Spring Cleaning season is almost upon us and while the annual practice is known to have plenty of health and psychological benefits , sometimes the motivation to throw open the windows and give the home a good scrub just isn’t there. Enter the cleaning inspiration channels on YouTube! There are thousands of YouTubers who dedicate their time and energy to creating fresh cleaning and organization content for viewers just like you. If you are struggling to find the motivation to clean your home, here are five of our favorite YouTubers who can help!
Love Meg
Megan is a 29-year-old stay-at-home mom from Savannah, Georgia who makes videos about motherhood, organization, decluttering, lifestyle and more. Megan posts videos to her channel – Love Meg - several days a week. For some serious motivation, check out her Ultimate Cleaning Motivation playlist , which has over 280 videos to inspire you to tackle every task on your cleaning to-do list.
Brianna K
Brianna is stay-at-home mom of three currently living in Hawaii. In addition to cleaning motivation, she also shares videos about pregnancy, homemaking, decorating, and more. Brianna posts to her channel – Brianna K – every Monday. If you’re unsure where to start with your spring cleaning, check out her 2021 Extreme Spring Cleaning Series playlist!
This Crazy Life
Amanda is a stay-at-home mom who shares videos about cleaning, affordable room makeovers, cooking and more on her channel This Crazy Life. If a major decluttering is on your spring cleaning, checklist, check out her Whole House Declutter With Me 2021 playlist.
Carissa Cleans It All
For some serious cleaning motivation, room makeover inspiration, expert organization tips and more, look no further than Carissa Cleans It All. Carissa is also expecting baby number three, so there is plenty of baby and pregnancy-related content if that is something that interests you!
Candis Halligan
Candis is a military spouse and mom of two boys who shares lifestyle, cleaning motivation, organization, and home decor tips on her channel. Check out her Cleaning and Organization playlist for more than 90 videos ranging from cleaning routines for working moms to speed cleaning routines.
Do you like to watch cleaning motivation content on YouTube? Who are your favorite YouTubers to watch? Let us know in the comments!
Most Baltimoreans can easily identify folks like Michael Phelps and Jada Pinkett Smith as celebrities who are from Charm City, but some of those with B-more connections are less obvious – like the five on this list! Here are five famous people you might not have known are from Baltimore!
Julie Bowen
Julie Bowen is an actress best known for starring as Claire Dunphy in the sitcom Modern Family . Bowen was born in Baltimore and was raised in suburban Ruxton-Riderwood, Maryland. Bowen first attended Calvert School, then Garrison Forest School and Roland Park Country School before moving to Rhode Island.
View this profile on Instagram Julie Bowen (@ itsjuliebowen ) • Instagram photos and videos
Anna Faris
Anna Faris rose to prominence for her work in comedic roles, particularly the lead part of Cindy Campbell in the Scary Movie film series. Faris was born in Baltimore , where her sociology professor father had accepted a professorship at Towson University. She and her family moved to Washington state when she was six.
View this profile on Instagram Anna Faris (@ annafaris ) • Instagram photos and videos
Penn Badgley
Fans of early 2000s teen television will undoubtedly recognize Penn Badgley as Dan Humphrey, but did you know he hails from Baltimore ? Though the actor spent most of his childhood between Richmond, Virginia and Seattle, Washington, he is a B-more native.
View this profile on Instagram Penn Badgley (@ pennbadgley ) • Instagram photos and videos
David Hasselhoff
David Hasselhoff is most well-known for his roles on Knight Rider and Baywatch – two hit tv shows which helped him secure his Guinness World Record as the most watched man on tv . Hasselhoff’s great-great-grandmother emigrated with her family to Baltimore from Germany in 1865, and Hasselhoff was born here in 1952!
View this profile on Instagram David Hasselhoff (@ davidhasselhoff ) • Instagram photos and videos
Frank Zappa
Frank Zappa was a musician whose career as one of the most innovative and stylistically diverse musicians of his generation spanned more than 30 years. Zappa was born in Baltimore , and though his family moved often, they returned to Maryland after a sometime in Florida. While living in Maryland, Zappa's father worked at the Edgewood Arsenal chemical warfare facility of the Aberdeen Proving Ground.
View this profile on Instagram Frank Zappa (@ zappa ) • Instagram photos and videos
So…did you know these five stars had Baltimore roots? Let us know in the comments!
Did you know that January 8 th is National Vision Board Day? What is a vison board, you ask? A vision board is essentially a physical ( or digital ) manifestation of your goals. For example, a collage of images and words. It can include cut-out pictures from magazines, inspirational quotes, timelines etc.
