Finding Peace Amidst the Hustle

December is nutty. While this season carries so much joy, it is easy to get lost in the slue of invitations, party sign up sheets, gift lists, and gatherings. We wanted to share a few practical reminders to help you slow down and catch a breath this holiday season.

Say no to something.

This may come naturally or be a challenge for you, but either way it is essential. If we approach every invitation or suggestion as necessity - we will burn out. The same principle we preach all year around applies (maybe more than ever) now - if it’s all “important”, really none of it is “important”. Use discretion, pause, and consider a few things before rsvp-ing YES to everything that comes your way. This is a way of creating margin where possible in your day, week, and life overall.

• Running from place to place with tired children? No thank you.

• Sitting in traffic to arrive late and hurry on to the next thing? Let’s not.

• Placing online order after online order frantically to realize you spent more than you intended? Not this year.

Schedule “downtime”.

Whether this is a routine rhythm in your houe or not, this is a great time of year to begin practicing it. Just like all of us humans need rest, maybe we should let our devices rest. Turn the screens off. Give your eyes and ears a break from stimulization. You’ll be amazed what you might notice - the smell of snowy air, the sound of birds or leaves rustling in the cold, the fresh air on your face. Take a walk, play a board game, light a candle, turn on the instrumental music. Basically, turn down the volume on all the loudness of life around you. You know when something isn’t working and you have to unplug it and give it a few minutes - this might be exactly what we need to do with ourselves.

A local favorite, Christmas Lemon Cookies from Ham’n Goodys.

Savor meaningful traditions.

Before you try to create a dozen special things to do every year, just pick one. Was there something you did with friends or family that was special last year? Schedule a time to engage in it again this year, it’s that simple - now it’s an annual tradition. It doesn’t need to be expensive or elaborate. For example - last year we decided to let our kids and our friends kids decorate sugar cookies with an ungodly amount of icing and sprinkles (while a majority of it was consumed during the decorating) then we took them on a freezing cold caroling blitz to some our friendliest neighbors. We laughed, we made messes, we cleaned them up, we cheered some folks up, and we decided we should do it again.

Looking for a new experience this season? Climb aboard the Christmas Lantern Express or snag a ticket to see the Polar Express in the beautiful Tennessee Theatre.

Remember what matters.

There are so many folks and organizations doing charitable things this season, so why not join in? Reminding ourselves (and our children) that this season of giving is so much more impactful when we remember it’s not just about us. Look outside your own home, or neighborhood, and to the needs of those less fortunate.

A few ways to give back…

Restoration House has an Amazon wishlist full of items needed to help the families they serve settle into their homes. Purchase a personalized photo gift for someone on your list, while a portion of the sales go to support the Secret Safe Place for Newborns of TN. Gather excess new and unopened items from your own kitchen or bathroom for the Angelic Ministries needs list. Make a difference in our local community by participating in one of the many ways the Knoxville Community Action Committee has organized this year. Provide a gift or volunteer your time Helen Ross McNabb’s Dear Santa program. Give financially or fill a “Gift of Change” gift sack for our friends at Helping Mamas Knoxville. Shop for new items for kids entering the foster care system on the Isaiah 117 House needs list. Show some neighborly love by hand delivering a poinsetta, fresh wreath, or holiday cookies to someone on your street.

Look back, to look forward.

As the year quickly comes to a close, don’t find yourself spinning from all the busyness. Some slow moments can turn a whirlwind of a year past, into meaningful reflections and insights. A writer we love, Tsh Oxenrider, has put together some End of Year Reflection Questions we love.

In what ways did you dwell well this year?

Raise the Tree Christmas Tree Farm in Knoxville, TN.

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Recently on the blog…

How to Organize and Store Your Kids' Artwork

Summer is almost over, and if your household is anything like ours, you've been buried under a mountain of arts and crafts projects all season long. And guess what? The school year is just around the corner! Which means even more masterpieces are about to flood in the door. If your little artists have been flexing their creative muscles, it's time to think about how to showcase their incredible work! While the fridge door with its trusty magnets is a classic, let's explore 5 other fun and creative ways to display your kids' artwork around the house. Celebrate creativity and bring a splash of color into your home by showing off your kids’ imaginations through their art!

