The Six List

I mentioned last week I really was enjoying Sarah Mae's book Having a Martha Home the Mary Way.  Her quick tips, easy ideas and breath of fresh air are just what my soul needed.  I had a few takeaways from her book and one really has stuck with me (almost) daily.

She shared this $25,000 piece of advice of creating your own Six List every day.  She suggests that you write them down the night before, in order of which you will do them.  {I'll be honest, the night before and in order part are still a work in progress for me...baby steps!} 

Basically Charles Schwab was approached by a public relations expert Ivy Lee back in 1920.  Lee suggested if he met with Schwab's executives they'd be more productive, therefore making Schwab's business more profitable. 

It worked and Charles ended up paying Ivy $25,000 for his work.  

Why do I think it works?

Well, if you're anything like me, your to do list(s) are pages and pages. You never fully accomplish it all every single day and then you feel like a flop.

If you just focus on 6 (SIX) non-negotiable things you have got to get done for the day to feel as though you did all that you could, you'll have a great day and be productive.

It's kind of fun too...

Yes, I'm a dork.

My sample list for today:

1.  Workout at the Y

2.  Play/read with kids.

3.  Fold & put away all of the laundry (while watching This is Us)

4.  Read.

5.  Pay bills.

6.  Meal prep for the rest of the week.

Simply cross off each number as you complete the task.

What happens when you don't get to the last one or two?  

Just roll them over to the next day and start with those.  

It's that easy!

What will be on your six list today?

Slow and Steady, You'll Make it

I've decided that this will be my motto from now until at least the end of the year.  It's funny, how we push ourselves so incredibly hard sometimes, it takes acts out of our control to s-l-o-w us down.  We all got a pretty bad 'back to school cold.'  OK, well Brooke first had the sniffles and cough, and then Bradley, then me and Joe...but Brooke barely got sick!! I will say she has the strongest immune system of all.  I thought I was getting better, but I think I just told myself that since everyone else was so sick and mama doesn't get sick days.  Well, that backfired and I ended up with a nasty sinus infection.  I'm on day 6 of my 10 day antibiotics (which I loathe taking--cranking up probiotics you bet!) but I feel back up to 90% of my normal kick butt self.  

Sunday I literally rested, slept, and read.  I still did some laundry, made meals and took care of things, but I didn't go crazy.  Why does it take until we literally fall apart and drop, before we will listen sometimes?

It's interesting because amongst the crazy of owning our own businesses, running the house, taking care of the kids, Joe working 60 hours a week, I often find myself feeling robotic.  I know Joe does too.  It's hard because we have big dreams and goals, but sometimes we pick up so momentum we lose sight of what's going on right in front of us.

For me, I get so wound up that I can't even hear that 'still small voice.'  When I can't figure out what to do next, ultimately it leads to me turning into a big old mess.

But that is okay.

I may take a step or two backwards, but the setback is always preparing us for a setup.

I find that books fall into our laps at the perfect time.  The most recent read that has helped me immensely was one that my good friend Lindsay was reading.  It was just what I needed at just the right time.  Sure she talks about how it's easy for us moms to get overwhelmed with housework with kids, but I feel like it can be applicable to all areas of life.

Take one thing each day to do, do it well.

As I sat on our back deck on Sunday and actually read, (I've only been wanting to do this all Summer) this hit me straight smack in the middle of my head, heart, body & soul.

"One step at a time, one day at a time, slow and steady, you'll make it."

Wow.

Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves to be everything, to everyone, all at once and right away?  That is no way to live my friends.

As soon as I catch myself trying to fly from one task to the next, whether it's changing the laundry from washer to dryer, loading the dishwasher yet again, changing another dirty diaper (I really need to get on the potty training train...but that's another story) or taking calls, returning text messages, fielding all of the requests from my husband, putting food on the table for once again, a meal...

None of it can be done well, if I multi-task and I noticed, especially with this beautiful thing called technology, I am constantly bombarded with tasks and 'urgent items' that need to be attended to 24/7.

So, I have decided to stop, for the most part.

If the dryer beeps but I'm doing dishes, I will finish the dishes.

If the phone rings and I'm literally helping my child eat his dinner, that caller can wait (or call back if it's an emergency.)

