Huri Larner

Why shopping at Aldi is a Big Deal?

Posted on November 17, 2019 by Huri Larner Blog Life Coaching 0

It matters where shop. It matters for different reasons. We may have emotional, habitual or convenience reasons for each type of shopping experience. However, for the majority of us, the most important reason that has an impact on our decision is the cost.

Let’s talk about the grocery shopping. Regardless of the season, time of the week or day, shopping for food is a must, and we have so many options. So, how can we pick the best choice? To be honest If I was very rich, I would go for Whole Foods, since it is not the case the best alternative for me is Aldi. I will share with you the reasons why I shop at Aldi, and also why you may consider it too. At least pay a visit, and see what Aldi is all about.

I started shopping at Aldi 4 years ago when it first opened in the town I lived. At first, I was pretty skeptical for many reasons. First of all, I was not familiar with the brand at all. Later on, I learned that it was based in Germany and has so many chain supermarkets all around the world, including the UK.

Second, I was questioning the prices, which were considerably lower than the other stores, such as Sam’s Club, Kroger, Meier and Walmart. In addition to that, the fresh produce, other dry food, and frozen food brands were new to me. Also, there were limited options and choices. However, after a few visits, I was hooked because I could buy organic vegetables cheaper than anywhere else, and still spend less money than I used to spend for my grocery shopping.

It was a life changer for me, because I used to do my grocery shopping based on the price tags. Sometimes, when I was about to buy something, I would realize that the price of the item was higher than I was willing to pay and put the item back to its shelf. Not anymore, especially when I am shopping at Aldi. I feel like shopping at Aldi made me not worry about the money that I spend on my food. Also, it makes feel wealthy and more positive.

I like their products, and also, I do not pay a fortune to eat organic food. I am very happy that they just opened a new location where our Gym is located. So, all my reasons came together to shop at Aldi; good location, good prices and organic food choices. If you do not want to pay more and get less, you must try Aldi. It is not an ordinary American store; it will take time to get used to it, but each time it will get better. You will love the feeling when you are paying at the cash register.

Four simple step to achieve your financial freedom

Posted on November 16, 2019 by Huri Larner Blog Life Coaching 0

Financial freedom is important. We all want to spend our money mindfully, save for our future, find the ways to invest and feel comfortable with our finances. Some of us do better than others. However, there should be a fine balance for how much we should spend, and how much we should save.

I learned to save money at an early age. I was raised in a family where we always had to think one step ahead and about tomorrow. I grew up with this mindset, and came to a point that all I thought about was saving money and my future. Back in 2016, I went to Chicago, beautiful weather, beautiful city. I was recommended to visit a roof top brunch restaurant. I waited 30 minutes to be seated, and finally it was time to order my breakfast. Unfortunately, it took me at least 20 min to decide what to eat. The menu was very limited and the prices were extremely high. Even though I was making decent money, I was not used to eating out, and paying over $40 for a simple breakfast was not acceptable even in Chicago. On one hand, I was ashamed of leaving the restaurant. On the other hand, I did not see the meaning in paying a fortune for a simple breakfast. I felt uncomfortable, and ended up ordering an egg benedict which was $18, and a cup of tea for $12. That day I promised myself I would learn to spend money. My problem was when I spent, I would feel guilty and sad. I needed to spend and enjoy the money I was making. It was hard to break my habit and it took 3 years. Finally, I started to spend more. Also, when I eat out, I’ve stopped ordering the cheapest meal on the menu. I still review the prices, but I order what I prefer and like the best. Not only did I start to spend more money, but also, I learned to enjoy spending.

I still enjoy saving money, and I’m trying to do it in a healthy way. I have still areas that l need to improve, because I still do not know how to have a balance.

Here are the 5 steps that were recommended by the top financial advisors, which can remind and guide us to manage our financial status better

Spend less than you make.

I know it is easy to say, and we know it already, but maybe today is the day. It is simple math. To be able to save, we should spend less than our income.

Track your spending.

We need to be aware where our money goes. We can write on a notebook, use an excel file, or use an app. There are so many apps available such as account patrol https://www.accountpatrol.com/ .By tracking our spending, we can find our fixed expenses and variable expenses. Our fixed expenses are our expenses that we must have, such as mortgage, insurance. etc. We may not be able to adjust these expenses, so we need to focus on our variable expenses, the expenses that we can adjust such as gym membership, movie, eating out. By recording our expenses, we can identify the ways to cut our spending. The easiest way to adjust our spending is pay all the fixed expenses and save 10% to 15 % min and spend the remaining amount. Using cash can create more awareness when you are shopping.

