In 2023, I’m planning to do things differently. Well, for now, I’m planning that at least. We’ll see where the year takes me…
Normally with a new year, I come up with all these wild ambitions and goals. I set all these expectations for how the year should go and I put an enormous amount of pressure on the “new beginnings” and the “fresh slate” of it all.
This year, I didn’t do that. This year, I just let the number 2022 slide past like it was no big deal. No pomp and circumstance. No partying (in part because I was nursing a head cold – but I somehow think this was by design…) No list of resolutions. No crazy big expectations and plans and dreams and wishes.
I just allowed 2023 to come into existence for me without pressure. It felt so much calmer than I normally feel. Today, I’m still nursing that head cold, and still not completely ready to get back into the hustle and bustle of the work I need to do. I’ve been trying to ease back into work and utilize my word of the year – GRACE. Though part of me is feeling a little guilty that I didn’t do all the things I normally do in a new year, I’m glad I’m not in freak-out mode like I have been during the first week of every January I’ve experienced for as long as I can remember.
I confess, it feels weird to just be taking the minutes as they come. And part of me keeps feeling like I should sit down and make some goals and lists and plans already. But instead, I’m consciously choosing to take my to-do list one item at a time, and not allow myself to freak out.
I feel LOTS of resistance to this way of thinking, but I’m hoping that it will lead to a calmer 2023. I’m hoping that somehow less stress and less “hurry up” mode will actually help me move the needle on the things I’ve been talking about for years. Clearly what I’ve done in years past hasn’t worked. So maybe it’s time to try another way. Maybe it’s time to let the chips fall where they may, and just be present as much as I can – taking things as they come rather than worrying about what could be, should be, or would be.
I’m not sure if this is coming off coherently or if these words sound like a rambling mess. But I guess I just wanted to share what I’m going through and feeling in the hopes that it helps someone connected to me feel a little less guilt over trying to do all the things…
If you’re still reading this post, thank you. Thanks for listening to me. I appreciate you and hope that 2023 brings us all the blessings we desire, with less stress, more calm, and a hell of a lot more GRACE ❤
If you’re moving during the holidays, things can get hectic FASTER than with a normal move. The tips in this post might just save your sanity. Though this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own.
5 Tips to Help You Stay Sane While Moving During the Holidays
Moving can be stressful enough on its own, but when you add the holidays into the mix, it can turn into a complete nightmare. The pressure of getting your move done and being able to spend quality time with family and friends is immense. I know because two Christmases ago I was pulling my hair out trying to keep up with everything on my to-do list, visit family and friends, and get ready to drive 800 miles from Tampa to Kentucky.
Because what’s wrong with uprooting your life of 30-plus years in the middle of a pandemic at Christmas? Needless to say, I wish I had thought things through a heck of a lot more than I did. So if you will be moving during the holidays, hopefully, these tips will help you stay merry and bright!
1. Prioritize and Plan Ahead
First things first – prioritize your tasks and make a plan ahead of time. Make sure to break down each task into smaller steps so that everything is organized and manageable. This way, you’ll be able to stay focused on what needs to get done. Also, don’t forget to leave yourself some extra time in case something unexpected happens!
What does prioritizing tasks look like when moving during the holiday?
When it comes to moving, no one likes the idea of having to prioritize tasks. After all, it’s hard enough trying to remember what you need to do in the first place! But when you’re up against a deadline or have limited resources, prioritizing tasks can be a lifesaver.
The key is finding out which tasks are essential and which ones can wait until later. The best way to figure this out is by asking yourself two questions: Is this task urgent? And does it require immediate attention? If the answer is yes on both counts, then chances are that task should be at the top of your list of priorities.
On the other hand, if something isn’t as important or doesn’t need to be done right away, then it’s probably better off being pushed down the list for now.
For example, when I was planning my move in December 2020, I knew that certain things could wait while other things were urgent. So, I sat down with a spreadsheet and created a few columns:
Urgent
Semi-urgent
Low-priority
Can wait til the move is complete
Done
Under “Urgent” I included things like:
Declutter the apartment (so we would have a better idea of what we needed to pack)
Call the utilities company to set up services at new place
Under “Low-Priority: I included things like:
Close P.O. Box Account
Empty Fridge
Under “Can Wait” I included things like:
Get “we moved” postcards
Set up cable service
Then, as tasks were completed, I moved them to the “Done” column so I would have a space to let me know what was taken care of in case it popped in my head again.
And, as things changed in terms of priority level, I could easily cut and paste them into other columns.
If the organization part of moving isn’t your strong suit – hire someone who specializes in moving tasks. Or, consider buying a template/checklist on Etsy or a similar platform. Loads of people have gone before you, and if they can save you time, it’s a win as far as I’m concerned!
2. Start Early – Earlier Than You Think!
If you’re moving within the same city, about eight to twelve weeks before your move should be plenty of time to get everything organized and packed up. But if you’re relocating long-distance, then it’s best to give yourself at least six months so that nothing gets rushed or overlooked.
I wish we had taken more time to prepare for our move. Though we got it all done, we crammed in way too much considering Christmas and New Year’s week was the week of our move. If we had planned things earlier on, we could have enjoyed our holidays a LOT more than we did!