All of these interruptions lead to nothing truly getting accomplished and me feeling like crap.

When I actually complete something, it feels so good. Otherwise I just feel like I am losing my mind.

And when your body is begging you to rest?

Listen.

Like this book said, there is a huge difference between being lazy and being tired.  I've always said when you've pushed yourself too hard, too much, it will almost be too late and you'll have no choice but to put your feet up and heal.  If you're just binge watching Netflix shows every night just because...maybe you could be doing something more important and fulfilling in your life.

Hubby brought me home flowers, and it was just a simple and sweet reminder of how important it is to stop and focus on what makes you smile.  

So if you were like me and the rest of the house looked like a bomb went off, but you have one room that is mostly clean, (aka no one will die tripping on a toddler toy left on the ground) do this.

Light a scented candle.

Buy some flowers.

Sit with a cup of tea (or coffee)

And be.

Happy Thursday friends.

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I think I've found a nice little groove for this old blog here, and I'm excited to execute it.  Since I'm focusing on 'gratitude' this year, I want to dedicate a weekly post to what I am loving in life.  I figured since I can be rather random, this would be the perfect place to post all things I'm happy about.

First up? I've been loving the deals my style customers are getting with dot dollars!! $25 off of a $50 purchase. If you've got your eye on something, today is the last day to redeem! I have a few unused codes if you'd like, message me.

I am dying to get my hands on this engravable with our land coordinates. I have seen so many meaningful pieces engraved, and they look so chic!  Love this idea too!

I'm also really happy that my Mystery Hostess Trunk Show already has rewards!  I'll be going live on FB 1/17, but the pot is already growing.  Some lucky lady is going to earn some freebies!  If you'd like in, just shop this link. Every order counts! https://www.stelladot.com/ts/ko8o6

My favorite Brio Tassel is only $44 with one dot dollar code. I adore this necklace.

My other pick would be the Genevieve. All the heart eyes! This has got to be my favorite from the Fall line.  You can wear it so many ways!!  {use code: QTCIKLBU to save!!}




Food. I just love food; correction, really really good food!! I ordered some Tastefully Simple from my girl Cathy and this recipe screamed New Year's Day.  I had fully believed we were going out NYE, so I wanted an easy dinner to cook itself.  Well, we stayed in but it was still really nice to just let this simmer in a crock pot all day.  It smelled so good!

The pork shoulder literally fell off the bone and I just shredded it. I remove all the fatty parts and then placed it back in the sauce.

You could dip, but you really didn't need to. OMG. I want another one.

This was the sauce I used!

Another recipe is one that my husband found!! Back Alley Ribs.  He has now made these twice, they are THAT good!  {Clearly we enjoy pork...I need to get back into chicken!}

All the fanciness ground up.

Pom/Lime juice.

I'm loving that I started the New Year off on the right foot!  I found this to be inspiring.

While the kiddos napped, I took Holly on a long walk.  The sun was shining and I had to take a photo, since ya just never know when the sun will come out again!

And lastly, books. I am on a big old book kick again lately and one that I am listening to currently is this.  It's quite interesting and if you pick it up, you may find that you learn a thing or two.  It's eye opening because even though you may think you're being positive and manifesting what you want, your thoughts could still be going in the wrong direction...more on that later. I have to re-listen to parts of it. Highly recommend it though!!

Happy Wednesday!!

Miracle Morning

The other morning I was in looking through books on my kindle and I came across a book I had never heard of before.  I bought it rather quickly, (thank you Amazon) and for an extra dollar or so, I had it added to my audible account.  {I tend to listen more than sit and read as of late!}

Wow.

I feel like the universe has definitely been trying to tell me to get up earlier.  I don't know if I would call myself a morning person, but I have always been really good about getting up early...until I had kids.  After I had Bradley, sleep was really hard to come by, as he was not a great sleeper.  In fact, I think my body was still trying to catch up on all that missed sleep up until a few months ago!

Now, that said, I am always up by 7am, which is still early for most people!! But, in the land of littles, a working hubby and my stay at home life, 7am means time to take care of everyone else and no time for me.

