Posts tagged Lifestyle
The Grilled Peach, Burrata, Arugula, and Prosciutto Salad You'll Be Eating All Summer

When it comes to parties and gatherings, I was taught to never show up empty handed, but the task of picking something to bring outside of wine always puzzled me. Do you bring an app or maybe dessert? How do you know it will be enough for the number of people attending? Or if you’re the one hosting, what you can have that fits most people’s preferences? Enter this salad.

I saw this recipe on Instagram last summer and immediately wanted to make it based on the pictures. It is the epitome of summer flavors and we made It several times within a span of a couple weeks. I think it would be great for a party as well! Here’s what you’ll need:

Grilled Peach, Burrata, arugula, and Prosciutto Salad

Time to cook: 20 min | Serves: 4-6 people

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of arugula

  • 3 peaches pitted and cut in half

  • 3 balls of burrata cheese (4 ounces each)

  • 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto (about 6 slices)

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • fresh cracked black pepper to taste

  • 2-3 tablespoons of balsamic reduction

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the peaches by washing them and cutting them in half to remove the pit. We personally peeled the peaches as we prefer them that way, but the recipe works either way! Once the peaches are halved, brush with olive oil and place on a hot grill for 5-7 minutes depending on how charred you’d like them. Remove and let cool.

  2. While peaches are grilling, begin balsamic reduction. Place balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Reduce heat once simmering and continue to cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until consistency is like syrup. If you prefer a sweeter reduction you can add a little brown sugar to the pan at the beginning of cooking. *If simmering with sugar, it will take about 8-10 minutes to reduce.

  3. Toss arugula with lemon juice.

  4. Begin planting your salad - we prefer a platter to bowl for presentation purposes. Arrange a layer of the arugula on the platter and then add sliced prosciutto. Cut the burrata in half or desired size and place it around the salad. The cheese will be creamy and a bit messy once broken and spread.

  5. Cut peaches to desired sizes like slices or leave them halved and place them on the salad.

  6. Combine cooled balsamic and olive oil and then drizzle over the salad just before serving.

  7. For added protein, add grilled chicken.

Notes: if making in advance - wait to assemble until ready to serve. This salad is a bit more ‘wet’ and may create a soggy texture if prepared too early. You can also bake the prosciutto at 350 for 5-10 minutes to make it crispy and crumble it on top. The balsamic reduction can be stored for 2-3 months in a sealable container in the fridge for further use or if prepared ahead of time.

Wines to pair it with

This salad is perfect for summer and these flavors pair perfectly with summer wines. Try a Sauvignon Blanc, dry rosé, Pinot Gris, Champagne or Prosecco to complement the sweet, earthy and tangy flavors in this salad. Each will play up with fruit flavor of the peach and keep the dish light and refreshing.

How to Reduce Your Chatter and Best Practices for Mindfulness

Mindfulness has been a goal of mine, and many others, as a way to combat stress, and anxiety and to lead a calmer disposition. The idea and lifestyle of mindfulness aren’t new. Still, after the Covid-19 pandemic, the increase in social issues, and the hustle culture that surrounds many of us, there is a sharpened focus on mental health and the practices that can help improve it.

I was listening to a favorite podcast, The Skinny Confidential, and they had guest, Ethan Kross, on to talk about “how to learn to control and understand the voice in your head.” Listen here. At the time, I was going through a tough season of anxiety (read more here on that) and I wanted to learn more about tools I could use to combat it. I found this episode enlightening and ordered his book before finishing the podcast. I can tell you that the book changed my view of anxiety and overall has helped me immensely in my journey with it.

Chatter by Ethan Kross is a self-help book that explores how our inner voice, or "chatter," can either help or hinder us in our daily lives. Kross, a psychologist, and professor at the University of Michigan draw on his research and personal experience to offer practical advice on how to harness the power of our inner voice and turn it into a positive force.

The book is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different aspect of chatter. Part One explores the science of chatter, examining how it can affect our emotions, behavior, and decision-making. Part Two offers strategies for managing negative chatter, including mindfulness, cognitive reappraisal, and self-compassion. Part Three delves into the social aspects of chatter, examining how our relationships and social support systems can impact our inner voice. Overall, Chatter offers a compelling argument for the importance of understanding and managing our inner voice and provides readers with the tools they need to do so effectively.