3. Hire Professionals (We Didn’t and it was a BIG MISTAKE!)
Nothing makes you a Scrooge when moving during the holidays quite like half-baked jerks breaking your favorite pieces of furniture and tchotchkes.
I’ve spoken many times about this on this blog before, but if I could go back, the number one thing I would have changed would have been hiring professionals like the ones at Online Movers & Storage to make my move easier.
Enough can not be said about the importance of working with pros! We hired movers, sure, but we only hired them to pack the truck, and we didn’t do our due diligence in vetting the people we chose as much as we could have.
Had we used pros like the ones from Online Movers & Storage, we could have had a much merrier experience!
This Goes BEYOND hiring professional movers. If I could go back, we would have:
Utilized meal delivery kit services
Asked friends to help us declutter – heck, we would have given away more stuff instead of trying to sell it on FB Marketplace
Taken advantage of free shipping for moving supplies and other organizational stuffs
Taken the doggos to doggy day care/left them with a friend for the craziest days
We also would have booked in more massages and other self-care activities. I know this probably sounds strange, but there’s so much that goes into moving that every sanity-saving activity goes a LONG way!
5. Utilize Time-Saving Strategies
We did use one incredibly helpful time-saving strategy. We meal-planned like crazy in the weeks leading up to the move. We didn’t have time to figure out what to eat at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And, we also were trying to get everything we could out of the fridge, freezer, and pantry. So, creating a meal plan not only saved us the time and decision fatigue that comes with meals, but it also help us to use as much as possible before the move (which saved us money too!).
Other time-saving strategies I wish we had used:
Using colored duct tape for the different rooms (i.e. red tape for living room, blue for bedroom, green for kitchen, etc…) Spending time writing out those room names prior to the move, and then looking for the labels when unpacking takes more time than you would expect
Dropping off donations instead of trying to sell as much as we did – this took WAY more time and energy than it was worth
Decluttering more than we did – we spent too much time packing crap we didn’t need to keep
Planning meals and snacks for moving day – Moving is hungry work – having something close by will save you precious minutes (and calories!) Instead of taking a break to eat out or order takeout, we could have snacked on something simple like granola bars or trail mix while finishing up.
Keeping all documentation in one spot – Gather utility bills and other paperwork early to ensure everything is taken care of before your move date. This way you won’t find yourself frantically searching for documents while trying to unpack!
These are just five tips to help you keep your sanity while moving during the holidays, but it’s far from an exhaustive list. I’ll update this list as more ideas come to me.
If you have a move coming up, and you’re in the Coral Gables area, consider checking out my bloggy friends at Online Movers & Storage. These Coral Gables Fl Movers are pros at what they do, and their reputation speaks for itself.
And, if you are moving during the holidays, I feel for you. I honestly wouldn’t wish it on anyone. But, hopefully, this post gave you some ideas to make it a less painful experience.
How do you start a successful podcast? We asked experts in the field to chime in with their best responses to this question. Below, we’re sharing what they had to say!
14 Tips for Starting a Successful Podcast
From collaborating with podcasts that cater to your audience to being a little less professional, here are the 14 answers experts submitted to us to the question, “What are some tips you have for starting and growing a successful, money-making podcast?”
Collaborate With Podcasts that Cater to Your Audience
Launch Your Podcast With a Few Episodes
Go Niche and Build From There
Create Content that Provides Value to Your Listeners
Collaborate With Podcasts That Cater to Your Audience
Growing a podcast boils down to how you spread the word and get more and more listeners interested in what you have to say. And what better way to reach your target audience than find them on podcasts that are in a niche closely related to your own?
It’s a foolproof strategy that ensures you’re reaching the right people, on the right medium. In fact, catching them on the right platform really matters because users scrolling through short-form content may not be interested in a podcast at that moment, but someone who’s already listening to a podcast definitely will be.
On the launch day of your new podcast, publish a few episodes instead of one. This way, your listeners will have the content to engage with during the first days and won’t forget about your podcast so quickly, and you will reach better results with your promotion.
For example, a paid campaign for a single episode might have little to no results, while promoting a podcast with three episodes will interest more people and give you more followers.
Eventually, it would be best to publish your episodes regularly. For example, every Wednesday at 5 pm—this will help your listeners remember when to look forward to them.
If you think you can start a podcast about true crime or sports talk and make it big, I want a hit of whatever you’re on. For major thematic topics, like sports, cooking, and crime, the podcast market is insanely saturated.
That is why I would say if you are dead set on starting a podcast and making some money doing it, get niche.
You absolutely have to find a specialty where there is little to no competition. I’m not saying you have to create a podcast on insects found in the American southwest. Let’s not get ridiculous. But you need to carve out a niche where you can build a name for yourself as a thought leader and voice of expertise. Start narrow and build up from there.
Create Content That Provides Value to Your Listeners
One tip for starting and growing a successful, money-making podcast is to focus on creating content that provides value to your listeners.
Make sure you’re covering topics relevant to your niche and providing valuable advice or insights in each episode. By doing that, people will recognize your expertise and be more likely to support you financially.
Additionally, make sure that everything you produce looks and sounds professional. Invest in good equipment, work with a professional editor if necessary, and put out content that is consistent in quality.