I kept saying to my husband that when Brooke goes to pre-school this Fall, one thing I do not want happening is the whole rushing out the door/stressed out mornings.  We really enjoy our morning time together and the last thing I want to be doing is fighting with her to eat her eggs and get dressed.

Mind you, she's up now at 6:15 pretty much daily, so waking her will not be a problem.  I was more concerned how I will walk the dog, iron clothes, make breakfast, get her ready and feel like myself a little more.

Everything I continue to read, listen to or watch, has told me that in order to be successful, I must wake up early.  OK, but how?? I wake up then what?  What is the best way to start my day so I am on the right foot??

Enter this gem:

As with anything, there's no shortcut, excuses or BS that can help you become the best version of yourself.  In this quick book he explains a little way to start your day.  {By the way, his story is similar to my husband's and quite inspiring!  Talk about falling down and climbing your way up to the top!!}

So here is what he says to do.  Wake up an hour earlier.  Can't do that? Well, then aim for a half an hour earlier.   Drink a glass of water (we are dehydrated from not drinking overnight).  Get up and get dressed or shower.  Get out of your bedroom. Break your hour down into these 10 minutes each.

Silence

Affirmations

Visualizations

Exercise

Read

Scribe

{SAVERS}

Silence

Not many of us will actually sit in silence doing nothing.  We have so many distractions, we rarely clear our heads.  If you can sit down and just be for a few moments, it will set your tone for the rest of the day.  {I'll admit, I just started implementing these and this one I still do in my bed. I try not to grab my phone or kindle, but just start being grateful for things in my life listen to my inner self.}

Affirmations

Write out positive affirmations and read them aloud.  "I am a morning person."  "I am patient."  "I am a published author."  Whatever you believe, you become.  A few positive and inspirational affirmations will help your morning turn into a beautiful day!

Visualization:

Where do you see yourself going today?  What sort of plans do you have laid out?  What about tomorrow?  Next year?  What are some goals a dreams?  Taste, feel, smell, hear ---try to actually picture yourself being whatever it is you want to become.  {one for me is our new house! I keep trying to visualize where it is I want to live.}

Exercise

I loathe working out in the morning. Always have.  For 10 minutes though?? I have been doing some light yoga stretches and just trying to get that blood flowing. I  also walk the dog so that helps too.  If I can squeeze in a workout later, I do that too!

Read

Pick up a motivational book.  {Not just the latest chick lit!} Obviously the one I have been reading is The Miracle Morning---next up on my list is The Diamond Process.

Scribe

Write.  Get a pretty journal or a $.59 spiral notebook and write.  You could just journal what comes to mind, you could write a book, you could just jot down some goal, just put words on a paper! {today I am actually blogging!} 

Here's the kicker; a lot of you will say, "I don't have the extra hour, I get up so early as it is."

Then do it for SIX minutes.  

Sit in silence for a minute, read your affirmations one minute, visualize something for a minute, do jumping jacks or yoga stretches one minute, read one or two pages, and write for one minute.

NO excuses.

So my mornings are starting to look more like this...

I've added an essential oil; today is "Grounding."  I have my full cup of water, my green tea and lately I've been getting into Angel Oracle Cards.

I shuffle the deck and choose a card.  Today this card came up twice; once when I opened the box and then when I split the deck to choose a card.

Whatever comes to mind, I acknowledge and think about throughout the day.  Kind of cool...

This has come to me at a perfect time in my life.  I cannot control what is going on around me; I am going through some stuff, just to say...but this is helping me stay centered and at peace.

I told my husband last night, despite all of the negativity surrounding us and all that is going on within our lives, I have never been more at peace.  And that to me is something I have never really felt before, so whatever I am doing must be working and I will continue working on myself.

I want to give my children and my husband the best version of me; they deserve it.  I deserve.

Love yourselves and have a beautiful day friends!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

What up Wednesday?!

I am love love loving the fact that I am MAKING an effort to find time in my days to read again.  I really had no idea how happy I am when I read! I was reaching for excuses left and right, but the fact is, we all have these same 24 hours a day and hellooooooo so many of them can be easily wasted!!

