December 28, 2017 · in 52 Weeks of Balance Project· List's and Schedules· time management

Setting Goals | Planning For Success | New Years Resolutions!

I get all giddy this time of year because planning is TOTALLY my thing. Ever since I can remember I’ve been creating lists, schedules, and filling out day planners. There’s just something about a well planned week and the feeling of direction and accomplishment I get when I follow through with my plan. Since I consider myself a planning expert I would love to take a moment to share my 3 tips on how to set goals and plan for success in 2018! If you prefer video over reading then see my LIVE video I did sharing these same tips.

Free Your Mind by PLANNING!

About a year ago I quit my “to do” list after reading a really awesome book called The Power of Pause by Terry Hershey. It’s a book about living life in the present moment and letting go of your rigid schedules and routines. Although I really loved this book and it came at the perfect time for me, I’m back to my “to do” lists and day planner. I needed a nice long PAUSE and time away from my overloaded work schedule, but it wasn’t something I could stick with long term and here’s why:

After a while of going about my day with no plan and being more in the moment, I realized I was becoming way less productive, my brain felt scattered all the time and anxiety levels were much more intense. Once again, it all comes down to balance. When you take time to plan, but not OVER plan, it actually frees your mind from stress and worry. It allows you to be more in the present moment because you’re not preoccupied with thoughts of all the things you need to do. I feel at peace knowing I’ve already planned for the things that need to get done, it’s all in my calendar.

Why set GOALS?

Why do you think we are even motivated to set goals? Why not just do the bare minimum and take it easy?

That’s actually what our brain wants to do by default. But our spirit was designed for GROWTH and CONTRIBUTION.

“There’s nothing wrong with living a safe life, accept that NOT pursuing your dreams is more painful than working through the fear and overwhelm that comes with going for it.”

~Jody Moore (Bold New Mom)

Step #1 : Brain Storm and Brain Dump

Get out a piece of paper and just get everything out of your brain and on to paper. Don’t overthink it, just write. Write EVERYTHING, your goals, your fears, your weaknesses, ideas, frustrations, reasons why you think you can’t. Remember, the brain wants to keep you safe and doing whats familiar. It doesn’t like to use up energy and it doesn’t like change. So just recognize this as a normal part of the process. Your brain will continually offer you reasons why you shouldn’t do things and your spirit will remind you of your devine purpose on this earth. We only get one life and we want to use it to become the best version of ourselves and to create the best experience possible. The only way to do that is to plow through the hard times and pick ourselves up when we get discouraged or feel like quitting.

Step #2 : Organize It into An Outline

Goals: Get clear on what your goals are and WHY you want to achieve them. What is your purpose.
Obstacles: What are the obstacles that you came up with? Why do you think you CAN’T achieve this goal?
Create Strategies for each Obstacle: Be proactive about the obstacles you may face and come up with a strategy NOW so that you’re ready to deal with them when they come up.
Calendar in each task: How will you tackle this goal? Come up with a stategic list of tasks and calendar them in.

Step #3 : Calendar the PERFECT Week

What does the perfect week look like to you?

Of course I always have BALANCE as a goal and when I think of the perfect week, I see a perfectly balanced week including mind body and soul. Here’s a list of some of the things I would include in my “perfect week”.

Do something challenging and creative: For me this means writing out blog posts, doing a live video, or creating a YouTube video. It’s challenging because it requires me to use my brain and I have to really TRY.
Do something fun: What is fun for you? Now put it in your calendar.
Educational: I love reading all things SELF HELP, so I set aside time to read my books. My goal is at least 10 minutes a day.
Spiritual: Regular morning scripture study is for sure a priority and I want to get better at it. I’m trying to get back to my Morning Routine.
Clean and organize: This would actually be in the FUN category for me, haha. I don’t like deep cleaning my house, but I really enjoy organizing. So in order for me to make it FUN, I would actually get a babysitter so I can put in my headphones and listen to podcasts while I organize a room without any distractions or kids UNorganizing my work.
Activity or lesson with kids: It’s important for me to set aside time to teach my children and spend quality time with them.
Relaxing: What relaxes you? A hot bath, a long walk, a hike in nature?
Physical: Of course I believe physical activity is very important and I try to exercise at least 5 times a week.
Time w/ hubby: Weekly date night is a MUST!