At the beginning and end of each podcast episode, ask your listeners to subscribe and review your show, as it positively impacts your reach. You will also see that some subscribers who find a lot of value in your podcast will feel compelled to leave a review of their own accord. The more reviews you have, the more likely other people will notice and give your show a listen.
Selling merchandise is one solid way to grow and make money through a podcast. Fans love merchandise and having a lot of options for it is a great way to raise brand awareness.
Merchandise is also a win-win for marketing because when a fan wears a t-shirt or hat, they are advertising the podcast for free. This gives the podcast some free exposure to whoever sees them wearing it.
While you don’t have to spend a fortune on innovative recording hardware or software, you need at the very least a good microphone to begin with. After all, a podcast with subpar audio is probably not going to be very successful. Nobody wants to strain their ears just to hear you and your visitors. A good microphone, a headset, and some simple audio editing software can significantly improve the sound quality of your podcast.
And whether you will be successful in your new career as a podcaster will depend on how professional you seem. It is a simple decision because the initial investment is negligibly small compared to the potential rewards.
A microphone is the most crucial component you need when creating a podcast. There is typically at least one USB port on desktop and laptop computers, allowing you to connect accessories like an external microphone. The good news is that a USB microphone with respectable quality is available for less than $50 USD.
My one tip to make money from podcasting is to release premium content. Although premium material can really be anything, some typical ways podcasters provide premium content include a look behind the scenes, ad-free versions of the content, early access, and live content. It could also include the ability for listeners to ask the hosts questions, allowing their personal queries to be heard and answered by professionals they trust.
I think that live content is best paired with a Q&A, as listeners can have their questions answered live. As well as this, it also feels much more personal as it allows them to hear you unedited.
This is great for the travel industry, as getting to know who you are listening to and their personal tastes informs you of their personal outlook and helps you to know that you can trust their opinion.
Even though it might initially appear contradictory, your best bet may be to stick with something more straightforward when branding your podcast.
This stage is like search engine optimization (SEO); most of your audience will find you through a Google search or via iTunes/Spotify, so going with a straightforward name and logo while incorporating a few keywords might not be such a bad idea.
Just be careful not to go overboard with the ton of hashtags and phrases, because that will probably have the opposite effect.
Unless you belong to the Kardashian family, you must focus on the visibility of your podcast on search engines.
It is interesting to note that 13.6% of today’s listeners search Google for new podcasts to listen to. Therefore, you want to boost your SEO to take into this delicious Google cake.
Aside from strategically integrating keywords into your podcast episodes, you want to maximize your podcast metadata. Ensure relevant and high-volume keywords are inserted into the meta titles for your podcast pages.
After this, it is crucial to invest in building a healthy portfolio of backlinks to your site. Get quality linking from some of the most reputed podcast directories and strive to appear on other top-notch podcasts.
If you already have a niche, congratulations. Now you need to use platforms like Quora, Reddit, and Twitter and filter the searches to see what topics or issues keep your potential audience up at night. After that, prioritize the cases/pain points in order of urgency and create podcast episodes.
The monetization part starts when your listeners identify with the pain points you address. From there, you can begin doing product tie-ins and affiliate marketing.
For example, besides making natural placements in your recordings, you can transcribe each episode, optimize it for SEO and publish the text as a blog post at the bottom of each recording. In the article, you can then place your affiliate links.
To have a successful podcast, speaking about something you’re passionate about is crucial. Choosing to embark on topics you care about illuminates your energy, a necessary factor to draw in new listeners.
You build an engaged and loyal listener base by tapering your podcast towards a niche audience and delving deep into the content you’re passionate about. And as your podcast grows in popularity, so will your opportunities to generate revenue and influence an even larger audience. And the best part is you won’t get bored!
People are attracted to consistency; they want to know what to expect out of their interests. Therefore, a podcaster should stay as consistent as possible by establishing an obvious message from the moment of the podcast’s first air date.
It’s crucial to remain as consistent as possible with your podcasting style, schedule, and theme. Consistency means that you stay on topic, you stay true to your beliefs, and you stay true to your brand. This will help your listeners know what to expect from your podcast as a whole, and what to expect from new episodes.
Being consistent also helps you connect with your listeners. Listeners that understand who you are and what you talk about will form a connection. While it may not be a face-to-face connection, it’s a connection nonetheless.
Listeners who feel connected become regular listeners, effectively driving up your number of listeners and building brand awareness, two very important elements of a successful, money-making podcast.
With setting up a podcast that is about something professional, such as a specific type of business or industry sector, I think it’s really important that you don’t overfill the podcast with industry experts.
While this is a good idea for you to engage people you would have already engaged, it may end up turning off the more casual listener, or somebody who is not at the same level in your industry.
Having a co-host who is not as much of an expert can be extremely beneficial for that podcast, as they will ask the questions that the typical viewer might want to be asked, allowing them to understand more of what is being discussed and making the podcast more human and engaging for everyone.
For example, in a legal podcast, having somebody who might interject asking for more information about the words being used can really help the listener gain more from the podcast than two experts assuming their listeners know all the official lingo.
The card game that broke Kickstarter records and deserves every bit of the hype. My review of the kitten-powered version of Russian Roulette.