I’ve personally found that anxiety and mental health is not a one-track, linear path. Sometimes it’s not around and you feel in control and then it hits out of nowhere. Or you are dealing with it every day waiting for relief. I’m not a doctor and I know a book won’t outright cure anything, but I wanted to share some things that have helped me take control of my chatter and keep my anxiety at bay in the hope that sharing helps someone else:

  • Journaling and using the morning pages technique of writing everything down that comes to mind with no filter. Even if you’re in front of the paper and thinking “I don’t know what to write…” write that down. I’ve found this to be really helpful in getting so many things off my mind. It’s also helpful to read back once you’re done writing and see what is bothering you, comes up more than once, or even might sound silly once you read it and think ‘why am I worried about that?’

  • Meditation and sleepcasts: I put off meditation for a long time thinking it was too wonky for me but after a few sessions of trying I've really started to enjoy how it made me feel. I downloaded the Headspace App and love their guided meditations in the morning and the sleepcasts at night to help me fall asleep. You can get 30 days free to try for yourself here.

  • Understanding my triggers and having people be in on what they are. You can read more about that in this blog post, but having my friends and family aware of things that bring me feelings of anxiety and how to help me has been such a relief and calmed a lot of any anxiety that may come up when they’re around.

Here are some other books I’ve loved that touch on mindfulness, habits, and anxiety:

Next on my reading list:

Let me know if y’all have any other suggestions or tips and tricks that help you in the comments. Thanks so much for reading!

5 Places in Nashville to Visit this Spring

Spring in the south is one of my favorite times of the year. The flowers and trees are blooming, the sun is shining consistently, and there are so many great spots to enjoy the city and nature. Whether you’re a local or visiting Nashville, these five spots are great for a Spring visit.

Arrington Vineyards

Head 25 minutes south of Nashville to Arrington Vineyards. This is one of our favorite spots to enjoy the weather and relax. Spend an afternoon enjoying a wine flight (or our favorite, a frose!) and take in the beautiful views. The 95-acre property has five tasting rooms, gorgeous views, live music on Saturdays and Sundays, and shaded picnic areas. You can bring your own food for a picnic or grab something from the winery like charcuterie, chips, etc. Every weekend in April through November, the gourmet food shop “Simply Living Life” serves freshly prepared take-out food at the Pavilion and Barn areas. Fridays are Food Truck Fridays where you can enjoy some of Nashville’s best food truck offerings (The Mac Shack is our favorite, but they’re all great!). Pro-tip: while there, be sure to look for the tree swings for cute and more private areas to relax. So, grab a picnic blanket, friends, and some wine for a memorable weekend.

Frist Art Museum

Located in the Gulch, the Frist Art Museum is an award-winning museum in Nashville. It’s housed in an Art Deco building from the 1930s and exhibits change frequently. The museum does not have any permanent collections which means that the experience is different every time that you visit. The size of the museum is great, but doable so you aren’t getting lost in galleries for hours on end. They also offer programs like drop-in drawing, architecture tours, multisensory gallery experiences, and member-only events.

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Cheekwood is a favorite for both locals and visitors. The property contains botanical gardens, an arboretum, and a museum. The mansion on the estate was built for the Cheeks in 1929 and now houses world-class art exhibits. Enjoy strolling through the 13 gardens. During the spring, over 250,000 bulbs are on display - Cheekwood in Bloom - is open from March 11 – April 9. Grab tickets and take in the beautiful scenery. They also have a cafe serving a casual, made-to-order menu including soups, sandwiches, salads, smoothies, baked goods, a children’s menu, snacks, coffee selections, and alcoholic beverages. It’s open Tuesday-Sunday 9 am - 4 pm.

12 Avenue South

Located in the 12 South neighborhood, 12th Avenue South is a street featuring some of the best shopping and dining destinations in Nashville. Whether you want gourmet restaurants, coffee houses, bakeries, or boutiques, you’ll find it on 12th Ave. Favorites like Five Daughters Bakery, White’s Mercantile, and Stoney Clover Lane are all located here. For upscale dining, try Urban Grub or Josephine, and for a great burger head to Bottle Cap. Some other favs: Bar Taco, Edley’s BBQ, and The Frothy Monkey. Reese Witherspoon’s flagship clothing stores Draper James, LoveShackFancy, Emojene + Willie, and Gorjana are also great stops for shopping.

