Launched in the summer of 2016, the New York Times Smarter Living section was created with the mission to help readers live better lives by publishing stories that have fallen between the news desks. Since then, the section has produced more than 250 pieces offering useful advice on a wide range of topics -- including career and finance, love and relationships, health and wellness, and more -- that have been read by more than 22 million unique readers. Smarter Living collects these very popular pieces into one handy guide, creating a trusted source that will appeal to those just starting out as well those looking for new approaches to life's problems. The book identifies 5 key areas for building a better life: Work, Nest, Invest, Relate, and Thrive. Each area contains advice curated from the column on topics such as the Art of the Out of Office Reply, the Annual Home Checklist, What to Do When You're Bad at Money, How to Maintain Friendships, and How to Be Better About Stress. Each entry breaks down these sometimes overwhelming topics into manageable tasks through clear and concise guidance, easy-to-follow lists, and informative sidebars. Thoughtfully designed with bright, four-colour illustrations similar to those found in the section, Smarter Living will be a perennial reference on how to create a healthy and happy life.

This book can assist small businesses, nonprofits and local community groups in getting key information across to the general public and to stakeholders. This updated edition contains new information on social media, crisis communications and strategic communications planning. Readers will learn: What the media wants - How to create crisis communications and strategic communications plans - How to reach target audiences - How to write media advisories, press releases and organize press conferences - How to handle tough interviews and press conferences. What communications experts are saying about 30 Things... "Tim Herrera does a tremendous job of demystifying how the news business works..." -Kevin Riggs, Sr. Vice President, Randle Communications, Sacramento "I plan on using this as a 'must have' resource with my non-profit and civic clients." -Heather McGowan, Principal and Owner, Sounding Board Marketing & Communications "If you want press coverage, read this book ... It should be required reading for everyone in public relations." -Kitty O'Neal, KFBK News Anchor "Some books explain media relations and others communication. This book is a marriage of the two in the real world...." -Tony Asaro, Director of Community Relations, Sacramento River Cats

If you own a small, local company or run a community-based organization, this is the book for you. It's likely that you don't have a communications person let alone a PR department and there's no way that you can afford to pay a PR firm to help with media relations. If that's the case, this simple, easy to follow book will help you

What other family writers are saying. "Tim Herrera has a lot going for him: A great first name, a fantastic view of life with kids and an amazing ability to make you laugh " -Tim Bete, author of "In The Beginning.There Were No Diapers" and Director, Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop "If you're looking for the inside scoop on fatherhood and want a few chuckles along the way, this is the book for you." -Kathryn S. Mahoney, author of "Cracked at Birth: One Madcap Mom's Thoughts on Motherhood, Marriage & Burnt Meatloaf" "Tim Herrera is a master of giving readers a humorous look at the universal trials and tribulations of being a parent. A must read for parents and grandparents everywhere." -Debbie Farmer, Nationally Syndicated Columnist and author of "Don't Put Lipstick on the Cat" "Next to my husband, Tim Herrera is the kind of dad I'd want around to make my kids replace their own toilet paper rolls. A father of four teenagers, Herrera writes from the heart and with an amazingly still intact sense of humor." -Karen Rinehart, Syndicated Humor Columnist and author, "Invisible Underwear, Bus Stop Mommies and Other Things True To Life"

"If a parent is overwhelmed by the teen years, this book can help save the day with its humorous, comforting, and wryly funny look at life with teenagers."
--Dr. John Platt, Author, "Life in the Family Zoo""If you have--or know--a teenager, then Tim Herrera's humorously written reflections and sensitive insight on braving those spirited years is for you."
--Pat Cuellar, Author, "Your Life in Print Story by Story"

"Tim vividly nails the craziness that all of us parents endure with wit, wisdom, and just the right amount of humor."
--Kirk Davis, Author, "Paid In Full"

"Anyone who's had anything to do with raising teenagers will want to read this book. I smiled. I chuckled. I laughed."
--Linda Marchus, Author/Illustrator, "The Gorilla Who Wanted to Dance"

"Read "From Wedgies to Feeding Frenzies" and commiserate with a dad whose perspective is rooted solidly in his clear love for his children."
--Patty Donovan, Family-Life Columnist/Writing Consultant