Players: 2-5 (up to 10 with Party Pack) | Time: 15-20 minutes | Age: 7+ | My Rating: 5 out of 5 cupcakes
What Is Exploding Kittens?
Exploding Kittens is one of those games that became a phenomenon almost overnight. It started as a Kickstarter project with a $10,000 goal. It hit that goal in eight minutes. By the end of the campaign, it had nearly 220,000 backers and raised over $8 million. That should tell you something.
The game itself is as simple as it sounds. You take turns drawing cards from a deck. If you draw an Exploding Kitten and can’t defuse it, you’re out. Last player standing wins.
Simple Premise, Wild Gameplay
The genius of Exploding Kittens is in the action cards. Before you draw at the end of your turn, you can play cards that let you peek at the top of the deck, skip your turn entirely, force someone else to take multiple turns, or shuffle the whole deck to change your odds. You can even snatch cards from other players’ hands.
The Defuse card is your lifeline. If you draw an Exploding Kitten while holding a Defuse, you use it up, defuse the kitten, and secretly slide it back into the deck wherever you want. Burying it right on top of someone you don’t like? That’s an option.
Tension That Builds in Real Time
As the deck gets smaller, the tension goes up. Everyone knows there’s an Exploding Kitten in there somewhere. Nobody knows where. That rising suspense over a 15-minute game is genuinely thrilling in the goofiest possible way.
The Art Is Half the Fun
The cards were illustrated by The Oatmeal, a webcomic known for its absurd, irreverent humor. The card art alone is worth a look. Even the descriptions of what cards do are written to make you laugh.
Perfect for All Kinds of Groups
Exploding Kittens works for kids and adults alike. It’s quick enough to play multiple rounds in a row, which is exactly what happens every time I bring it out. No one is ever satisfied with just one game.
Do I Recommend It?
Absolutely. This is one of the best quick games out there. It’s cheap, portable, funny, and endlessly replayable. I’d recommend it to literally anyone.
My Rating: 5 out of 5 Cupcakes
Pure joy in a card box. You need this game in your collection.
I was challenged by my therapist to write a list of 50 Things I Like About Myself. Here’s what I came up with. I hope it inspires your own list!
My Therapist’s Challenge
Recently, my therapist challenged me to write a list of 50 things I like about myself. I struggled with this because self love is not something I’m very good at. But, I managed to get 20 on the list by the time we had our next session.
She pressed on though and kept encouraging me to write the other 30. This has been going on for a few weeks, but I kept resisting. I just didn’t think I could fill out 50 things I like about myself.
For the last several days, my homework was to do some self reflection. She said for 15 minutes a day, go into a quiet space (without your phone!) and just sit with your thoughts. Another thing I’m not good at – sitting with my thoughts generally sends me into a panic and before I know it I’m scrolling Facebook and TikTok.
Still, a deal is a deal and I promised myself I was going to give this a fair shot. So, today is the fourth day in a row that I’ve left my phone on the desk and sat in a chair staring into the abyss. The first day, I unexpectedly just started crying through most of my 15 minutes and it actually turned into a couple of hours of self reflection.
Day two – well, I only sat for 45 minutes, but I started to gain some clarity on myself and what I want from this crazy thing called life.
Day three – that ended up being quite a doozy because it brought up some thoughts that turned into a roughly four hour discussion with my husband about things we want to do and things we need to do.
Then today – for some reason, the list of 50 things I like about myself was heavy on my mind. So heavy in fact, that I sat outside in a chair staring at the sky stumped about what I could add to my journal before my next therapy appointment on Wednesday.
When I got hot enough from the sun switching positions and hitting my skin, I came inside, and I opened my mind even further.
A Moment of Inspiration
I decided to read some lists others have written about self love to inspire me to think more deeply about things I actually like or love about myself.
I was surprised as I started thinking about myself how much more easily I wrote out 30 more things I like or love about me. I added my full list of 50 things to a special sheet to re-read in moments of self doubt.
Below is my list of 50 things I like about myself. I share it in hopes that it will inspire you to write your own list. Self love is important, and we all need to learn how to love ourselves. I’m still very much a work in progress, but I feel like this is the best start on my path I’ve had in years!
Finally! 50 Things I Like About Myself
My cooking. I’m a damn good cook. My husband and I barely like to go out to eat anymore because we prefer my cooking
My creativity. I love how creative I am in business and in life
My boobs. 😆 it feels funny to say that, but I’ve always loved having bigger boobs
My smile. When it’s an authentic one, I feel prettier
My bright blue eyes.
How I take care of my dogs
I’m good at drawing from examples. Like I can look at a cartoon and draw the characters pretty well.
I like that I’m pretty good at talking to strangers
I want to help other people
I am always trying to learn something new
I like that I’m always trying to think of ways to make my life easier and better
That I advocated for myself to try therapy again
That I’m trying to improve my life and mindset
That I’ve not given up on life
I love how much I love to laugh
I love my ability to make others laugh and feel better
Though my feet hurt right now (I have plantar fasciitis), I love that they have carried me through life so far
I love my hands that type out my blogs and articles for myself and my clients.
