How to find a house

Eager to find and purchase a home? It’s natural to feel excited. But be prepared: This process can also be stressful, especially considering the high costs involved and increased buyer competition nowadays. Consider that about 800,000 buyers purchased homes in the United States in August 2025 alone.

Before you decide to move forward on a home purchase, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions and explore how to balance your wants and needs with your budget. For detailed tips, read my latest article for Rocket Mortgage, available here.

Cineversary podcast celebrates 80th anniversary of Brief Encounter

David Thomson

In Cineversary podcast episode #89, host ⁠Erik J. Martin⁠ celebrates the 80th birthday of Brief Encounter, directed by David Lean. He and his guest David Thomson – the distinguished film critic, historian, and author of Sleeping with Strangers: How the Movies Shaped Desire – climb aboard the romance express and discuss why this film still matters, its impact on cinema, relevant themes, and more.

To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download, or subscribe to Cineversary wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts and

Spotify.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at www.cineversary.com and email show comments or suggestions to cineversarypodcast@gmail.com.

The art of holiday toasting

Planning on hosting a holiday party? No Santa-rific shindig would be complete without an assigned area for libations, otherwise known as a drink station. Even more than your table centerpiece, this section of your gathering space could be a major focal point for guests, which is why it’s smart to carefully plan your beverages and how they will be served. It’s a fun method to “break the ice” among attendees as well as showcase your premium spirits in a festive and engaging manner.

For holiday drink station tips, read my latest article for The Daily Herald, available here.

Help to make the season bright

Many homeowners eager to express their love of the holidays to the surrounding neighborhood emphasize their front exterior, hanging up various lights and various twinkling Yuletide décor. But as they say, home is where the heart is, and the heart of your home is indoors, where you, your family, and cherished guests will spend more time appreciating the fine seasonal touches. That’s why it’s wise to invest more dollars and time adorning your interiors this month — particularly with different holiday lights.

Learn useful indoor holiday lighting tips by reading my latest article for The Daily Herald, available here.