Since 2015, the second Saturday in January has been designated as Vision Board Day and encourages us to set our goals in a visual way, so get out the sticky notes, markers, and inspiration and start plotting your goals for the new year!
What You’ll Need
Creating a vision board should be a personal and customizable activity, so there aren’t exactly any rules. That said, here are some basic supplies you might want to start with:
A board for your base
Scissors
Something to secure items to your base – be it push pins, tape, etc.
Images or objects that resonate with you and your goal
Stickers, markers, or any other “extras”
How to Create Your Board
Get clear on your intention. Start by asking yourself, what do I want the year 2022 to bring me? It can be a physical thing like a house or a personality trait like positivity, etc.
Beg arranging and rearranging your board with the images you gathered. Move things around until you feel inspired when you look at it.
Find a place for it. Once you're pleased with the final product, find a place to put your board where it can provide daily inspiration.
How to Use Your Vision Board
To get the full benefit from your vision board, it’s important for you to place it somewhere you can see it every day. Creating a sacred space that displays what you want does bring it to life. What we focus on expands. When you create a vision board and place it in a space where you see it often, you essentially end up doing short visualization exercises throughout the day!
What are you manifesting for yourself in 2022? Let us know if the comments!
Baltimore really turns on the charm during the holiday season. Whether you’re looking to lace up your ice skates, take in a gorgeous light display, or do some holiday shopping, the city has a holiday event for you! We’ve rounded up 11 of the best holiday events Baltimore has to offer!
Due to COVID-19, events and attractions may not be operating as normal. Make sure to double check hours and operating procedures before you attend an event!
Light Up the Night - Chanukah Downtown
B’nai Israel is launching Light Up the Night Chanukah menorah lightings this year to help bring Chanukah to downtown Baltimore. Stops on the Light Up the Night Chanukah menorah trail are to include lightings December 1 st through 3 rd !
YJP Drinks & Dreidels
Chabad of Downtown’s Young Jewish Professionals group will host a Chanukah party at Bond Street Social December 2 nd from 7:00pm – 10:00pm. The event will include a menorah lighting, hors d’oeuvres, gourmet latkes and donuts, a premium open car, and a cash bar.
50 th Annual Monument Lighting
Photo: @DowntownBaltimore
2021 marks the 50 th anniversary of the Baltimore tradition of illuminating the historic Washington Monument in Mount Vernon Place! This year’s lighting will take place December 2 nd from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. The night will include caroling, food and good cheer. Fireworks cap the evening marking the official start of the holiday season.
Make sure to stop by WPM Real Estate Management’s table at the Holiday Makers Market to warm up and enter to win exciting prizes!
The 48th Annual Mayor's Christmas Parade
Photo: Gerard Buckleman
The 48th Annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade will be held on Sunday, December 5th, 2021, at 1:00pm. The parade will feature giant balloons, marching bands, Santa, local media celebrities and elected officials, Miss Yuletide and more!
Miracle on 34 th Street
Photo: @Miracleon34thSt
No list of Baltimore holiday events would be complete without Hampden’s “ Miracle on 34th Street .” Every year starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving and ending New Year’s Day, residents of the 700 block of 24 th Street between Chestnut Avenue and Keswick Road put on a vibrant display of holiday lights and decorations for all to enjoy.
Visit between 6:00pm and 10:00pm for your best chance to see all the lights on at the same time. Check out these FAQs before you go!
Christmas Village
Photo: @bmorechristmas
Christmas Village in Baltimore is an indoor/outdoor holiday market at West Shore Park at the Inner Harbor, modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany. Visit the market through Christmas Eve to enjoy traditional European refreshments while you shop for a large variety of international holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry and more!
Plus, make sure to take a ride on the Christmas Village carousel and Ferris wheel while you’re there!
Inner Harbor Ice Rink
Photo: @WaterfrontPartnership
Located at the top of the Amphitheater – 201 E Pratt Street - The Inner Harbor Ice Rink season runs until January 17, 2022. Enjoy some beautiful harbor views while you skate, then grab a seasonal treat from Harborplace !
The Polar Express ™ Train Ride
Photo: @BandORailroadMuseum
Don your pajamas and climb aboard The B&O Railroad Museum’s Polar Express select dates December 2 - 12! During this immersive live performance, the conductor will punch your golden tickets, the chefs will dance and sing, the hobo will offer his special brand of wisdom, and The Polar Express will be read aloud for all passengers. When the train arrives at the North Pole, you’ll enjoy Santa’s Winter Village with crafts for kids, an array of model railroad layouts, opportunities for photos with Santa, and more!