Like I mentioned, I felt like the universe was trying to tell me to start reading again.  Obviously.  I forgot how much of a reader I used to be! Goodness knows how that's possible, since I always had 95+ in English classes, went to college to become an English teacher and then received my Master's in Secondary Education (English) and then taught books to 7th-11th graders for 8 years.

I know that I have a desire to write a book one day, so I know that the best way to get going on that is to become inspired by other amazing writers.

My heart seems so full and I feel a bit like a piece of me that I've been trying to find, has been found. May sound silly to some, but man...if it feels this good to read again, I know I need to start dancing more.  That would be the other thing I miss most!

I am still listening to my motivational pod casts etc. but I am replacing most of my bad habits scrolling through and seeing what everyone else is doing {or portraying that they're doing} and I am really just doing more for me.

It's like an instant change and I hope to stay with it, and for that? I'm lovin it!!

I knocked this audiobook out of the park! I started it Friday and finished it first thing this morning. I'll do a little review later on, but considering I don't remember the last time I finished a book, I'm ecstatic!

PS What's another amazing audiobook I would love to listen to??

I also had no idea that others felt this way after a book, so much so, there's a meme! LOL I hate finishing some books because I don't know what to do with myself after.

I was super sad that my favorite cleanser was no longer available, but I tried this one and I LOVE it! It smells like a spa and so far, so good with my sensitive skin. I've been using it all month.

My curly haired babes who keep me on my toes, constantly trying to be the best mommy I can be.

I'm really enjoying my mornings--I've decided to not check social media right away, but rather begin with a book.  After that, I get to chat with Joe, get the baby, and this morning we had a family snuggle sesh in bed watching music videos.  Bradley may or may not know the words to "Bad Blood" haha!  After ironing Joe's clothes, I come down and turn on the Today Show on my iPhone.  I get breakfast ready and we all sit down to eat.  It's not always a smooth and easy morning, but today? Today was awesome.

Joe cleaned up his hunting gear (aka my excuse as to why I wasn't using the elliptical) and now I'm back on it.  Yay!

I am super pumped about our May sign up deal!! FREE KEEP!! WOOP!

My favorite keep of the week is the triple stone & the horn pave key.  Green quartz for healing, turquoise for friendship & African turquoise for positive change. (seems to be working!) The horn helps remind us of our inner power.  I'm all about healing stones.



I saw this look posted the other day and I may have to re-create it---how stunning!

I also have to brag about my pouches---seriously. I wish I had these sooner!! I used to be SO bad at marking up the inside of my bags with lip gloss, pens, whatever! Now? I can swap out my goodies and not mark up my bags with our pouches. Yay!

I use my pink Keep pouch for all my personal girlie essentials: gum, lipstick/gloss, hairband, coffee/tea coozie, tampon, blush...

And usually with the kiddos I have been using this green Stella & Dot tote for my day to day bag.  It comes with its own pouch and I use that for baby!!

What are you loving?

April Reads

I didn't do too much reading, but here are some books that I picked up and my thoughts on them.  I'm really excited to share my May readings, as I'm halfway through 2 books and it's only May 3!

What have you been reading? I'm always looking for a new good read!

Monday Musings

Happy Monday & happy May!  I'm so excited for May.  I love that it's when the flowers start to truly bloom, the trees become green, the weather warms and Summer is right around the corner!

I have been feeling as though the universe has been sending me signs to read more books; I was feeling jealous looking at others on social media reading all of these books, and realized I have the time, I just have to find it and replace it with some other time suckers (ie. Facebook)

These two novels are my "goal" for the month, but to be honest, I'm already halfway through another novel on audiobook, so that's awesome!  {Currently listening to, The Luckiest Girl Alive}

I'll save the novel discussions for another post, but I have a few friends reading along with me, will you? I'd love to build my own little sense of 'book community'. There is nothing, and I mean nothing, that replaces a good page-turning-read.

We've had a fairly quiet few days; lots of housework, reading, snuggles, and yard work!  The weather is still on the cool side, and it rained all day yesterday (and today it appears) but that's okay.

Thursday Joe felt a little achey, under the weather, and not so well. I made my "healing soup" which I now refer to as 'magical' and he was asleep on the couch by 8:15.  The kids made use of his couch time, as he rarely rests, but we must listen to our bodies and do so.