Art Gallery Wall

Is there a small room, closet, or even a blank wall in your home that you just can’t figure out how to make interesting? This is the perfect opportunity to create a gallery wall featuring your child’s artwork. This might sound simple, but it can be an adorable and rewarding project for both you and your little one!

Picture it like this: Each frame on the wall holds a unique piece of your child's creativity, from adorable finger paintings to vibrant crayon masterpieces. Every so often, you and your budding artist can host a mini "gallery opening" where you swap out old pieces for new ones. This ritual keeps the space looking fresh and exciting, and it instills a sense of pride and accomplishment in your child.

This method will make your child feel like a true artist, seeing their work displayed prominently and celebrated in your home. This might be one of my favorite methods of displaying your child’s artwork because it's not just about decorating a wall; it's about creating a space that honors their creativity and growth.

So, take that blank wall and turn it into a dynamic, ever-evolving gallery that showcases your child's imagination and talent. It's a beautiful way to make use of an otherwise overlooked space, bringing color, joy, and a personal touch to your home.

If you are considering making an art gallery wall in your home, check out this blog post by Jessica Brigham for an in-depth tutorial!

Storage Frame

But the magic doesn’t stop there. One of my favorite products for displaying kids’ artwork is these frames. These ingenious frames open from the front, making it a breeze to add and remove artwork. Imagine when your child comes home from school with a brand-new painting, bursting with excitement to show you. Within minutes, it's proudly displayed on the ‘art gallery’ wall, front and center. Even better, these frames are designed to hold multiple pieces of art, so the older ones don’t get lost—they're just waiting at the back for their turn on display again. 

One week, your living room might be filled with springtime flowers and sunshine, and the next, it’s a collection of spooky Halloween scenes. This constant rotation keeps your home vibrant and your child engaged, always excited to see their latest creation displayed for everyone to admire. Rotating art frames not only simplify the process of showcasing your child’s masterpieces but also celebrate their ongoing creativity. It's a dynamic way to honor their artistic journey, providing a beautiful and ever-changing gallery that reflects their growth and imagination. If you can’t tell by now, these are a Help You Dwell favorite and can be found on our Amazon Storefront!

Wire and Clips

Think back to your college days when hanging photos with clothespins and fairy lights was all the rage. Now, you're channeling that same carefree, creative vibe but with your kid’s artwork. Use a sturdy wire stretched across the wall, and adorn it with colorful clothespins holding the latest drawings, collages, and paintings. This setup transforms any playroom or bedroom into a whimsical gallery of imagination and color!

The playful and dynamic nature of this display adds a touch of magic to your home. It's not just about showcasing the art; it's about creating an interactive and evolving gallery. The best part? Your kids can easily switch out the art themselves. This setup also encourages your children to engage with their artwork in a new way. They get to be both the artist and the curator, deciding which masterpiece deserves the spotlight!

This method of displaying art is not only fun and interactive but also practical. It keeps the artwork organized and off the floor, while still being easily accessible. Plus, it adds a charming, personal touch to your home decor, making the space feel lively and unique. So, grab some wire, colorful clothespins, and start creating your own whimsical art display. It's a simple, affordable way to celebrate your child’s creativity and bring a joyful, ever-changing gallery into your home.

If you’re not the type to DIY, here is an awesome product that comes with clips to easily hang art. This picture rail is perfect for displaying family photos, polaroids, and, most importantly, your children's art. This kit includes 6 metal wire ropes, 2 wide rails, and 48 magnetic clips, creating a sleek and modern look. It's sturdy and versatile, making it great for home, office, or even a classroom. With easy mounting instructions and all necessary hardware included, your new display unit will be ready in minutes!

Custom Photo Book

If you don’t want to display the artwork, you can create a beautiful keepsake of your child’s artwork. Every year, you and your kids can sit down together to create a custom book filled with their best artwork. This annual tradition becomes a delightful trip down memory lane as you flip through pages of colorful creations and reminisce about the stories behind each piece. Each book is a vibrant testament to their artistic journey, capturing the evolution of their creativity year by year.