May 31, 2017 · in 52 Weeks of Balance Project· balance· Inspiration· Life of a Wannabe· List's and Schedules· Monthly Challenge

Wannabe Hands Free ~ Summer Challenge

I couldn’t think of a better time to do the hands free challenge. I’ve been working on these monthly challenges for a while now. So far we’ve done Wannabe Fearless, Wannabe Balanced, Wannabe Lean, Wannabe Confident, and Wannabe Organized.

Now I’m so excited to reveal the Wannabe Hands free challenge. A way for us to be more intentional on being hands free by putting down our phones and focusing on our kids while they are out of school for the summer. These challenges are inspired by things that I particularly struggle with and thought it would be so fun to include you all in my attempts to becoming a happier, and more balanced mother for my children. I’m reading the book Hands Free Mama And I’m soaking up every bit of it and I’d highly recommend this book to any mom.

I’ve talked about the addiction to my phone before and I’ve been making a conscious effort to have a balance when it comes to the amount of time I spend on my phone. Some days I do really great, but most days it’s a problem. That’s also why as part of my morning routine, I decide which hours in the day I will PUT THE PHONE AWAY!

Why is it sooooo hard?

A while ago my 8 year old, the one who is best at the laying on the guilt, told me I’m ALWAYS on my phone. It was a tough pill to swallow. I found myself trying to validate my actions by explaining to him that a lot of what I do is important stuff. I’m not wasting time mindlessly scrolling through my news feed. It all has a purpose! He didn’t believe me. Grrrr! Although what I do on my phone does legitimately serve a purpose, there still needs to be a balance. It’s easy to lose sight of priorities even when what you’re doing is good.

At the same time, EVERYTHING is on our phones. In reality, our phones are our life. It holds our pics and videos, our contacts, our bank accounts, our grocery lists, maps, google, Amazon Prime, passwords, calendars, appointments. The list goes on and on. It’s no wonder we are obsessed right? It’s hard to put something down that contains so much of what we need each day. I’ve been trying to do some things the old fashion way, like use an actual Day Planner instead of my phone calendar. Make a grocery list with REAL paper and a pen. Use a camera that is NOT my phone camera, and read printed books instead of ebooks.

I have the tendency to overdo it when it comes to things. It drives my husband crazy! One summer I had a goal to declutter and get my house organized. I didn’t just do a little here and there, I started first thing in the morning and went late into the night for weeks until I had everything just the way I wanted it.

That’s why “Wannabe Balanced Mom” was the perfect name for me. The struggle is real folks. I want balance, but it doesn’t come naturally to me. Takes consistent effort thats for sure.

I know that the phone addiction is a real thing and A LOT of people can relate. So this challenge will be a great way to hold one another accountable in our efforts to reign it in and have a healthier balance with the time spent on our phones.

I wanted to provide an incentive for everyone who participates, that’s why I have put together a nice prize for one of you lucky participants. At the end of the summer I will choose a winner and announce it in the Wannabe Balanced Facebook Group. I have a Ju-Ju-Be Bag I want to give to one of you ladies.

How To Enter:

Participate!!!
Join the Wannabe Balanced Facebook Group
Add people to the group who you think would like this challenge. Each person (comment) you add counts as an entry (leave a separate comment in the Giveaway feed for each person you add).
Share this blog post on Facebook or share the Image below on Instagram (be sure to tag me in the image and caption). Use #wannabehandsfree hashtag when you post.
Follow me on Instagram
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Pin this post to Pinterest

I’ve created this free printable list of goals for you to check off. Download the PDF HERE. Let me walk you through this printable and explain how to use it.

No Phone Days

Choose 4 days this month to be completely without your phone. Sundays work best for me.

Activities with Kids

Get yourself on Pinterest and plan at least 5 fun activities you will do with your kids this month.

Journal

Journal your thoughts and experience at least 4 different times this month. Explain your goals, why you’re doing it, and what you’re noticing. Are you having withdrawals? Is it easy? Is if hard? Do you feel happier? Are your kids happier? Do you feel more present and centered?

