How to Find Zen During Life's Most Difficult Moments

With so much going on all the time, it can be hard to find relief from stress. When the chaos of life gets to be too much, it's important to find your Zen; that inner peace that helps you refocus and calm yourself so you can take on all of life's challenges. Here are some simple ways you can find your Zen:

Take a Deep Breath

This is a great go-to strategy for many people because it allows them to relax whether they're at home, work, or somewhere public. All you need to do is stop where you are and take several deep breaths in and out. Try and relax by moving your arms and legs to release the tension in your body too.

Play Some Music

One of the best things you can do to find your inner Zen is to play music. Studies have shown people who sing are less anxious and much happier. You can create different playlists you can listen to depending on your mood and it's a great way to take time for yourself, even if it's only a few minutes. This can be the perfect way to unwind after a long day of work.

Close Your Eyes

If you find yourself needing a moment of Zen, close your eyes. This allows you to shut out outside noise and find inner peace. This can also be beneficial in difficult moments, such as arguments at home. Studies show that couples with a husband that does not work full-time and a wife who is the income-earner are 33% more likely to divorce. So if you find yourself in an argument over big issues like money, pause, take a breath, and close your eyes to refocus. This will give you a new perspective.

Hug A Loved One

Make no mistake: life events like divorce or a family death or changing jobs can be stressful. In those difficult moments, you can help yourself find your inner Zen by hugging a loved one. Say, for example, you're going through a divorce that's tough on you and your child. Studies show that in divorce cases, children will spend 277 days out of the year with the custodial parent.

Go To Your Happy Life

You've often heard this when you're facing a difficult task or trying to work through a difficult situation. But there's a good reason why. If you can identify a place that brings you happiness, it can help feel total tranquility and peace when things are stressful. So when you need to find Zen, think about your ultimate happy place and picture yourself there.

Smile

Believe it or not, research has shown that putting on a smile can shift your mindset and mood. When you find yourself in a stressful situation where you need to find your Zen, smile and keep smiling. When you smile, endorphins are released, which can put you in a great mood. Let's say you're working on a house project removing mold, something that 70% of homes have been found to have. It can be hard, stressful work, but if you smile while you do it, it can make it more tolerable.

As you can see, there are many things you can do to find your Zen, even during life's most difficult moments. So, when you find yourself going through a divorce, hard times at work, or troubles at home, stop for a minute. Take deep breaths, hug someone you love, put on a smile, and think about your happy place. You may surprise yourself with just how much your mood and mindset shift for the better.

Last Minute Presents For Even The Pickiest of People

Most people you’re able to get the best present for, but this year with shipping delays and last-minute deals it can be hard to make sure you have the right present in time. Especially for the pickiest of people, between the cousin who has everything or the Aunt who wants nothing here are last-minute presents you can get just about everyone.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or submit here to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Contemporary Fall Decor Trends for Your Home

As the weather begins to cool and the leaves start turning, it only makes sense to reflect that comfortable, cozy feeling inside your home. The holidays are coming up and nature-inspired colors are all around. Whether you’re in the mood to switch up your decor or you’re starting from the ground up, there are plenty of options to choose from. 

Here are some contemporary fall decor trends for your home. These options can make your home feel like the ideal autumnal retreat, and may encourage you to get cozy and snug for the season — even if you leave far from country farmland.

1. Pumpkins

Sometimes you just can’t go wrong with the classics, and pumpkins are about as classic as things come. Whether you go with the completely traditional all-orange pumpkins or you pick out a few white and green gourds to spice things up, they are classy and sophisticated choices for any home. 

You can always carve up some jack-o-lanterns, but the contemporary look is to keep these vegetables intact. A bonus? They’ll last longer this way, meaning you may be able to avoid multiple trips to the pumpkin patch — unless you’re looking for more autumnal getaways, of course.

2. Candles

If you want a bit of subtle warmth and Gothic charm in your space, look no further than candles to do the trick. Whether you deck the center of your dining table in full candlestick glory or you fill your fireplace with candles for a classy glow, there are so many ways to bring warmth to your space.

For contemporary design that’s actually a throwback to old-fashioned classics, look for petty candlesticks and tapered candles to get an elegant look for autumn. Candles encased in glass are still fantastic elements, of course — and you can support small crafters by perusing fall markets for handcrafted fall scents.

3. Natural Materials

The fall has so many amazing natural choices to offer when it comes to decor, so why not utilize them? Leaves, fresh flowers and autumnal plants can make their way into your home for a wonderful outdoorsy charm. If you want to get into the fall spirit, hang a natural wreath on your front door or spring for some fresh flowers on your kitchen table.