Franklin Farmer’s Market

During the Spring and Summer months, we love visiting the Franklin Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. Filled with fresh, locally grown produce, flowers, food trucks, and baked goods, it’s such a fun way to start the weekend. The Franklin Farmers Market is located behind The Factory, at the corner of Franklin Road and Liberty Pike and hours are 9 am - 12 pm. Take my word for it when I suggest you go early. The farmer’s market is very popular and can get crowded closer to the afternoon hours.

Grab some donuts from Ellie’s Old Fashioned Donuts, walk around the produce sections, and be sure to grab some fresh flowers for the week ahead while supporting the local vendors. Once you’ve grabbed your goods, head inside The Factory and check out more local stores, great tacos at Mojo’s Tacos, and a scoop of Jeni’s Ice Cream. If you’re looking to extend your day a bit more, head south on Franklin road and walk around the heart of downtown Franklin for cute shops, restaurants, and charming stores.

Spring is such a great time to visit Nashville so check out some of the best spots in town and comment below any other favorites the TCB community should try! Thanks so much for reading!

This Skincare Secret I Learned from Hailey Bieber

In 2021, I started going to an aesthetician and learned a lot about my skin. I wouldn’t say I was completely clueless when it came to skincare, but I definitely could go deeper into how much effort I was putting toward my routine. I learned about the skin barrier, the importance of hydration, and what products would work best for my skin type. Turns out I’m actually oily when I thought I was dry and I needed more help with removing excess oil.

Throughout the process of facials and multiple conversations (I went to Sunday Skin btw and highly recommend it! They don’t offer facials anymore, but can help with a lot of other services), I gathered a lot of knowledge and made some major changes to my routine. The first was more of a lifestyle change that I saw in Justin Beiber’s documentary. He said that for a couple of days before his big shows, his wife, Hailey, puts several humidifiers in their bedroom overnight to keep his vocal cords and throat nice for singing. She said she also uses them to keep her skin hydrated and plump. Some benefits of using a humidifier:

First and foremost, dry air can be harsh on your skin and can cause dryness, itching, and irritation. This is because the lack of moisture in the air can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to a loss of hydration. Using a humidifier can help to add moisture back into the air, keeping your skin hydrated and healthy.

In addition, a humidifier can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This is because the added moisture in the air can help to plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of dry, dehydrated skin. Using a humidifier can also be helpful for people with certain skin conditions, such as eczema. The added moisture in the air can help to soothe and hydrate the skin, reducing the severity of flare-ups.

By combining a humidifier with products that moisturize and protect your skin barrier, your skin is going to be refreshed, hydrated, and radiant. I grabbed this humidifier from Target, but also listed some other options down below! My favorite products that help hydrate and promote a healthy skin barrier:

Rhode Peptide Glazing Serum:

I love this serum so much - it is light, yet rich, and soothing on the skin. Hailey Bieber talks about how she likes a ‘glazed donut’ look before bed. Essentially, her skin is super moisturized before bed and this product plays a big part. A lightweight, quick-absorbing, gel serum that visibly plumps and hydrates to support a healthy skin barrier. Here are some more details on the ingredients:

  • NIACINAMIDE — nourishes, brightens + improves skin’s overall texture

  • PEPTIDES — visibly plump + reduce the look of fine lines

  • HYALURONIC ACID — locks in hydration + replenishes cell moisture

  • MARULA OIL — lightweight yet rich in fatty acids that help support + soften the skin barrier

Pair this serum with the Rhode Barrier Restore Cream for ultimate moisturizing benefits. I also love their peptide lip treatment any time, but especially before bed to wake up with moisturized, and nourished lips.

Estēe Lauder Advanced Night Repair Collection

I first tried the Night Repair system when it was gifted to me at a blogger event. I initially was not going to use it because it is meant for wrinkles and more mature skin, but now that I’ve tried it, I wish I would’ve started using it sooner. This three-product system includes a serum, moisturizer, and eye cream, and are used in that order.

The serum is a deep- and fast-penetrating face serum that boosts 7 key skin-renewing actions. It reduces the look of multiple signs of aging caused by the environmental elements of modern life. The moisturizer is so thick and rich that it is spa-like every time I put it on. It doesn’t feel heavy or icky though and its collagen-boosting formula makes skin feel plump, firmer, and radiant. The eye cream helps brighten under the eye, targets eye lines, and hydrates.

ZO SKIN RETINOL SKIN BRIGHTENER .25%

Lauren at Sunday Skin recommended this product to me to help combat a lot of the issues I have like acne-prone skin and uneven skin tone, and it helps promote exfoliation for smoothness and a brightened complexion. I will say, this product comes with some directions and trial and error like most retinol. I started with a lower percentage and then came up to .25% after a couple of months.