Wannabe Hands Free Check List

Be public about your goals. Tell your friends and family or even share online. This will create more accountability for you. The more people that know, the less likely you will be to give in. If you post on social media then use the hashtag #wannabehandsfree so we can all find each other and offer support.
Change your phone notifications. Silent as many notifications as possible and even delete certain apps if necessary.
Create a No Phone Routine. Use my morning routine printable to help you decide which hours during the day you will set the phone down and resist any temptations to check notifications, send emails, or jump on social media. Absolutely NO PHONE during this hour. It’s good to practice that self control.
Let go of your “to do” list. If you’re like me, this is extremely hard to do. I wrote about how I quit my “to do” list last year. Although I know how important it is to be organized and make plans, I also know that our “to do” lists tend to have a strong handle on our lives, leaving less room for spontaneity and presence. So give it a try, throw out your to do list this month, or even just for a day. Do what you can to focus more on the present and what you feel is important in this very moment. Let your instincts be your guide.
Plan and act of kindness. Get your kids involved and plan a little service project or a simple act of kindness you can do together.
Create a Life List with your kids. Help your kids create a list of things they want to do in their lives. This will help remind them that in order to make these things happen, we must be spending more time pursuing them and less time watching Netflix and playing video games.
No phone nature walk or hike with the kids. I know we all feel we MUST document everything we do which is great! But sometimes we just need to focus on being in the moment and less on documenting. I love the part in the movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

“If I like a moment, I mean, me… personally. I don’t like to have the distraction of a camera. I just want to stay in it. Right there… right here.”

~Sean O’Connell

<<<Get Your FREE Printable HERE>>>

May 12, 2017 · in 52 Weeks of Balance Project· addiction· balance· Inspiration· time management

Establishing A Daily Morning Routine

Let’s be real. Waking up before the kids is extremely difficult. Usually Owen (my 3 year old) wakes up first and has no sympathy whatsoever. He comes straight into my room and yells at me to get out of bed. I beg him for one more minute but he shows no mercy and the yelling just escalates into a full on tantrum. This has been my life for the past 6 months or so. I completely got out of the habit of making time for personal study, prayer and meditation.

<<<Listen to my Morning Routine Podcast Episode HERE>>>

I’d go about my days feeling scattered, overwhelmed, and a bit stressed. I lacked focus on what I needed and should be doing each day, therefore I was not as productive as normal. Not only that but I struggled to be present when I was with my kids. I tried so hard to give them my full attention when I knew they needed me but my mind would wonder, and I was constantly worried about what needed to be done. Over time I began to notice feelings of anxiety creeping in. Thats when I knew I needed to make some changes.

So I decided to take action. I knew I needed to take more time to prepare for the day instead of constantly feeling two steps behind and playing catch up. I needed the peace and stillness of the morning to organize my thoughts and my day. To pray to God about the things that were on my mind. To write out my affirmations and gratitude list. To read and to ponder. I simply needed QUIET TIME with no interruptions.

The last two weeks I’ve been waking up an hour or two before the kids to allow that time to revive my morning ritual, and guess what? I’ve noticed an unbelievable difference. I feel more calm, more centered and more at peace with my daily mom work flow. I feel more relaxed, yet more productive. I’m able to focus and be more present with my children. Most importantly I just feel an overall sense of wellbeing.

Waking up early is hard, but the pay off is worth it. Studies have shown that waking up early can ACTUALLY put you in a better mood. It’s especially important for us moms. We rarely get a moment to ourselves and it’s better that we go to bed early and utilize those morning hours as opposed to staying up late to get your “YOU” time in. We are more productive in the morning hours than at night. In the evening I just end up watching Netflix. At night I’m in no mood to read or write that’s for sure.

I wanted to show you what my daily morning routine looks like, as well as give you a FREE printable I created with the help of my friend Glady at Hearttakethewheel.com. It’s just a little helpful guide for you to use as part of your morning rituals. Get your printable HERE.

Night Prep

First of all, a successful daily morning routine starts the night before. I like to make everything a ritual really. I’m all about setting the mood. Lighting a candle or putting lavender in my Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser. Make yourself a cup of night time tea, put on a clarifying or moisturizing face mask, and play some calming music.

I find it helpful to write out a list of things I need and WANT to do the next day. Not just work and household tasks. But I really ponder the things I want to improve in my role as a mother and a wife. Like certain activities I want to do with my kids, or even write out little goals like; take more video and pics of them, pray together, teach them how to help with household chores. Pay more attention to the cute things they say and take the time to write them down. Bring a surprise lunch to my kids at school, or prepare a special family dinner.

