Guess What I Did Over Lunch

Ever feel like you're getting nowhere?

That no matter what you do, you bump into a roadblock? Or you just can't get ahead? (Just like a log-jam of bumper boats where no one is getting anywhere fast.)

It can feel that way when you are a working mom. I believe that often we are our own worst critics and we replay a self-feating message in our heads.

When you are working you can't shut off the back of your mind telling you all the things you need to be doing at home or all the errands you need to be accomplishing.

And once you're at home, you might be worrying about the deadlines you have looming at work or the grumpy co-worker who resents the fact that you scoot out of work at the top of the hour.

Having a job and determining to be a great homemaker at the same time takes a lot of thoughtful purpose.

Have you stopped lately and actually put thought to your actions?

life feeling stuck like a bumper boat jam? - photo by ikeephouse

You can do this.

Purposefully spend your time. But, not in a guilty and rushing way. Don't use your time with a grudge. Instead you need to be excited that you have time and you can choose what to do with it.

Don't waste today. It won't be coming back.

And in fact, remember to do something today that will pay you back in the future.

You wouldn't take a trip without booking tickets and knowing what day you're going?

You wouldn't play sports without a game plan?

Am I right?

make a game plan - photo by ikeephouse

One way to make some insurance for the busy days ahead is to wisely use your lunch time while you are work.

Yes, you could mindlessly surf the internet. You could chat with co-workers. You could get some exercise. Non of these things are wrong. But, if you are looking to make improvements in your homemaking you might want to consider changing your lunch routine.

Brainstorm some things you would be excited to do for yourself!

Here are 10 ideas to get you started. Be excited that you are a modern mom and a homemaker. You just happen to have a job right now too. Remember, prosper where you are planted!

1. look up new and interesting recipes
2. work on meal plans
3. cut coupons
4. write birthday cards
5. sort and label photos
6. write a good old fashioned letter
7. plan a party
8. brainstorm present ideas for your friends and family
9. comparison shop online
10. call family you've neglected to talk to lately

What is your favorite thing to do on a lunch break that saves you time later?

Handle Your Stress When The Holidays Roll Around

When it's time for the holidays, it can sometimes difficult to handle your stress when there is so much to do.

I don't know about you, but I feel like my to to-do is always long. Add in some Christmas activities and I wonder how I'll get it all accomplished:

• Christmas crafts with the kids
• A visit to Santa
• Holiday concert (and new clothes are needed)
• Traveling
• Wrapping
• Town Square Christmas celebration
• Baking cookings
• Whew!!

Here are a few of my favorite tips that seem to make all the difference between a crabby mom and a joyful mom.

A few moments of goal setting.

You need to make sure that you get a list of the goals you want to meet onto some paper. This way, you have a list of what needs to be done, and you can track your progress by checking off what you have been getting done when you're ready to meet a goal. You'll be able to stick with your goals because it will be great when you are able to see how far you got with your goals. Make sure you take it one goal at a time, and break down bigger goals so you can easily meet different parts of that goal.

A few moments of enjoying a hobby.

I really enjoy beading bracelets and like to make myself one or two new ones before winter.

When you start to feel stress, you need to get a hobby that can take your mind off of things. For instance, if you like to read then you should always have a book nearby that you can open up and start reading when you feel your anxiety or stress coming up. This will allow you to distance yourself from the stress until you are able to deal with it. Don't take too many breaks, however, you do need to deal with your stress when you can so that you can get it done and over with.

A few moments of early shopping.

I've found even having a few gifts purchased before Thanksgiving can take the stress out of shopping.

Try getting your holiday shopping done well before the holidays hit. Only save some presents like new movies or games that are coming out for when they are released if they have a release date when the holidays are. If you are able to shop before the holidays hit, then you'll have a better chance at finding the things you need right away. If you take too long with this, then when you go out to shop you're going to be shopping with a lot of other people and that could stress you out quite a bit too.

I hope you'll take a little time this week to figure out what you can do to handle your stress when the holidays roll around.