Zoo Lights
Photo: @MarylandZoo
Visit The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore through January 2 nd to enjoy this festival of lights shaped like wildlife! Visit the Zoo after hours to enjoy the lighting installation from the warmth & comfort of your own car . While on the lookout for your favorite animal shapes, you’ll be dazzled by over 100k LED lights that highlight some favorites from the Zoo. If you prefer to hoof it, you can also travel the course by foot and visit Zoo Central for snacks, hot chocolate, and free train & carousel rides.
Candy Lane
Photo: @DowntownBaltimore
Candy Lane is a larger-than-life candy-themed experience with installations, thousands of lights, and seasonal entertainment. Be awed by the 24-foot-tall ice cream cones and candy forests while strolling the paths of Center Plaza and experiencing Downtown in a sweet, new way. Plus, enjoy vendors such as Deddle’s Mini Donuts, Flash Crabcakes Co., Lattimore’s Funnel Cakes and more! Candy Lane is open each Wednesday through Sunday through December 23 rd .
In addition, a Not So Silent Night soirée will take place at Candy Lane on December 16 from 7:00pm – 11:00pm. This 21+ holiday party will include an open bar, sugary treats, and a dance party in the middle of Candy Lane. Themed outfits are encouraged!
Winter Village by Four Seasons
Photo: @FourSeasonsHotelBaltimore
Four Season Hotel Baltimore's seasonal Winter Village has returned to the hotel's outdoor terrace! Visit the rooftop terrace Fridays through Sundays until January 30 th to enjoy a winter wonderland complete with an 1,800 sq. foot synthetic skating rink, all new cabanas with sleek fire pits for rent, festive food, and beverage, and so much more.
You’ve done your holiday shopping and picked the perfect present for everyone on your list. Give your thoughtful gits the dressing they deserve and turn gift wrapping into an actually enjoyable event with these tips!
Stick to a Theme
The stack of gifts under the tree will look especially put together if you choose 2-3 rolls of coordinating wrapping paper, matching bows, and gift tags. We like this Mod & Merry collection and this Simply Stylish collection from Hallmark!
Purchase Quality Supplies
The right roll of paper , scissors and tape can make all the difference when wrapping professional-looking gifts that will be sure to impress. So, make sure your tools are up for the job before getting started!
Gather Your Supplies
Before you sit down to wrap your first gift, make sure you have your paper, ribbon, bows, tags, pens, and other accoutrements on-hand. Keep them in one place all season long so you can easily locate them and pull them out each time you sit down to do some wrapping. For the true organization fanatics, a gift wrapping station like this one from Bed, Bath and Beyond will make wrapping a breeze!
Wrap in Batches
Don’t wait until the last minute to wrap all your gifts. Wrap gifts in batches throughout the season to keep the act of gift wrapping from getting overwhelming. Turn on your favorite playlist, grab a cup of cocoa and turn each session into something enjoyable and relaxing.
Follow a Tutorial
Really up your gift-wrapping game by learning a few tips and tricks from the professionals. Follow a step-by-step guide to get the cleanest lines, prettiest bows, and cleanest edges. There are even guides for wrapping those odd-shaped gifts so you can ditch the store-bought gift bags.
Do you enjoy gift wrapping? Did we miss any tips for making wrapping fun and easy? Let us know in the comments!
Once upon a time…before Baltimore adopted the motto of “Greatest City in America”, benches across the city were etched with another maxim - “Baltimore: The City That Reads.” Packed with offbeat bookstores and storybook libraries and having been home to many famous poets and authors over the years, Baltimore surely is the perfect destination for any bookworm. Heck, we even named our NFL team after a famous poem! Whether you’re a Baltimore native or a bibliophile visiting for the weekend, here are the can’t-miss literary hot spots to discover in Charm City.
The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum
Photo Credit: 2021 Poe Baltimore
Edgar Allan Poe once lived at this house with his aunt, grandmother and two cousins. It has been very well preserved from its original state, so you can walk on the same floors and wander within the original walls that Poe once did! Among other significant artifacts, visitors to the Poe House can see the writing desk and chair where their famous poet created some of his earliest works .
The annual International Edgar Allan Poe Festival and Awards is also held across the street from the Poe House. The free event, which coincides each year with Poe’s death day, features Poe-themed performances, art, vendors, and food.