Retinol can be very drying for some and I also experienced this when determining how much I should use. I started out at once a week and did great, then upped it in my routine to 3 times a week. I eventually was using it every other day and Lauren suggested we go up in percentage since my skin was tolerating it. I kept my every-other-day routine and noticed that I was getting really dry and irritated in some areas like around my eyes and nose. Lauren suggested a tip: use a layer of moisturizer under the retinol on any irritated areas and then apply another layer of moisturizer over top, like a sandwich. I did this and lowered my routine to once a week. That did the trick and I started noticing how much my skin was improving. I’m now using retinol three times a week with this method and am loving the results!

Most retinol can get pretty expensive, especially when you go higher in percentage, but what I’ve noticed is that since I’m only using a pea-sized amount a couple of times a week, the products last me a long time. I think I would only need to repurchase once a year personally. Have you tried retinol? My mom told me that my grandmother used it religiously and loved it. I feel the same way! Be sure to read up on products not to use the same day when you’re using retinol like vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids.

Those are three products that have changed my skin and I continuously repurchase them. I even have my husband, Kollin, into the humidifier and moisturizer at night. Have y’all tried any of these products or using a humidifier at night? I’ve linked some humidifier options below! What moisturizing products are you loving? Comment below so we can all share with the TCB community!

5 Books that Will Change Your Life

Hey, y’all, Happy New Year! I hope everyone’s holiday season was wonderful and full of core memories. I’m sure most of the content you’ve consumed recently is all about making the most of the year ahead or being intentional with your goals and resolutions, so rather than doing that, I’ll make this post a bit more evergreen and say that these books are for any time. I recently shared a video on Instagram and TikTok that showcased 5 books that changed my life and will also change yours.

So, let’s get into them:

The Power of One More

One of my favorite discoveries in 2022 was Ed Mylett. My husband and I love listening to The Skinny Confidential podcast and Ed was a guest on an episode. He is a successful entrepreneur, performance coach and author and recently released his latest book: The Power of One More. I’ll link the podcast episode here for y’all!

His book, The Power of One More, tells his keys to success and draws on his 30 years of working with athletes, CEOs, and entertainers to live an extraordinary life. He shares actionable strategies, the psychology and science behind problem-solving, and getting past mental roadblocks.

“At it's core, The Power of One More is about your willingness to do one more rep, make one more phone call, get up one hour earlier, build one more relationship, or do one more thing for whatever your situation calls for.”

This book is one of my favorites I’ve ever read and is definitely one I will continue to come back to time and time again. You can grab it in any format at the links below!

Think and Grow Rich

Written in 1937 by Napoleon Hill, this book is on the list of many of today’s most successful entrepreneurs and world leaders. Inspired by business magnate and later-philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, Hill wrote this self-improvement and personal development book on his life-changing philosophies for success. His timeless 13 strategies outline a philosophy of empowerment that will allow you to seize the life you want and achieve the success you've dreamed of. With real-life examples and stories from the most powerful business leaders of his time, the lessons in this book are so valuable.

We found the timelessness of this book and how ahead of his time he was to be so interesting. Definitely give it a read! You can find it on Amazon, but be sure to grab the original version. I’ve linked it below!

Atomic Habits

I started this book and was immediately intrigued by the science and behavior-based strategies. We all have habits and whether they are good habits or habits we would like to break, Atomic Habits breaks down why we perform the habits we do, why we find them hard to keep or break, and behaviors we can do to make the most of our habits.

This New York Times #1 bestseller written by James Clear has sold over 4 million copies and has been #1 for years and years. Not only will this book help you with tangible actions to take to make changes, but it helps change the way you think about habits and motivates you to make the changes. Get your highlighters and notebooks out with this one because there are so many good parts to take with you. I will definitely be referring back to it every couple of months!

The Daily Stoic

Written by Ryan Holiday, The Daily Stoic offers a daily meditation on the philosophy of Stoicism, a school of thought that originated in ancient Greece. The book presents 366 selections from Stoic philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca, along with Holiday's own commentary on how to apply their teachings to modern life.

It’s organized into four sections, one for each season, and each day's reading includes a quote, a brief explanation of the quote's context and meaning, and a reflection on how to apply the quote's teachings to one's own life. I love reading the daily page in the morning to set my day in the right direction and get in a stoic mindset. You can start it at any time of year and it’s available on Amazon.

