People are always looking for ways to improve their life. They want to know how they can be happier or how they can be more successful because they’re dissatisfied with themselves and/or where they currently are. The solution is simple:

Stop. Making. Excuses.

As human beings it’s normal for us to blame our shortcomings, failures, and poor behavior on factors other than ourselves. We do this because our ego doesn’t allow us to admit we may need to improve in certain aspects of our life. But if you are serious about making a change and improving your life, here’s how you can stop making excuses and start taking control.

Identify The Problem

The first step to fixing any behavioral problem is to identify whether or not you have one. Here are some signs that making excuses may be hindering your personal growth:

–When working with others: If you notice that when working in a group or team environment you pass the blame on to your teammates as opposed to accepting your roll in team failures – you’re making an excuse.

–When dealing with setbacks/adversity: when you fall upon hard times, or when things aren’t going your way, do you blame your situation, other people, or outside circumstances for why you aren’t where you want to be in life? If so you’re making excuses.

Realize that making excuses will only hurt you

It’s hard for anyone to admit they messed up or made a mistake, but in order to take back control of your life and reach your full potential, you have to stop blaming outside factors. Making excuses only guarantees that your situation will never improve and that you’ll never learn from your mistakes – it is a waste of your precious time and energy. Once you realize how toxic excuse making really is, and once you recognize how it impedes your ability to be successful in every aspect of your life, then you can start ensuring you never make them again.

Take Responsibility/Empower yourself

Begin taking responsibility for where you are in life and take responsibility for yourself and your actions. Even if you’re a victim of extenuating circumstances, the responsibility is still on you to succeed in the face of adversity. By ownership of your actions and behavior you have now given yourself the power to work on improving yourself and achieving your goals. You no longer have any excuses! Nothing is standing in your way toward improving yourself in all areas of your life!

Take action

Now that you know you have the power to change your life, it’s time to do it! Remember all those things you made excuses for? Your behavior, your shortcomings (both personal & professional), your situation in life? Now is the time to come up with ways to improve upon them and start taking action. You have the power. You can be better. Realizing that is incredibly liberating. Use that realization to take action and start making changes!

Remember: We make excuses because it can be painful to admit we have made a mistake or failed in some capacity. But it’s okay to experience these things. We all have. We’re human. So instead of making an excuse that will benefit you in exactly zero ways, start taking action and work to improve upon yourself. You have complete autonomy over yourself. You can improve and change your life for the better. You just have to be willing to stop making excuses and start taking control.

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Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News

Boosting curb appeal is easy with the help of colorful plants and functional furniture. Here are six curb appeal landscaping and hardscaping ideas, along with great curb appeal tips to help give you the best-looking house on the block.

Gate

A gate makes a real statement about your home. A gate can be many styles, but, if it’s charming and attractive, it puts visitors at ease, inviting them to come in.

Arch

An arch, making the entrance to your front yard, offers instant cottage charm. Grow a flowering vine over it to create a beautiful, inviting focal point.

Corner Garden

A small fence or similar structure at the corner of the front yard provides an immediate sense of space for a featureless front lawn. Plant flowering annuals and perennials around it for a welcoming display of color.

 

Mailbox Garden

At most homes, the mailbox is literally at the curb, so a small garden around the mailbox is the most visible way to improve curb appeal. Mailbox plantings should consist of small plants that won’t overwhelm the mailbox itself. They also need to be tough varieties that can take reflected heat, road salt, and the like. If you can’t supply water, then they need to be very drought tolerant as well. Keep in mind that bees can be a nuisance to mail carriers, so don’t overdo it with plants that attract pollinators.

Seating Area

A bench instantly creates a visual focal point and beckons you into the garden. Such a welcoming feature is one of the easiest and most economical ways to add curb appeal. A bench can go almost anywhere, but it should be visible and accessible for the greatest impact.  

Containers

Place containers along the path, or on steps, for a big boost of color. Window boxes also make a big statement.

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Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News

The Acadian Home Builders Association is proud to present the 54th annual Parade of Homes showcasing the latest in home building design and products. If you’re thinking about building a home, you won’t want to miss this special event!

Houses included in the Parade exhibit the hottest trends in architecture, floor layout, building materials, and appliances. Some are also furnished by local interior designers in a wide range of styles. Square footage and prices range from starter homes to estates, so viewers are sure to find the perfect home, no matter the size of the family or budget.

The Parade of Homes is a self-guided tour where ticket holders can view as many homes as they like in any order they choose. Ticket purchases include the official Parade of Homes Guide Book which contains pictures and descriptions of each home, builder profiles, and a map.

