A Kitchen Facelift

We're giving our kitchen a facelift. It's not a full blown remodel, although it feels like it. 

We replaced the countertops and backsplash, and the floor. 

We painted the ceiling, the walls and the cabinets, and we replaced the fixtures. 

We also changed the lighting.

Then, we we moved into the room adjacent to the kitchen and then the adjacent bathroom. 

It feels like a full remodel, sans dining room and family room...for now. 

Thing are out of place. There are boxes and barrels and paint supplies and clutter...everywhere. People are coming and going and there is construction noise all day, every day. 

There are decisions to make and sometimes, nightly trips to Lowe's as one project moves to another. 

It's productive and ultimately, it's adding value (and loveliness) to our day to day lives, but it has its challenges.

Before all of this began, we planned on adding a few ceiling fans in other rooms of the house, and adding a couple of outlets, but this turned into a complete rewire, updating the 1910 nob and tube wiring and bringing the house to code. It's safe now, and it brought peace of mind, but as you can imagine, it feels like we're hemorrhaging money. 

Like others who have updated their homes in one way or another, we have found that there are a few obvious realities.

Truth #1. We have too much stuff. 

My Fix: Reduce, recycle, donate. 
As we emptied drawers and cabinets, a glaring truth stared me in the face. Why on earth do we have so much stuff? When households merge, the stuff doubles. Keep the best and donate the rest. Recycle what you can't donate. This includes duplicates of most things...extra pots and pans, skillets, single use kitchen appliances, and gadgets that a kitchen knife can handle. 

Truth #2: We have a paper clutter issue.

My Fix: Sort, Opt Out, Shred
Sort paper into piles of unread magazines, newspapers for the animal shelter, junk mail and bills. Encourage my husband to opt out of paper notifications and set up auto payment with a credit card with points and miles wherever we can. Shred old notices and clear the clutter. 


Truth #3: Chaos Creates Anxiety

My Fix: Self Care is Critical
This downstairs facelift, although exciting and fun, is also overwhelming for me. My husband may be overwhelmed with the to-do list, but I am overwhelmed by the sensory disruption and the decisions to be made. I do better with more order and less choice, like pick A or B or, the blender goes here. 

With the house in a state of chaos, my retreat is upstairs, where things are as they were. My quiet time to recharge is necessary. And that's okay. If he wants to paint, I can prep the tape and then get out of the way. We make a good team. 

I also can focus on what I do best. For example, given the paper clutter issue we have, I have taken over the remodeling paperwork. Receipts, color swatches, contracts, and other papers have now been organized into a readily available "house folder." #teacherorganization Now, I know that even when I can't quickly access one thing, I can, at least, find the receipt for X when we have to go back to Lowe's again to return or exchange it. Yin and yang.

Another small win: With the stove currently in the dining room as we await the plumber (it's propane), I decided to try my never-used Instant Pot that I bought six months ago. I began with the water test, moved on to cook a dozen eggs, and then that evening, tried a seafood cioppino, all with great results. It's a new relationship, but I'm smitten. 



So what now?
Luckily, our current project will be wrapping up soon. And it looks great!

What's next? 

As with any long term project, it's time to revisit our long term goals. Where are we on timing? What action steps come next? What do we need to do to keep moving forward?

It's a big, exciting, occasionally overwhelming, ongoing critical conversation. Through it all, I've learned that we balance each other well. We understand and appreciate each other's strengths and challenges and we share a common vision for our future. 

It's exciting and occasionally overwhelming, but nonetheless, it's indeed, still lovely. 

Friday 5: Live Music Experiences that Top My List

As I creep closer to 50, I'm starting to put together lists of life experiences that I don't want to miss, like places to see, concerts to attend, and other treats I have envisioned myself doing at some point in time.

Today, I've been thinking about music. This is not a wish-list because I have had the opportunity to experience a couple of these already, but overall, these are musical experiences I don't want to miss. 

1. Red Rocks, Colorado
This open air amphitheater is about 10 miles outside of Denver and has been known for live recordings, given the unique visual aesthetic of the venue. This year, I am going to a concert at Red Rocks...on...my...birthday! I can't wait! More on that later. 

2. Broadway, NYC
I've seen theatre in the West End of London, but never Broadway, USA and that has to change. I don't know what my first show will be, since there are many that top my list, but before my 50th, I will see a show on Broadway. Frustratingly, theatre in London's West End is more affordable than matinee prices on Broadway. 