I’m loyal, though I fear I’m too loyal at times
I like that I always want to do the right thing even when I don’t know what that is
I’m always looking for an easy solution to complex problems – thinking outside of the box is a good thing
I like my desire to see the world – I like that I’m open to seeing and trying new things
I like my sense of adventure – even when it’s not as open-minded and free as I would prefer
I like my ability to take random ingredients and come up with new dishes
I like that I don’t want to just quit people or projects
My legs that have supported me and been strong for me
My cute haircut and my willingness to randomly chop off all my hair when I want a change
I like that I care so fiercely for others – my open and loving heart is a good quality
I went against what others told me and married my husband when I did. We celebrate 16 years Friday 7/29/22
I like that I try new things even when I’m uncomfortable
I like my rhythm and the way I can move my body when a good beat comes on
I like my singing voice most of the time 😆. I love learning songs and then singing them
My ability to retain lyrics and movie lines and blurt them out at random
I like my sense of humor. I find some things funny that other people don’t, but that’s okay. Life is more fun w/ laughter
I love my ability to love others
When I do ask questions to get answers to things I don’t know/understand. Even when I feel silly asking questions, I like what the answers reveal. I want to ask even more questions and feel comfortable asking
I like how many chances I give people. Though sometimes I shouldn’t with some people, I always try to give them the benefit of the doubt
I’m looking for the good in others – I want to believe everyone has good in them
I love my curiosity – I want to know alllllllll the things
I love that I want to share the success stories of others. I want everyone to succeed, and I love sharing the cool things they are doing
I love that I’m able to take care of myself. I am grateful I can wash my body, brush my teeth, cook for myself, etc…
I love my woo woo and witchy ways. I abandoned that side of myself for too long, and now I’m embracing my inner witch and loving it
I love that I always try to finish what I start. Though I have abandoned many projects, I’m grateful and proud of the ones I completed!
I like that I got my college degree. Even though I don’t really use it, I’m proud of myself for completing my education to the level I did, and honestly think about getting my masters and PhD someday
I like that I am 37 years old. While it bugs me I haven’t accomplished as much as I want to by now, I feel fortunate to be 37 because it wasn’t that long ago (in the grand scheme of things) where women and men didn’t make it to this age
I love that ideas pour out of me as effortlessly as water from a waterfall. I’m a constant source of ideas
I like that I take risks. Some of my big risks have blown up in my face, but some actually turned out okay
I love that I have achieved many of my goals. I REALLY want to work on remembering this when I’m feeling down or like a failure – I’ve actually accomplished a lot – some things that people dream about and never achieve I have done
I love my commitment to making my life better. I will never stop trying to make things better
I love that I have survived 100% of my bad days and will continue surviving!!!
Your Turn – Write Your Own List!
Like I said, my hope with sharing this list is to inspire you to think about what you love about yourself. Here are some links to some of the posts I read that inspired me to finally complete my own list:
Firefly: The Board Game is one of the best licensed games ever made. Here’s my full review.
Players: 1-4 | Time: ~2 hours | Age: 13+ | My Rating: 5000 out of 5 cupcakes
What Is Firefly: The Board Game?
If you’re a Firefly fan, this game is everything you ever wanted. And if you’ve never seen the show? It’s still one of the most fun and thematic adventure games you’ll ever play.
Firefly: The Board Game puts you in command of a Firefly-class spaceship. You hire a crew, take on jobs ranging from totally legal cargo runs to gloriously sketchy smuggling operations, and try to earn enough money to keep flying. All while dodging the Alliance and hoping the Reavers don’t find you first.
How Does It Play?
The game is scenario-based, which means each session has a specific goal to complete. That goal changes depending on which scenario you’re playing. Sometimes you’re racing to complete a series of jobs. Other times you’re trying to accomplish specific missions for the characters from the show.
On your turn, you fly your ship around the game board, which is laid out with locations from the Firefly universe, hire crew members from specific planets, buy upgrades for your ship, and take on jobs. Jobs have requirements, so you’ll need the right crew members and equipment to pull them off.
The Crew Matters
Assembling your crew is one of the most satisfying parts of the game. Different crew members have different skills, and some jobs specifically require certain people on your ship. If a job goes wrong, crew members can get hurt or captured. Managing that risk is a constant part of the strategy.
Reavers, Alliance, and Bad Luck
This game has real consequences. The Alliance patrols certain areas and can stop your ship. The Reavers are out there, and running into them is never fun. You can outfit your ship with weapons and other gear to handle threats, but nothing is ever guaranteed. The dice have the final say.
Fan Service Done Right
Even if you’ve seen the show a dozen times, finding characters like Mal, Zoe, Wash, and Jayne as crew cards you can hire is a genuine delight. The flavor text on the cards is spot-on. The art captures the tone of the show perfectly. This is one of the best licensed board games out there because the theme actually shapes how the game plays, not just how it looks.
Do I Recommend It?
Yes. FIVE THOUSAND TIMES, yes! Whether you love Firefly or you’re coming in completely fresh, this game delivers a rich, story-driven experience that’s unlike most other games. Set aside an afternoon, pour yourself something good, and get ready to fly.
My Rating: 5,000 out of 5 Cupcakes
A love letter to the show and a genuinely great game. It earns every single cupcake.I LOVE watching Firefly the show while playing the game. Though, that does sometimes make us take even longer to play it because we’ve been known to get lost in the show when we’re supposed to be playing the game!
