Happy Homemaker Monday {9/26/2022}

Good evening everyone and welcome back to my blog. 

I hope every everyone had a wonderful weekend and are ready for the week ahead. 

It's almost 10:00pm and I am just now sitting down to write this post. Today, I have finished 3 loads of laundry ( the last load is in the dryer), cleaned the kitchen for the last time tonight (who loves a clean kitchen at night?), and I have finally picked up the living from a hard day of homeschooling and relaxing. I just hope my week will be as productive as this day has been.

Happy Monday and have a wonderful and productive week!

 

 

The weather outside is:

It's still quite warm here, but the nights are starting cool off.

What we had for dinner tonight (instead of the breakfast plate):

Pasta bake and garlic bread

As I look out my window:

It's dark with a few clouds and  twinkling stars in the sky.

As I look around the house:

The living room needs to be picked up and then kitchen needs to be straightened and the last load of laundry needs to be folded and put away.

Currently reading:

Hide and Seek by Mary Burton

On the TV this week:

Right now I am watching Cobra Kai (season 5) Stranger Things (season 3) and rewatching 1883.

On the Menu this week: (I'm still figuring out the meal plan for this week)

Monday- Pasta bake

Tuesday- Hamburger stew with homemade bread

Wednesday- Pork chops and mashed potatoes and veggies

Thursday- Chicken potatoes and green beans (crock pot)

Friday- Pizza and breadsticks

Saturday- Leftovers

Sunday- Beans and fried potatoes with cornbread

Inspirational quotes: 

 

 

 

 

7 Tips For Moms Durning Back To School Month

Have your kids started school yet? We are homeshooling both kids this year. My oldest is in the 7th grade while my youngest is in the 2nd grade , so I have been working on their back to school routines for the last few weeks.  So during these first few weeks of school I have been fine tuning all of our routines.

Today's post is all about tips for moms during this hectic back to school time!

7 Tips for Moms During Back to School Month

1. Plan dinner ahead.

During the first week of school, the last thing you will want to do is figure out what to make for dinner. Have a plan for what you will make each night, groceries in the fridge and even make a few meals ahead if you can! I usually plan mostly slow cooker meals for the first week of school. I usually make Mississippi chicken, spaghetti and meatballs, potato soup, and lasanga.

2. Have after school snacks ready to go.

After a summer of eating when they wanted, they will likely be grumpy, tired and famished from being in school all day with limited meal times. Have a few after school snacks on hand, ready to go. I usally keep peanut butter and crackers on hand, as well as packages of gold fish crackers, and fruit. I also make mini corn dogs and and pizza rolls.

3. Get school supplies before the first day of school.

Usually my daughter's school posts the school supply list in early June, so usually start early. Get the basics like subject notebooks, organizers/planners, binders, folders, pens and pencils before school starts. Better yet, order on Amazon or even Walmart. This is what we did. So much easier and no lines!

4. Keep commitments light.

As parents, we will be feeling overwhelmed too. If you’re like me, you want to jump back into things and schedule meetings, lunches and happy hours to reconnect with people. But for the first few weeks, try to keep your schedule free and flexible.

This year, instead of jumping back in, I will be scheduling only self-care appointments like workouts. I will spend the rest of my time getting caught up with my administrative tasks related to life and school. Documenting my goals clearly and planning my schedule of how I want to time block this school year’s hours to reach those goals will be my priority.

5. Set your alarm for 30 minutes earlier for the first few days of school.

When we are anxious, so are our kids. The extra time we have in the morning to help our kids get ready and out the door will help us succeed in starting the day on a positive note. Any last minute forms the kids forgot to give us, or other hiccups will be easier to deal with when we aren’t in a rush.

6. Cut the kids some slack.

This one is hard for me. When my kids let out their stress out on me, my feelings get hurt. I’m trying to work on this, but I do find myself getting angry when they speak to me with disrespect or act rude for no reason.
On week one, I will try harder to cut my kids slack when they are cranky. There are so many pressures and stresses at their young ages. I think I’ll make myself a mantra to say in my head when they are letting their frustrations out on me.

7. The new school routine is not just for the kids.

What have you not had time for during summer? Take time to think about what is important to you and write down your goals. Then make a plan for how you will reach them! As I mentioned above, I plan to take the first week of school to focus on this. One thing I know I have derailed on is staying fit over summer. I will plan physical activity into my routine to improve my physical fitness as well as to keep me sane!

What do you think about these tips for moms during back to school this month? Have a great start to the school year!

 

Nothing is worse that starting your day in a bad, am I right? It really all just gets worse from there. Things get worse and you send out a bad vibe to those around you. So, in tonight's post, I want to share how you can start your day in a happy mood. 

 

 

 How To Start Your Day In A Happy Mood

Practice gratitude: I think one of the best things we can do for ourselves is to remember what we are grateful for. It’s so easy to get caught up in the things we don’t have or things that could be better but every morning try to stop and name 1-3 things you are grateful for.

Don’t look at your phone: You want to know what will make you immediately unhappy in the morning? Comparison. Looking at social media right when you get up will not put you in a happy mood. I would wait 30-60 minutes and do some of the other things on this list.

Get outside/or into the gym: I love a good early morning workout. Gets your endorphins going and you never regret doing it! It also makes you feel super accomplished first thing.

Practice self-care: For me, this may mean doing a  DIY face mask, or simply just my skincare routine. For you, this may mean something else. But do something just for you!

Listen to music: I love listening to music in the morning! Especially, for me. 80s hair bands. This type of music always puts me in a good mood.

Make a healthy breakfast: Eating a healthy breakfast is such a great way to start the day and will for sure put you in a good mood! Especially if it’s something you really love to eat!

Put out there what you want to get back: Say hi to strangers, open doors, ask how someone’s day is going, say thank you and please. Doing these things as you start your day will absolutely put you in a good mood and it will spread your good mood to others. In turn, they will keep spreading the good mood around. Really what’s better than that?

What is something you do to start your day in a happy mood?

 

September 2022 Goals

 Hi Lovelies!!

I can't believe that September is already here! It's the time for chunky sweaters, boots, forts, movie nights, apple cider, and yummy fall inspired treats. Shorter days and longer nights are on the horizon. It’s ALMOST socially acceptable to have all the pumpkin things, and put that fall decor out. Football season is here and the temps are starting to somewhat cool down. And homeschool is in full swing! It’s time for me to share my September goals with you guys.

 Personal Goals

• drink more water
• practice yoga 3x a week
• eat more fruits and veggies
• walk 10,000 steps every day
• Complete one Bible study

Family Goals

• Take a special trip
• Create a better after school routine
• Revamp morning and evening routines
• See a movie with the girls

Blog Goals

• Post at least 3x per week.
• Make a new list of blog post ideas
• Schedule posts until the end of the September
• Create an editorial calendar for the fall (in progress)
• Start a food blog (in progress)

What are your goals?