3. Open Air Music Festival
The hippie in me loves the idea of a summertime, open air acoustic rock or folk music festivals like the Green River Festival or Fresh Grass Festival. I'm not a die hard though; if it's raining or cold, I'm out. 

4. Les Miserables in London
From the first time I heard the music of Les Miserables, I knew I had to see it live in London, where it all began. For my first time in London, my ticket was in the pit, in the second row, to be exact. The second time, we were in the dress circle; still amazing seats, and worth every pound sterling. 

5. Jimmy Buffett in Key West
For a Parrothead, this is the holy grail. I had the opportunity to see Jimmy Buffett play in the back yard of the host hotel for the annual Meeting of the Minds Parrothead Convention in the early 2000s...2004, maybe. After hearing a rumor that this would be the year he would appear, my friends and I gathered for pre-concert drinks and found our space to wait in the backyard of the Casa Grande Hotel in Key West, Florida. Sure enough, the focus turned to the left of the stage and there he was! He played for almost two hours. It was my one and only MOTM to date, but what an event! Future shows pale in comparison to having a front-row experience in such an intimate setting.

And a 6th for good measure...a summer concert at Tanglewood.
I had the wonderful opportunity to get tickets to John Williams Night at Tanglewood one summer for my husband's birthday. We brought lawn chairs, a blanket, and a picnic basket filled with wine, cheese, a baguette and hors d'oeurves to enjoy under the stars while listening to the iconic scores of composer John Williams. If you're ever in New England in the summertime, this is a fabulous treat! 


What concerts or musical experiences top your list of must-sees?

Friday 5: What crossed my radar this week

Every now and then, something crosses my radar that makes me want to share it with everyone I know. 

Here's what caught my eye this week. 

1. Stay Human...a film by Michael Franti. This is available on Amazon and supposedly, soon to Netflix. It's worth watching. It's hope-inspiring. 

2. The Girlfriend
This newsletter from AARP is targeted towards Gen-X women. I remember seeing a Facebook ad for the newsletter and decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did. It's a mix of health, relationships, food, and trends. Like anything, you take and leave what applies to you, but more than once, it has provided a reassuring nod or a good laugh. 


3. Eggs Benedict
How have I lived most of my life without indulging in this delight? My first eggs benny were atop crab cakes. I don't think Canadian bacon will ever light my fire in the same way. Who's ready for brunch? What's your favorite benny combo? 

4. Made for More with Rachel Hollis...now available on Amazon Prime. After loving Girl, Wash Your Face, I have Girl, Stop Apologizing on pre-order on Audible. 

5. The Flower. I love the music of Michael Franti and I respect him and his work as a human being. His music has always been socially conscious and I enjoy the positive message in most of his songs. This video nearly took my breath away. It seems to becoming a radio hit and I'm happy about that. The world can use healing. We all have a role to play. 

That's it for today, friends. What crossed your radar this week? Share your favorites.

Enjoy your weekend. See you soon.

Friday 5: Market Musts When Air BnBing

When you want to live like a local, there's no better way to engage in a new community than by staying in a neighborhood through a house-sit or a home rental, like Air BnB. 

Whenever we visit a new city, one of the places we always visit is the market. I walk through, soaking in local fare, imagining what I would cook if I had a kitchen in my new temporary home. It's fun to plan imaginary menus and consider the dinner parties I would have with my fresh, locally sourced ingredients. 

When you're lucky enough to stay in a place with a kitchen, or even with a few kitchen comforts, it's fun to explore the local market and forage for what's fresh and perhaps, unique, to that city. 

Here are five items that we are sure to purchase when we're Air BnBing in a new city. 

In addition to the traditional food items we may buy, we always look for... 

1. Local beer and/or wine

2. Local or regional cheese

3. Fresh baked bread typical to that area

4. Local fish, fruit, and/or vegetable that we may not have ever tried or don't have at home

5. A local treat, like a pastry, chocolate, or candy that is unique to that area

How about you? Do you like to explore local markets or do you enjoy eating out for most meals? What items do you look for when you visit a local market while traveling?

Spring Seasonal Goals 2017

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I'm a long time reader of Life According to Steph, and I'm excited to participate in her seasonal goals linkup. 