Pay all your credit cards’ debts.

It is important not to spend the money we do not have. Unfortunately, credit cards allow us to do so. If we pay credit cards late, we end up paying more than we originally spent. Once you pay all your credit cards’ debts, you feel better. I am sure you will sleep better as well.

Invest

We can make our money work for us. I wish I was an investment guru, but I am not. However, I have savings accounts that I can recommend to everyone. At least we can all open a savings account where we can get 1.5% to 2% interest rates. And also, you can learn other ways to invest in the stock market, CD’s Bonds, etc.

These are the steps I am following. However, we must remember that financial is all about balance. What works for one person, will not for everyone. We have to learn to enjoy our money by spending on the things that we enjoy, while still saving for the future. I hope we all can achieve financial freedom and have a comfortable life style without worrying about our future.

Financial Freedom

Posted on November 14, 2019 by Huri Larner Life Coaching 0

I will share with you tips and recommendations which can help you to improve your financials.

Aston Villa Love

Posted on November 10, 2019 by Huri Larner Blog I believe in Magic 0

Aston Villa Love

The people with whom we spend a lot of time have a huge impact on our life. So many of us sometimes end up doing things that we would initially think we would never do. The main reason for that is the people with whom we surround ourselves influence us and shape our life.

For example, I never thought that I would wake up at 6 am to watch a soccer game on a Saturday morning. How did this happen? The simple answer is that I married a soccer-lover husband. However, it took me 3 years to love watching soccer. I used to judge my husband each time he watched soccer games. I would say to him that he was wasting his time because the players were the ones who made millions, and he was the one who felt sad when they lost the game. Of course, he did not listen to me and kept supporting his team, Aston Villa. At that time, the only thing I knew about the Aston Villa was their famous claret and blue colors.

At the beginning of last year, Aston villa kept losing the games and their dream to go on to the premier league was about to fade. They sacked their coach. So, I found myself repeatedly asking my husband who would be new coach, and whose fault were the bad results. Later on, they hired a new coach, Dean smith. During the forming stage, they lost some games and they won some games. And finally, our dream came true; they managed to win the last 10 games of the championship and promoted to the premier league. It was clear that soccer was growing on me.

Unexpectedly, I started to watch their games with my husband, and I even have several favorite players. I must admit that, I feel very stressed while watching games especially when we play poorly against stronger teams. However, it makes me forget about everything during that 90mins. Many other stronger teams, which were already in the premier league, have very good players, and have more experience than us, but we are doing our best and playing pretty well. However, we lost many games and we are close to the relegation zone. We still have many games to play until the end of season, and I am very hopeful from our future.

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Parenting: A Child’s Perspective

Posted on November 3, 2019 by Huri Larner Blog Life Coaching 1

How can you comfort a little child if his parents keep arguing around him? I’m still trying to find the right answer. However, I know deep inside a child does not need a stranger’s comfort. He just needs a peaceful and safe home where his parents love and respect each other and him.

When I was a kid, my dad and my mom argued often about day-to-day things. It was their lifestyle, but for me, it was a scary situation. They would argue and later on, they could talk to each other and act like they were not the ones who yelled at each other a few minutes ago. I hated it. I must admit, they didn’t care about our development or how sad we were each time they argued. They both wanted to show that they were better than each other or impress others. When my dad talked to my mom, she would roll her eyes and he would feel more frustrated. I never wanted them to talk to each other until they clarified and solved their problems. But they never did. They are still the same people.

Finally, I accepted that what is unacceptable for me is normal for them. It was their lifestyle and they did not want to change. I wish I could go back in time and tell little Huri to not to be scared and worry. I wish I could tell her she is not the reason for their argument. I wish I could tell her to avoid them and do not try to fix things because they will never change, because with my little mind I was trying to find solutions to their problems.

Over the years, I learned that some couples like competition and argument, and they do not see anything wrong with it. What upsets me the most is that they are not aware of the unhappy life they put their kids through. I believe that if you have children you should put your ego on the side, think of them and their mental health, and get along with each other.

