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.
....that I totally pushed pause on my cleanse. I have 5 days left, but I could not resist an ice cream cone and a few cocktails over the holiday weekend. I'll restart June 6th! Join me?
...I already ordered some new Summer items that launched today from our collection! The coral branch is SO pretty and will be the perfect Summer accessory.
...I'm hoping my Mystery Hostess Party gains momentum and that some lucky girl will win a ton of Keep loot!!
...I am addicted to reading. Legit. I can't stop listening to Pretty Girls, although I can because it's rather disturbing and messed up, so I don't listen while little ears are present.
...I love the smell of a hot morning. I opened the sliding glass door up to let Holly out and it smells so good! 72 at 7:00, YES!
...June is always a long and tough month with how much hubby has to work, but I know that the money is good and we have some down time coming up in July.
...I'm all about the self-tanners lately. I just bought Jergens to slather on again and I have to say, it's not too shabby! I don't love the smell but the price is good. I want to try some others too, since I love the Summer glow but don't want crispy skin!
...I'm so proud of our little girl; she got on stage last night for her dress rehearsal and did really really well!! I may have teared up and my mouth was on perma smile. She was amazing. She looked so grown up and her curly blonde hair is getting long---be still my mama heart. I love her so.
...I also am loving how much Brookie is enjoying reading! All it took was a few new books and me reading in front of her and she's totally hooked again. For awhile she didn't want much to do with them, but I made a big deal when I came home from B&N and she has me read them a few times a day.
...I have my first pre-school meeting next week and I'm actually really looking forward to it! I am excited for this new chapter in our lives.
...I finally worked out again yesterday for the first time in awhile. My arms are sore, but it felt so good!
...I'm super ecstatic for my friend Elizabeth and her new venture, Glamour by Elizabeth. She is such a caring, sweet soul with TONS of beauty advice! When I've been sporting my yoga pants and tees for too long, I look to her for some inspiration. Confidence is key and she is spilling all her secrets as to how she stays glam, day to day!
...hubby was out the door by 7am for a Dr appointment and I was able to eat my breakfast in quiet, write this blog and there's still no stir from up above...I may even get a quick shower in!
...nothing is more important than where you are right now, in this moment, and so just breathe. You can't focus on what has happened in the past and you cannot worry about the future.
I hope you're having a beautiful day. I wanted to share some things home-related on the blog, so I figured I would just lump them all together in one post!! I know it's not easy keeping up with the cooking, the cleaning, the organizing, plus doing everything else that we have to do in a day with littles. I have found a few tricks or routines that may actually work!
What I struggle with most at this stage, is being able to complete a task. I will start several things, but sometimes (most times) I get side tracked with changing diapers and trying to keep the kids both occupied so that I can clean, I feel like I'm running on a hamster wheel.
I will say that starting to use "Snap Chat" @mrsdellefave really does make me feel good about my day!! I literally look through my story and realize, holy cow, I do a lot and even though the floors may not be clean at 9pm, they were at 11am!
Really though, I know that it's a season and soon the kids will not be here making messes all day while I try to entertain them and clean up. So here are a few successes I had last week:
Brisket: I loved being able to throw it in the dutch oven, place it in the oven and let it cook for a few hours.
I steamed some carrots and then tossed them into some melted butter, honey, sage, & lemon.
I can't go wrong with my bread; everyone loves it!
The kids liked everything, but Brooke really only likes raw veggies. She "couldn't like the carrots" they were "yucky".
I like cleaning on Thursdays. I don't know why I prefer that day, but I do. I also like grocery shopping on a Tuesday. I think this is because Mon/Weds are late nights and that leaves more room for the kids and I to go and do something fun since Daddy works.
He pulls everything out of all the cupboards. Thursday he discovered parchment paper.
I run my dishwasher 1-2 times a day. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with the dishes, bottles and cups seem to multiply. I need to get some more paper plates for Summer to help cut down on this haha. I really don't enjoy dishes, but I do find it best if I prop my iPhone up and watch Youtube or TV on it.
I was really having an issue with my produce. We eat a lot of fresh fruits and veggies, and they were just falling out of my bowls. I decided to use a big platter to hold everything and it works much better!
Decor:
I had this bowl that my mom gave me awhile ago for a birthday present. I finally found something to put in it! I grabbed these for $8 at T.J. Max
When I'm feeling overwhelmed, I know that the first place to start is my room. If I can clear the clothes, clutter and make the bed, life feels so much easier and more put together!
I ended with a quick steam mopping session. I go back and forth whether I like an old fashion mop or the steam mop, but I really love that there's no harsh chemicals.
Another simple dinner winner- Pasta with turkey meatballs. Everyone loves it and I served it with some organic frozen veggies. For my plate I gave myself 1/2 cup of pasta and filled the rest with veggies.
