Chic vs. Geek: (Practical) New Year's Resolutions

Everybody wants to lose weight or travel to distant places or finally finish those DIY projects around the house, but who has time for all that?

CHIC (PEARL)

I’m going simple with my resolutions for 2022. First, I’m going to drink a cup of water as soon as I wake up to get started on my daily hydration and give my gut a wash before the day begins. I’m also going to train myself to sit up straight when I’m working on my computer. I have a tendency to hunch over, and it’s not good for my back. Speaking of which, I’m also going to stretch every morning to work out all the kinks!

GEEK (KEVIN)

Sticking with the practical theme, I’m going to do my best to put my phone down while we’re eating dinner. Pearl and I are both guilty of this, and I’m sure a lot of you are, too! Quality time is one of the most important elements of a healthy marriage. So couples should take every opportunity to connect, even if it’s only for a few minutes each day. Just like any other resolution, once you get into the habit, it’s not that hard to keep up!

How about you? What’s your New Year’s resolution? Share it with us in an email, and we’ll send you a bag of our signature Chic ‘n’ the Geek holiday roast coffee beans!

Bora is ready for her close up!

Chic vs. Geek: On the Road - Lake Tahoe

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Lake Tahoe may be one of the hottest real estate markets in the country, but right now it’s one of the coldest places on the planet. Is it worth the investment?

CHIC (PEARL)

We were dreaming of a white Christmas, so last week we escaped the Bay Area and drove to South Lake Tahoe. Needless to say, we’ve seen more snow than we ever could have dreamed, but at least we didn’t get stuck on the highway. Anyone who’s been to Tahoe knows to check the weather forecast and road conditions before you even get in the car. If you’re thinking of buying a first or second home here, it’s key to find a property that’s properly prepared for the elements.

GEEK (KEVIN)

There’s no way to plan for a polar vortex or an atmospheric river, any more than you can plan for an earthquake. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared for the worst. If you’re moving to a winter wonderland like Lake Tahoe, look for a home outside of avalanche zones and close enough to town that you’re not at risk of being cut off from the world by a fallen tree or fresh snowpack. You’ll also want a place with good insulation to save on the heating bill and keep things warm and cozy!

Take it from us: Walking in snow shoes is harder than it looks!

Holiday cookies have arrived!

We don’t know about you, but one of our favorite parts of the holidays are the treats, especially crispy, chewy, gooey, spicy cookies! Try this recipe for classic gingerbread cookies with your family to warm you up on a cold night. And send us a picture of how they turned out!

Winter Gratitude: What we have. What we can give.

Tuesday might mark the official Winter Solstice, but we’re already feeling the season’s first chill. That’s why we’re grateful for the roof over our heads and the hot cup of cocoa in our hands, and we pause to offer comfort to those who are not so fortunate this time of year.

Please consider donating to a local charity doing good things in your community. If you need suggestions, the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits put together this guide.

Chic vs. Geek: Preparing for Disaster

Most homeowners don’t think about tragedies like tornados, wildfires, and floods until it’s too late. But Californians have learned to prepare for the worst.

CHIC (PEARL)

When you live in a region that literally moves and shakes with unpredictable regularity, you owe it to yourself to invest in earthquake insurance. The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) is a reliable resource with a variety of options for owners of single-family homes, condos, and RVs. They also offer policies to protect renters..

GEEK (KEVIN)

You can pay for all the insurance you want, but if you truly want to protect your home and the loved ones inside from the next “big one”, you should consider a full seismic retrofit. Visit the CEA website to learn about the most common hazards and vulnerabilities and how to find a good contractor to help make your home more resilient.