I also like to take a moment to think about some ways I can make the day run smoother. Like starting a load of laundry, choosing all our outfits for the next day, making sure the car is cleaned out, and doing a little meal prep.

Wannabe Balanced Daily Morning Routine

You know I’m all about that BALANCE. I like to incorporate balance in everything I do and my daily morning routine is the perfect time to focus on mind, body, and soul. Again, I like to start by setting the mood. Find a comfy quiet spot, (preferably a place where you can watch the sun rise). Set up your Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser with some Relax & Rejuvenate essential oil blend. Make yourself a cup of tea, or warm lemon juice, and a big glass of water. I also like my caffeine. I don’t drink coffee, but I do enjoy an EShot which is an all natural alternative energy shot with caffeine derived from Yerba Mate and adaptogens to help the body cope with stress.

If you could wake up 2 hours before your kids that would be ideal, but I know for me its REALLY hard to do that. So I do what I can and usually I wake up just an hour before they wake up and I still see that positive impact it has on my mood and the flow of my day. Here is an example of what my morning quiet time looks like.

- Prayer
- Listen to a song with uplifting words (I like to listen to Today’s Christian Hits channel on Pandora).
- Do a little stretching and or some Yoga poses.
- Meditate
- Read scriptures
- Read a few pages in the book I’m reading. Right now it’s Feelings Buried Alive Never Die
- Fill out my worksheet which includes your gratitude list and affirmations.
- Get dressed for the day and start preparing breakfast.

On the printable worksheet I felt it very important to address my Phone Addiction. I want to set aside a few hours a day where my phone is OFF LIMITS. Not texting, no siri, no google, no checking email and social media notifications.

<<<REQUEST YOUR FREE PRINTABLE>>>

November 30, 2015 · in 52 Weeks of Balance Project· Health· Inspiration· Life of a Wannabe· List's and Schedules· Mom Stuff· My Thoughts and Feelings· Uncategorized· Weight Loss

December Challenge

Wannabe Balanced Challenge

This month I want to really focus on being balanced and enjoying every moment. Each day we will post a picture on our Instagram and or Facebook accounts that applies to the daily prompt. Just post a picture on facebook/instagram each day. Elaborate a little and share your thoughts or a positive quote to go with your picture. Use the hashtag #wannabebalanced so that we can easily find each others posts and support one another by liking and commenting. If you’re new to our challenges then I’d highly recommend you start with our Wannabe Fearless Challenge first.

Instead of stressing out and over doing it on the treats, take one step toward staying healthy physically and mentally this month. Get FREE daily inspiration from me, your fellow Wannabe Balanced Mom.

How it works:

1. Use the daily prompts to inspire you.

2. Inspire US with your pics, and or thoughts.

3. Share on Facebook, Instagram, or even Periscope using the hashtag #wannabebalanced (November Wannabe Fearless challenge had 1k people talking about it!)

4. Encourage balance in others with likes + thoughtful comments. (most supportive tribe of women here)

5. Share this post on Facebook, or share this picture on Instagram so you can help your friends and family stay a little more balanced this month. Also, Join our Facebook group Wannabe Balanced for more support and inspiration throughout the year.

· Selfie: Tell us a little about you.
· What are you reading?
· Push yourself really hard in your fitness routine. Sweat!!!
· Focus on mindfulness today. Enjoy the present, practice mindful listening and eating.
· Go on a long run.
· Write in your journal.
· Meal prep for the week.
· Call a friend or send a hand written letter.
· De-clutter a space in your house.
· Spend 10 minutes meditating. Eyes closed, doing and thinking about NOTHING. Set your timer.
· Write out some positive affirmations today.
· Make a colorful salad.
· Wake up early.
· Do something different with your husband.
· Share a childhood memory.
· Share a healthy treat.
· Do something festive and fun with the kids.
· Say a 10 minute prayer.
· Do a service project with your kids.
· Show us a DIY project.
· Wrap presents
· Have a family movie night with pop corn and hot cocoa.
· Get bundled up and play outside with your kids.
· Share a tradition.
· Show us your Christmas morning aftermath.
· Do Yoga.
· Write down your game plan for 2016
· Go to bed early
· Listen to a podcast
· Best bit of today.
· Last moment of 2015

September 6, 2015 · in 52 Weeks of Balance Project· List's and Schedules· time management

Time Saving Tips for Moms

So much to do and so little time. How is it possible to fit everything we need to do into one day?