48 Laws of Power

The 48 Laws of Power is a book written by Robert Greene that offers a guide to the exercise of power and success. It is organized into 48 chapters, each of which covers a different "law" related to the acquisition, maintenance, and use of power. The laws are drawn from a variety of sources, including historical figures, philosophers, and politicians like Henry Kissinger, Napoleon, JP Morgan, and the Emperors of China.

Fair warning, this book is a bit much to put it lightly. It has received criticism for its cynical and often Machiavellian view of power. It definitely can be extreme at points with the historical examples and “laws” that are given. When reading take it with a grain of salt and realize that the stories are from another time. Obviously, most of us are not conquering other countries or sabotaging a monarchy to gain power, but the “laws” that are given at their base have some lessons and actionable takeaways to be used in today’s world. This book is not a quick read but can help build confidence and provide guidance to relationships in your life such as work, family, and entrepreneurship. You can grab this book on Amazon - it is one you’ll want to highlight and take notes on too!

What other books have you read that changed your way of thinking or helped you? Leave them in the comments and let me know if you read any of the 5 above.

The Brown Sugar Cookie Recipe Everyone Will Love
Brown sugar cookies recipe, chewy brown sugar cookies, holiday cookies, easy cookie recipe

Hey, y’all! I can’t believe that Christmas is a week away. One thing I know most people will be having this time of year is great food and baked goods!

I’d rather have a baked good than much else, and my love for freshly baked cookies runs deep. A few years ago, my husband’s family wanted to do a cookie baking day and we all had to bring a recipe. I found a recipe in an old book when we lived in Chicago and of course, now can’t find it, but the recipe below is the closest I’ve gotten to making the same ones! My husband is not a huge dessert or sweets person, but loves these cookies and asks me to make them every year!

They are surprisingly delicious and flavorful for how simple of a cookie they are, but the simple things in life generally are the best. When you check out the recipe you might think to add to these cookies - chocolate chips or other add-ins, but resist that urge until you try them! Full of molasses and cinnamon, they are so good!

Prep Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 13 minutes

  • Total Time: 3 hours

  • Yield: 20 cookies

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch*

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled*

  • 1 and 1/4 cups (250g) packed dark brown sugar

  • 1 large egg, room temperature

  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

  • 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar (optional for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Mix together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. You can use a mixer, but it is not required. A wooden spoon or spatula works too! Set aside the dry mixture.

  2. In another bowl (I used my Kitchen Aid mixer), mix the melted butter and brown sugar together until no brown sugar lumps remain. Mix in the egg. Finally, add the vanilla. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix them together. The dough will be very soft, yet thick. Cover the dough and chill for 2 hours, or up to 3 days (if you’re in a pinch this step isn’t mandatory, but be sure to bake right away once done baking).

  3. Take the dough out of the refrigerator and allow to slightly soften at room temperature for 10 minutes if you had it chilling for more than 2 hours.

  4. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.

  5. Take 2 tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll it into a ball, then roll it into the sugar if you’d like. Place 3 inches apart on the baking sheets.

  6. Bake for 8-12 minutes. Remove from the oven when the cookies are done spreading out and have rounded at the top. The cookies will be puffy and still appear very soft in the middle. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for ten minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. They will continue to cook in the center on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.

  7.  Cookies will stay fresh if covered at room temperature for 1 week.


NOTES

  1. You can make this dough ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dough will freeze well for 3 months. If baking from the freezer, place on the counter and leave at room temperature for 30 minutes and then bake as directed.

  2. You can melt butter in the microwave - be sure to watch it though as it can melt quickly and burn if left too long. Once it is melted let it cool slightly before adding it to your mixture. If it is too hot it will cook the egg in the dough.

If you’re looking for an easy way to package up the cookies try these baker boxes. I found them on Amazon and really like them! They come in a ton of sizes and are easy to assemble and store, unlike Christmas tins. Add a ribbon and card and you’ll have the perfect hostess gift!

Enjoy, y’all! What cookie recipes does your family make? I’d love to see them.
Comment below and tell me your favorites!

Equilibria 12 Days of Wellness Sales

Hey, y’all! over the last two years, ya’ll have seen how much CBD has improved my mental and wellness health and I’m so excited to share that Equilibria is doing 12 days of Steals and Deals for the holidays!

Not only are they sharing amazing deals on their best products, but you can always use my code AMANDANAVA for even more $$ off! Check out some quick Q&A and benefits of CBD:

Q: What is CBD?