I do not think about the past anymore. I forgave my parents; they did their best. However, one of my friend’s son’s questions made me think about my childhood. We were babysitting for one of our friend’s children. We were in the kitchen. While I was cooking, my husband and the kids were eating. Out of nowhere, their son said that his parents often keep screaming at each other. I knew that they had some disagreements at home, but I never thought about the children and how these arguments affected them. He said that his mom argues more and they can’t get along about things. We were shocked and my heart was torn apart. He was so vulnerable. He was looking for help. My husband asked him, “How do you feel when they argue?” He said he felt “sad”. His voice got lost when he was repeating how he felt. He asked us if we could stay with them. My husband asked again, “Why do you want us to stay here?” He said that if we stayed there we could see when they fight. I wanted to protect him, but he didn’t need me. He needed a peaceful home and loving parents. He could have talked more but his parents came home, and he ran to them.

It was so sad. I could not sleep that night. I did not know what to do. I saw myself in him. I wanted to tell him that his parents love him and love each other, but we run out of time.

Now, what should I do? Should I talk with his parents? I feel like nothing will change and his parents will tell me that it is none of my business. But they have kids and they need to change their lifestyle. I’m not sure what is the best approach. Are not they grown-ups? Don’t they know that their kids would worry and be scared each time they argue?

The way his parents talk to each other and the sentences this little kid used, led me believe that they are using their kids against each other. My mom and dad were used to do the same thing. So, my mom was the one who played the victim when I was a kid. She would tell me that my dad was wrong and mean to her. She always complained about the decisions he took without asking her opinion, and he was the one who was irresponsible. I believed her and I felt sorry for her. I was scared of him more and blamed him for all the inconvenient things we faced.

That day, I saw the same pattern in this little kid’s life. He was showing sympathy to his dad because his dad was the one who was playing the victim. I wanted to tell his dad that he needed to grow up and stop complaining to his 4-year-old son about the problems he created. I wanted to tell him that he needed to see a therapist, but I could not tell him.

I recently learned that our adult brain develops until the age of 5 and what a child experiences in those early years affects his future. So, if we brought up a child to this world it is our responsibility to create for them safe, happy and loving family life.

We do not have children yet. However, I see that it is not easy to manage work, life, and children. But still, our priority must be our children whom we brought into this life.

After this experience, we decided to read and search more about how to raise children. So, we can become good parents. We want our children to have self-esteem and find us and our home as a safe place.

If you have a child, please think one more time before you speak, because children are like sponges for learning and hearing things. Our goal should be to become role models to them because every word we say and every action we do counts and shapes their life. Haim Ginott’s quote beautifully explain my long post with a sentence, “Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression.”

The Large Family Dilemma

Posted on October 19, 2019 by Huri Larner Blog 0

TOEFL Independent Writing Example 3 – Explain Both Sides Prompt

Some people believe that growing up in a large family, with several sisters and brothers, offers more advantages than disadvantages. Other people think that being the only child is more advantageous.

Write a short essay in which you discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each position. Explain which position you support.

Having children is a blessing and a wonderful experience. The important question is, how many children should we have? I have a big family. I love my family and sisters. However, we did not have an easy life while we were growing up, because there were too many of us. Because of my large family, I’ve always wondered what it would like to have a smaller family. Let’s look at the pros and cons of both.
Growing up in a large family has many benefits if the family is wealthy enough. Children can have a great opportunity to enjoy their childhood with their sisters and brothers without thinking about financial issues. Also, they can have better communication skills and learn to share and respect each other at an early age. The only disadvantage I can think of is having several children adds more financial burdens. If the family isn’t wealthy enough to support several children, this may create unhappiness and jealousy among the children. They could feel that the reason they do not have a comfortable life is their sisters or brothers.
Being an only child is a dream of most children who have sisters or brothers because the only child gets all the family’s attention. An only child will have her own room, can attend more activities and has most of the things she needs and wants. Even though she may feel lonely from time to time, they can have play dates with the other children. Another disadvantage of being the only child is that she may be bombarded with her parents’ expectations.
I have 3 sisters, and I always dreamed of being the only child. When we were young, we had limited resources, and we had to share everything. If I needed new shoes, my sisters needed them at the same time too. I never liked to see the desperate look on my dad’s face each time we needed something new. It was hard on them as much as it was hard on us. For example, we always wanted to join the school trips, but according to my dad, it was a luxury expense. It was not just the school trips that we missed; we missed a beautiful childhood while we were facing the financial issues that our parents had the children around us were from families with only one or two children. So, sometimes I would feel shy to tell that we were four girls. They always dressed better and had fancy birthday parties, but we never did. I always thought if I was the only child, I could have a better life like others. Even though we always had enough and what is necessary, as a child, I wanted to have more than just the basics. We all graduated from good colleges, and we all have decent lives now. However, I still feel sad when I think back and remember our tough times. I would never want my children to worry about what I can afford or what I can’t afford. For these reasons, I believe that being an only child has more advantageous.
In conclusion, I am of the opinion that being the only child is the best. I love the quote, “The grass is always greener on the other side.”, and I know I may be biased about my opinion. On the other hand, our childhood and the time we spend with our parents at an early age are very valuable and irreplaceable. So, if having several children means working weekends and worrying about finances, I definitely believe that having one child is the smartest thing to do.