It’s not possible, because a women’s work is NEVER done! All we can do is work smart and be happy with what we ARE able to do.

Although our “to do” lists are never ending, we must keep our priorities straight. This is something we will constantly need to evaluate (see video at the end of this post). It’s so easy to get caught up in less important things. That’s why I believe we need to be praying constantly that our priorities and goals are inline with God’s will.

People are constantly asking me how I have the time to do what I do. This is a question us moms are ALWAYS asking each other, right? For some reason we tend to think other moms are doing it better, or doing more than we are. First of all, lets STOP comparing ourselves. I know this is hard. I’m constantly doing it myself. We need to just focus on doing OUR best, and that should be enough.

Today I’m going to share some tips as well as reveal to you that I am NOT super women. I’m just like you. I try, I fail, I get tired and overwhelmed. My house is not always clean, kids are not always bathed, and homework is not always done. I sometimes yell and get mean which is a sign I MAY be obsessing a little too much on keeping the house clean, or getting carried away doing a project and have no tolerance for interruptions, which is impossible when you have kids. So just know, that I too struggle.

Now let’s get down to business. These tips are a compilation of my own as well as my lovely Facebook and Instagram friends who commented on my post last week. Thank you all for your awesome tips! They were so helpful for me.

#1 TURN OFF THE TV

“Stop watching TV. Sometimes we still have the TV on at night, but I don’t actually watch it. I snuggle with my kids and work on my phone if they are watching something. I started building my side businesses and have continued running 3 side companies during the time most people watch TV. I don’t miss TV at all and I get a great return from those few hours a week.”
–Abbey Karel

This is a great tip! I don’t usually watch TV, but at night Sean and I do like to watch about 30 minutes together to help us unwind from the day. I know for some, the TV gets you wired, but for Sean and I it helps us turn our brains off. You know what they say, “watching TV will turn your brain to mush”, haha.

#2 HAVE KIDS HELP

“I always have my kids help with daily chores. Moms think they have to do everything. They don’t. My kids are amazing with helping. My youngest who is 8, folds 1 load of laundry and puts away on everyone’s beds, this is daily. That way my laundry does not stack up. It is done fresh out of the dryer. Only takes him about 15 min.

We also eat on paper plates at dinner, clean up is quick and easy. And done before I know it. My oldest helps me sweep and mop the house. Usually once a week. Right now I am currently dusting. With my kids helping me with light chores I am able to workout at night once they go to bed, and this gives me more time to relax with them when they get home from school. I mix veggies a lot of times to make it one side that is cooked and then the main course. It saves on dirtying dishes.
My oldest prepares all trash and takes to the road the night before of trash day. Usually, right before his shower time.
My kids both make their own lunches. They are allowed one sweet snack, then fruit and cheese. This lets them choose what they want. They both put them in the fridges along with their ice packs.

We live in the country so my youngest rides the bus oldest drives. Every morning I make the cereal, it is ready for them when they are ready. I don’t pour milk till they sit down. Every night they make sure their room is neat and lay out their clothes. It keeps from a hassle of a messy bedroom. FYI – my kids got smart! Their beds are made at all times! The sleep on their made beds with a blanket, lol! I just can’t do that, but that’s how they roll!”
–Oliver Kelsey

“It took me a couple of years to realize that my kids are capable of helping out around the house. I used to do it all and I was burned out! I can’t tell you how teaching my kids to empty the dishwasher or keep their rooms clean will free up my day. They are much more capable than I gave them credit for!”
–Adrienne O’Brien