These custom photo books not only make wonderful keepsakes but also help manage the physical clutter of saved artwork. Instead of struggling to find space for every drawing and painting, you can preserve the most memorable pieces in a beautifully organized and compact format. Imagine a bookshelf lined with these precious books, each one a snapshot of a different stage in your child's artistic development.

Creating these books can even turn into a cherished family tradition. As you gather around the table, your kids can select their favorite pieces, recalling the moments and inspiration behind each one. This shared activity will create lasting memories, making the process as meaningful as the finished product!

A photo book like this becomes more than just collections of art; they become time capsules of your child's growth and imagination. So, make this tradition a part of your family’s routine. Gather your kids, sort through their artwork, and create a custom photo book each year. It’s a simple, heartfelt way to celebrate their creativity and preserve the precious memories of their artistic journey.

Personalized Art Boxes

Creating a separate art box for each of your children is both a practical and sentimental way to store all of their creations. These clear plastic bins offer an excellent solution for organizing and preserving their masterpieces. Each child having their own box makes it easy to keep track of individual artworks, and the transparent nature of the bins allows for quick and easy access. They can be neatly stacked or stored away when not in use, helping to manage the clutter efficiently.

In my opinion, this system is the best and easiest way to not only manage the clutter but also gives each child a special place for their art. For an added fun twist, have each child decorate their box with colorful letters spelling their name on the outside. This adds a personal touch and makes the boxes even more special!

These bins are also perfect for storing larger or more delicate pieces that might not fit in a photo book, ensuring that every cherished artwork has its place. With personalized art boxes, every drawing, painting, and sculpture is preserved.

Organizing Kids’ Spaces with Help You Dwell

If you’re looking for more innovative ways to manage and celebrate your child's creativity, be sure to check out our Kids’ Spaces Guide. This comprehensive guide is packed with tips and ideas for organizing kids' spaces throughout your home. From creating art galleries and custom photo books to designing functional and fun play areas, we cover it all. Our guide will help you transform cluttered areas into organized, inspiring environments that foster creativity and joy. Click here to purchase your copy and start turning your home into a beautifully organized haven for your little ones today!

Please note that when you use our Amazon storefront affiliate links, we may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us continue providing valuable content. Thank you!

Organizing Tips for an Older Home

One of the best parts of the work we do at Help You Dwell is getting to visit so many different types of homes across Knoxville and surrounding areas. Oftentimes, our clients will reach out because they live in an older home with little storage and lots of organizing challenges. And we love a good challenge!

Edenvale, my childhood home

Growing up in a home built in 1857, where my parents still reside, has given me a front row seat watching my mother’s ingenuity in utilizing various types of furniture to create order in our home.

Now, at Help You Dwell, we have had the great pleasure of working in dozens of homes facing similar challenges. Here are some of our favorite solutions for homes designed before IKEA, Amazon, and Home Goods made it way too easy to fill our homes to the brim!

Have a wall? Add a hook or two!

One common necessity missing in many older homes is an entryway closet. Without that convenient spot to hang coats, purses, backpacks, or leave your rain boots, the entryway can become a cluttered mess, scattering these all over the house.

Instead, we’ve installed a few systems to best utilize the entry space and make the most of that area. And let’s not forget the tried-and-true hall tree, which can whip an entryway into shape in a jiffy.

Bookshelves are our friends.

I’ve lived in a 4 different homes built before before 1930 and have come to realize the great versatility, function, and beauty of a good bookshelf. A bookshelf can do much more than hold books because of the many options of decorative baskets and bins available these days to match any design style. They also come in so many different sizes and styles that you can find what you need to fit just about any space.

We’ve used bookcases in kids’ rooms for toy bins, easy-access clothing, collectibles, and books. They’ve been incorporated into kitchens for storing excess items when cabinet space is limited. One area that can greatly benefit, but isn’t often considered, is the landing at top of the stairs. This can be a great way to store linens in cloth baskets if you’re lacking a linen closet, or it can be a catch-all for electronic accessories, toiletry refills, or other items that need a home.

Another helpful aspect of using bookcases is their versatility - they aren’t permanent fixtures. As your season of life changes, so do the items in your home. Bookcases allow you to easily adjust and adapt to honor those changes.

Cupboards, Armoires, and Dressers… oh my!

