Sunday, December 31, 2023

How to Do A Weekly Reset

The word "reset" can be confusing. It doesn't mean you're starting over or giving up on something, but rather it's a way to take care of yourself and your body. A weekly reset is a simple way to make sure that you're taking good care of yourself and building healthy habits into your life. It's not about going on some extreme diet or cutting out all the fun things--it's just about making sure that you don't get so caught up in everything else that you forget about your own needs!


 

How to do a weekly reset

A weekly reset is a simple way to get back on track and stay motivated. It's basically an hour every Sunday dedicated to making plans for the week, getting organized and decluttering your life.

A weekly reset can help you:

  • Stay focused on what matters most in your life by setting clear priorities for each day of the week

  • Feel less stressed because you'll have fewer things going on at once

  • Make better use of your time by eliminating distractions and focusing on what needs attention first

What is a weekly reset?

A weekly reset is a time to look back on your week and make sure you're on track with the things that matter most to you.

A weekly reset is not an excuse to beat yourself up over everything that went wrong in your life this week, but rather a chance to take stock of what you've done right and use it as motivation for next week's goals.

You should do a weekly reset because:

  • You'll feel better about yourself if you take an honest look at how much progress (or lack thereof) has been made since last week's reset;

  • It helps keep your stress levels low by giving them some perspective;

How do you know when you need to do a weekly reset?

You need to do a weekly reset if you are feeling tired and run down. You also need to do a weekly reset if you are feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed. If these feelings persist for more than two weeks then it may be time for further action.

If you feel like something isn't quite right but can't put your finger on it, try doing a weekly reset!

What is the point of doing a weekly reset?

You might be wondering, "Why should I do a weekly reset?" Here are some reasons:

  • You can use a weekly reset to take care of your body. If you're feeling run down or tired, it's easy to ignore these feelings and push through until they go away on their own. However, this can have negative effects on both your mental health and physical well-being if left unchecked for too long. A weekly reset gives you space in between major tasks where you can take care of all those little things that need tending--whether it be eating well, getting enough sleep or exercising regularly--so that when they crop up again (and they always will), they won't feel overwhelming or stressful because they're already handled!

  • You can use a weekly reset as an opportunity to unplug from technology. In today's world where everyone seems connected 24/7 via social media platforms like Facebook Messenger or Instagram Stories; being digitally connected has become part of everyday life for most people who live in cities around the globe! While there are definitely benefits associated with being able to communicate instantly across vast distances via these types programs/apps; there are also drawbacks such as increased stress levels due prolonged exposure over prolonged periods which may lead into burnout eventually if not managed properly."

You can use a weekly reset to take care of your body.

The weekly reset is a gift to your body. It's not a punishment, but rather an opportunity to take care of yourself and make sure that you're feeling good in your skin.

It can be tempting to skip this step, but don't! It's important to remember that the body is a temple--you need to treat it with care if you want it around for as long as possible.

Conclusion

I hope that this article has helped you understand what a weekly reset is and why it’s so beneficial to your health. Now, if you want more information about how to do one, check out our other articles on the topic!

 

 

Friday, December 29, 2023

What To Do When You Are Not Getting Enough Sleep

Raise your hand if are getting enough sleep! Crickets right? I figured! The truth is most people do not get nearly enough sleep. Myself included.


Backstory:

I am 50 years old and am going through something that I don't like to talk about....the dreaded menopause. Believe when I tell you that it had affected my sleep. There are times that I go to bed early, only to wake up a few hours later staring up at the ceiling because I just cannot get back to sleep. There are times that I am up until 4am, only to wake at 7am to start my day. It's been a rough couple of years. But I am making  it through this tough time.

Because of my lack of sleep I decided to research ways in which I can get more sleep. Here's what I have found to be the most helpful:


What To Do When You Aren't Getting Enough Sleep

In my research I have found that taking a catnap in the early afternoon will make for some of the sleep that is lost at night. They key is to make the catnap brief, by doing this it will improve your alertness, performance, and mood. The short afternoon nap can make up for the loss of one hour of nighttime sleep.

1. Do not nap after dark 

This can trick the body clock into thinking we're down for the night, making it harder to shake off the sleepiness when we wake up. This is somewhat challenging in the short days of December, especially for those who in are a place like Seattle, where the sunset can come as early as 4:18 p.m. 