Dark, absurd, and guaranteed to make the right crowd lose it laughing. My honest review of Cards Against Humanity and who it’s really for.
Players: 4+ | Time: 30-90 minutes | Age: 17+ | My Rating: 5 out of 5 cupcakes
What Is Cards Against Humanity?
Let’s be real. Cards Against Humanity is Apples to Apples’ extremely inappropriate older sibling. If Apples to Apples is the kind of game you play at Thanksgiving dinner, Cards Against Humanity is the game you pull out after the grandparents head home.
This is an adult party game. And I mean that in the strongest possible way. The cards are dark, absurd, and intentionally offensive. The humor is the point. If your group is up for it, this game will have everyone crying laughing within the first five minutes.
Add adult beverages to the mix and it gets even sillier. I love this silly game so much!
How Does It Work?
It works just like Apples to Apples. One person is the Card Czar for the round. They draw a black card with a fill-in-the-blank statement or a question. Everyone else plays a white card from their hand with the funniest, most shocking, or most perfectly wrong answer they can find.
The Card Czar picks their favorite, and that player wins the round.
The winning answer isn’t always the most technically correct one. It’s the one that makes the Czar laugh, wince, or both. Strategy is all about reading the room and knowing your audience.
Reading the Room Is Everything
The Card Czar’s personality shapes every round. Some folks go for the most absurd card. Others pick the most darkly clever one. You quickly learn how your friends think based on what they find funny. That’s actually kind of fascinating in its own weird way.
Know Your Crowd First
I can’t stress this enough. This game is not for every group. If you’re playing with people who have sensitive topics they’d rather not joke about, or if anyone at the table is easily offended, this might not be the right pick for the night. It works best with close friends who know each other’s sense of humor and are comfortable with irreverent content.
That said, when you’re in the right group? Few games produce bigger laughs.
Expansions for Days
Cards Against Humanity has released what feels like hundreds of expansion packs. Holiday editions, themed packs, you name it. Once your group has memorized the original deck, there’s always more to add.
And y’all…I want to play them all! Seriously! Anyone in Richmond, KY down for a card game night?!?
Do I Recommend It?
For the right crowd, absolutely. Know your audience, set expectations upfront, and prepare to laugh until you hurt. For mixed groups or family gatherings, stick with Apples to Apples instead.
My Rating: 5 out of 5 Cupcakes
Hilarious with the right people. Just make sure everyone at the table is genuinely on board before you open the box.
Do you ever feel like you’re invisible online? You post great content, but it seems like nobody’s noticing. The good news is that there are things you can do to help people see you and your work. One of the best ways to get noticed and build your brand is using videos.
According to Wyzowl’s recent research, 93% of marketing personnel that use video says it helped them increase brand awareness. People are also interested in learning about new products and services through videos. Seventy-three percent of those surveyed said they’d prefer watching a short video rather than reading text on the page or listening to an audio version.
Video is one of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal, but many people are unaware of how to make use of it or what it can do for them. In this blog, I’m going to show you how it can be used as an effective strategy for building brand awareness and growing your online presence.
Video Content Ideas
Unlike traditional text-based content, videos are visually engaging and help capture potential viewers’ interest. To create effective video content, you need to come up with various interesting ideas. Here are some content ideas to get you started:
1. Introduce yourself and your brand
With regard to growing your online presence, nothing beats a great video introducing yourself and your brand. Regardless if you’re just getting started or an old business looking for new exposure, video can be a key component in exponentially growing both yourself as well as what it stands for.
First, think about what makes your brand unique. Are you known for your high-quality products? Or maybe you’re known for offering excellent customer service? Either way, focus on highlighting those key strengths in your video. Once you’ve imposed who you are as a brand, it’s time to introduce people to your team members.
If possible, try to get interviews with your employees to showcase their talents and personalities. Add some dynamic music or cool graphics if you want to really ramp up the energy level of your video. And most importantly, be sure to hit all the big takeaways at the end so that viewers remember what makes you special.
2. Showcase your products or services in action
This could be a short commercial explaining how your product works. Keep in mind that potential customers will be watching your video, so you want to make sure that they come away with a positive impression of your business.
You can also do a live stream product demonstration. This is an excellent way to show off your product in real-time and answer any viewers’ questions. People generally have short attention spans, so you want to make certain you can hold their attention throughout the entire video.
Remember to test your device camera before you do the live stream. You don’t want any unexpected issues popping up while you’re on live. And finally, make sure that you have good lighting and sound quality so that viewers can see and hear what you’re doing clearly.
3. Share customer testimonials
Many businesses are choosing to rely on video testimonials as a way to showcase the positive experiences of their customers. These videos allow potential customers to hear firsthand accounts of how well your product or service works, and they serve as an effective tool for promoting brand awareness.
Furthermore, video testimonials engage viewers uniquely and personally, allowing them to connect with others who have used your product in question. When selecting customers to feature in your testimonial videos, choose those that are articulate and have a strong story to share.
4. Make videos that are funny or entertaining
Funny or entertaining videos are a great way to create a buzz online and promote your brand. After all, who doesn’t love to laugh? While you want to make sure that your video is entertaining, you also don’t want to lose sight of your overall message.