The Parade of Homes will take place April 9, 10, 16, and 17 from 1 PM to 6 PM. Tickets are $10 each, and each ticket is good for all four days of the event. Tickets are available NOW and are sold at the following locations:

Doug Ashy Building Materials
4950 Johnston St., Lafayette
1601 Verot School Rd., Lafayette

Home Bank
Lafayette, Broussard, & Carencro locations only

Acadian Home Builders Association
135 N. Domingue Rd., Lafayette

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Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News

Laissez Les Po’boys Rouler!

The po’boy is Louisiana’s most popular and iconic sandwich, and it’s about to get its very own festival.  The inaugural Acadiana Po’boy Festival will be held today from 11 AM to 6 PM at Parc Sans Souci.  The founders hope the festival will celebrate the legacy of the humble po’boy sandwich, expand its boundaries and promote the culture and hospitality of Acadiana through food, music and fun.

Over 20 Acadiana po’boy vendors—including Darrell’s, Pop’s PoBoys, and Lagneaux’s—will be present at the festival, collectively offering 42 different types of po’boys.  In addition, po’boy venders will be teaming up to create the world’s longest po’boy!  The exact length of the po’boy won’t be revealed until the festival, but we do know that it will most definitely contain more than one kind of meat.

Live entertainment will be provided by Grammy nominated Roddie Romero & the Hub City All Stars.  The festival will also include arts and crafts and children’s activities.  Best of all, admission is free!  

The Acadiana Po’boy Festival is presented by Woodmen Life and a portion of proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana.

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Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News

It’s that time of year again! Everyone’s least favorite part about spring is the annual spring cleaning. Are to tackle your spring projects? This handy guide breaks them down: Spring Cleaning To-Dos (once-a-year tasks perfectly suited for spring), Exterior To-Dos (fix-ups and repairs for the outside of your home), and Room-by-Room Tasks (decluttering and cleaning tips for specific rooms).

Spring Cleaning To-Do

Wash Windows

Be sure to pick a cloudy day to wash windows. If it’s too sunny, the cleaning solution will dry too fast and you’ll have streaks. For a window-washing solution, combine 1/2 cup of sudsy ammonia (which is a specific type of ammonia), 1 pint of rubbing alcohol, 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid, and 1 gallon of water.

Sliding Door Tracks

Sliding glass door tracks probably aren’t the first spots you’d think to clean, but you’ll appreciate having done it before the outdoor entertaining season gets into full swing. Try scrubbing the tracks with an old, dry toothbrush to loosen debris, then using your vacuum hose to remove it. Finish with a wet sponge.

Overlooked Surfaces

You may overlook these surfaces on a daily basis, but once a year, give your baseboards, door frames, and walls a good scrub-down. Wash them with a sponge and a squirt of dishwashing liquid mixed in a bucket of warm water.

Deep-Clean Carpets

To maintain a new carpet’s warranty, you may need to have it cleaned professionally every 12-18 months. Otherwise, you can do it yourself by renting a deep cleaner or buying a professional-style model designed for home use.

Clean Under Furniture & Appliances

Grab a partner and move your sofa and chairs, roll up area rugs, then vacuum the floors. Move your kitchen appliances away from the wall as much as you can. In some cases you can pull them out enough that a vacuum hose will reach.

Freshen Furniture

Restore smooth leather with an upholstery cleaner and conditioner. Use a suede brush to perk up nubuck leather. For wood furniture, make your own all-natural cleaner and polish: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil and 1/2 cup of vinegar or lemon juice in a plastic spray bottle; shake well and spray onto a microfiber cloth.

Refresh Window Treatments

Curtains and draperies aren’t typically dirty enough to launder. Instead, go over them thoroughly with the upholstery attachment on your vacuum. To remove dust from sheer curtains, put them in the dryer on low with a fabric-softener sheet.

Dust Light Fixtures

Use a microfiber or lint-free cloth to dust fixtures and bulbs you can reach. For ceiling fans, skip the ladder and use an extendable duster. To clean grimy bulbs, lightly dampen your cloth with vinegar. Caution: Be sure bulbs are cool to the touch and your hands are dry.

Get Organized

• Pick up and eliminate clutter in each room before you start cleaning.
• Equip yourself with a few designated containers when you are picking up in each room: a box for garage sale items, another for items to donate, and a garbage bag for items to toss.
• Put away the things you are keeping in their rightful places and rooms.

Make a Wardrobe Transition

• Now that it’s warm outside, have your winter clothes cleaned.
• Consider storing clothes at a dry cleaner if you don’t have enough space in your home.
• Put away gloves, winter clothing items, and boots so you’ll have plenty of space for spring clothing.

Safety Inspection

• Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Perform all required safety checks.
• If you don’t own a fire extinguisher, purchase one. Learn how to use it, and keep it in the kitchen.

Exterior To-Do