Here are more resources to help you have a less-stressed holiday season.

The 'Ultimate' Christmas Planner | Simple Catholic Living
http://www.simplecatholicliving.com Thu, 24 Oct 2013 11:00:22 GMT
The 'Ultimate" Christmas Planner is a 96 page e-book to help you stay sane, organized and have fun during the Christmas Season.

Free Printable Thanksgiving and Christmas Planning Guide
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So I know we have a few more months until Thanksgiving and Christmas but I wanted to post this free little Thanksgiving and Christmas planner for you. I was in Walgreens this weekend picking up some photos and noticed […]

Christmas Countdown: Your week-by-week guide to getting ...
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Sort through your decorations. Try out the lights and get rid of any broken and damaged decorations. If you like to work to a theme or colour scheme each year plan yours now and order your new Christmas decorations in ...

Menu Plan Monday - Gluten Free Dairy Free Christmas Edition ...
http://onceamonthmeals.com Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:00:46 GMT
This week if full of easy meals leading up to our big family Christmas Eve dinner, with a few of my kiddos' favorite meals to celebrate having some time off.

Thanks for stopping by,
Suzanne

Changing Up Routines As The Seasons Start To Shift

I love changing up things when the seasons change. As it gets colder and the holidays roll around, we tend to feel more stressed. But a few mindful changes in your habits can be rejuvenating. Here are some tips to allow you to prepare for the end of fall and the beginning of winter.

Do a Clothing Check

Make it a point to check that you and your family have the right kind of clothes for whatever season it is. Sometimes there will be many days where it's cold in the morning, but warm in the afternoon. That's probably the only time you'll need to worry about wearing different clothes depending on the time of day. Start getting out some winter clothes to be able to layer appropriately.

Make sure to get your winter shopping done when it's fall, and then get your summer shopping done when spring starts to come around. It pays to be prepared so you're not stuck in clothing that doesn't work for you. If you are super prepared, you may have shopped at the end of last season. Be sure to pull out all that winter stuff and evaluate it.

I always like to know if I should put items on the Christmas lists for the kids like jammies, mittens, or extra socks. The grandmas always like to pick out a new shirt for the kids so I like to know what color or size they will need around January or February.

Update Your Skin Care

You should consider things like how dry your skin is going to be in the winter. You may want to get a new special lotion to help you avoid dry skin. Also remember, just like in the summer you have to protect your skin with sunscreen. Be sure to buy a new bottle of your favorite. The stock of sunscreen tends to not be as good during the winter.

I also like to buy a new foundation in the fall. Sometimes I get a new Burt Bees lip gloss. It doesn't have to be expensive to update your makeup.

I don't like to wear moisturizer on my face during the summer. The fall is the perfect time to see if you'll need something new. I like to use coconut oil as a lotion too. Usually, I feel better throwing out the jar that sat all summer long without being used. (I just forget to use it...don't know why.)

Update Your Routines

I like to make sure the kids get out earlier in the afternoon to get some playtime in. Although it isn't too cold yet, I don't really like to let them run around the neighborhood after dark.

Sunshine is important to me. I like to start scheduling a walk over lunch to make sure I can see the sun everyday. If I don't...then the time just slips by and I'm a crabby mom in the dark evening.

I hope that jump-started you thinking about what routines you can change up this fall. You'll feel great when you're done with this and everything will fall into place for you!

Here are more ideas for changing your fall/winter routine.

Menu Plans: Early Autumn Inspired Dishes :: Southern Savers
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early autumn inspired dishes. Just a few more days and it will officially be the start of the Fall season! The weather is getting cooler and the leaves are starting to change and that means Fall produce is making it's way into the ...

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Late harvest:an autumn-inspired beauty treatment. October 17th, 2013 ... This mask will cleanse, refine and rejuvenate the skin, and is ideal for all skin types if you adjust some of the ingredients (see note at end*). This mask is ...