Neighbors are Unavoidable

Posted on October 13, 2019 by Huri Larner Blog 0

TOEFL Independent Writing Example 2 – Stating a Preference

Neighbors are the people who live near us. In your opinion, what type of neighbor is the best to have?

Use specific details and examples in your answer.

Would you move out just because you are not happy with your neighbors? Personally, I believe that having a good neighbor who is similar to us, with a similar lifestyle and values is very important. I feel this way for two reasons.

First of all, neighbors are the people who we see daily, and with whom we share a common public environment. So, we must have at least basic communication with them to make our life easier. If we are lucky, we may end up having neighbors similar to us, with whom we may become friends. But if our neighbors have an opposite lifestyle from us, this may create a conflict. My personal experience is a compelling example of this. My husband and I have a simple life. We are quiet, very respectful to our neighbors. We always keep our driveways clean and park our cars in a dedicated area. On the other hand, our next-door neighbors always have company. Their garage door and front door are always open. We always see new people around our home. Not only do they talk loudly, but also, they drink and smoke in front of their home. Sometimes we can smell the smoke from our home which bothers us a lot. So, we wish, we had neighbors who had similar values with us. We are hoping they would move out soon before we do.

Secondly, having neighbors who have similar characteristics with you may change your life in a good way. For instance, my husband has a grandma whom I adore and visit whenever we go to his hometown. She always sends us cards for our birthdays and anniversaries. As a matter fact, she was not his real grandma. She used to be their neighbor, who was very honest, friendly and helpful. They used to visit each other very often and spend time as a family. She even used to take care of my husband and his brother when their mother had to run errands. Over the years, their relationship transformed them to a family. The first year of our marriage I did not know that she was not related to them, because they consider her as their real grandma and did not need to mention to me the details.

In conclusion, I am of the opinion that having neighbors who are similar to us is the best. This is because it is easy to find common ground and build good relationships with people who has similar values with us and also it is easy to tolerate their social activities. I do not know if I would go to the extreme of moving away from my neighbors, but it is wonderful to have neighbors who are similar to you.

TOEFL – Independent Writing Samples

Posted on October 13, 2019 by Huri Larner Blog 0

Here are some TOEFL Independent Writing Samples.

Stating a Preference

Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014)

Posted on October 7, 2019 by Huri Larner Blog Hope 0

Another documentary has left us with an uncomfortable feeling. Not only did it make us aware of the negative impact of the livestock production to the environment, but also it made us realize how the environmental organizations tolerate it.

We did not know that the major climate change contributor was the livestock, but none of the nonprofit environment organizations acknowledged it. I am not an expert and I wish we could see these organizations responses to be able see their point of view. Unfortunately, none of them made any comment about it. Kip Andersen, the film maker sent many e-mails and made many phone calls to be able to get an appointment to talk and understand why these organizations did not mentioned the Livestock in their website and in their actions. They did not accept to see him or send proper e-mails on the issue.

It was eye opening and shocking for us. Some organizations accepted to see him. However, when they were asked for the first reason that needs to be addressed to prevent climate change, it was not the livestock. It was not even in their list. When they were reminded about the United Nation report, they did not want to make any comment and they said it was not their field.

No one wants to talk and admit, but according to the United Nation report “Rearing cattle produces more greenhouse gases than driving cars.”

Considering the documentary was released in 2014, I have checked some of the popular environmental organizations websites to see if they have any update on their websites. I checked their 2018 annual report, which does not include livestock.

Most of them present themselves to the world as the world’s leading independent, environmental campaigning organization. They do not take money from governments or corporations, but they ask for donations. However, after watching the documentary I am not sure anymore what are their purpose and who they serve?

I highly recommend everyone to watch it. You do not have to be vegan, but you should be aware of this sad truth.

Notes from the Documentary that I found interesting and UN report;

Kip Andersen: Cows and other farmed animals produce a substantial amount of methane from their digestive processes. Methane gas from livestock is 86 times more destructive than CO2 from vehicles.