New season, new goals. 

Here are my seasonal goals for Spring, 2017.

1. Book summer travel and enjoy at least one long weekend away. 
2. Eat sustainable fish twice a week and try three new vegetarian recipes to add to the repertoire.
3. Read 2-3 personal development books. Any recommendations?
4. Reorganize spring/summer clothes and pack up winter clothes; donate what I don't love or didn't wear. 
5. Get in a morning walk at least three times per week and do yoga at least once a week, to complement my current weight training schedule. 

Are you a goal getter? Please share what's on your list of goals to accomplish this season. 

Traveling Green: Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

Happy Earth Day! 

It is no surprise that I love to travel; however, I am not ignorant of the fact that most travel is not environmentally sound. 

In fact, according to environmental scientist, David Suzuki, CO2 emissions from aviation, alone, have increased 83% since 1990, representing four to nine percent of the impact of human activity on climate change. 

Do What You Can
When it comes to diet, I agree with the 80/20 rule. I am of the mindset that if I "eat clean" most of the time, at least 80%, I can indulge occasionally and enjoy the treats that I still love to eat. 

I think we can apply a similar mindset to travel. Travel by air probably will never be environmentally sound, but there are things we can do to reduce your carbon footprint, nonetheless. 

Getting there
Whenever possible, fly direct and pack light. Fewer takeoffs and landings and a lighter plane mean that you are helping in your own way to reduce the amount of fuel burned through air travel. Consider train or bus travel, and if you're a cruiser, investigate the changes that cruise lines are making to their design and onboard policies that make them more environmentally sound. 

Staying there
If you're staying in hotels, opt for green hotels. Hotels can make a significant difference in sustainability and environmental affairs. Consider how hotels use water, service their landscaping, and manage their waste. Asking questions and knowing before you book help you make the best decision and support businesses more in line with your thinking. 

Moving around
Use public transportation; this is a no-brainer. There are great apps that you can download and use offline for maps and scheduling. If you're renting a car, consider a hybrid, and bike or walk when you can. 

Eating and shopping
Shop locally. Buy from local merchants. Eat at local restaurants and avoid mass marketed chains. Support businesses that locally source their goods. Avoid souvenirs made with feathers, bones and fur. Leave the shells and stones where you found them; look at them, snap a picture for Instagram and leave them behind. Nature is not a free souvenir outlet. 

Cleaning up
Watch your own waste. Reuse your towels and bed linens. When you're hiking, carry out whatever you carry into an area. Don't assume that biodegradable products will break down anyway. Even "natural" trash can cause harm while nature tries to keep up with the waste people leave behind. Use refillable, non-plastic water bottles; bring a filter if you're not sure about local water. Avoid disposable products when possible and use refillable travel size products to avoid weight and waste. 

Overall
For the most part, most of us want to leave this planet better for the next generation. By changing what we can and saving where we can, we have the opportunity to be proactive, rather than reactive. We can all make a difference in our own way. 

If you want to know where you can make a difference today, investigate your own carbon footprint by using a calculator like this one from the Nature Conservancy. 

How do you reduce your carbon footprint when you travel?

Happy Earth Day and happy travels!

Pandora Love: My 5 Favorite Channels

I am big fan of Pandora. It's what I listen to when I'm blogging, catching up on magazines, or cooking. Sometimes, we listen to it in the car (Thank you, Sprint, for unlimited data!) and we stream it when we're simply sharing space at home. 

I have a dozen channels, more or less, that I listen to fairly regularly, but I have my favorites. 

Here are some of the channels that make up the soundtrack at our house. 

Winter's coming...I couldn't help myself. 

1. Jason Mraz. 
I love the acoustic sounds of Jason Mraz. His feel good, romantic tunes, like on my favorite YES cd, are laid back and folksy. People who like Jack Johnson or Ed Sheeran will love this channel. 

2. Spanish Guitar
From classical guitar to Rodrigo y Gabriela, this toe-tapping channel will have you yearning for a ticket to Spain before your first track has finished. 

3. Edith Piaf
When I'm missing Paris, I listen to Edith Piaf. With French language classics sung by Piaf and classic crooners like Charles Aznavour, you will get your fill of French inspired accordion loveliness, plus an occasional bossa nova or samba for good measure. 