“Starting when my kids were young and teaching them to be self-sufficient has been one of my greatest time-savers and one of my greatest joys. I always kept them with me when they were little, and they had fun helping me with cooking, gardening and other chores. When they were older and the tasks didn’t seem as fun anymore, they still did chores using a chore chart system. One of their “chores” was to look for something that needed to be done and do it. When their chores were finished they had to ask, “Is there anything else you’d like me to do?” Now that they are all in high school, they have completely internalized what they learned when they were young. I love walking into the kitchen and seeing them cleaning up without being asked. Or seeing them do their own laundry without me telling them to. Often times, Marc and I will come home from a business trip, and the house will look like we never left. Not only have we taught them how to cook, clean and sew, but we’ve taught them how to do Quickbooks, spreadsheets for our taxes and other office work. They are all extremely bright and talented… and self-sufficient. AND ready for the real world. All that to say… it’s completely worth it to spend time with your kids and teach them! So rewarding in every way.”
–Jeannie Schulman

#3 CLEAN EATING

This is definitely one of THE most important tips! Having the ENERGY to move fast and be productive is key. Mental Clarity and being able to focus definitely contributes to the amount of things you are able to check off your list. You all know how passionate I am about health and nutrition, it’s become my mission in life. I want to educate people on the importance of what goes into our bodies. Please email me if you are interested in learning more about what I do to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You can also comment on this post and I will be sure to get back to you.

“I think eating well (clean, energizing foods) are also key in making sure we have enough fuel and energy to navigate through our days. Eating junk adds stress and burnout!”
–Jennifer Glydon

#4 MEAL PREP

Always make double or triple when ever making meals, then freeze the rest for another night later in the month.

It’s the best feeling when my fridge looks like this! All stocked and meals prepped for the week. This means I have fruit and veggies all washed, chopped, and placed in stackable tupperware all neat and organized. This way everything is ready to throw together with different meals. Saves me a TON of time at dinner.

Seriously, don’t you love looking at something when it’s all organized?? Or is it just me? Sometimes I’ll just open the fridge just to admire the neatness.

No?

You don’t do this?

Hmmm, okay. Moving on.

I like to pre-mix all the dry ingredients of this gluten free pizza crust. Also, I usually BBQ a whole bunch of chicken to have ready to add to different recipes during the week. My favorite is BBQ chicken pizza. YUM!

And like I said, if you take the time to prep all the veggies then this meal is very quick to assemble.

I also like to have these green smoothie bags all ready to throw into the Vitamix. Really saves me a lot of time, plus, I don’t have to worry about my spinach going bad. My favorite smoothie recipe is, spinach of course, strawberries, a banana, a little splash of vanilla extract, one lemon slice (with the peel, is SO good for you), some ground flaxseed, cinnamon, and homemade unsweetened kefir. I’ll show you how to make kefir someday. I love that my kids are getting all their probiotics. They won’t drink my Kombucha.

“I saved the baby food containers, & I prepped both (mine & Ronin’s) “chocolate milks” = Isagenix protein shakes on Sun.
The night before I prep the shaker, water, “choc milk” & clothes – in the morning… we are out the door!!“
–Aimee O’Conner

#5 SIEZE EVERY MINUTE

“Don’t waste tiny pockets of time. When I pump gas, I clean out the car. When I am waiting for kids to get in the car from soccer practice, I get some business calls in or something to that effect. There are many, many pockets of time each day that go wasted. I think about what little things I need to get done in the morning and write them on a card that I throw in my pocket or purse. Then when a pocket of time comes up, I pull the card out and get stuff done!!”

–Kelli Taeoalii

“Workout over your lunch hour or with your kids. My office building has a full gym. It is so easy to work through lunch, but working out during my lunch gives me a boost of energy and reassurance that I can get my workout done. When I have a busy day or on the weekends, I get active with my kids. When they are playing soccer, I play with them. When they are riding their bike, I ride with them. When we go swimming, I swim with them. “

–Abbey Karel

#6 WAKE UP EARLY

Must wake up early! This one has been a hard one to adapt, but once I finally got used to waking up a couple hours before the kids, my days go SO much better. It gives me time to do some personal study and prayer, exercise, then get ready for the day.

#7 CHARTS FOR KIDS

I just LOVE lists and schedules. May be a tad obsessed?.

Anyway, making these charts has really helped everyone. Things go a lot smoother because now instead of CONSTANTLY telling them every little thing they need to do, ALL day long, now I just say, “go check your chart”. There are rewards and consequences. Has made my life easier and now I don’t feel like I’m always the mean drill Sargent.

