How to Keep Your Utility Bills Low

As a homeowner, costs can really start to add up, so it never hurts to take measures to help you reduce your monthly utility bills. Below are a few ways to do just that!

Electricity Bill: Saving money on your electricity bill can be done multiple ways. Some easy changes include running appliances, like the stove, dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer, at night, opting to air dry clothes, or cooking meals in a crockpot or toaster oven. Set aside time throughout the year to inspect the areas around doors and windows and seal any cracks with caulk or weather stripping. Additionally, make sure to unplug electronics when not in use or use a power strip to turn them all off at once.

Water Bill: Your monthly water bill can sneak up on you, but small changes can be made to cut costs. Install WaterSense-certified faucets and shower heads and convert toilets to low flow to reduce the amount of water used. Make sure to regularly check toilets and sinks for leaks and repair them. Opt for using your dishwasher instead of hand-washing and ensure it's a full load each time. Also, don’t forget to turn off water while brushing your teeth and shaving.

Gas Bill: Investing in some changes up front can make a difference on your natural gas bill long term. Add insulation in your attic and around your water heater and pipes. Make sure to repair any leaks in your ducts, inspect your furnace regularly, and check your home for any blocked vents that could cause your gas heating system to work overtime. You can also reduce the temperature of your water heater.

Three Ways to Ease Your Fears About Making a Move

With low inventory in many markets throughout the country, many homeowners are afraid to sell their homes because they’re concerned that they may not be able to find a new one.

This can be a real problem, but if you are seeking to sell—whether to upgrade or find a new neighborhood—there are a few ways to combat the low inventory.

1. Look to buy first

In most markets it is a real mistake to put your home up for sale before you start looking for your new property.

Identify the geographic area where you are interested in buying. Even if you don't see anything on Zillow, it doesn't mean you can't or won't find the right home.

2. Think outside the box

Be proactive! Keep in mind that there are probably many people like you who want to make a move but are afraid as well. Have your real estate agent send a letter to the neighborhoods in the geographic areas where you want to live. The letter should be heartfelt and personal while announcing that you are ready to buy a home in that neighborhood. You could find a home to buy that may not even be currently listed or for sale.

3. Protect yourself legally

Each state varies in how the purchase process is conducted. Talk to your real estate professional about adding a clause in the purchase contract for the home you are selling that will enable you to not sell the home if you cannot find a suitable home to buy.

How Your Daily Drive Time Can Factor into Your Mortgage

It’s easy to overlook some of the things that can affect your budget and purchasing power when you’re considering a home, and one of the biggest factors that buyers overlook is the cost of their daily commute.

We’ve all heard that real estate is all about “location, location, location,” and properties in more desirable locations typically come with a higher price tag than similar properties that aren’t in a hot neighborhood.

Yet the overall cost of living for choosing one location over another might be negligible when you factor in the commuting costs that are required—gas, vehicle maintenance, insurance—if you purchase a home that is significantly further from your workplace. If your mortgage is $200 less per month, but you’re spending an extra $200 in commuting costs, are you really saving money?

Commuting costs aren’t just about the disposable income left in your bank account, either. It can even affect how much money you can borrow. If you’re a long-distance commuter, a loan officer may factor your travel costs into your debt-to-income ratio.

Aside from how commuting affects your purchasing power or disposable income, there’s also the question of how it affects your quality of life—no one wants to spend hours a week just getting to and from work.

The real estate market varies greatly from location to location, so the best way to get a complete picture of your purchasing power—and all the factors that go into your home budget—is to speak to a trusted real estate professional. 

Five Things That Make Us Happy With Our Homes

According to a survey conducted by houzz.com, here are five things that consistently make people happy with their homes.

1. Big windows and comfortable furniture: Nearly 75 percent of respondents listed these two items as major difference-makers. It’s a no-brainer—people like lots of light and a good place to relax.

2. A big-screen TV: This is more likely to be a key feature for men than women. 40 percent of men said having a big-screen TV makes them happy with their homes, compared to just 17 percent of women.

3. Overall design and layout: 87 percent of the 6,000 people surveyed said the design of the home is a major contributor to overall happiness. If you’re unhappy with your home and there’s a project you’ve been wanting to tackle, get to it!

4. Home cookin’: 39 percent of respondents said the scent of good cooking or baking made them happiest. Clearly, it helps to have a capable chef around the house!

5. Keep it tidy: 72 percent of homeowners said they’re happiest when their houses are clean and well-organized. If you want to be happier with your home, try having a place for everything, and put everything in its place.