4. Jimmy Buffett
My Parrothead roots run deep, and when I'm reminiscing about my time living in South Florida and my time exploring the Florida Keys, I queue up all things Buffett. I'm back on island time faster than you savor a shot of tequila. Fins up!

5. Chris Botti
There is something about a trumpet that is intensely romantic. I have seen Chris Botti live and he does not disappoint. This channel features Botti classics, peppered with the great Winton Marsalis and Miles Davis. Perfect for a weekend afternoon on the couch with a book and a blanket. 

So those are my go-to Pandora channels. Who are you listening to these days? What is your happy music?

Traveling Fit...5 Ways to Stay on Track

Committing to a healthy lifestyle takes planning. You plan what you're going to eat, prep your meals and easy to grab snacks, and you try to arrange your schedule to include some sort of physical activity. 

Staying on plan when you travel can be more of a challenge. When schedules loosen and food options expand, staying on track takes more thought and initiative, but it can be done. 

Here are five ways to stay committed to your fitness goals, even when you're traveling. 

1. Plan. Putting water and your favorite go-to snacks in a cooler will give you the flexibility to make healthy choices. Pack a bag with other snacks and avoid the gas station wasteland. 

2. Pit stop stretch. Stop along the way and stretch. Energize your body and brain during these needed rest stops. Need a circuit? Try this one. 

3 When you arrive at your destination, think about a walking tour or a bike tour of the city. How about a photo stroll? Walk whenever possible and explore excursions that keep you active, at least part of the time. 

4. Shop and cook when you can. This is better for your wallet and your waistline. When you do go out, grilled protein and a veggie is a great choice. Order your salad dressing on the side and dip your fork before you take a bite, instead of pouring it all on top. You can decline the bread basket if you want, and if you're ordering dessert, one dessert split among many can give you the bite of sweet that you want without overdoing it.

5. Enjoy a treat now and then. Don't deprive yourself of your favorite things. Eat a cupcake, and then work off a cupcake. 

Travel and healthy living can go hand in hand. Plan and prep where you can and when you can't, use what you know to make good, healthy choices. And enjoy the treats. 

Happy travels!  

What is your best tip for staying on track with a healthy lifestyle when you're traveling? 

Earth Day: a history and 5 things you can do today

It was the apex of hippie culture. The United States was saturated with gas guzzling V8 engines. Jimi Hendrix passed away, and the Beatles had released their final album. There was a war raging in Vietnam and students were protesting, and Simon and Garfunkel were signing about a "Bridge over Troubled Water."

The year was 1970, and on April 22nd, Earth Day* was born.

Source

In 1969, seven years after Rachel Carson sounded the alarm on the effects of pesticides on birds in Silent Spring, Santa Barbara saw a devastating oil spill, in which 80,000-100,000 barrels of crude contaminated the waters, six miles off its coast. The spill was the largest of its kind at the time, and was reported to have killed approximately 3,500 sea birds and other marine life, such as sea lions, dolphins, and elephant seals. 

The public was outraged, then U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin took note. 

Senator Nelson was equally outraged and wanted to capitalize on the anti-war movement and launched a "national teach-in on the environment," focusing on air and water pollution. He won bipartisan support and with his team, organized and promoted events across the country. And so began Earth Day. 

In 1970, over 20 million people, in groups throughout the Unites States, rallied in protests against environmental destruction. The movement crossed party and demographic lines, and in time, led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Clean Air, the Clean Water, and the Endangered Species Acts. 

By 1990, Earth Day had spread to 141 countries, leading to the first United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. In 1995, then President Bill Clinton awarded Gaylord Nelson with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest citizen honor. And in 2000, Earth Day went cyber, using the Internet to relay the conservation message. 

Today, there are over 5,000 earth conservation groups in 184 countries, but the conservation message has been diluted amid a powerful oil lobby, climate change deniers, and a seemingly disinterested public. We move forward in the name of progress, but at what cost? 

Still, the groups persist and continue to spread the word and educate others on ways we affect the environment through our own choices and lifestyle and ways that we can conserve in our every day lives. 

Want to know your own carbon footprint? Here's a calculator. 

Source

Now that you know your own carbon footprint, if you're not sure where to start in reducing that footprint beyond recycling, here are five ways you can make a difference. 