2. Power up your power nap

Try drinking your post-lunch espresso immediately before you're scheduled to nap. A nap can help clear the brain of the sleep-inducing compound adenosine and gives the coffee just enough time to kick in.

3. Don't over indulge

As most of us know from experience, 10 to 20 minutes hits the sweet spot. Research shows that hat anything longer can put us into the deeper stages of REM sleep—that's when we wake up with a bad case of "sleep inertia," the clinical term for that groggy, where-am-I? sense that makes us feel even worse than we did before we closed our eyes. So, this means that severely sleep deprived may only want limit naptime to only 10 sweet minutes. 

4. Give in to an early bedtime
On those nights when we can barely keep our eyes open it is important to try and go to bed an earlier. A consistent bedtime is important to feeling well-rested, so tuck in early if you must, but don't even think of touching that snooze button. 

What are some tips that you might have to get enough sleep?



 

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Blogmas 2023-Day #17- My Christmas Playlist

Hello Friends and welcome to Day #17 of Blogmas! Today's post is all about the two Christmas songs that are always on repeat in our house all day long.

Now, we don't listen to Christmas music every day, we do listen to one Christmas song over and over and over throughout the month of December. It also happens to be my 13 year old's  and 8 year old's favorite song:

Feliz Navidad 



 

Rudpolph the Red Nosed Reindeer


Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer



The Twelve Pains of Christmas


What's on your Christmas playlist?

 

Friday, December 15, 2023

Blogmas 2023- Day#15- 10 Things I Believe In

Hi Friends and welcome to Day #15 of Blogmas! Today I wanted to share 10 Things I Believe In: 

 

 

1. I believe in doing unto others: It’s one of the first things we learn. Be nice to people if you want them to be nice to you. Treat others the way you yourself wanted to be treated.

2. I believe in Sunday naps: Sundays are a day of rest right? So why not actually rest. I like to call my Sunday naps EPIC SUNDAY NAPS.

3. I believe that books are always better than the movie. Seriously find a case where I am wrong. Happy to listen.

4. I believe in long walks. They usually produce great thoughts, ideas and in the end you feel better than when you started out.

5. I believe that hearing children laugh makes you happy. It is impossible to be sad around happy kids.

6. I believe that writing is therapeutic. There are so many times I write be it in a journal or a word doc and just write till I feel better.

7. I believe that herbal tea is essential to my good moods. Yes it’s a fact.

8. I believe in doing things even when you do not want to: working out for one.

9. I believe that times with best friends always makes you feel more grounded and more like yourself.

10. I believe in love. The all encompassing kind.

 What do you believe in?

 

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Blogmas 2023- Day#9- Daily Healthy Habits

Hello and welcome to Day#9 of Blogmas 2023! Today's post all about living a healthy lifestyle!

Living a healthy lifestyle is something that is not only important to me but it’s important as something I share with my kids and teach them. That’s not to say you can’t have a cookie or ice cream, or be lazy all day if you need to. A healthy lifestyle is about balance. I do however tend towards some daily healthy habits that I feel like give me that balance while also giving me the healthy lifestyle I crave.

 

 

Daily Healthy Habits

Vitamins: I haven’t always been good about vitamins but I will say probably in the last 10-12 years I haven’t missed a day. I don’t want to share exactly what I take because I think it’s important to contact your Dr and find out what YOUR body needs specifically.

Water: According to my Dr, you should drink half your body weight in oz of water a day. I really try to live by this. I have a 64oz tumbler that I use and try to fill it up at least twice a day!

Enough Sleep: Sleep is something that is really hard for me to do without. I can definitely function on little sleep (hello having two kids) but I don’t like to. I try really hard to be in bed by 10 every night and asleep by 10:30. I usually wake up between 7 and 7:30. I walk for 40 minutes in the morning (more on that later) and my kids typically like to sleep in (we homeschool so we tend to start around 930am every morning). If I don’t get enough sleep I just feel like everything else falls apart. My attitude isn’t as good, my workout suffers, and I’m not a good mom and wife.