 

Once a Bookworm, Always a Bookworm

Reading has always been one of my favorite hobbies. Since childhood, I have been in love with books. I was that kid who would stay up late in bed with a flashlight reading. When I was home sick from school, I didn't want a stack of my favorite movies to watch. I wanted a stack of books from the library to lay in bed and read. 

As the years passed, my love of books never changed. To this day, if you leave me in a bookstore unsupervised, I could get lost in there for hours. The only thing that has changed is time. Often demanding school schedules and work schedules would make it difficult to find time to read, and even those nights spent reading before bed were short lived as I would soon crash from a long day. 

Although many of us, myself included, have had a lot to complain about this year, there are still so many things for which I am grateful. One of those things is having an abundance of time to read and read and read some more. Since mid-March, I have been able to read 30 books. Some were new, some had been on my to-read list for years, and some were old favorites when I was needing an escape back to a world I already knew and loved. 

Most recently, I finished reading The Guest List by Lucy Foley. It's a book that hit my radar after seeing it mentioned on Reese's Book Club's Instagram. I'll admit that, for me, it started out slow and took a while to get into it. I think this was mostly due to it being a book with multiple POVs making it difficult to follow exactly who is who and keep track of the progressing storyline. However, as I started to get a handle on each character, the pace picked up along with the intensity. Although I found some elements of the book predictable, it still hit me with some unexpected twists and turns. Overall, The Guest List is a fun, quick read that is perfect for a relaxing weekend at the beach.

As for the rest of the books I have read over the last few months, I actually keep track of everything I read on Goodreads because I am that nerdy, and I also think it's a wonderful place to keep track of books I want to read and what my friends are reading. Everything I have read since mid-March:

Failure is Not an Option by Gene Kranz

The Justice Game by Randy Singer

The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher

Year Zero by Rob Reid

Seriously...I'm Kidding by Ellen DeGeneres

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith

The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith

The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino

Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Lethal White by Robert Galbraith

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Five Presidents: My Extraordinary Journey with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford by Clint Hill

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon

Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis

Lifeguard by James Patterson

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Home Before Dark by Riley Sager

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

Yes, the last few months have been rough and stressful, but I am grateful for the silver linings during this time such as reenergizing my reading time to full power. I have finally started to make a dent in my To Read List (although it has grown too) and for that I am thankful. When things start to return more to normal, whenever that may be, it is my goal to stay on top of reading and not letting it fall to the wayside like it has in the past.

What about you? Do you enjoy reading as much as I do? What's your favorite book you've read so far this year? If not, what is your silver lining during this global pandemic? Comment below, and as always, thanks for reading!

Which Features are Young Buyers Looking for in a Home?

With historically low interest rates, the market is hot this summer, and it's a great time to sell because inventory is low and there is an abundance of home buyers home shopping right now. Millennials are the second-largest segment of home buyers, ranking behind only baby boomers, according to the National Association of Realtors. Here are five features that tend to entice millennials who are looking to buy.

An up-to-date kitchen and bath

Younger buyers often have limited funds for renovations, so it’s important that they have functional and inviting bathroom and kitchen spaces from the very start.

An open floor plan

Having a formal dining room isn’t of particular importance to millennials, in fact, many prefer open spaces with no separation between kitchen, living room, and dining room. An open concept makes it easier to entertain everyone at once.

An office

More and more jobs are offering work-from-home options, and there are also plenty of freelancers and telecommuters among millennials. A dedicated space for getting some work done can be a key attraction.

Friendly location

With gas prices rising, many millennials prefer walking, biking, or public transit for their commutes. A great location is key.

Energy savings

Millennials are often more conscious of energy conservation and efficiency. Energy-efficient appliances, energy-efficient windows, and quality insulation can make a huge difference.

Phrases to Avoid When You're Buying a Home

Sometimes you need to keep a poker face when you’re buying a home. It’s not in your best interest to be totally candid with the seller and listing agent when you’re considering a home. Here  are a few things that are better left unsaid:

“This is at the top end of our budget”: Don’t let the listing agent know that a home is at the top of your budget. You want to keep all the bargaining chips you can, and letting the seller know your budget can hurt you when it comes time to negotiate.

“I hate the paint”: Or furniture. Or cabinets. Or any of the decor. No matter how hideous the wallpaper in the kitchen is, take care not to insult the seller’s taste. If they’re considering multiple offers, you don’t want to be the buyer that offended the seller!