Another go-to for creating order in an older home is to use a beautiful heirloom, an antique piece, or a practical furniture item to store a variety of items.

As my children have grown older, I’ve repurposed one special red dresser in various ways. Initially, it held their clothes; later, it found use near our kitchen for their plates, cups, and more. For a brief period, it served as a bedside table, and its final role in our home was storing art supplies. Another versatile piece we have is an antique meal bin. Ours currently houses our pup’s food.

We’ve helped to convert armoires to office supply storage, used antique cupboards for overflow kitchen storage, and filled dressers with family games, puzzles, bed linens and table linens.

Help You Dwell loves to honor the history and character of an old home. Being resourceful with the pieces you already own, or thoughtfully considering the next piece to bring into your home, can be game changers for creating organization within your space.

We’d love to hear about some of the creative ways you’ve stored your belongings as well! Please share your ideas in our comments below or share a challenge in your home that we can help you with.

We can’t wait to help you dwell!

Savoring the Season: Simplify Your Celebration

Hosting can be stressful. The familiar worries always seem to creep in: "Do I have enough food? Is the table set perfectly? Have I accommodated everyone? Is everyone having fun? Am I even having fun??" 

The list of worries seems never-ending, and if you've ever played the role of the host, you've likely felt the nagging sense of worry that threatens to overshadow the joy of being surrounded by our loved ones. Well I am here to remind you, a shared meal or any gathering for that matter doesn't need to be fancy or stressful – It's about connecting, sharing stories, and creating lasting memories.

Image - Texture Photo

The key to an enjoyable gathering lies in simplifying the process. You don't need to strive for perfection or overwhelm yourself with the details. Instead, focus on the privilege of being able to gather with loved ones, an experience that should never be taken for granted.

Space Planning: 

Before you start setting the table and sending out invitations, begin with a practical task that will ease the overall process. Take the time to declutter and organize your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Clear out expired snacks and consider using those bags of frozen veggies to create a hearty stew or use the frozen fruit in your holiday pie. By freeing up this space, you'll not only make the day of your gathering less stressful but also ensure there's plenty of room to store leftovers!

Help You Dwell - Organize

At a recent project, our team had the pleasure of working with a client who frequently hosts and caters to large groups. Our goal was to set up this space to streamline her collection of baking & cooking supplies within her pantry. We were able to optimize this space ensuring that everything is accessible and thoughtfully arranged, just in time for the holiday season!

Embrace what you have: 

You don't need excessive decor or an elaborate tablescape to impress your guests. When it comes to holiday decor, less is often more. Start by choosing a simple and cohesive 'scheme' for your decorations. This can be as simple as selecting a color palette or a specific theme that resonates with the holiday spirit you wish to convey.

Skip the clutter! Avoid the temptation to clutter your space with unnecessary decorations. Overloading your home with seasonal decor can not only be overwhelming to the eye but can also make hosting more complicated. My favorite simple way to decorate your holiday tablescape is to take a step outside and scavenge for wildflowers, branches or dried leaves!

Whether you collect a few branches of evergreen, arrange acorns in a glass jar, or create a centerpiece with dried leaves, the simplicity of nature can be beautiful. These elements can be easily collected, and when the festivities are over, they can be returned to the great outdoors - now that’s an easy clean up! Remember: the key to a memorable holiday gathering lies in the warmth of your hospitality and the joy of your company. Simplify your decor, relax, and enjoy the festivities.

Let your friends help you:

Don't bear the full weight of hosting on your shoulders. Instead, invite your guests to participate and share in the responsibilities. After all, everyone has a favorite dish, and every good guest wants to contribute in some way. As the host, it's perfectly acceptable to delegate tasks!

Image - Texture Photo

By involving your guests in this way, you not only reduce your personal burden but also enhance the sense of togetherness and shared accomplishment. Hosting a memorable gathering becomes a collective effort, making the experience more enjoyable and meaningful for everyone involved.

Hosting should be a joyous and heartwarming experience, not a daunting or overwhelming one. By focusing on what truly matters – the connections we forge and the love we share – you can create a gathering that everyone will treasure. So, release the burden of perfection and enjoy the journey of hosting, a privilege that brings people closer and creates beautiful memories to cherish for years to come.