Exercise/Steps: My exercise routine consists of walking for 40 minutes twice a day usually 5-6 days a week.I also workout to a Pilates video on Youtube a few times a week. The instructor is NEXT LEVEL! She’s so good! . It’s important to me to get 10K steps a day and always do something daily that involves moving my body.

Clean Food: For this, I really try to go by the 80/20 rule. I really just try to eat clean foods as much as possible but I don’t deprive myself. I think depriving yourself can lead to a lot of problems. But I try to fuel my body with foods that make it feel good. I do love a good chocolate chip cookie, pizza, and chips and queso so if those are things I am wanting I have them. I just don’t go crazy.

Self-Care: I know I know the self-care thing seems overdone. But it’s important for me as a working mom and wife that I do something for myself each day. Some days that’s my workout, sometimes it’s taking an extra long shower and doing a face mask. Whatever it means to you, make sure you are taking SOME TIME for yourself every day.

What are some of your daily healthy habits?

Friday, December 8, 2023

Blogmas 2023- Day#8- Pot Simmer Recipes

Hello Friends and welcome to Day #8 of Blogmas!

I'm so sorry for missing the last few days of posts. I really have no explanation other than we have been busy with homeschool and various projects around the house. Anyways....

Today's catch up post is all about pot simmer recipes. Let's be honest, this is a foreign concept to me because I had never heard of them before until now. From what I understand, you begin by bringing water to a boil  and then adding your favorite ingredients and letting is simmer all day. As the water simmers away, you add more water. This not only leaves a pleasant fragrence throughout your house and also puts some moisture in the air.

 Pot Simmer Recipes

 So here is a recipe that I have found and that I would like to try:


Recipe #1
Cinnamon sticks
Apple peels
Orange rinds
Whole cloves


Recipe #2
Apple juice
Cinnamon sticks
Whole cloves

Recipe #3
Vanilla (a few drops)
Orange peels

Recipe #4 – Christmas Potpourri Simmering Pot
3 sprigs evergreen or handful pine needles
2 cinnamon sticks
2 TBS whole cloves
2 bay leaves
2 pieces orange rind
2 pieces lemon rind

What is your favorite recipe? 

 

Monday, December 4, 2023

Blogmas 2023- Day #4- Holiday Traditions

Hello again Friends!


Welcome to Day #4 of Blogmas! Today's post is all about memories from past Christmases. The only happy memories that I have from my childhood center around Christmas. 

Growing up, we had two Christmas celebrations, one on Christmas eve and then on Christmas day. The Christmas eve celebration was always my favorite because we celebrated with German traditions. I loved the food (bratwurst and spetzula, and strawberry cake) , the presents, and just being with my Grandparents. We always went to midnight mass afterwards. It has always been my favorite way to celebrate Christmas.
 

Spetzula



Strawberry Cake


What are some of your memories from past Christmases?

 

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Blogmas 2023- Day #3- My Favorite Christmas Movies

Hi and welcome to Day #3 of Blogmas! Today's post is all about some of my favorite Christmas movies.You know those movies that you have to watch every year, without fail, or those that best represent the season for you.

Here's my list!

1. Christmas Vacation:

As the holidays approach, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) wants to have a perfect family Christmas, so he pesters his wife, Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo), and children, as he tries to make sure everything is in line, including the tree and house decorations. However, things go awry quickly. His hick cousin, Eddie (Randy Quaid), and his family show up unplanned and start living in their camper on the Griswold property. Even worse, Clark's employers renege on the holiday bonus he needs.



2. Home Alone: 

When bratty 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) acts out the night before a family trip to Paris, his mother (Catherine O'Hara) makes him sleep in the attic. After the McCallisters mistakenly leave for the airport without Kevin, he awakens to an empty house and assumes his wish to have no family has come true. But his excitement sours when he realizes that two con men (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) plan to rob the McCallister residence, and that he alone must protect the family home.


3. Elf:

Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa's elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn't fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results.


4. The Holiday:

 Dumped and depressed, English rose Iris agrees to swap homes with similarly unlucky in love Californian Amanda for a much-needed break. Iris finds herself in a palatial Hollywood mansion while Amanda navigates the lanes of a picture-perfect English village. Soon enough, both lovelorn ladies bump into local lads perfect for a romantic pick-me-up.