“We can’t wait to renovate”: Customization is one of the big perks of homeownership, but it’s best to keep your renovation plans quiet for the moment. The seller may have a lot of memories in the home, and may not appreciate your plans to immediately tear down some walls.

It's Great Time to Buy, so You May Be Wondering Which Down Payment Strategy is Right for You?

If you have been following the real estate market, you have probably heard that interest rates are low making now a great time to buy. You may be seriously considering starting a home search and take advantage of the low rates. However, it's possible you are concerned about having enough of a down payment.

You’ve most likely heard the rule: Save for a 20-percent down payment before you buy a home. The logic behind saving 20 percent is solid, as it shows that you have the financial discipline and stability to save for a long-term goal. It also helps you get favorable rates from lenders.

But there can actually be financial benefits to putting down a small down payment—as low as three percent—rather than parting with so much cash up front, even if you have the money available.

THE DOWNSIDE

The downsides of a small down payment are pretty well known. You’ll have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance for years, and the lower your down payment, the more you’ll pay. You’ll also be offered a lesser loan amount than borrowers who have a 20-percent down payment, which will eliminate some homes from your search.

THE UPSIDE

The national average for home appreciation is about five percent. The appreciation is independent from your home payment, so whether you put down 20 percent or three percent, the increase in equity is the same. If you’re looking at your home as an investment, putting down a smaller amount can lead to a higher return on investment, while also leaving more of your savings free for home repairs, upgrades, or other investment opportunities.

THE HAPPY MEDIUM

Of course, your home payment options aren’t binary. Most borrowers can find some common ground between the security of a traditional 20 percent and an investment-focused, small down payment. Your trusted real estate professional can provide some answers as you explore your financing options.

Dunedin's Best of 2020

Dunedin, Florida is located on the Florida's Gulf Coast. It is home to stunning sandy beaches, the Dunedin Blue Jays, spring training for the Toronto Blue Jays, and numerous outstanding restaurants, shops, and locations. 

In the May/June 2020 issue of Tampa Bay Magazine, readers voted for their "best of" favorites. Over 25 businesses, restaurants, and locations throughout Dunedin appeared in this year's list providing additional reasons why if you haven't yet, a visit to Dunedin must be on your to do list, and with all that it has to offer, if you are considering a Florida move, Dunedin should definitely be on your list of possible home shopping locations. 

Best Art Center Dining - Palm Café, 1143 Michigan Blvd, Dunedin

Best Art Classes - Dunedin Fine Art Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd, Dunedin

Best Bagels - Dunedin Bagels and Deli, 716 Main St, Dunedin

Best Bakery - The Scone Age Bakery and Cafe, 332 Skinner Blvd, Dunedin

Best Boat Ride - Caladesi Island Ferry, leaves from the west end of Dunedin Causeway

Best Bookstore - Back in the Day Books, 355 Main St, Dunedin

Best Breakfast - Our Place, 1617 Main St, Dunedin

Best Cajun Food - Happy's Bayou Bites, 431 Skinner Blvd, Dunedin

Best Casual Seafood - Old Bay Cafe & Dunedin Fish Market, 51 Main St, Dunedin

Best Chinese Cuisine - Ha Long Bay, 2192 Main St, Dunedin

Best Cookies - Kookie Krums, 513 Main St, Dunedin

Best Dry Cleaners - Dunedin's Dry Cleaners, 304 Monroe St, Dunedin

Best Florida-Style Cuisine - Hog Island Fish Camp, 900 Broadway, Dunedin

Best Gastro Pub - Clear Sky Draught Haus, 680 Main St, Dunedin

Best Gourmet Pizza - Pan y Vino Brick Oven Pizza & Wine Bar, 369 Main St, Dunedin

Best Grouper Sandwich - Frenchy's Outpost Bar & Grill, 466 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin

Best History Museum - Dunedin History Museum, 349 Main St, Dunedin

Best Homestyle Italian Dining - Julian's Little Italy, 916-A Patricia Ave, Dunedin

Best Ice Cream - Strachan's Homemade Ice Cream, 310 Main St, Dunedin

Best Leather Repair - J&M Shoe Repair, 1107 Main St, Dunedin

Best Mexican Restaurant - Casa Tina, 365 Main St, Dunedin

Best Outdoor Dining - The Terrace Café at Bon Appétit, 148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin

Best Restaurant on the Pinellas Trail - Cafe Alfresco, 344 Main St, Dunedin

Best Sandwiches - Marguerite's Cafe and Catering, 405 Plaza Dr, Dunedin

Best Waterfront Restaurant - Bon Appétit Restaurant, 148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin

Best Wedding Venue - Historic Andrews Memorial Chapel, 1899 San Mateo Drive, Dunedin

Best Wieners - Hot Dogs on Main, 505 Main St, Dunedin

As Tampa Bay Magazine's Best of 2020 shows, Dunedin offers a wide variety of locations that are loved by many throughout Tampa Bay. Come to Dunedin, fall in love! 