Friday he woke up feeling a little better, so he was able to make his rounds at the rentals and put up some smoke alarms.  He also took Brooke along to help him.  I was able to sneak in a brow appointment and then we went to the mall for new shoes for the kids. Turns out Bradley is fine, but Brooke had grown a half an inch.  She found an adorable pair of light up Minnie sneaks, so those are her nice shoes and she can wear her older ones outside to play.

I waved the white flag on dinner, so we went to Kobe and enjoyed some sushi.  After that we took a short drive to our land, walked around for a bit, and piled back into the truck to tackle bed time.

Saturday the sun was shining so we enjoyed a little walk out back.

We also had a little lunch on the deck.

We played for a bit, I gave mid day baths, (they seem to make night time routines a little easier) and

Post bath, naps, and dance class, we decided to grill up some pork belly & ham steaks.  I also threw in a frozen pizza to help hold the kids over a bit, and I loved that there was no pressure to all sit down and eat. We kind of grazed/ate tapas style and relaxed while the kids played and he grilled. I also grilled up some portobello mushrooms and drizzled some balsamic vinegar on them. So tasty!

Our lilacs are starting to bloom! Not the best picture, but you can kind of see them.

Joe spent all day raking, laying dirt, mowing, and cleaning up around the back.  We're hoping to really control our mosquito problem this year and enjoy our deck!

Brooke helped him lay grass seed.  Mostly I just saw her run around and play with her ponies.  But it was the innocent way she galloped, skipped and sang that made my heart skip.  Watching her be a kid is so amazing on so many levels.  I only wish I could stop time and make them stay this little forever. My silly girl.

I'm on 2 weeks of no coffee--so far so good!! I start each morning with a cup of herbal tea, or sometimes a green tea.  I will be honest and say that I miss the jolt of energy, but I feel better overall.  I haven't had any headaches because I do drink green tea that has caffeine, but the energy I get is slow, gradual and is more mellow and it stays with me.  No crashes.  I definitely realize my body didn't do well slurping down a Spark or a coffee first thing in the morning.  Our bodies are not made for that!

I thought this tea tag was quite fitting.  

xox

Mama's Day Off

When I know I will have a few hours to myself, I immediately go through 100 things in my head that I'd like to accomplish.  It's funny how much time we have to ourselves before kids.  Before kids, I didn't realize what a luxury it was to run simple errands without having to take the kids in and out of their carseats.  I really hate taking them in and out for quick trips that take longer to get them buckled and unbuckled than actually doing the task!!  So I really made the most of my kid free day.  I am so grateful that my dad and step-mom took the kids so I could get so much done!! Thank you!

I had an early morning Dr appointment at 7:40 with a new practice.  I love the office and they were all really nice.  I scheduled an upper GI scope and am not really looking forward to it, but I want to know what is going on in my digestive tract!

After that I went to Starbucks and sat.  Alone.  I scheduled some things for KEEP, I organized my planner, and I finished my grocery list.   It was really nice to just sit and be.

I had to get some more blood work done and then I hit up the grocery store.

After grocery shopping I ran home, unloaded all of the food and then went to pick up some yummy Cuban subs for hubby and I.  We ate them rather quickly and then it was off to the spa for a quick appointment!

After that I grabbed the dry cleaning and decided I wanted to look around the library.  I love taking the kids, but they don't like the adult section (go figure!) so I picked out a few books that caught my eye. Of course I had to get some for the kiddos too!

My truck was disgusting from all of the salt all over the roads, so I took that to car wash (again, no screaming kids who hate the car wash!!) And then it was time to go clean up before hubs got home.  I really like the floors clean and I knew if I did them before he got home, we'd have a clean floor for a little while.  You betcha I blared that rap music!

I celebrated National Drink Wine Day with a glass of sauvignon blanc and hubby seared some scallops in a pan.  Cheers!

We watched a movie with the surround sound on and didn't worry about waking up the littles!  We were in bed by 10 and up by 7 this morning.

And now?  I'm ready to get our little babes.  I feel refreshed from having a bit of a break from changing diapers, meeting the constant demands and the never ending feeding cycles of two growing kids.  Mama is ready to be a mama once again.

What do you do with a day off?  

Stay beautiful xox