1. In our efforts to recycle and re-purpose, we can use cloth napkins, replace plastic with glassware for food storage, and use reusable water bottles. 

2. Start a garden with flowers and plants that attract bees and other pollinators and seek out organic and natural ways to keep pests at bay. Learn how here and here. 

3. Support your local farms. Consider a share in community supported agriculture or frequent farmers' markets. Get to know the people growing your food. Ask questions. Become educated about the products they use. Check out Local Harvest for more information on farms and CSAs in your area. 

4. Eating fish? Use Seafood Watch to find out which species to avoid, due to contamination and overfishing and alternatives to some of your favorites. 

5. Vote with your dollars. Buy from brands that support your thinking. Be conscious of your choices and buy because of conviction, not convenience. And who knows? You may be surprised to find both. 

BONUS...

• What is your home energy consumption? Conduct an energy audit. Find out how here. 
• Is your home solar panel viable? Find out here. 
• Reduce your meat consumption by eating one vegetarian meal per week. Check out Meatless Monday for recipes. 

Do you reduce, reuse, or recycle? What are your favorite conservation methods?




*Earth Day history, courtesy of EarthDay.org.

How to Stay Healthy on the Road

The snow has melted, most of it anyway. 

The days are longer and spring is in the air. It's time for a road trip. 

No one wants to get sick while traveling or on the road. Our time is precious and it's worth taking a few precautions to protect our immune system. 

Here are five easy things you can do to stay healthy while you travel. 

1. Plan ahead. 
Pack healthy snacks and water. Fruit and nuts, travel well. Protein bars or crackers with avocados make easy meal replacements. Keep yourself hydrated and well fed and you can avoid fast food tummy and you have less of a chance of becoming hangry. If you take vitamins, make sure to throw those in too. 

2. Wash your hands. 
If you're a sanitizer user, keep a bottle with you. If not, soap and water works just fine. And try to keep your hands away from your face and mouth...less bacteria, less breakouts and chance for infection. Cleansing wipes are handy and easy to keep under the seat or in the glove compartment. 

3. Move your body. 
Stretch, move around, and consider activities to keep you moving while you're exploring. Think about a bike tour, a hike, or a walking tour. 

4. Sleep.
When you're tired, everything becomes exponentially worse. Try to maintain some sort of schedule and get those zzz's, otherwise you'll need a vacation from your vacation. 

5. Be flexible.
Go with the flow. Relax and try not to over plan. Keep your stress levels at a minimum and enjoy the journey. 

How do you stay healthy when traveling? 

Friday 5: Creating Holiday Traditions for a Family of Two

The holidays are centered around all things children and family, but what happens when you are a family of two? 

If you have no children, by chance or by choice, there are many ways to mark the holidays and create traditions that you can look forward to every year.  Join the family for traditional celebrations, but create a few that are just for the two of you.

1. Collect ornaments. If you vacation over the summer, look for an ornament  from your special place. Or check sites like Bronner's  or Ornament Shop for just the right ornament for you and your loved one. 

2. See the sights. Attend a holiday concert or tree lighting event. Or take a stroll (or a drive) to see holiday lights in town or in the city. We did this last year, taking the commuter rail into Boston, walking around the Common and, after some hot cocoa and a pastry, taking the train back home. Dress warm and take in the sights. 

3. Volunteer together. This year, we went to a PTO fundraiser at our local Barnes and Noble and I did a read-aloud. Check out Toys for Tots, or organize a coat drive. Donate to your local food bank. Become a Secret Santa to a child in need. Do good; feel good. 

4. Embrace nothingness. Choose a day to sleep late, eat whatever you want, watch movies...whatever you want. No demands, no schedule...just be. 

5. Organize a post-holiday friendsmas gathering or night out. Or get out of town yourselves. Be on the lookout for deals or take advantage of the lower gas prices and do a "tank-away" getaway. 

Need more ideas? Check out holiday date nights or winter date night ideas and get the creative juices flowing. 

If you are a family of two, or flying solo these days, what do you do to mark the holidays in way that is special for you?

Five TV Shows that Defined My Childhood

Piggybacking off of last Friday's Friday 5, I started to think about the small screen. We were a tv family, for sure. I knew television story arcs like I knew my times tables. 

I had my favorites, but there were five standouts that seemed to define my childhood, either because it was something I enjoyed, or something that was on with which I had no choice in our single television household. 