Make sure to pick up the May/June 2020 Issue of Tampa Bay Magazine to learn more about all the winners in Dunedin and see the complete list with all of the fabulous winners throughout the Tampa Bay area. 

Stay Motivated! It's a New Month, New Week, New Day

Happy June! As we stride into a new month, one thing that probably rings true for all of us is that 2020 has not been an easy year. The last couple months have been bumpy to say the least. There have been a lot of ups and downs, laughter and tears, persevering and thoughts of quitting. Each and every day whether I hit a breaking point or not, I strive to be grateful again and again for the big and the small. 

As I have said before, when I am feeling down and hopeless, I reach for one of my many books of quotes. Within a few simple sentences, I know I will find the motivation to pick myself back up and keep going. Things are tough right now, but don't stop being grateful, holding onto the things that motivate you to put one foot in front of the other, and never forget no matter how bad it seems there is always some good in the world worth fighting for. 

All you have to do is be yourself and live the story that no one else can live -- the story of your own unique life. Be proud. Be confident. And, most of all, be happy.

To learn, you have to listen. To improve, you have to try. - Thomas Jefferson

Don't think too much. You'll create a problem that wasn't even there in the first place.

The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all. - Disney's Mulan

Here's the secret, kids. None of us can vow to be perfect. In the end, all we can do is promise to love each other with everything we got. - How I Met Your Mother

A good life is when you smile often, dream big, laugh a lot, and realize how blessed you are for what you have.

Take a chance. You never know what might happen.

Living with a broken heart is hard, but it can never doom you to be a broken person.

We must all make the choice between what is right and what is easy. - Albus Dumbledore

You haven't lost your ability to do good things with life, even if it never loses its ability to do bad things to you.

5 Negotiating Tactics That Can Kill a Sale

Negotiation is a subtle art in real estate, but skilled negotiators can usually find some common ground that satisfies all parties. On the other hand, using the wrong negotiation tactics can sink a deal pretty quickly. Here are some negotiation tactics buyers (and real estate professionals) should avoid:

Lowball offers: Going far below market value when you make an offer damages your credibility as a buyer and can be insulting to the seller. The seller has a range in mind that they’ll accept, and if you’re not even approaching the low end of that range, they won’t even consider the offer.

Incremental negotiations: Don’t continue to go back to the seller with small increases in your offer ($1,000 or less). The constant back-and-forth can grow tiresome and lead the seller to consider other opportunities.

“Take it or leave it”: Try not to draw a line in the sand with your initial offer. The seller can get defensive and consider other offers if you immediately show that you’re unwilling to budge. Even if it’s true, don’t make a show of it.

Nitpicking after inspection: Obviously if inspection reveals a major issue, it should be factored into the final sale price. But insisting on a lower price for every minor repair can put negotiations in a stalemate.

Asking for more, more, more: Some buyers will request that the sellers throw in add-ons like furniture or appliances that weren’t included in the listing. Try to avoid giving the seller a reason to build up resentment and think that you’re being greedy.

Priority To Do List for Moving Day

Moving into a new home is an exciting time, and you’re probably daydreaming about decor and paint schemes and new furniture. But before you get into the fun stuff, there are some basics you should cover first.

Change the locks

Even if you’re promised that new locks have been installed in your home, you can never be too careful. It’s worth the money to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that no one else has the keys to your home. Changing the locks can be a DIY project, or you can call in a locksmith for a little extra money.

Steam clean the carpets

It’s good to get a fresh start with your floors before you start decorating. The previous owners may have had pets, young children, or just some plain old clumsiness. Take the time to steam clean the carpets so that your floors are free of stains and allergens. It’s pretty easy and affordable to rent a steam cleaner—your local grocery store or hardware store may have them available.

Call an exterminator

Prior to move-in, you probably haven’t spent enough time in the house to get a view of any pests that may be lurking. Call an exterminator to take care of any mice, insects, and other critters that may be hiding in your home.