Autumn is all about bountiful harvests, so it’s not the time to give up on natural decor. Green leaves and flowers can still deliver on a fresh look without needing to switch to hay and colored leaves.

4. Get Dark

If you hear fall and think “Halloween,” you’re in luck. Halloween decoration isn’t just for kids — you can embrace darker elements in sophisticated ways. There are so many classy, contemporary ways to decorate your place for the spooky season. 

One of the best ways to show off your Gothic spirit is to get dark with your decor. Of course, you can’t paint the walls black for one season of the year, but you can get dark throw pillows, flowers and even art to hang seasonally while you wait for Allhallow’s Eve. Turning your contemporary space into a Gothic-inspired mansion is a great way to celebrate Halloween without plastic skeletons and cartoon jack-o-lanterns.

5. Cozy Blankets and Pillows

There’s nothing better than cozying up with a cup of hot chocolate under the blankets while you watch a scary movie with friends. Therefore, the coziest and most comfortable fixings must be in store. 

Stacking your space with the coziest blankets and throw pillows for decorative and practical purposes is exactly what you need to do come autumn. Put them on the bed, the couch and in every corner of your home — you’ll likely use every last one of them.

6. Transition Outdoor Living Space

City dwellers with a balcony or outdoor courtyard know how precious this living space is, so there’s no reason to abandon it once autumn arrives. This season is a great transitional time for your outdoor living space, letting you deck it out with warmer elements before you need to guard against winter snow.

Outdoor pillows and throws can also help you cozy up on cool fall nights, though you may want to keep an eye on rain reports to know when to store them inside. Outdoor lighting including lanterns and warm-toned string lights can add some seasonal twinkle. Imagine how nice Thanksgiving would be at your home if you can cap off the night with an outdoor cocktail.

7. Light It Up

Once you’re done stringing lights outside, it’s time to rethink lighting in your interior, too. One of the best ways to decorate your place for autumn is by bringing in the warmth using lighting. It begins to get darker outside earlier in the fall, making your lights even more important than they are during the summertime. 

Try creative candles, fairy lights and warmer light bulbs to match the season. This can serve both for function and aesthetics. You may not get that bright summer sun any more, but you can still embrace pleasing lighting for a darker season.

8. Aromatherapy

Even though aromatherapy isn’t a form of decor you can see, it definitely contributes to any space. Autumn has so many scents that are truly symbolic of the season, so it should be easy to find candles, incense and even air fresheners that match your home’s decor. 

Whether you tend to be a bigger fan of essential oils or the classic scented candle, go for scents like cinnamon, bergamot, cranberry, cedar, sage and other autumnal aromas.

Contemporary Fall Decor Trends for Your Home

From classic and natural options to the comfortable, cozy and Gothic, there are so many ways to decorate your home for fall. Whether you love pumpkins, raw materials or the spooky spirit of Halloween, you can find decor that matches your taste while you shop around for your favorite looks this season.

Author

Evelyn Long is the editor-in-chief of Renovated. Her real estate work has been published by the National Association of REALTORS®, Rental Housing Journal, and other online publications.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or submit here to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Where To Eat And Lounge In The Hamptons This Summer

By Alexandra Reconco

The Hamptons is the place to be as Summer winds down, for its amazing lounges and restaurants. Here is a list of some of the best lounges and restaurants in the area for you to enjoy and discover.

75 Main

“The perfect Hamptons hangout,” 75 Mian is the premier Hamptons locale for modern Italian fare in a chic and seductive environment. Offering an assortment of sumptuous culinary specialities, 75 Main is the place to be to relax with sultry music and with a sophisticated atmosphere.

Oreya

Located in the beautiful Southampton, Oreya is a new mediterranean dining experience that features lush outdoor seating, a newly reinvented pool, and open air lounge. Serving innovative cocktails that feature the latest on mixology trends that are for sure to impress. Oreya’s mission is to restore the grandeur and sophistication of dining in the Hamptons. “Oreya is not a meal, it is a lifestyle experience.”

Gurney’s

This seaside restaurant is downtown Manhattan meets Montauk which offers soulful Italian food with seasonal dishes, fresh seafood selection and a list of world-class wines. Every table has a panoramic view of the ocean that makes this restaurant a place to visit when in the Hamptons.

668 The Gig Shack

Live Music. Surf Cuisine. Local Wine & Beers.
668 The Gig Shack is a local favorite that stays true to its Montauk root yet with a unique international twist. Offering live music, surf cuisine and local wine and bees, this lively location is the place to unwind and have some fun.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.