Want to know a secret? Today is day #4 with no coffee. I know. I'm just as shocked. I ran out of creamer and decided that would be the day. I don't miss the flavor or the feeling I was getting after drinking it (reflux) and I have replaced it with a matcha latte. It's green tea powder and I heat up some vanilla soy milk---use my immersion blender and voila. Gives me a boost of energy and no yuck feeling! Starbucks makes them and they're super tasty; I'm still perfecting mine.
How Jen Does it is really inspiring me to get my cleaning in order!! Check out her latest video.
My favorite thing? This. It was so hot out yesterday, I gave them two bowls of water and a few measuring cups. They instantly soaked each other and ran around squealing. I love that I have the deck to lock them in, and I can get some kitchen work done [since it's never ending!] I'm very excited to enjoy the nicer weather!
So, last I mentioned, I signed up to be a part of "No Spend November." Like I typically do with challenges or group things, I didn't really think everything through. It sounded awesome and so I jumped on!! So, excuses or not, this hasn't been my best version of No Spend November. I think it's a tricky time of year with all things holiday coming out, and shopping for presents etc. so that I'm not stuck the week before Christmas trying to get everything accomplished. I want a STRESS free Christmas season, so I am working on it little by little.
Here are a few areas I feel as though I'm doing well:
Not buying things I just want. Like, new foundation primer or the Naked Pallette 2, or a gazillion cute dresses from online boutiques, scarves, jewels, ya know, basic girlie things that we never really need, but can't stop/won't stop usually. I've noticed that I like to take home momentos or trinkets too; for instance we went to Cracker Barrel for lunch and I really wanted to buy a mug. Or a Christmas ornament. Or something. It's not that it wasn't cheap, because nothing was really that pricey, but that's the problem. We can easily buy things because "they're only $4" or whatever. And then you drain your money and have a lot of useless junk. (In my opinion)
Not buying books. I absolutely love books. I love books of all kinds…and books? They take up space and your money! I see nothing wrong with having a lot of books, but they can get a bit overwhelming. I am really using the library as much as I can with the kids and myself. I also am asking for cookbooks for Christmas, because I just love a good cookbook. Online recipes are great, but there's something wonderful about recipes in a book, with photos and sometimes stories or tidbits. I'll sit down and look through a whole cookbook! I have Laura Vitale's on hold at the library.
Food Waste. With a baby, toddler, a husband with Crohn's and myself who really tries to eat 80-90% clean, it is a bit of a juggling act when it comes to food around here! I sometimes find my veggies and fruits start to go quicker than we can eat. Partially, because I am the one who eats most of them. One thing that I noticed, is I'd almost get through a bag of, let's say carrots, but they'd get a little funny and weren't so good to eat fresh outta the bag. Enter in: Dave Ramsey's Budget Soup. Essentially, it's just that old world concept of not wasting your food. You can save anything from beans, rice, potatoes, pasta, chicken, and veggies and throw them in a pot and make a soup!
I threw in:
Onion
Leeks
Carrots
Cooked asparagus
garlic powder
1 bag small potatoes
2 boxes chicken stock
parmesan rind thrown in for added flavor
Brought to a boil and simmered until all veggies were soft
1/2 of a whole chicken I made in the crock pot the day before at the end
I figured it was perfect for this time of year, cold/flu season and the babes actually really liked it!
Grocery Shopping. We are totally spoiled with grocery stores, they're like mini malls. I didn't realize it until I started blogging or when my mom moved down South and says how much she misses Wegmans. That said, there is a lot of extra crap I want to buy because it's pretty or cute or whatever. I have been good and saying no to the nude eyeshadow in the makeup aisle or the adorable Christmas spatulas in the home goods section. I stick to our list and buy the necessities, for the most part.
Here's a haul I just did this week:
Not eating out too often. So, we totally had a date night, but it was honestly the cheapest we have ever spent probably!! We only ordered entrees, a salad, and I had a glass of wine. No apps, no dessert…that all adds up! We did grab breakfast and lunch with the kids, like I said "Staycation" but we did fairly well with that, as the kids can basically share a meal at this point.
No coffee runs. The red cups came out--gasp--and boy do I want one, 'just because' but really…I think I'll be fine until Dec. 1st to officially enjoy one grande peppermint mocha. I haven't died yet. Cancelled monthly subscriptions. I had quite the list going and it all, adds, up. So like I mentioned before both my husband and I misplaced different credit cards, so all those #'s that are saved into a computer system, no workie!!! Which, as much as I love all of our 'extras' they are not needed. Examples?
Netflix. We have Amazon Prime--why do we need Netflix too?
Essential Oils. I have enough, always want more, but really, I think we are set for awhile.
Next Issue. I love the idea of having any magazine at my fingertips, but I just don't read like I want to.
Care.com That was a lovely auto renewal…oy!
Saying No to Target. I get it. It's our happy place. Even my almost 3 year old daughter asks if we can go to Target. But Target is just a place to avoid, for me, if we are trying to save money. I had to make diaper, wipes, formula run and I went to Walmart. I kid you not, I spent $100 less most likely because I wasn't enticed by any super trendy home decor, scarves, kid goodies, or anything else.
