head forward and cause the shoulders to curve to compensate for the weight transfer
What Can You Do? Since there’s not much that can be done to avoid sitting during the school day, parents and children can take proactive steps before and after school to counteract the effects of being in a chair all day.
Posture with a Purpose: Sit so your hips are higher than your knees and with your feet planted on the floor – a position that helps you maintain the proper level of curvature in your lower back, helping to reduce compression on the discs of the spine. Adding lumbar support (e.g., a small pillow behind your lower back) can also help. Spend at least 10 minutes before school engaged in some form of physical activity. Even just walking around the neighborhood will help. After school, take homework breaks where you do squats, lunges, or just walk. Take a walk with family before or after dinner.
If your child’s lifestyle involves sitting a lot, you may need a chiropractor more than you know. A detailed evaluation of your child’s spine will determine the root cause of any spinal complaints with a drug-free and early solution to their pain and spinal development. But remember: No matter how comfortable you get, your back still won’t like a long sitting session! The human body was designed to move, not sit. A detailed evaluation of your child’s spine will determine the root cause of any spinal complaints with a drug-free and early solution to their pain and spinal development. At Empower Family Chiropractic, we are here to help!
Article by Dr. Jeannique Norbert Dr. Norbert is a chiropractor and owner of Empower Family Chiropractic in Lakeway, TX. As a Family Wellness Chiropractor she incorporates suggestions to increase family's health through wellness, 512.956.6370 | info@empowerfamilychiro.com www.empowerfamilychiro.com