Your video should be related to your brand in some way, so be strategic about the topics you choose. For example, if your company sells cat toys, try creating a funny commercial or sketch that incorporates cats somehow.
The key is to think creatively and find ways to approach your content from an unexpected angle. Just make sure that it’s still on-brand! You can even consider doing a live stream of your employees doing something silly; just be sure to keep it light-hearted and fun.
5. Create a behind-the-scenes video
People like getting a behind-the-scenes look at how things are being done. Your customers will be interested in seeing what you’re all about, so don’t be afraid to give them an inside peek.
You can do this in multiple different ways. For example, you could create a video that takes viewers on a tour of your company headquarters or production facility. If your business is online-only, you can still share a behind-the-scenes look at how the product is being made and shipped to customers.
Related: Check out Veed.io and learn about their AI Video Generator!
Creating a Successful Strategy
Let’s say you now have your video content in place, and you’re ready to get started. Now what? The first consideration should be your overall strategy. Here are some tips to make sure that you’ll get the most out of your video content:
1. Upload your videos to YouTube and other video sharing platforms
By uploading your videos to multiple platforms, you’ll be able to reach a wider range of people. Not only will this give you a larger audience for your content, but it can also help you to attract new viewers and subscribers. It will also give you a chance to interact with other brands and build up your network.
2. Optimize your videos for search engines
Just like with written content, there are a number of ways to make sure your videos are as search engine friendly as possible. Start by doing your research and using keywords throughout your video title, description, and tags. You’ll also want to make sure your videos are high quality and engaging – after all, that’s what people are looking for when searching online.
3. Embed your videos on your website and blog
By embedding them directly into your content, you allow visitors to easily and quickly engage with your videos without leaving your site. Furthermore, the more visitors watch and interact with your videos, the better they will rank in search engine results. This helps to boost traffic to your site, increase brand awareness, and grow your audience overall.
4. Share your videos on social media
Start with the platforms you’re already using. If you’re active on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook, share your videos there first. Find some relevant hashtags and use them when you post. This will help people searching for specific content find your videos more easily.
Bottom Line
When people see faces and hear voices, they get a sense of who you are and what your brand is all about. This is why video becomes such an important tool if you want to grow your online presence and build your brand.
By producing engaging video content and creating a successful marketing strategy, you’ll be on your merry way to increasing views and engagement across the board. And with all the benefits video offers, there really isn’t any reason not to start planning your shoot today.
About the AuthorJennesa Ongkit is a content writer for VEED.IO. She has a passion for writing and enjoys exploring new ways to communicate ideas. Jennesa has a background in marketing and advertising, and she loves using her skills to help businesses grow. When she’s not writing, Jennesa enjoys spending time with her family and playing with her pets.
Feeling the crush of student loan costs? This guest post from Money.com may help.
Maybe you’re a high school senior looking forward to graduating and attending a fab four-year college next fall. Or a college grad hoping to maximize your skills base and earning potential by pursuing a graduate degree. I don’t blame you—or your parents, if they’re helping to finance your education—if you’re stunned by the cost of higher education today. Or perhaps you’re just one of the 43 million Americans who currently carry student debt and wake up every morning wondering how you’re going to manage to pay off your loans. The average college graduate in the US today has somewhere in the neighborhood of $40,000 in student debt.
That’s a big nut to crack. But by most accounts, it’s worth chewing on. A recent report from the Georgetown University Center on Education revealed that college graduates are likely to earn more than $1.6 million in their lifetimes than their high school graduate friends. That’s a big incentive for getting that diploma to hang on the wall.
But like a million ads for a million different products have asked before, “Why pay more?” Whether you’re just investigating college costs or already sitting on a bunch of student loans, you need a strategy. The goal? Paying as little as you can for the high-quality education you deserve. Let’s take a look at a few of the steps you can take to put that plan into action.
Best Tip of All: Let Someone Else Foot the Bill
No, we don’t mean your parents—though many students do rely on their folks for financial support while they’re pursuing their degrees. And that’s okay! Moms and dads want to do their best for their kids. Let them do their loving parent thing. It’s why you were born. But keep in mind that you can reduce the financial burden on them—and yourself—by pursuing scholarships, fellowships, and other financial awards. The organizations that fund these scholarships run the gamut from colleges and universities themselves to corporate entities like Coca-Cola to labor unions and professional societies. According to a 2022 report, more than 1.7 million such grants are awarded every year. Private scholarships alone total of $7.4 billion annually. Students who receive scholarships receive an average of more than $7000 per year. So do yourself a favor. Seek out websites that aggregate and organize scholarship information for you. Put your name on some scholarship alert mailing lists. And make friends with the financial aid officers at the university you choose to attend. When you’re trying to fund your college education, free money is the best money.
The Wild World of Student Loans
Granted, you might not be able to fund your entire college education through scholarships. That’s when borrowing money comes into play. The vast majority of students take out student loans. In fact, 79 million Americans have taken out student loans. Students borrow an average of $30,000 over the course of their college careers. Some loans are funded privately, but many students also take advantage of federal student loans. Each type of loan has its pros and cons
A well-qualified workforce drives the US economy so it’s no wonder that the federal government supports higher education. How much support? There are about 1.7 trillion dollars in federal student debt out there. Students flock to federal loans because they offer some significant perks. Let’s run through them.