Westminster Hall & Burying Ground
Photo Credit: AndrewHorne, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Westminster Hall is an architectural landmark . The imposing brick church was built in the early 1850s. Among the historical figures buried here are famed poet Edgar Allan Poe and his wife and mother-in-law. It’s Poe’s final resting place in this cemetery which the mysterious masked figure – known only as the Poe Toaster – paid a yearly tribute to the famous writer. The tributer ( whose identity is still unknown ) would visit Poe’s grave each year on the anniversary of his death – and leave 3 roses and a bottle of cognac.
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Photo Credit: @emmanueldowntown
The first woman in history to receive a Pulitzer Prize for poetry , Edna St. Vincent Millay, frequently read during meetings of the Maryland Poetry Society at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Mount Vernon. Millay’s readings at Emmanuel Episcopal Church were no doubt riveting. Millay was known for her progressive political stances, frank portrayal of both hetero and homosexuality, and, above all, her embodiment and description of new kinds of female experience and expression.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s House
Photo Credit: Baltimore Sun
The last place famous author F. Scott Fitzgerald lived with his wife Zelda was at this Bolton Hill house . The Fitzgeralds’ time in Baltimore was a tumultuous one. Zelda spent her weekdays hospitalized at Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital for mental illness. Fitzgerald himself struggled with alcoholism and debt during his time in Baltimore. Nonetheless, Fitzgerald once wrote “I love Baltimore more than I thought— it is so rich with memories— it is nice to look up the street and see the statue of my great uncle ( sic) and to know that Poe is buried here and that many ancestors have walked in the old town by the bay. I belong here, where everything is civilized and gay and rotted and polite. And I wouldn’t mind a bit if in a few years Zelda and I could snuggle up together under a stone in some old graveyard here. That is really a happy thought and not melancholy at all.”
While living in the home on Park Avenue, Fitzgerald published his last novel - Tender Is the Night . Although the house is not open to the public, you can see a blue historical designation on the outside of the rowhome. The Fitzgeralds were also laid to rest not too far away – at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Rockville, Md.
Gertrude Stein’s House
Photo Credit: Smallbones, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gertrude Stein and her brother Leo lived at this house on East Biddle Street for about six years, before moving to Massachusetts for college. Life in Mount Vernon influenced much of Stein’s later work, including Ida: A Novel and the short story “Q.E.D.”
H.L. Mencken House
Photo Credit: @henrymenckenhouse
H.L. Mencken lived in Baltimore for more than 45 years and wrote for many city publications, including “The Baltimore Sun.” He was given the nickname the “Sage of Baltimore.” He lived in this brick rowhouse with a view of Union Square from 1883 until his death in 1956. It was recently renovated to become a museum dedicated to the author’s life and works.
Walters Art Museum
Photo Credit: The Walters Art Museum
Books come from all over the world to live at the Walters Art Museum in Mount Vernon. The museum’s extraordinary collection of rare books and manuscripts includes more than 900 illuminated manuscripts, 1,250 of the first printed books, and an important collection of post-1500 deluxe editions. First-printed editions of ancient texts by great thinkers such as Aristotle and Euclid, diaries written by Napoleon, and intricate bindings crafted by Tiffany are also among the jewels you can enjoy at this free museum.
Atomic Books
Photo Credit: @atomicbooks
While Baltimore is f illed with charming independent bookstores, Atomic Books, where famed Baltimore native John Waters collects his fan mail , is among the ones you absolutely can’t miss. “Literary finds for mutated minds” are the slogan of this independent Hampden bookstore, which has been curating an eclectic selection of comics, books, zines, and art for more than 20 years, and features a cozy bar in the back for hosting events.
Enoch Pratt Free Library
Photo Credit: @theprattlibrary
The main branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library takes up nearly an entire city block near Mount Vernon. An entire room at the library is dedicated to American writer H.L. Mencken, and there is also a collection of Edgar Allan Poe’s letters, poetry, and photographs—and even a lock of his hair. One of the oldest free public library systems in the United States, there are 22 additional branches throughout the city and surrounding area.
George Peabody Library
This expansive library in Mount Vernon near the Washington Monument has been described as a “cathedral of books” and is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The Peabody Library ‘s atrium is surrounded by six tiers of ornamental cast-iron balconies. The library’s 300,000 volume collection is open for perusal by the public, and it houses an impressive amount of H.L. Mencken’s writings. However, the library is currently closed due to Johns Hopkins University’s COVID-19 response , so make sure you check to make sure it’s open to the public before planning a visit!
Baltimore Book Festival
The Inner Harbor is turned into a book-lover’s paradise during this weekend-long festival . Hundreds of author appearances, readings and book signings take place, and exhibitors and booksellers set up shop in booths along the water. There are workshops, panel discussions, live music, and concessions, as well as plenty of hands-on activities for kids.