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The holiday hustle and bustle can sometimes get the best of us, but having a plan and keeping things simple can bring calm to the chaos of holiday party planning. If you need someone to help bring it all together, Help You Dwell would love to assist you in preparing your home for your next event.

Image - Texture Photo

We’ve still got availability on our calendar to schedule your holiday prep + takedown services this year. 

Let us Help You Dwell this holiday season.

Embracing Autumn’s Arrival: Transform Your Entryway For Fall

The arrival of autumn heralds a change in the air, the crisp scent of falling leaves, and a burst of warm colors that ignites our senses. It's the season of cozy sweaters, pumpkin flavored everything, and, of course, the perfect time to spruce up your home's entryway to reflect the beauty of fall! In this guide, we'll take you through some tips on how you can create a warm and inviting entryway that celebrates the magic of autumn.

1. Start with a Clean Slate 

Before you dive into any seasonal decorating, it's essential to start with a clean and clutter-free space. This is the ideal time to bid farewell to the items that accumulate by your entry way over the long summer months—expired sunscreen, old sunglasses, and summer toys—and either store them away or discard them. Give the area a thorough cleaning to prepare it for the upcoming season of indoor living.

2. Embrace Cozy Storage Solutions

As the days grow cooler, you'll want easy access to your fall essentials. Consider incorporating furniture with drawers or hooks to keep small accessories like gloves, scarves, and hats neatly organized. Creating a designated spot for these items not only adds functionality but also offers you the opportunity to rediscover those seasonal autumn accessories you haven't seen in a year! This simple addition will infuse a touch of autumn/winter fashion and cozy charm into your entryway.

Entryway Wall Shelf with Hooks

Entryway Storage Bench

Antique Cast Iron Wall Hanger

3. Create a Warm & Welcome Exterior

To set the stage for a warm welcome, add a touch of fall foliage to your porch or door. A fall wreath, a couple of potted mums, or some strategically placed pumpkins can instantly infuse your entryway with the spirit of the season. You don't need an overwhelming amount of decor to create an inviting autumn ambiance. A simple seasonal welcome mat is an extra touch of charm that your guests will surely appreciate.

Berries + Leaves Iron Wreath

Wooden Harvest Floral Wreath

Buffalo Plaid Check Rug

4. Decorate with Autumnal Flair

Petite Pumpkins: Display small pumpkins and gourds on shelves, tables, or even your entryway bench. Their warm hues and unique shapes add a touch of rustic elegance.

Candles and Lanterns: Place candles or lanterns with warm, flickering lights to create a cozy atmosphere. Scented candles with autumn fragrances like cinnamon and sandalwood or vanilla and apple spice can enhance your entryway experience.

Beaded Pumpkin Lantern Set

Amber + Vanilla Candle

Teak Pumpkins

Remember, the key to creating an autumnal entryway is to keep it simple and reflective of your personal style. Whether you prefer an eclectic rustic look or a more modern and minimalist approach, there are countless ways to infuse the warm feelings of fall into your home's entrance. With a clean slate, a dash of creativity, and a love for the season, your entryway can become a delightful reflection of autumn's splendor.

There’s no better time than now to get started on prepping your home to help create an environment that brings you peace before a busy season of holidays and hosting. Remember, bringing calm and order to your home is a process and we are happy to help you along the way!

CALL US AT 865.245.9080 OR BOOK OUR SERVICES HERE!

Please note that when you use our Amazon storefront affiliate links, we may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us continue providing valuable content. Thank you!

1 Year Later

Our azaleas were showstoppers this spring.

One year ago my husband and I moved into our current home. A whole year later, I am flooded with gratitude as I reflect on the past year of living here.

I am obsessed with old houses, character, charm, quirks, etc. And our (old) house has lots of that, but what I’ve realized is that my gaze has shifted from the house itself to the life we’ve lived in it. There are so many moments I want to bottle up and remember forever, and they have less to do with the stuff and more to do with the people. That may sound obvious, but I am someone who LOVES to create a place (think- decor, pillows, candles, music, etc.) and it’s taken adding our baby girl to the mix for me to see how much less those things matter than I thought they did.

View from living room into dining room.

Back deck.