Applying for a federal student loan is easier than applying for a private loan. Forone thing, there’s no need to supply a credit history when you apply. That’s especially important for younger students who have not accumulated or paid off any debt. Most high school seniors don’t even have a credit score yet.
You don’t need a co-signer to apply for a federal student loan. So if your parents or another family member can’t back you up on a loan, you can still get the money you need to pursue your degree.
Federal loans come with fixed interest rates. That means you can lock in a rate for the term of your loan. Interest rates are relatively low right now, but they’re predicted to rise precipitously—and soon. So it’s likely that locking in a low rate now can save you thousands over the lifetime of your loan.
Federal loan interest rates are typically lower than private loan interest rates. Right now, the rate is hovering around 3.73% for undergraduate students. Private loan interest rates vary according to your credit score and the term of the loan you take out. And they vary from day to day. For the month of April 2022, the average private student loan interest rate was 4.78%. The rates for a 20-year loan are higher than that. Federal student loans may offer loan repayment terms up to 30 years. If you choose a longer term, your monthly payments will be lower, but the lifelong cost of your loan will be higher.
The interest on a federal student loan may not begin to accrue until you graduate. That varies on the type of loan you take out. This feature is attached to Direct Subsidized federal loans only, which are granted on a needs basis. With most private student loans, interest begins to accrue from the date you receive your funding.
With a federal loan, your repayment options may be income-driven. So when you’re just starting out in your career and aren’t earning as much as an experienced employee, your monthly payments may be more affordable.
Federal loans may be more forgiving than private loans. For example, when the economy tanked at the beginning of the global pandemic, the government paused loan payments to give students and borrowers a chance to recover. Payments on federal loans are still paused. They’re scheduled to begin again this August, but some experts are predicting that the pause may last into 2023.
Federal loans offer deferment and forbearance options. Let’s say you hit a rough patch: you lose your job or suddenly have unexpected medical bills to pay. Federal student loans offer the option of suspending—sometimes for up to a year— while you’re resolving your financial problems. Keep in mind that interest may continue to accrue during this period.
So Why Would Anyone Take Out a Private Loan?
Given the many advantages that federal loans offer, why might you consider investigating private student loans? For one reason, it’s just good business to educate yourself on all of your options. But there are other reasons, too.
Private student loan rates range widely, even from the same lender. The interest rate you’re offered will depend chiefly on your creditworthiness. Sometimes, particularly if you have a co-signer with a terrific credit profile and take out a relatively short loan, a private lender may offer you a lower rate than the government can. Private student loans are best for borrowers with excellent credit histories.
Private loans have higher limits. The amount of money you’re allowed to borrow from the federal government may not cover the entire cost of your education. In fact, it likely won’t. As an undergraduate, you can borrow about $31,000 in federal money. Even if you attend a public university, you may have to spend considerably more than federal loan limits allow. If you’re attending a private college and have not secured any scholarships, that’s almost a dead certainty. With private student loans, you can typically borrow up to the full cost of your education.
Private loans offer greater term flexibility. If you’re in a position to take out a very short-term loan, you can pay a low rate and also decrease the overall cost of borrowing money for your education. Private lenders offer variable loan terms and there’s no penalty for early payment.
Private loans are available with fixed or variable interest rates. Federal loans are only available as fixed-rate loans. So depending on where interest rates go, you could wind up spending more as you repay your federal loans. If you take out a variable-rate loan through a private lender, your rate will fluctuate periodically. That can be a blessing or a curse. When interest rates go down, the interest you pay on a private student loan will probably decrease.
Managing the Debt You Already Have
Whether you’re mid-stream in your college career or mid-stream in paying off your loans, you can often find a way of shrinking the chunk of money you pay in student debt. It’s a good habit to periodically investigate whether student loan refinancing can save you some cash. When you refinance your student loans, your lender will pay them off. You can then start fresh with a clean slate.
You may find yourself in several circumstances that could make refinancing your student loans a smart move:
This one’s a no-brainer: you took out your student loans when rates were higher than they are now.
Your finances have improved and, along with it, your credit score. You may be earning more now. Perhaps you’ve been diligent about making on-time payments on all of your credit accounts. That’s the kind of thing lenders take positive note of and reward you for with lower rates.
You can afford higher monthly payments now. Refinancing into a shorter-term loan can earn you a better interest rate.
Next to a home mortgage, your student loans may well represent the largest debt you ever take on. Understanding the ins and outs of education financing will help you make better decisions for yourself, whether you’re taking out new loans or refinancing existing loans. There are vast resources available online to help you get up to speed. And if you can’t find the answers you need online, don’t be afraid to ask questions—whether you bring them to the financial aid office of the school you’re attending, your lender, or your financial advisor. And as you would when considering any large purchase, before you take out a loan, make sure you shop around.
Author Bio:
Susan Doktor is a journalist, business strategist, and principal at Branddoktor. She covers a wide range of personal finance topics, including debt and investing. Her contribution to this blog comes to us courtesy of Money.com.