Kip Andersen: So much attention is given to lowering our home water-use, yet domestic use is only 5% of what is consumed in the U.S. vs. 55% for animal agriculture. That’s because it takes upwards of 2500 gallons water to produce one pound of beef.

Kip Andersen: Raising animals for food is responsible for 30% of the world’s water consumption, occupies about 45% of the Earth’s land, is responsible for up to 91% of Brazilian Amazon destruction, is the leading cause of ocean “dead zones,” habitat destruction, and species extinction

https://news.un.org/en/story/2006/11/201222-rearing-cattle-produces-more-greenhouse-gases-driving-cars-un-report-warns

It Is too Soon to Say Goodbye…

Posted on October 7, 2019 by Huri Larner Blog Hope 0

I am sure most of you heard the quote, “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone.” To be honest, I found this quote a little bit cliché until last week. On Sunday, October 29^th, we lost my aunt. She had cancer and she had survived 5 years. She was the only relative I cared about other than my parents and sisters. However, over the years we lost contact. It is so sad and hard to accept, but I missed my chance to reconnect with her. She is gone.

I was living in China when I learned that she had cancer. I was very busy with my job; I was trying to learn a new language and adjust to my new life style. I can’t even remember now if I called her not when I learned that she had cancer. Later on, I moved to the USA, again I was busy with my new job and with my own problems. Also, living abroad made me more estranged from my sisters, my parents and my aunt. I was on my own and working so hard to deal with everything. I was somehow upset with everyone deep inside. I was thinking that no one helped me, supported me. They did not even ask me how I was managing my life in a foreign country by myself. When my mom would remind me to call my sisters or my aunt, and I would get more annoyed and would not understand how they would expect me to call them or to communicate with them. They were the ones who should have called me. So, I was focused on my life and I was not in touch with anyone.

For the first time in a long time, I saw her in July 2017 when I went to Turkey to introduce my husband, then my boyfriend, to my parents. We stopped by to see my aunt, she looked fine and I guess I assumed she recovered from her cancer. The second time I saw her was last year in September. We were in Turkey again for our wedding. She joined our wedding dinner. When I thanked her for joining our wedding, she mentioned that she had had chemotherapy the same day and she was not feeling well, but she did not want to miss our special day. When I think back, I feel like I was so mindless because I did not spend time with her. I missed another chance.

What was I thinking? Why did not I spend a day with her and try to guide her, explain to her the importance of nutrition and healthy diet? Or why didn’t I invite her to have a dinner or a SPA day with us? The only reason that came to my mind is, I guess I thought she did not need me, and we were not close anymore. I was thinking that my both cousins were graduated and working, and they were giving her financial and moral support. Also, besides her, I was not talking to my cousins anymore, so that was another reason why it was not easy for me to reconnect. I did not have anything against my cousins. I felt like I was the one who always gives more, and I decided to cut it off when I was in China.

A few months ago, her cancer reoccurred, and she had another surgery. After that everything got worse. She was in a lot of pain. Over the time the chemotherapy did not kill the cancer cells, but it ruined her organs. My mom was with her most of her time at the hospital and at home. I am so thankful to her, because she gave me an opportunity to talk to my aunt one more time. I sent her a small gift; I want to believe that it made her happy. She wanted to talk to me on the phone even though she was having a hard time talking. I tried to teach her positive affirmations. We said together ’my cells are renewing; I am getting better’. It was our last communication.

I woke up on Sunday with my sister’s text message, which informed me and Yeliz about her death. I felt miserable. I felt the urge to see her face, and I found my cousin’s graduation pictures. She looked happy in those pictures. I also have our face time picture from our last conversation while she was sending me kisses. It is the only relief I have.

She is gone, and I can’t change anything. I will make a list of the people for whom I care the most and reconnect with them before it is too late. Maybe next time I will not have to realize the value of the people only when I lose them…

About Me

Namaste and Laugh: There’s No Shame in the Fall

I’m a Project Manager with a deep passion for both professional and personal growth. Designing and building the next generation of vehicles is incredibly rewarding, but it comes with its challenges—especially for someone as emotionally invested as I am!

Even after 20 years in the industry, I’m still honing my emotional intelligence, learning how to navigate high-pressure environments while staying grounded. Yoga and meditation help me find that balance, keeping me present both at work and at home with my wonderful (and very energetic!) two kids and my amazing husband.