7 Ways to Stay Productive

Now that the year is almost over ( isn't that crazy!) I have been thinking alot about productivity. I feel there are days where I am super productive and then there are days that I am not. Does anyone else feel like this? When I get on these productivity kicks I just want to accomplish all the things. Other days I feel like I accomplish NOTHING. In this post I will be sharing the tips that I use for productivity when I really need a kick in the pants. Here are 7 ways to stay productive that will really help you!

Seven Ways to Stay Productive

 

Set a schedule. If you are someone who is unproductive then a schedule is a great tool for you to use. I try to schedule every single day to ensure that I am as productive as possible. 

Have a to do list. I always have three or four to do lists that I work from every day. I have a general to do list, a household chores to do list, and a blog to do list and a things for the girls. This is super helpful in scheduling my day.

Keep expectations realistic. Always prioritize the most important task to the least important task  and keep your expectations realistic.

Don't over commit. This goes with the one above. You cannot over-commit.  This is something that I am always doing. Be realistic. If you have a deadline and you feel that you just can't make it, then ask for a little wiggle room. I would rather take the change of something being late than it not being done correctly.

Take breaks. I try to take several 10 minute breaks throughout my day. I read a few pages of the current book that I am reading, fold laundry, and I even play with girls.

Find a great work space. Everyone has a different idea of what this needs to be.  I can pretty much work anywhere, just give me a table and a comfortable chair and I am happy.

Remove clutter. Having a clutter free workspace is very important. It keeps you productive and it is also less stressful.

What are some ideas that you would add to this list?

 

50 Self Care Ideas That Will Keep You Sane

Self care has always been a topic on the internet, especially now with the holidays fast approaching. During this crazy time I think it's important to take care of yourself and reward yourself for just getting through the day or even the week. So, today I am sharing 50 self care ideas!

50 Self Care Ideas That Will Keep You Sane

Take a bath

Do a face mask

Go for a walk

Try a new workout class

Treat yourself to a yummy holiday drink

Go shopping

Or at least go try on clothes that make you feel great

See a movie alone

Binge a TV show

If you live near it, go to the beach

If you live near it, go hiking

Check out a local museum

Bake some cookies

Rearrange your furniture 

Buy some flowers

Journal

Clean out your closet

Organize drawers

Clean up your house

Listen to a good playlist

Make a new playlist

Go on a solo trip

Make a grateful list

Say NO more

Take a nap and catch up on sleep

Take up a new hobby

Color

Binge a podcast

Go 24 hours without social media

Take a personal day off work

Try a new skincare regimen

Mute people on Instagram/Twitter who make you feel bad about yourself

Get a massage/facial

Go to bed at 8PM every night for a week

Sleep in

Use an acupressure mat

Have a staycation weekend in a hotel alone

Try a new wine

Go to your place of worship

Pay it forward

Go find the perfect lipstick/lipgloss

Have dinner delivered from your favorite place

Dance around your living room to your favorite songs

Get dressed up and sit at a bar and order a fun drink

Stretch/foam roll

Have a picnic alone and read

Reconnect with an old friend

Go to a meetup group/bible study etc

Play with puppies/kittens/your favorite animal

Adopt a pet

What is something you do for self-care? What would you add to this list of 50 self-care ideas?

Currently {11/5/2022}

  

 

Time and place: 10:13pm  and I am in the dining room, typing up this post.

  
Eating: Nothing at the moment, but I am thinking about my to do list for next week.

Drinking: A big glass of water (always)

Watching:  The Kardashians Season 2

 

 

Reading: Nothing at the moment. I just can't find a book that holds my attention and it's driving me crazy!

Loving: Being able to sit down after a long day of housework and taking care of my family and read my book for a little while.

Working: I just started designing a meal planner. I cannot wait to see how it turns out! I'm so excited for this new project. I am also working on a weekly planner insert that I am excited about and a note pad that I have been wanting to design for a while now. I am also working on a monthly/weekly planner. I can't wait to see how these turn out. We have also launched a weekly planner on Amazon. This is something that I have always wanted to do and it's always been my dream to have my own planner and now it has finally come true. 

 

I am going to re-open my Etsy shop soon. I am in the process of redesigning some of the printables.

 

Here is the link in case anyone is interested:

 

Build Your Dreams Weekly Planner 

 

Listening to: the TV.

Buying: Groceries for this month and stocking up on certain items that are needed. I'm also looking at clothes and other household items that are needed.