Use coupons. It is NOT as easy as it used to be. Before I had kids, I was starting to get a kick out of clipping, sorting, using coupons. I still clip, but now they get shoved into my holder, I try to make a list, pull from the holder and trying to buy what you have coupons for/and remember to use them while making sure the kids aren't fighting, falling out of the cart or screaming, is really a mini workout. But it works. Some things you just want name brand (ie. feminine products) and there are always coupons! So to save a few bucks, always helps. Even if you're not saving a ton, you're saving something and that's worth it!
Be vocal about it. The more I talk about it, the less I'm likely to veer off course. I am dying over Naked Eyeshadows, but spending $54 right now is not in the budget! Encourage others to hop on the saving train with you and just have fun with it. I feel like we live in a spend, spend, spend some more world, and none of us are really happy about that! Figure out what your big goals are and really keep that in mind. In the long run, I'd rather have a nice new home to raise our babies, land to have a garden, walk the woods, be all together on our homestead. That means more than a new pair of whatever.
No party shopping. Everyone is involved in some sort of MLM. I love supporting other ladies, but it gets out of hand. There is only so much you can spend--so maybe this is where I need to have a separate budget, "fun money" or whatever, so that I can spend, but have a limit.
Where I'm not doing so well:
We did eat out a few times. I did get my nails done. Waxed. Hair appt. tomorrow. Babysitters cost $. We threw a get together so extra plates, cups, plastic ware, drinks, food, added a little more into our budget. Granted, it was pasta and meatballs, so that didn't break the bank! And I have bought some stuff for Christmas…and we made a major purchase like a new mattress and pillows. So like I said, it hasn't been a "NO SPEND" strictly, but I have been making progress. I am being brutally honest because like anything, it should be about progress, not perfection. I firmly believe if I continue to do these little things all the time, it will help in a major way!
If anything, it's really making me look through what we have in cupboards, drawers, organize what we own and USE IT!! It's also giving me a nice list of things we may like for Christmas, so when people ask I don't have to say, "I don't know!"
I am not sure how well we will do when we go away to Arizona, but the trip {airfare, hotel, spa treatments, meals} are all accounted for, so we should be okay?! I will try to pack as much food/snacks as possible, as I hate having to pay airport food prices, but sometimes ya just gotta do what ya gotta do.
Hey hey hey!! I feel totally revived after our relax/staycation! I have lots of goals and am ready to keep sharing lots of fun things on this here old blog. Hope ya don't mind!
Today I thought I'd share how I get my hair curly, like so-
It's a different curl than when I use the straightener, and I honestly love both! This is more of a flirty, fun, beachy wave, and it can get a little crazy! In my opinion, it's perfect for date nights and times when you want to stand out a little bit. Plus, the hubs loves it, so that's always good.
I have ridiculously thick hair, which lead to the mom chop pre-Bradley and post Brooke. I loved it, but then missed my longer locks. I have been growing it out since then, and the last hair cut I got, I actually added more layers so it evened out when I part in the middle and I think it looks fab!
My products I talk about are sold in salons only, I believe, but I am sure you can find similar products! For me the key is to use a volume mousse--something to give your hair texture before you blow it dry. Usually I use smoothing creams or gels, but when you want that crazy curl, I think that works best. A good hair spray is key after you curl it, but I hate the crunch of some sprays, so a sea salt spray works best for me. I like to be able to still run my fingers through the curls.
I just started recording on a whim, I thought maybe it'd be helpful for some of my friends to see how I achieved this type of curl, so by no means is this an excellent tutorial! I was getting ready and the kids were playing--Bradley was in his crib with toys and you can clearly hear, them…hope it's not too distracting. If you'd like to see more tutorials, let me know! PS you can totally see my crazy bruises--I still don't know how I got the big one on my wrist, I think I banged it in the door Halloween, but the small ones on my triceps are from the baby! He's such a pincher---ow!
So, with this whole watching my money thang, I really am trying to better about the food I buy. Sometimes I forget about it and it goes bad and I throw it out. HUGE waste of money. I had a large container of kale. This happens quite often since Joe cannot eat a lot of fresh greens, I try to eat them all, but sometimes I just can't. Enter freezing it!
I put enough water in the bottom of the pan to cover {ok I used more but I recommend using less} and then brought it to a boil, dumped my kale.
I let it cook down a bit, about 2 minutes and turned it off.
The water will have a murky green color--USE it! It is full of antioxidants and nutrients. Carefully, pour it into a blender. I poured mine in the sink, thankfully!
Blend until it is a liquid.
Grab an ice cube tray, pour, and freeze!
Now I have frozen kale to add to smoothies or soups or whatever! How smart is that?! I was pretty excited. I plan on doing this with spinach or any other green too if I have a bit of surplus and it starts to go bad.
But I thought cooking kale loses its nutrients? Well, after reading a lot, I always go back to, EVERYTHING IN MODERATION. I read that cooked kale is great for cholesterol levels. I also read that raw kale is great for cancer fighting properties. So, both are great! Enjoy!!
