Sensible Mode Living

Fall is my favorite season because it's just that perfect mix of warm and cool but not too cold as winter and neither too hot as summer. Moreover, what's not to like about fall colors, Halloween candy, Thanksgiving, and anticipating the winter holidays?  Unfortunately, wherever I look at social media there is all this materialistic love for fall that is commercialized and sold as a dream filled with all the things you apparently need to own to enjoy the season. So I have decided to do a post to remind everyone that Fall is a wonderful season that offers many opportunities to enjoy life without being materialistic. Here are some things to love about fall that are not related to money or possessions: The changing colors of the leaves and the crisp air that make nature more beautiful and refreshing. The cozy feeling of wearing warm clothes, drinking hot beverages, and snuggling under blankets. The festive mood of celebrating holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving with family and...

 Chicago is a great travel destination for many reasons. It is known for its eclectic neighborhoods, stunning architecture, delicious food, vibrant comedy scene, loyal sports fans, and rich history.  I've been living and traveling in/around the windy city for the past few years and these are some of the top attractions in Chicago IMO: - The Art Institute of Chicago : One of the largest and oldest art museums in the US, with a collection of over 300,000 works, including masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and more. It includes artworks from various periods and cultures. as well as sculptures, photographs, and textiles. - Navy Pier : A popular waterfront destination that features a Ferris wheel, a carousel, an IMAX theater, a children's museum, and many restaurants and shops. It is a 1.5-kilometer-long pier that offers entertainment, dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. You can ride the Centennial Wheel, watch a show at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, vi...

 The US is a very diverse and large country that offers a variety of travel experiences for different kinds of travelers. Whether you are interested in nature, culture, history, or entertainment, you can find something to suit your preferences in the US. Even before we decided to move here a few years back I had a couple of places in my mind that I wanted to visit. Ever since I moved here the list got bigger (blame my friends on Facebook and recently, Instagram), and maybe a few years later it might get even bigger, but for now, these are the places I want to visit the most while I'm in the US. These destinations are also some of the most popular travel destinations in the US, for a reason: NEW YORK CITY The city that never sleeps is a global hub for art, fashion, music, and food. I want to explore its iconic landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Times Square, or discover its vibrant neighborhoods, such as Manhattan, Brooklyn, Harlem, and Chinatow...

 There are many ways you can reduce your consumption habits and live more sustainably.  Here are five general tips: Buy less, buy better Before you buy something, ask yourself if you really need it, if you already have something similar, or if you can borrow, rent, or swap it with someone else. If you do buy something, choose quality over quantity, and opt for ethical and eco-friendly brands and products. Use what you have Make the most of the things you already own, and avoid wasting them. For example, you can repair, reuse, or repurpose your clothes, furniture, or electronics, instead of throwing them away or buying new ones. You can also use natural or homemade alternatives to common household products, such as vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice. Reduce your food waste Plan your meals ahead, shop smart, and store your food properly. Eat your leftovers, or freeze them for later. Compost your food scraps, or donate them to a local farm or community garden. You can also grow...

Hauls and collections videos/blog posts are very popular on social media platforms. Looking back I must have done at least 20 haul posts on this blog in the last couple of years. So it just got me thinking about how lacking in substance these posts were. They were more like filler posts that might have kept the blog running by creating some interest in the audience but they were not really adding any value to my blog. Other than making people think that I am a shopaholic it doesn't really tell much about me as a blogger either. And that is not the intention with which I started my blog. I do not want people to think I have too much money to waste, that I'm showing off, or that I have a shopping problem. I also do not want people to get bored with the non-stop haul posts because it is neither entertaining nor educational. I am not saying I am going to completely stop doing haul posts but I want them to be something more than just showcasing a bunch of products I bought. So I dec...