Okay, so I’m officially obsessed with Mason Jars and I blame Pinterest. The ideas I’ve found on Pinterest range from holiday gifts like cookie…

With a week left before Christmas, one of the greatest ways to celebrate the season is to give back. This year, I’m going above and beyond the giving spirit (with Mr. LH’s initiative); we’ve decided to contribute to the Spark of Love Toy Drive hosted by the Los Angeles Fire Department and ABC 7.

I’m beginning to realize that I might be purchasing my first house without the golden standard of 20% down. For personal finance gurus who are guffawing and shaking their heads, the truth is I live in an expensive area and 20% down on homes in my area is more than most people make in a year.

For the past three years, I’ve set some simple, yet on-going goals for myself: increase my credit score, ride my bike more, save a set amount and be debt-free. And each year I’m unhappy about not reaching them completely, but pat myself on the back for making some progress.

Fever, cold, flu, pneumonia…this time of year, someone you know or you yourself has probably been sick. Though many times you can get better with over the counter drugs and rest, sometimes an illness that isn’t tended to can be disastrous (ie. a cold turns into bronchitis which turns into pneumonia!)