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8 Winter Side Hustles That Won’t Ruin Your Vibe—or Your Weekend Plans
Living Smarter 6 min read
by Danny Suarez

8 Winter Side Hustles That Won’t Ruin Your Vibe—or Your Weekend Plans

When the chill of winter sets in, many of us find our wallets feeling a little frostbitten. With holiday spending and heating bills stacking up, the idea of a side hustle becomes more tempting. However, nobody wants their side gig to feel like yet another icy hurdle to overcome. Here, we explore eight winter side hustles that promise not to freeze your spirit or hijack your weekend plans. These are stress-free opportunities that can be seamlessly integrated into the cozy rhythm of winter life—offering a financial boost without bogging you down. Let’s dive into activities that can sprinkle a little extra cash into your pocket while keeping your vibes unruffled and your social calendar intact.

12 Best Ways to Add a Little Sparkle to Your Everyday Life
Living Smarter 8 min read
by Danny Suarez

12 Best Ways to Add a Little Sparkle to Your Everyday Life

Most days aren’t movie-montage worthy. There’s laundry. Commutes. That weird notification you’ve been meaning to check for three days. But there’s something quietly powerful about learning how to add a little shimmer—figuratively, not literally—to your daily routines. Not in a “buy something new” kind of way. More like a “this moment matters, even if it’s small” kind of way.

8 Decluttering Habits I Picked Up From Friends Who Live Minimalist Lives
Living Smarter 5 min read

8 Decluttering Habits I Picked Up From Friends Who Live Minimalist Lives

Imagine stepping into a room where everything has its place, the air is clear, and you feel a sense of calm wash over you. That's the kind of serenity my minimalist friends live in, and their homes are a testament to the liberating power of less. Over the years, I've gleaned some invaluable decluttering habits from them that have not only transformed my living space but my whole approach to living. It's far more than just tidying up; it's a philosophy that promises clarity and peace.

The Seasonal Reset I Do Every Fall Before the Holidays Creep In
Living Smarter 5 min read

The Seasonal Reset I Do Every Fall Before the Holidays Creep In

As the smell of pumpkin spice begins to permeate our favorite cafés and the leaves outside transition into a brilliant tapestry of reds and golds, a sense of anticipation builds for the upcoming holiday season. For many, this time of year brings a whirlwind of events, commitments, and cherished traditions that can leave us breathless. Yet, before diving headlong into the festivities, I invite you to join me in a practice I like to call a "seasonal reset." It's an intentional pause—a chance to recalibrate, refocus, and refresh our lives before the holiday hustle takes center stage.

6 Small Talk Openers That Actually Work (Even If You’re Shy)
Living Smarter 5 min read

6 Small Talk Openers That Actually Work (Even If You’re Shy)

Ah, small talk. It's the social lubricant that fills the sometimes awkward silences and provides gateways into meaningful conversations. Yet, for many of us—especially the shy and introverted—initiating small talk can feel like a monumental task. Cue the sweaty palms and erratic heartbeats. But what if I told you there are ways to ease into small talk that are not only manageable but might even lead you to enjoy it? Surprise! It’s possible.

The Fall-to-Winter Habit Bridge: How I Build Momentum After Sunset
Living Smarter 6 min read
by Judith Parham

The Fall-to-Winter Habit Bridge: How I Build Momentum After Sunset

There’s a certain quiet shift that happens this time of year. The sun starts setting earlier, the air grows heavier with expectation, and suddenly—evenings that once felt expansive now slip by before you’ve finished your tea. Fall begins to bow out, and winter takes its place. And if you're not intentional, that seasonal transition can nudge you into a kind of limbo—less focused, more fatigued, and oddly restless.

The Tiny Phone Rule I Set That Helped Me Sleep Better
Living Smarter 6 min read

The Tiny Phone Rule I Set That Helped Me Sleep Better

In today's fast-paced, hyper-connected world, finding a good night's sleep can sometimes feel like hunting for a unicorn in a mystical forest—elusive yet incredibly rewarding once captured. What if I told you there's a little tweak, a tiny rule that potentially holds the power to transform not just your nights, but your days as well? Welcome to the concept of the "Tiny Phone Rule." This isn’t another sweeping lifestyle change or the reinvention of your entire evening routine. It’s a crisp, deliberate alteration that could help unlock better sleep and, subsequently, a more vibrant day.

Why I Finally Broke the Habit of Multitasking—and How I Work Smarter Now
Living Smarter 5 min read

Why I Finally Broke the Habit of Multitasking—and How I Work Smarter Now

If you've ever found yourself juggling three tasks at once, each seemingly slipping through your fingers like grains of sand, you're not alone. In today's hustle culture, multitasking is often heralded as the holy grail of productivity. But here's the kicker: while the allure of doing it all is tempting, the reality is usually more burnout than breakthrough. I've been there—trying to conquer the world with a to-do list longer than my arm, only to end up frazzled and frustrated. That's when it hit me: it wasn't my work ethic that needed changing; it was my approach to work itself.

The Best Calendar Hacks Around Professionals Who Never Miss Deadlines
Living Smarter 6 min read

The Best Calendar Hacks Around Professionals Who Never Miss Deadlines

Calendars. They've quietly cornered the market on organizing the chaos of our lives, from the everyday humdrum to the high-octane blitzes of milestones and deadlines. Yet, not all of us harness their full potential. Picture this: a life where deadlines aren't clouded by frantic last-minute scrambles but come with a cushion of calm preparedness. A dream? Perhaps not. Let's explore how some of the most efficient professionals use savvy calendar hacks to glide through their schedules without missing a beat.

9 Energy-Boosting Snacks Around Office Break Rooms
Living Smarter 6 min read

9 Energy-Boosting Snacks Around Office Break Rooms

Welcome to the delightful world of office break rooms—those little havens tucked away within the corporate landscape where magic happens over microwaves, coffee machines, and snack selections. If you've ever felt your eyelids grow heavier by the minute during the post-lunch lull or had your concentration fade into daydreams of sandy beaches and sunny hikes, you're in good company. The truth is, we’ve all been there at some point. But what if I could offer you nine compelling reasons to take a strategic detour to the break room right about now?