#8 PLAYDATE SWAPS

Do a play date swap with a couple neighborhood friends you know and trust. I have Brooklyn go to a friends house once or twice a week so I can run some errands (always easier with less children?), then I’ll put Owen down for a nap and work on a few household chores, and a little #isagenix fun (some call it work, but I think it’s fun). Then I will take a turn and have Brooklyn’s friends come play at my house for a while on a different day of the week.

#9 CRAFT CADDIE AND BUSY BOX

Having this craft caddie all ready to go has really been helpful when I’m busy making dinner or cleaning up. I just pull out some paper and set them up at the counter with the caddie and they are ready to get creative.

These bins are full of busy bag ideas I’ve created and found on Pinterest.

#10 SET YOUR TIMER

Set your timer. It’s easy to get carried away working on a project, then before you know it, the baby is awake or the kids are home from school and your window of “to do list” time is over. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

I also like to use a 20 minute list on some days. I just write down all the things I need, want, and SHOULD do, then set my timer and work down the list, giving myself 20 minutes for each task. This method helps my brain I guess you could say. I know I SHOULD be playing with my kids, but then I see messes everywhere and I can’t seem to focus on playing. This way, the list is telling my brain, “don’t worry, you can get to that in 20 minutes, focus on your kids at this moment”. Am I just crazy? Or can anyone relate?

“Have a weekly/daily cleaning task list to break up household chores throughout the week so that it’s not all packed into one day.”
–Julie Danielson

“We have designated weeknights of the same dinner during the school year – every Monday is crockpot chili, Wednesday pasta, and Friday pizza. Oh, and Thursdays are leftovers. I meal plan (or intend to) every Saturday or Sunday before I grocery shop (yes I created a”form” with each dinner’s entree, side and salad). I also use the help of apps for organizing whenever possible. So a future tip: we all have phones since I work full time. We use the cozi app for our daily family calendar. I can add each child’s activities, and they can select their own name and see what their schedule is. It also has a grocery list and anyone in our family can add to it. It’s awesome!”
–Sally Tantilla

#11 PICK OUT OUTFITS FOR THE WEEK

I like to pick out my outfits too☺️. It’s not just for the kids.

I found these cute printouts on Pinterest. Isn’t it great!!!

#12 VITAMIN ORGANIZERS

This is a great way to stay consistent with having the kids take vitamins. They think it’s fun too. I just set them out for them at breakfast time.

#13 MULTIPURPOSE YOUR PURCHASES

“Multi-purpose your purchases. Instead of towels for each bathroom and towels for the pool, we consolidated and got these awesome towels for all purposes. They are super absorbent, never stink, and you can was 15-20 in 1 load! Most everything in our home can be used for a variety of things, so we have much less clutter and we don’t spend time looking for a single use product.”

–Abbey Karel

#14 AUTOSHIPMENTS

“Find out what you like and put it on your schedule of auto-shipment! We save time AND money by having the bulk of our shopping done automatically! This means, no waste and more family time.

Our essentials auto-shipped from Amazon

Our fresh, healthy and easy-to-make dinners from Hello Fresh and Blue Apron. We used to have all of our fresh groceries delivered by Peapod, but it is no longer available in our area. You can just re-select your basics and they are delivered to your front door. No wasted groceries and perfectly picked produce, meats, and all other groceries are delivered right to your kitchen.

Our breakfast shakes are auto-shipped from Isagenix.

My favorite skincare is auto shipped from Rodan + Fields.

My clothes are on auto-ship from Stitch Fix (there are companies that have this for men, children and athletic-wear, too)!”

–Abbey Karel (Ask her about her skincare)

#15 AMAZON

I just LOVE Amazon. I save myself HOURS by shopping online instead of driving all across town searching for different items I need. I’m sure most of you are aware of Amazon prime (free shipping) by now. It’s pretty awesome.
Throw back to 4 years ago when I did a presentation on BALANCING life as a mom.

May 10, 2011 · in 52 Weeks of Balance Project· Weight Loss· Work Out Program

Week #3 Work Out Program

I’ve FINALLY finished week #3 of my 4 week work out program. If you missed the first two here they are:
Week #1
Week #2
This is part of my 52 Weeks of Balance Project. All of these printout inserts go with the Wanna Be Balanced Day Planner, you can buy yours HERE.

Click HERE to print.