Clean out the kitchen

If the previous occupants wanted to skip on some of their cleaning duties when they moved out, the kitchen is where they probably cut corners. Wipe down the inside of cabinets, clean out the refrigerator, clean the oven, and clean in the nooks and crannies underneath the appliances.

Dunedin Spotlight: Lane's Lemonade

Did you know citrus has been a part of Dunedin, Florida's history since the 1880s? This is Florida after all! In addition to its rich Scottish history, Dunedin is known for its history of oranges, orange groves, and citrus packing. In 1888, the Orange Belt Railway became the first railroad through Dunedin, and although there were passenger trains, its primary source of income was citrus shipments.

Today the former railway depot is now the Dunedin History Museum, and what was once railroad tracks is the popular Pinellas Trail. On the trail, next to the museum, is an eye-catching red boxcar, and fittingly, the boxcar is home to Lane's Lemonade.

This perfectly placed, not to be missed, juice business offers freshly squeezed lemonade, orangeade, and limeade as well as sandwiches, ice cream, and milkshakes. When walking or riding along the Pinellas Trail, Lane's Lemonade is the perfect place to stop for a break and a refreshment. My personal favorite is the vanilla-orange swirl ice cream. As you can imagine, it tastes like a Dreamsicle, and I would say it's the best tasting Dreamsicle I've ever had.

When you're in Dunedin, Florida, pay tribute to the town's citrus history and be sure to make a stop at Lane's Lemonade for a refreshing lemonade and delectable ice cream treat.

Ideas for Accent Walls

An accent wall can totally transform a room, taking it from boring and drab to bold and exciting. Accent walls create a new focal point for your space, add liveliness and contrast, and are typically a very inexpensive DIY project.

The starter accent wall

You can easily add an accent wall to your room in one afternoon by applying a new paint color. Deep blues and bright oranges are common choices for accent walls, but choose a color that will complement your existing decor and overall design aesthetic.

Interesting textures

Bright, contrasting paint is a good starting point, but there are other options for accent walls that are even more eye-catching and distinct. Floor-to-ceiling wood planks can make your home seem both rustic and modern all at once and provide a natural, outdoors-inspired feel. It’s more work than simply painting a wall, but it’s still relatively inexpensive. You can source the wood from pallets on Craigslist and stain it yourself before attaching it to your wall. It takes a little extra elbow grease, but it’s worth the effort.

Patterns, murals, and more

Paint and wood are bold enough on their own to transform a room, but they’re still pretty subtle compared to other accent wall options. A chalk paint accent wall is a creative idea for any room and makes for some fun moments when you’re entertaining. There are also endless options for wallpaper and stenciling if you want some patterns or you can get really bold with a mural or oversized art print.

A few notes about Mortgage Forbearance

What is mortgage forbearance? With a mortgage forbearance, you and your mortgage company agree to temporarily suspend your mortgage payments for a period of time. Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act borrowers with government-backed mortgages are allowed a maximum 12 months of forbearance.

What is a government-backed loan? They are home loans owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (which make up about half of all mortgages in the U.S.); or insured by HUD, the VA, or the USDA. However, there is a difference between who owns a loan and who services your loan. The mortgage servicer is in charge of administrative aspects of a loan i.e. payments, handling escrow accounts, etc., which means your loan could be serviced by Chase Bank and owned by Fannie Mae.

How do I know who owns my loan? An easy way to find out who owns your loan is to call your mortgage servicer and ask them. They will also be able to tell you what options are available to you. You can also try to find out online who owns your loan:

Look up your loan at Fannie Mae
Look up your loan at Freddie Mac

When do I need to pay back the missed payments after forbearance? This is the most important question to ask when you are contacting your mortgage servicer about a forbearance. There are different repayment options, and it is important to understand what is being offered to you.

What are the repayment options? You will need to speak to your servicer directly to know exactly what your repayment options are. I am not a lender and cannot tell you what your repayment options would be. Commonly, with a mortgage forbearance, some of the repayment options include Lump-Sum Payment (all missed payments paid in one payment after forbearance period), Short-Term Repayment Plan (missed payments are divided and paid back over a period of time, usually about 6 months, in addition to your usual mortgage payment), or Extended Loan Modification (the missed payments get tacked on to the end of the loan). Whatever the repayment option is, please make sure it is something you will be able to do because failure to pay under the repayment plan will, unfortunately, lead to foreclosure by the bank.