1. The Brady Bunch
No doubt, this was my favorite. It was awful, I know. But, they had it all...a happy family and a dad with a job that let him take his entire family amusement parks and Hawaii.

2. Little House on the Prairie
This was a Monday night event in our house. I loved Laura...I wanted to be her. Who didn't, really? I cheered when she whipped Nellie Oleson's snooty prairie behind and I swooned, right along with her, for her hunky "Manly" Almonzo. 

3. Lawrence Welk
This is not a fun one to admit, but this was a Saturday night event at our house. My Nana came over to visit, we ate baked beans and hot dogs (sometimes with B&M New England brown bread) and then we began the Saturday night trifecta...Lawrence Welk, followed by the Love Boat, and then Fantasy Island. 

4. Dallas
This one is a head scratcher, but I think Dallas was a defining show because I was getting older, and I was able to stay up later. And it was something I could watch with my mom without my brother. More than likely I spent most of the time coloring or playing with my toys, but there are those watershed moments, like Who Shot JR? that define the series that I will always remember. And the theme song was fun. 

5.  All in the Family 
I can't exactly remember what night this was on...Sunday night, maybe. But it was a show we never missed. My mom loved Edith...who didn't? And Archie was a lot of things, but he loved his dingbat. We all did.  And when Mike and Gloria and baby Joey left for California, our hearts broke, right along with Edith and Archie's. Most of the groundbreaking comedy went over my head at the time, but that cast of four left a legacy that will last forever.

Your turn...what were the television shows that defined your childhood? What were your favorites?

Have a great weekend!

Friday 5: Motivational Morning Mantras

Every day is a new chance to make good choices. In many cases, you can't control what happens to you, but you can certainly control your reaction. Choose well. 

Here are five mantras you can try on to set your morning off on a positive note. 

Do you have a favorite mantra that inspires you or challenges you? Please share and inspire us all. 

Want to Learn Another Language? Try this

It's a no-brainer. Knowing another language opens your world. 

Source

I see it with my own husband. His first language is Spanish, but he is also fluent in English and speaks it better than many native speakers. He understands and can function in Portuguese, Italian, and French, as well as Spanish dialects and regional languages, such as Gallego (Galician) and Euskara (Basque).

I, on the other hand, struggle with languages. So, I have searched long and hard for ways to learn another language. For many people, Rosetta Stone is a good option, and writer Tim Ferris, of The Four Hour Workweek alleges that you an learn any language in three months, but there are other options as well, many that mirror Rosetta Stone's approach. 

1. Go to school. 
I went to the Boston Language Institute and took an intensive full-time Spanish immersion class before I went to Spain for the first time. It's expensive, but it works. Being immersed in a language is a matter of survival. If you have to communicate, you learn. 

But, there are often classes at local adult continuing education programs. They may be offered through a community college or a local high school. It's a great way to get started. 

2. Meet-Up
Look online for local Meet-Ups. In many places around the country (and around the world, for that matter) are conversational events, where speakers at all levels can interact and learn. 

Source

Even novices have much opportunity to learn. The first stage of language acquisition is known as the silent period, where students listen and absorb everything, decoding what they can before they feel comfortable experimenting with oral language production. Sometimes, simply listening to another language is helpful, as you become familiar with cadence, accents and cognates. 

3. Apps
Today, there are scores of language learning apps, but the one I use most frequently is DuoLingo. DuoLingo is a free app that offers language learning in Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese and English. It incorporates the four language domains: reading, writing, speaking and listening. And it's all free. 

Source

4. Online language learning
Sometimes, you can find online programs. For example, the BBC offers a program called Mi Vida Loca, a Spanish learning program set in Madrid. 

Source

It's a mystery series featuring 22 episodes of real action video lasting ten minutes each. It's fun and engaging and there's emphasis on conversational and functional language. And it's free. 

5. Live Mocha
Live Mocha is an online language community (bought by Rosetta Stone in 2013) that offers opportunities to engage in 38 languages in the four domains. There is a free component and an option to pay for additional benefits. 

Source

There is no doubt that learning a second language opens your world. Experts stay that it stimulates your brain and can help with memory and protecting against dementia. 

With so many options available at so many price points (and many free options), learning a second language is a win-win. 

Where will you go?

Have you ever learned a second language? What tools did you use?