
We got you started with HTML for Beginners and Getting Schooled Online. Now take your coding a step further with CSS. HTML is the bare-bones, outline of document structure and information. CSS is where the fun begins!
1. Shay Howe’s Advanced Guide to HTML & CSS: In HTML for beginners, we showed you Shay Howe’s Introductory Guide on HTML and CSS. This more advanced guide, expands on front-end web design and development. Presented in a clean organized way, the guide includes tips on detailed positioning, utilizing preprocessors, transitions, and animations.
2. DocHub: Initially created soley for CSS, DocHub is a handy documentation service for web developers to use as a reference guide. Due to the positive response it received from its users, DocHub expanded coverage to not only CSS, but also JavaScript, HTML, DOM, PHP, and jQuery.
3. Mozilla Developer Network CSS: A developer’s gold mine, filled with documentation, tutorials, tools for development, news, and help outlets. This is the network to learn and develop your CSS skill.
4. Team Treehouse: In need of some guidance? Check out Treehouse, an online method to learn web development and coding. Take a look at their deep-dive dig into CSS here. These classes have online instructors to help you build your foundation in CSS or any other web technology. As an affordable means to technology education, Treehouse offers the initial two weeks for free. After that, membership starts at $25 per month.
5. CSS-Tricks: Seeing as it’s a web-based community curated by Chris Coyier, a writer and web designer who helps others make their websites better, you best take note of his article on A Whole Bunch of Amazing Stuff Psuedo Elements Can Do.
6. SitePoint CSS: Here you get cutting edge tutorials, courses, and books for everyone from website professionals to newbies. Pour over CSS properties, rules, concepts, selectors, and visual examples. Also, be sure to check out this publication on CSS Architectures: New Best Practices to keep up to date and in the know!
7. Scalable and Modular Architecture for CSS (SMACSS): Deemed one of the most useful contributions to the front-end discussion in years, SMACSS is a must-read-and-use resource for anyone touching CSS. SMACSS documents a valid and consistent approach to developing a site when using CSS. All of the topics are based on CSS architecture and broken down by section, creating a rich resource that allows you to pick and choose on a need-to-know basis.
8. Web Safe Colors by Hue: A great tool for colors in CSS. These are the only colors that can be displayed reliably across all browsers and operating systems without fading or distortion. Also check out the table on VGA colors, a group of 16 colors that can always be rendered by name, see the table here. There is also a page of 500+ colors and their RGB and hexadecimal values that can be used in CSS.
9. Unsplash: Not a photographer? No problem! Unsplash offers free high-resolution photos that can be used in your CSS layout. You read that right: The photos are free of charge and free of copyright. Be sure to follow Unsplash as 10 new photos are added every 10 days.
10. Sass and LESS: An Introduction to Prepocessors: It is what it is, and that is awesome: A simple introduction to preprocessors. For those with a good handle on CSS, you can kick it up a notch and use a preprocessor to bend and twist your code in a way that isn’t bound by the limitations of CSS. Check out Sass (Syntactically Awesome Style Sheets,) a powerful preprocessor that is industry improved and completely compatible with CSS. Delve into more here.
Another valuable tip is simply looking at other websites and viewing the source code to see how things work. To do this using Google Chrome: Right Click and select, Inspect Element—violà !
There you have it soon-to-be CSS gurus! Remember to practice every day and cherish the ah-ha moments. If you have any helpful tips or tricks for learning CSS, let us know in the comments below!
Your relationship with your finances is one of the most important relationships you'll ever have, and you can't avoid it. That said, for many of us, the pandemic only added to our financial stress. If you find yourself feeling frazzled, just remember that financial insecurity isn't a net-worth issue — it's a mindset issue. And, we happen to have plenty of advice on how to turn your money mindset around so you can take charge of your funds once and for all.
To start, feeling secure begins with a strong foundation, and there's no better time than now to get started stacking the bricks. It's easy to get swept up in the January "new year, new me" mentality, but really? Any time is the right time to get yourself in order. You don't need to wait for a new year, a new moon, the right moment, or a sign from above. You don't even have to start on the first day of the month — you just need to start.
Introducing NerdWallet: A Safe and Reliable Money App
To help with that, we've put together a list of the just-right-for-you ways that NerdWallet can help you monitor your financial outlook. Haven't heard of them yet? NerdWallet is a personal finance company that helps consumers make smarter financial decisions. Their website and app let you compare different financial products, find articles and tools to make financial decisions with confidence, and keep tabs on your finances (hey there, credit score, I see you!) all in one place. Plus, NerdWallet has over 75,000 glowing reviews in the App Store (and a 4.8 star rating) if you want to read up on any more testimonials.
Tim Chen, NerdWallet's CEO and co-founder, started this financial journey in 2009 after his sister needed help finding a credit card. Even with an economics degree and a Wall Street background, it took awhile for Tim to find the right recommendation (so don't feel too bad when it takes you a while, too). Their mission is to bring clarity to all of life's financial decisions.
So it's safe to say that NerdWallet is a pretty good sherpa for your journey, too.
Get the most from your money
Did you know that the money you park in a savings account can lose value? Harsh, but true. If your money isn't earning interest that's on pace with inflation it will actually be worth less to you in the future. And if the bank charges fees? Forget about it. Make sure you're earning the interest you deserve and come out on top. NerdWallet has researched dozens of financial institutions to help consumers find the best options. The hard work has already been done for you, so you can just select the account that works best for you and your nest egg.
Keep an eye on everything, securely
Once everything is set up, tracking and managing your finances is what will keep the money machine running smoothly. You can create an account either through the site or the app and link your bank accounts, then keep tabs on all your finances in one place. Get a clear picture of your saving and spending, get insights into how to master your money, and even build your credit score all in one place.
Get extra credit points
Do you have the best credit card for your lifestyle? Some cards give cash back on every purchase, ones with travel perks, and ones that charge way less interest than you're paying now. NerdWallet takes the guesswork out of choosing the right credit card with simple side-by-side comparisons of different credit cards so that you feel confident choosing the right one. Whatever you want to do, NerdWallet can help you find the best credit card to get it done.
Know your options for settling down
Mortgage rates are pretty low and it looks like they're going to stay that way for awhile, so buying a home might be the move sooner than you think. But there's so much more to a mortgage than just the interest rate! To help you choose a mortgage lender, NerdWallet has in-depth reviews on multiple lenders in a mixture of categories so you get the home loan with the mortgage rate, term, and fees that's right for you.
Settle an old score
NerdWallet helps you monitor your credit score for free and helps you see how little things (like raising the limit on your credit card or paying your bills on time) can increase your score. NerdWallet partners with TransUnion® to provide your VantageScore® 3.0, based on information in your TransUnion® credit report. Your score and credit report information are updated weekly. But that's not even close to all:
- They provide you with tips from experts on how you could build or optimize your credit score
- You'll get a detailed look at your credit score and all the factors that go into it—your payment history, credit utilization, the age and type of accounts, balances, and any recent inquiries
- The credit simulator tool gives you an idea of how your credit score would change if you applied for a new credit card, closed your oldest credit card, or got a new auto loan
- You also get free, unlimited access to your credit report
When it comes to managing your money, safe and reliable is where it's at. Establishing a healthy relationship with your finances begins when you take control and practice habits that build wealth. Signing up just takes a few minutes. Set your intentions to build a solid financial foundation, it will only strengthen your relationship with your finances. And don't be afraid to get a little nerdy while you're at it.
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