Planning: I have most of my posts planned for November I just have to write and schedule them. I am working on setting up some deadlines for my meal planner and other planners that I am working on. I am also working on some planner inserts. This should keep me busy for a while!

 

I'm trying to plan out a work schedule for this month. Hopefully I will figure one out soon.

I'm planning my Husband's birthday and for the holidays..

Wondering: can I pull it off? How will I pull it off?

Feeling: tired, but happy, always.

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 2022 Goals

 It's hard to believe that November is already here! Crazy to think we are so close to Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's hard to believe that 2022 is creeping towards the end and before you know it a new year will be starting. I want this year to end with a bang! I have a few goals (new business) that I would like to accomplish before the end of the year.

So now that we are in November it's time to share my November goals. Here we go!

 

 

Personal goals for November

• Read 2 books
• Decorate for the holidays
• Start Christmas shopping for the girls
• Unplug during Thanksgiving break
• Rest and relax
• Have at least one at home date night with the Hubby
• Celebrate Hubby's birthday
• Spend on on one time with the girls

Work goals for November

• Start writing posts for Blogmas 2022
• Schedule blog content through the end of the year
• Complete editorial calendar through the end of the year
• Increase the number of followers on my blog
  
• Market our planner
• Work on more planner designs
• Launch Meal Planner by the end of the year 

What are your goals for November? Please share them in the comments below!

Fun Facts About Halloween

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!! I thought since today is Halloween I would share some fun facts about Halloween with you. So, sit back, relax, grab your favorite candy, and enjoy some fun little factoids all about Halloween.

Fun Facts about Halloween

Halloween Fun Fact #1: Because the movie Halloween (1978) was on such a tight budget, they had to use the cheapest mask they could find for the character Michael Meyers, which turned out to be a William Shatner Star Trek mask. Shatner initially didn't know the mask was in his likeness, but when he found out years later, he said he was honored.

  
Halloween Fun Fact #2: The first Jack-O-Lanterns were actually made from turnips.

Halloween Fun Fact #3: The word "witch" comes from the Old English wicce, meaning "wise woman." In fact, wiccan were highly respected people at one time. According to popular belief, witches held one of their two main meetings, or sabbats, on Halloween night.

Halloween Fun Fact #4: Samhainophobia is the fear of Halloween.

Halloween Fun Fact #5: 9.The largest pumpkin ever measured was grown by Norm Craven, who broke the world record in 1993 with a 836 lb. pumpkin.

Halloween Fun Fact #6: Trick-or-treating evolved from the ancient Celtic tradition of putting out treats and food to placate spirits who roamed the streets at Samhain, a sacred festival that marked the end of the Celtic calendar year.

Halloween Fun Fact #7: "Halloween" is short for "Hallows' Eve" or "Hallows' Evening," which was the evening before All Hallows' (sanctified or holy) Day or Hallowmas on November 1. In an effort to convert pagans, the Christian church decided that Hallowmas or All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2) should assimilate sacred pagan holidays that fell on or around October 31.

Halloween Fun Fact #8: Ireland is typically believed to be the birthplace of Halloween.

Halloween Fun Fact #9: With their link to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (a precursor to Halloween) and later to witches, cats have a permanent place in Halloween folklore. During the ancient celebration of Samhain, Druids were said to throw cats into a fire, often in wicker cages, as part of divination proceedings.

Halloween Fun Fact #10: Scarecrows, a popular Halloween fixture, symbolize the ancient agricultural roots of the holiday.

Have a safe and fun Halloween!!

 

Blogtober 2022- Day #10- Productivity Tips For Working Moms

Being a mom is hard. Working is hard. Being a working mom is HARD! I had someone recently tell me they felt like I always had it together and got everything done. Oh gosh that's not true AT ALL! I feel like most of the time I barely have it together and I never get everything done. But I do think I have a good grasp on productivity tips for working moms, so today I am sharing mine.

Productivity Tips For Working Moms

1. Make lists: I swear I will mention this a million times because I think lists are very important in staying productive. I truly don’t know how people know what to do each day or remember tasks without them. Especially moms. We are SO BUSY. Trying to make sure everyone’s stuff is taken care of requires lists.

2. Talk to your partner: I think communicating with your partner about daily/weekly expectations, things coming up, things you need help with etc is so important for productivity.

3. Schedule EVERYTHING: I mean EVERYTHING! I schedule everything we do, anything I need to do, workouts, etc. It’s just so helpful to see it in a calendar. Especially during this time of lockdowns and quarantines. Making a schedule of our days keeps me sane and on track.

