Living

My fiancé and I recently began watching “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” on Netflix. Two episodes in, we got to work on our closets, clearing up more than half of the space in both areas.

At Thompson & Co., choosing positivity and kindness is part of our mission. Sometimes we help in big ways, like donating gifts to local charities, and other times it’s as simple as leaving a positive note on a coworker’s desk. To celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week, we’re challenging you to get creative and give back with random acts of kindness.

Many people journal to pass the time, relax or keep a log of their accomplishments, but did you know that it can benefit your mental and even physical health?

Pick.Click.Give allows Alaskans to donate a portion of their Permanent Fund Dividend to causes and organizations they care about statewide.

Whether you’re a traditionalist and like the feel of pages in your hand, or you prefer to download your books, indulge this January in honor of National Book Month.

Gambel Communications is proud to be completing its second year publishing The New Orleans 100. This milestone is made sweeter because Tod Smith, general manager of our presenting sponsor, WWL-TV (CBS, Tegna), recently was awarded The 100 Companies’ inaugural Visionary Award.

On Friday, Nov. 30, Southcentral Alaska experienced a destructive 7.0 magnitude earthquake that damaged homes and infrastructure, displaced students and disrupted the lives of residents.

The holiday season’s here, and there are tons of apps for your smartphone to get you in the holiday spirit. From shopping to travel to fun, here are some of my favorite apps this season:

You’re at the age where you start thinking more realistically when it comes to answering the “what do you want for Christmas?” question. Instead of saying “I don’t know,” say you’re looking to read more in 2019, and provide a list of titles that you’ve been eyeing for months. Whether you prefer reading a hardback, e-version or audiobook, adding reading to your daily routine is a great habit to form in 2019.

With so much hate in the world, can one person make a difference? Entrepreneur Peter Shankman says yes, and it begins with a caring attitude.

Spread cheer by sending holiday cards to friends and loved ones this year. Dec. 9 is Christmas Card Day, and Alaska is the perfect location for your winter landscape family photo or a Made in Alaska card.

Sporty or luxe, quirky or tasty, these Alaska-made gifts are perfect for tucking under the tree or in a stocking this holiday season. Check out our list of the best Alaska-made gifts from around the state, and get everyone checked off of your holiday shopping list (and maybe something for yourself, too.)

The holiday season is just around the corner, and before you know it 2019 will be here. November is notoriously the time of year when the holiday stress starts to hit, both at home and at work. Here are some tips to conquer that pile of responsibilities during the busiest time of year:

There’s no shortage of design inspiration each holiday. From the homes on St. Charles to the Instagram posts, it’s easy to feel both excited and overwhelmed. Here are some decorating tips that strike a balance between festive and frugal:

The holidays are here, and it’s definitely the most wonderful time of year. From baking cookies to singing carols, everyone has their own traditions. Although people debate when to start decorating or play Christmas music, one of the most heated topics is the best holiday movie debate.

Most people know Alaska for its amazing slopes and endless backcountry trails – a dream for skiers and snowboarders. The state is also perfectly constructed for another timeless winter activity: downhill sledding.

Snow has finally arrived, bringing a plethora of opportunities for outdoor exploration in Alaska’s largest city. Walk, ski or bike Anchorage’s 200 miles of trails, a great way to connect with the city’s commitment to the outdoors.

Applications are now open for 2019 spring and fall semesters for the Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program’s full-time high school component.

Mickey Mouse’s 90th birthday is on Nov. 18, and it’s time to celebrate. Disney parks will be having a special birthday party, but the joy is spread worldwide. Join the celebration from Alaska:

With school back in swing, juggling carpool responsibilities is one task almost every parent dreads. Conquer your school carpool with these tips:

You’ve likely heard of the River Watch Bear Cam in Katmai National Park, but what about the live puppy cam in Denali National Park and Preserve? It shows live video of sled dog puppies. No, we’re not kidding.

The annual Alaska Federation of Natives Convention is a time to honor the past and look to the future. From Oct. 18-20, 2018, 6,000 Alaskans will gather to discuss land use and other challenges.

PFD season means a welcome funding boost for Alaska organizations through the Pick.Click.Give. program. Pick.Click.Give. allows Alaskans eligible for a PFD to pledge online to donate to a nonprofit organization in increments of $25. In 2017, more than 26,000 Alaskans contributed $2.7 million dollars to important causes.

Donations from Alaskans’ PFDs make a difference for nonprofits working to support indigenous people across the state. If you haven’t selected a charity to support yet through Pick. Click. Give., here are eight nonprofits that are improving Alaskan communities through preserving tradition, expanding access for people with disabilities, art, education, culture, history and more. After you get your PFD, you can make a donation on Oct. 8 to mark Indigenous People’s Day.

PFDs are often spent on big-screen TVs and shopping sprees. But your PFD can also go a long way toward improving the lives of Alaska’s youth. Consider donating part of your PFD to nonprofits that ensure young people across the state are fed, educated and physically active.

This month, the GCI Women’s Network partnered with Habitat for Humanity Anchorage and members of the Wells Fargo Women’s Team Member Network to build a duplex on Anchorage’s east side. Volunteers did construction work, ranging from trimming boards to raising walls, to help provide safe, affordable housing to families in need.

NFL football kicks off Sept. 6. Make sure you never go hungry and your beer never runs dry at some of Alaska’s best sports bars.

It probably won’t come as a surprise that the Arctic and sub-Arctic animals living at the Alaska Zoo, such as gray wolves, Amur tigers and moose, thrive in cold weather. As the temperature continues to drop, they become more active – a treat for zoo visitors.

With school back in session, many families deal with the sniffles that accompany having children. A health savings account from Fidelity Bank can help you better prepare for unexpected medical expenses. An HSA can be used only if you have a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) — generally any health plan with a deductible of at least $1,350 for an individual or $2,700 for a family.

Labor Day weekend in Alaska can be taken with a glass half-empty or glass half-full approach. It may mark the end of Alaska’s glorious summer season, but it’s also a long weekend to check off the last items on your summer to-do list.