5. The Family Stone:

Everett Stone (Dermot Mulroney) wants to bring his girlfriend, Meredith Morton (Sarah Jessica Parker), to meet his bohemian Connecticut family at Christmas. Straitlaced Meredith, feeling she needs backup, asks her sister Julie (Claire Danes) to come along. Hoping to win the approval of her boyfriend's parents Sybil (Diane Keaton) and Kelly (Craig T. Nelson) and the rest of the family, instead Meredith succeeds only in highlighting her uptight personality and making Everett doubt his intentions.




6. The Santa Clause

Divorced dad Scott (Tim Allen) has custody of his son (Eric Lloyd) on Christmas Eve. After he accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit, they are magically transported to the North Pole, where an elf explains that Scott must take Santa's place before the next Christmas arrives. Scott thinks he's dreaming, but over the next several months he gains weight and grows an inexplicably white beard. Maybe that night at the North Pole wasn't a dream after all -- and maybe Scott has a lot of work to do.



Now, this doesn't make up my entire list, but these are the movies that I have watch every single year.

What's on your must watch movie list?

 

 

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Bogmas 2023- Day#2- December 2023

I cannot believe that it's already December and that 2023 is almost over.Where did the time go! Even though it's gone by fast I am looking forward to spending Christmas with my family and starting some new traditions with the girls. I plan on making this Christmas extra special for them like I try to do every year.

Anyway, here are the goals that I have set up for December.



December 2023 Goals

 1. Read two books

2. Clean and organize the playroom

3. Declutter closets

4. Walk daily even if it's in the house

5. Organize the pantry

6. Clean and organize the freezer

7. Cross things off of our Winter Bucket List

8. Finish editorial calendar and content for January

9. Post more onto Instagram and learn how to use stories and reels

10. Make salt dough ornaments and hand them on the Christmas tree.

What are goals for December? Please share in the comments below, I would love to read them!

 

Friday, December 1, 2023

Blogmas 2023- Day#1- Welcome to Blogmas 2023

Hello Friends!

Welcome to Blogmas 2023! What can I say.... 2023 has flown by. We have been busy with homeschool and starting businesses and just spending time with family. Anyway, it's December and it's time for some fun holiday themed posts! For those who don't know anything about Blogmas, I will attempt to explain it in the next couple of paragraphs. 



Blogmas is kind of self explanatory. However, I will explain it for those who do not know it is and what it involves. Blogmas is an event that happens from December 1st until December 25th, although it may last until the new year. It invloves bloggers posting everyday unitl Christmas. You can post whatver you like, it can be Christmas related or it can be things you are interested in. I like to think of Blogmas as a present for all those readers out there who get something to read everyday....kind of like an advent calendar. 

I have decided that a new blog post will go live everyday at 7am. I'm going to try hard to ensure that I successfully complete Blogmas this year (I usually quit about half way through). So, we will see how Blogmas goes. Please let me know if you get the chance to read some of the posts. This year my Blogmas posts with include some Christmas content as well as Mommy and Lifestyle content and some recipes thrown in here and there. 

Again, welcome to Blogmas 2023! I hope you have fun!!!!

 

Thursday, November 16, 2023

How Stay Motivated All Day Long

I won't lie some days my motivation wants to pack it in around noon. I am hot from running around all day, and a million other reasons. I sometimes want throw it in and take a nap when the girls have their quiet time. But I really do try and stay motivated and productive all day. In today's blog post, I am going to share how to stay motivated all day long.

How Stay Motivated All Day Long




Wake up grateful: I think reminding yourself every morning even mentally what you are grateful for can really motivate you. For me I am grateful always r my health  and my family.. I try to work hard all day for them! In everything I do I remind myself why I work hard, what I am working towards etc.
Know what needs to get done: This can be in your calendar, in a to do list, etc but know what needs to get done and whatever way works for you schedule that out. I personally use a to-do list and a planner. I color code all of my appointments, tasks, and event,  and use my to-do list for everything else.
Do a workout: I feel like a morning workout just gets me in the motivated mindset! Especially a really good workout. Lately I have been doing a LOT of walking which I love. I walk 2 miles every day and it makes me feel great. 
Have a reward in mind: I’m not necessarily saying to go to the mall and go nuts. Usually for me that reward is doing a face mask, and watching something after the girls go to bed and I can relax. Or maybe the reward is a mid day trip to Target if you knock out half of your to do list in the morning. I think knowing you have something to look forward to can be great motivation.
Go to sleep grateful: Kind of like waking up grateful go to sleep grateful for all you have accomplished that day. It’s really the best feeling to go to sleep happy and grateful.
How do you inspire yourself to stay motivated all day?