4.  Time block: I do this specifically for work. For example when I need to work on scheduling social media I will block out 45 minutes to find articles and schedule tweets. Then 30 minutes to pin, then another hour to write a blog post. etc. This is also helpful if you have a lot of household tasks that need to get done as well.

5.  Give yourself a break at some point: At some point you will you need a break. You have to fill your cup too. So this may mean a workout class, a walk around the neighborhood, sitting with a coffee and reading for 30 minutes. Whatever it is take a little break for yourself.

6.  Meal Prep/plan: I personally find that meal prepping and planning saves us SO MUCH time and arguments about what to have, what we need etc. We plan each Sunday night for the next week. Then on Mondays we grocery shop so we have our staples, and anything we need for meals. This also saves us a ton of money because since we aren’t wasting food.

7.  Delegate: This is something I am not great with. Usually I melt down and Amy husband is like “why didn’t you ask for help?” So I am trying to be better about telling him what I need help with, hiring a babysitter when I need a few hours to get stuff done, etc. Delegating is crucial to staying productive throughout your day.

I would love to know what productivity tips for working moms you have! Share below!

 

Blogtober 2022 - Day #8- My Fall Skin Care Routine

Hi everyone and welcome back to my blog! I have missed a few days of Blogtober due to our internet being off for repaired. Everything has been fixed so my plan is to continue from today and just go forward with Blogtober. So without further ado.... let's go back into it with Day #8 of Blogtober 2022!

 Okay, so this post is about my skin care routine. The only thing is that I really don't follow a routine. Yes, I wash my face, I use toner, and sometime a moisturizer.... but that's about it.

I have oily skin, always have. I have tried several different types of cleansers, masks, toners, and moisturizers. Some have been expensive while others have been on the cheap side. Through the years, I have found that my skin responds better to the cheaper skin care products.

As of right now, my skin care routine revolves around two of the cheaper products and one moderately expensive of product. So, I am going to share with you a breakdown of skin care routine.

1. Cleanser

I use Cetaphil. It's very light and makes my face feel clean. I use this once in the morning and once in the evening.

2. Toner. After cleansing my face I use witch hazel as a toner.  I use this because it's very gentle on my skin and it makes it feel and look amazing.

 3. Moisturize. I use a moisturizer made by Cetaphil. Again, this is very gentle on my skin and doesn't cause break outs like most other moisturizers that I have used in the past.

What is your skin care routine? Please share in the comments below!

 

Ocotber 2022 Goals

Hi everyone and welcome back to my blog!
 

October is one of my favorite months. Between Halloween, the cooler weather, and all things pumpkin it's just a fun month. Today's post is all about my goals for October.

Now that all of our routines are established, I am excited about setting some goals and I am really going to push myself this month. There are a lot of things that I would like accomplish so hopefully by the end of the month I will feel good about things. Here we go!

Personal Goals

• drink more water
• meditate for 10 minutes
• stretch for a few minutes before getting up
• get better quality sleep by going to bed earlier
• workout consistently
• read 2 books

Family Goals

•  keep adapting to our Fall schedule. Continue to work on morning, afternoon, and evening routines
• celebrate Halloween
• Cross off items from our Fall bucket list

Blog Goals

•  post once per day during the month of October
• make a new list of blog post ideas
• schedule posts until the end of Ocotber
• create an editorial calendar for the rest of the year

I hope your October has started out as a fantastic month! Have you set any goals yet? Any fun Fall plans? Have you started crossing things off of your Fall Bucket list?

 

Welcome to Blogtober 2022!

Hello and welcome to Blogctober where we begin the first of 31 back to back posts in October! I am so excited to be participating again this year.

Let me tell you a little bit about myself.  I have been blogging off and on for a few years now as a hobby, but I am hoping to turn it into a full time job (which I know will take awhile to accomplish. I am married to my college sweetheart and we have known each other since elementary school (that's a story for another day). We have two beautiful girls, our oldest is in the 7th grade and our youngest is in the 2nd grade. We also homeschool them. My husband is a Psychology professor while I am a stay at home mom. We are in the process of launching our new businesses soon (more details soon).

I love to read (Stephen King and Mary Higgins Clark are my favorites) and I love being in the kitchen creating delicious meals for my family.

I am looking forward to the rest of Blogotber and to see what other bloggers post this month.

Tomorrow's post will be all about my goals for October!

Are you participating in Blogotber?

 

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?