A: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating, naturally occurring compound produced by the Cannabis sativa plant, which encompasses both hemp and THC-dominant cannabis. It is considered a phytocannabinoid, which are cannabinoids produced in plants. Endocannabinoids, on the other hand, are cannabinoids produced in the human body. 

Cannabinoids interact with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which is considered the primary regulatory system of the body. With receptors present on nearly every area of your body, this system is thought to play a role in maintaining homeostasis, or balance. 

Members who take CBD as part of their daily, consistent personal wellness routine report benefits such as:

  • Decreased stress levels

  • Balanced mood

  • Improved quality of sleep

  • Increased energy and focus

  • Reduced discomfort

Q: What should CBD feel like?

A: CBD is more about what you don’t feel than what you do. The goal of taking CBD is to support balance in your body, and combat the damage that stress may cause. It’s about not feeling edgy when you typically do. It’s about not experiencing exercise-induced inflammation.

Q: IS CBD Legal?

Yes! The Federal Farm Bill (the Agricultural Act of 2018) legalized the production and sale of hemp bred with 0.3% percent or less THC. The industrial hemp plants we use in our products meet this requirement, and our full-spectrum, whole-flower hemp CBD products are completely federally legal.

HOWEVER: Marijuana-derived CBD products (those with over 0.3% THC) are illegal under federal law and under state law except in states where medical and/or recreational cannabis is legal.

Ok, onto the savings! Check out the amazing sales happening over on myeq.com leading up to the holidays!


Check out my first blog post on my anxiety story and how CBD has helped me with things like anxiety, stress, and overall wellness. Comment below or send me a DM on Instagram if you have any questions! Thanks so much for reading!

This post is sponsored by Equilibria. I may receive a small commission from any purchases made through links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own.

The Grown Up Things like Term Life Insurance

Hey, y’all! Kollin and I have always talked about how funny it seems to be doing such grown-up things when we don’t feel old enough to do them. For example, people are giving us a loan for our mortgage, or how we run meetings during work and hold a bunch of responsibility for multi-million dollar companies. Sometimes we still feel like the 17-year-olds back in high school when our biggest worry was what we were doing that weekend.

Having just turned 29 on May 31st, these adult things are happening more often, and like anything when you get older, your priorities shift and it’s time to handle growing up. One thing we had to talk about was the importance of life insurance. While we aren’t parents currently, talking about and having a plan for life insurance is really important. Through companies like Fabric, we’ve been able to learn more about term life insurance quotes and how policies for parents are really important.

Those 17-year-olds we still feel like sometimes maybe didn’t understand the importance of the grown-up things we all have to consider now, but as we grow up and the potential for kids come into the picture for us, there are a lot of decisions to be made around insurance. But, no one tells you that insurance can be pretty confusing. So where do you start? I found this article on 5 Reasons You Need Life Insurance and found it really helpful in understanding why getting life insurance is helpful and what factors to think about.

If there is anything we’ve all learned in the last 2+ years, it’s that life is precious and some of us have even lost loved ones too soon. In those moments no one wants to think about insurance or what the next steps are so having all that set up and in place protects your family. A recent study has shown that our age group, millennials, have been most influenced by the pandemic and purchased term life insurance policies than any other group. Forty-five percent of millennials said they are more likely to buy life insurance due to COVID-19, compared with 15% of baby boomers and 31% of Gen Xers.

And in true millennial fashion, we’re reshaping how we think about and purchase term life insurance. We’re more inclined to do our own research and spend time really learning about space before we dive into it. We want to know how it works, how we can customize it, and know that we are getting the best value for our coverage. So, what do you need to consider? I’ve nailed down some big questions:

What kind of policy do you need? Term life insurance or whole life? A term life policy will provide coverage for a certain period of time—typically 10, 15, 20, or 30 years. Finding the right policy is determined by your financial needs and goals. You should also understand what impacts your rate. There are two main factors: health and age. Be sure to compare rates for term life insurance quotes from many companies so you can make sure you’re getting the best rate.

Here are 10 more things to consider when shopping around for the best term life insurance quote. There may be thoughts of I can do this later when we have kids or the feeling of wanting to push it off, but being prepared helps have everything in line so you don’t have to worry about it later. That peace of mind is really nice so you can just keep living life and not have to worry about the adult things.

This post is sponsored by and in partnership with Responsival. As always, all opinions are my own.