A safe, cozy, inviting home is still important to me. But some of my favorite meals of the past year have been eaten on paper plates at our ottoman in the living room or on our patio table we found at a yard sale. The shelves in the laundry room are not as tidy as they were when I was intensely nesting, and I’m ok with that. I’m learning that I can be settled and enjoy a place (our home) even when things are unsettled (think- unmade beds, chaotic refrigerator shelves, leaves on the floor in the entryway, piles of baby clothes to name a few). We all have heard that perfection isn’t the goal, and I’m just here as an honest control freak to say it again. Let’s enjoy our homes, the people in them, the neighbors on our street, and the smell of your favorite fall candle.

View from back of the house.

A year into living in this home, I’m more convinced than ever that we have the best neighbors in the world. In a culture of individualism and society filled with so much division, there is nothing sweeter than a kind neighbor. I wish everyone could have even just one neighbor like the ones we’ve gotten to know over the past year. They’ve checked our mail, cut our grass, brought us food, dropped fresh flowers at the door, shared yard tools, passed down baby clothes, taught us how to trim rhododendron bushes, made us cocktails, invited us onto their porches, laughed with us, held our baby, and so much more. The gift of good neighbors is one we did not anticipate and it’s been the sweetest surprise. Knowing you have people around you who care, is no small thing.

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If our walls could talk… they’d tell stories like these:

There were a lot of poopy diapers, but even more baby giggles.

Learning about the parts of our HVAC unit on chilly days with our favorite handyman.

Eating takeout on the living room floor because hand washing dishes is not for the faint of heart.

Hosting our first Easter and Mother’s Day on my husbands great-grandmother’s table.

Smoking lots and lots of meat and brewing too many pots of coffee.

Taking daily walks and learning the names of neighbors and their dogs.

Watching Premier league soccer on Saturday mornings.

Cleaning up baby food off the floor below the highchair.

Gathering friends to watch Wimbledon and eat breakfast casserole.

Pulling weeds and borrowing the neighbors lawnmower.

Having a glass of wine on the porch after the baby goes to bed.

Pots of soup and chili made in an outdated kitchen.

Folding laundry on the living room floor while baby girl does tummy time.

Making and remaking the guest bed for lots of family visits.

Inviting friends over to help us choose where to hang art on our walls.

This is the good stuff. It’s not perfect and not always easy. But I am so grateful for the beauty and meaning and abundant life we’ve experienced in this home over the past year. Now the same leaves we watched grow in the Spring, are falling to the ground and so it goes. Thanks for coming along for my reflective journey. Cheers to many more meaningful days in the places we call home!

Is Your Home a Reflection of You?

Photo by Brooke Phillips.

As we begin a new year, we want to encourage you to reflect on a few questions we often explore with our clients. The hands on “organizing” and “packing/unpacking” work we do is important, however the deeper work we do often has more meaningful implications than we can express through before & after images.

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Take some time to consider these questions:

What do you love about your home?

What are a few of your favorite memories or meaningful moments that have taken place in your home?

What do you hope others feel when they spend time in your home?

Does your home decor and style consist of your own selections? Or is it a combination of gifts from loved ones and passed down pieces from family members?

Where do you find inspiration for your home?

Who do you trust to help you make decisions about your home?

Where do you go in your home to find rest?

What are values that you’d like your home to reflect?

What do you wish you could change in your home?

Are there areas in your home that cause you to feel overwhelmed?

What is one improvement you could make to your space that would increase your enjoyment?

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Photo by Texture Photo.

Before we begin any home organizing project, we create space to listen first. This allows us to gain a more full understanding of why a client reached out to us and what hurdle they are hoping to overcome. Life is messy, complicated, and unpredictable - and our homes are often affected by the events and seasons of our lives. We remind our clients that feeling shame around the current status of their home is not helpful, beneficial, or necessary. Rather, we encourage them to dream again of what their space could look/feel/be like. We remind our clients that their home is never too far gone & there is always somewhere to start.

Do you have an area of your home you’re ready to reclaim? Our team is ready to help.

Start the conversation today.

Sidenote: Just as we are continually encouraged and inspired by our clients stories, our team is made up of strong, resilient, and talented organizers who each bring a unique set of life experiences that enable us to serve clients facing all kinds of challenges. Read more about them here.