What if my loan is not government-backed and is privately owned? Unfortunately, privately owned loans are not covered under the CARES Act. However, the government is encouraging lenders to work with their customers, and most are motivated to help and offer options. You will need to reach out to your lender to find out what is being offered.

This is a short, basic explanation of mortgage forbearance and the different repayment options available based upon my own personal experience and research. I am by no means an expert, and this is merely meant as some guidance and understanding. Each lender is different, and each loan is different. If you are considering forbearance, you will need to speak with your lender to know who owns your loan, to understand the options available to you, and to learn exactly what the terms of those options are.   

Wednesday Wisdom - 10 Quotes to Start Your Day

In continuation of last week's Monday Motivation post, I am sharing with you ten more of my favorite quotes. Feel free to share with your friends! As always, have a magical day!

Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude is going to determine how you're going to live your life.

Every morning you have two choices: continue to sleep with your dreams, or wake up and chase them.

Ignore what other people think. Most people aren't even paying attention to you. - Amy Poehler

It's a slow process, but quitting won't speed it up.

Remember that there is only one time that is important - Now! It is the most important time because it is the only time when we have any power. - Leo Tolstoy

Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit. - Conrad Hilton

Take chances. Take a lot of them. Because honestly, no matter where you end up and with whom, it always ends up just the way it should be. Your mistakes make you who you are. You learn and grow with each choice you make. Everything is worth it. Say how you feel, always be you, and be okay with it.

That might sound boring, but I think the boring stuff is the stuff I remember the most. - Russell, Disney Pixar's Up

The very things that held you down are going to carry you up, up, up. - Timothy, Walt Disney's Dumbo

You did not wake up today to be mediocre.

The Dirtiest Items in the Home and How to Clean Them

Of course, one of the dirtiest objects in anyone’s home is the toilet. But, that’s not the only place where dirt and germs accumulate. Here are five other dirty places and suggestions for cleaning them.

1. Bath Towels - When you and your family dry off from your shower, your bath towel absorbs the water from your body. Then it sits all day breeding bacteria that thrive in warm, moist areas. Combat this issue by changing your bath towels out every two days and washing your dirty towels in hot water to kill anything living on them.

2. Shower Curtain - Shower curtains easily pick up bacteria the same way bath towels do. They also attract germs from the toilet if they are near each other. Clean your shower curtain by spraying it down with a bleach-based product. Spray the rings and rod, too. Also, when the shower curtain is beyond cleaning, replace it.

3. Doorknobs - Entryway and bathroom doorknobs are exposed to myriad germs daily. Thankfully, doorknobs are easy to clean. Wipe them down with antibacterial wipes regularly.

4. Window/Door Tracks - Window and door tracks are harbingers of dust and dirt. The grime that builds up can make you and your family ill. You can easily clean these areas by vacuuming out large pieces of debris and then spraying the stuck-on dirt with water, letting it loosen up and wiping it with a damp cloth.

5. Toothbrush Holders - Your toothbrush holder is likely teeming with germs and bacteria. Wash it with hot soapy water twice a week. If you can, run it through the dishwasher to ensure it gets clean and sterilized.

Monday Motivation - 10 Quotes of the Day

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed I love quotes. If you follow me on Pinterest, I have a whole board dedicated to quotes. At home, I have journals that are filled with quotes that I love. Great quotes keep me motivated, give me confidence, bring me joy, and so much. With the current times, reading through some quotes each day helps me keep a positive mindset. For today's post and Motivation Monday, I just wanted to share 10 of my favorite quotes I have shared on social media over the last couple years. Feel free to save your favorites and share with your friends! Stay safe, all! Remember, we are all in this together.

"Today is going to be a great day. I can, and I will." - Gina Rodriguez

"When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." - Abraham Lincoln

"Act as if ye have faith, and faith shall be given to you. Put it another way: fake it 'til you make it." - Leo McGarry, The West Wing

"Being challenged in life is inevitable. Being defeated is optional." - Unknown

"It's not the worry. It's not the what-ifs. It's the joy that stays with you." - Sandra Bullock

"Today or never. That's my motto." - Mary Poppins

"When other people treat you poorly, keep being you. Don't ever let someone else's bitterness change the person you are." - Unknown

"You got to stand for something even if you stand alone." - Song Lyric, Show 'Em What You're Made Of, The Backstreet Boys

"You have been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved." - Unknown

"You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." - Martin Luther King, Jr.