 

 

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

9 Ways To Get Out Of A Funk

Getting into a funk is a normal and natural thing. Even the happiest of people can have days where they are just blah. In this post, I wanted to share 9 ways to get out of a funk so if you ever find yourself in one you know how to feel better stat!
  

9 Ways To Get Out of a Funk 
 

 
Get Outside: Sometimes I can get in a funk if I have been inside too long. When my oldest  was born (in the winter) we stayed inside quite a bit till it warmed up. Some days I would NEED to get outside, so when my Hubby got home from work I would go for a walk. Even if it was around the block it made me feel better. Or I would sit on our porch while my daughter slept and read. Getting outside really helps.

Meet Up With A Friend: One of the things that cheers me up the most when I really need it is meeting up with a friend. It could be for a walk, for a coffee, or even a phone date. It helps!

Clean Your Space: A messy space does not make your mood better. If you are at work, clean up your desk. At home clean up your immediate space. Make your bed, wipe down counters, etc.

Change Your Scenery: If you have the means get out of the place you are in for a few days. Go visit a friend in another city, go on a trip alone. Just change your scenery a bit!

Make/Buy A Healthy Meal: Sometimes when I am feeling blah its because I have been eating blah. So I will make a HUGE salad with greens, veggies, hard boiled eggs, fruit, grilled chicken. . Or I will run to Walmart and grab some yogurt and add some granola to it. Either way it always makes me feel so much better.

Read For inspiration: This could be an article, a magazine, another blog, anything. Read something that inspires you!

Call Your Mom/Bestie: My mom is the best. I love calling her when I’m in a mood. She always makes me feel better. Besties are great for that too!

Clean Out Your Closet: Not only will you get rid of stuff you don’t wear and don’t need but you may unearth some treasures you forgot you had!

Volunteer: Being around those that need your help will really make you appreciate your life and get you out of your funk!

I would love to know what ways to get out of a funk you would add!

 

 

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

5 Reasons To Have A Morning Routine

I am type A to a fault, although I don't see that as a bad thing. I thrive on schedules, routines, and lists. Without these three things I am less productive, more stressed,  and not as happy. In today's post I will be discussing five reasons to have a morning routine. These things really work for and might just work for you too. 

5 Reasons To Have A Morning Routine


Reason #1: Something to look forward to

Since I'm not a coffee drinker, I always look forward to my morning cup of tea. It's the little things, right? I love Celestial Seasonings in the flavor Cinnamon Apple Spice. This tea is meant to be served hot, but I also enjoy it cold with lots of ice.


Reason #2: Makes you more productive

I know that I am less productive when my schedule is off and when I am not following my routines. When I stick to a routine, i.e. waking up at the same time every day, following my usual morning routine, and completing my workout. I am more productive the rest of the day. Having a to do list for the day helps this as well.

Reason #3:

When you are used to waking up early and you know what you have to do, you are less likely to sleep in. On days that I sleep in I feel so blah and just so unproductive. My routines are also thrown out the window as well. 

Reason #4: Getting important things done

I also have a to do list for the day and I can look at it and know what the most important things to get done. These things are done first thing in the morning  and I have way less stress for my day. Having a morning routine will leave you feeling less stressed  and happier. This is so important for your mental state. 

Reason #5: Self Care

A skin care routine, flossing. getting dressed everyday, putting on some makeup, and exercising, these are things that need to be done for self care. When you have a morning routine you can ensure that self care is a priority. This is important because if you are feeling rushed, self care is the first thing to fall by the wayside. Having a pretty regimented morning routine, you will always make time for washing your face, applying products to help your skin, and getting a sweat session in. 

These five reasons to have a morning routine are of my own opinion, but having a regimented morning routine for a long time does work. If you do not have a morning routine, I highly suggest that you begin one. It's totally worth it, I promise!