My Top Five Tips for Successful Cleaning Routines for Kids - The ...
http://theinspiredroom.net Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:00:36 GMT
Cleaning tips for kids! ... hardly looked cleaner. I didn't blame the kids, I just realized I needed to make my expectations more clear. To a child, asking them to “clean a room” is an overwhelming and confusing concept they often have trouble mastering. Asking them to put away their clean laundry away or to clear off a desktop are likely more manageable expectations and will eventually lead to better skill with keeping a cleaning routine. ..... paint colors. Fall Inspiration ...

Establishing a Cleaning Schedule for Fall | Life As Mom
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If you need inspiration for what jobs there are to do, consult this Cleaning Checklist to see what you want to do in your home. This is what my tentative schedule looks like for the Fall. I've tried to plan tasks for when they ...
 
Happy Fall, and Crafts Inspired by Nature... - Buzzmills
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The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel is the perfect Fall board game. Plus, find some more fall crafting here. And, stop by Inner Child Giving for some Nature Inspired Family Fun as well! Fall family fun ideas. Off to do some selfish ...
 
Thanks for stopping by,
Suzanne

What Does It Mean If You Can't Say Anything Nice

The old saying finishes off with that you shouldn't say anything at all. The reason for this is that saying mean or unkind things can hurt other people and makes you look bad.

Sometimes, people will say the phrase instead of something mean. However, this is already saying that you have nothing nice to say and therefore your thoughts are still mean.

A better alternative is to keep your mouth shut. Or, you can search for something kind to say that is still true. For instance, if someone is talking about how mean a neighbor is, you can mention that the person is always well groomed.

You can also decide to change the subject if you do not want to participate in the meanness. You can do it casually, or just state outright that you would rather not say bad things about other people.

You will be the better person for not talking poorly about others. There is a time and a place where it may be necessary though. For example, if you are a mom managing the chores your children are working on, you may need to assess the work habits and skills. If the performance is sub-par, that must be noted. You can still select your words with care. Focus on the behavior without putting the child down.

If you have children, you can also teach them to use kind words. When we learn to look for the good in people, it makes us happier too. A positive outlook is shown to improve health and relationships with the people around.

If you have a habit of saying negative or judgmental things about others, you can begin to change that habit today. Put a rubber band on your wrist. Each time you catch yourself saying something negative about another, simply pop the band. Eventually, you will learn to control what you think and say.

You need to realize that it is better to speak kindly of others or keep your opinions to yourself. After all, we are all human and have flaws. It can be very hurtful to put someone down. Your actions may even encourage others to hurt the person. You do not want to be part of that negative energy. So, learn to keep your thoughts and words positive. You will have a good impact on the people around you.

Make it a goal to begin speaking with more kindness. Make it a goal to model to your children speaking what is supportive.

Here are more great thoughts about speaking with kindness.

Helpful Steps to Improving Sibling Relationships (Part 3 of 5 ...
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Show respect and love by only speaking kindly about all of your children, teaching them to do the same. Step #2 – Try Shared Play. According to Supernanny.co.uk in the article “The Shared Play Technique”, shared play can ...

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I know these may seem like common sense when it comes to teaching a toddler about kindness, but this is where we started with our little one. Right now, Grady is ... Speak kindly to them and to others all around you. Find the ...

If You Can't Say Something Nice... - Intentionally Yours
http://www.intentionallyyours.org Mon, 14 Oct 2013 10:51:50 GMT
#1 Remember what my mom always said, “If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.” #2 Tell him that his comment hurt my feelings. That morning, in that instance, I chose option #1, because honestly, I knew the ...

If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. | The bride ...
http://dicarlokara.wordpress.com Sat, 12 Oct 2013 20:53:35 GMT
I have become extremely aware of the words coming from my mouth lately, as well as the words stirring in my heart. Why we spend so much time and energy agreeing with things that steal, kill and destroy I'll never know.

Thanks for stopping by,
Suzanne

Is It Ever Okay to Give Up

Is It ever OK to give up?

What if you've been working towards your goal for a long time?

What if you are weary?

Is it OK to throw in the towel?

Months or years could have passed and it feels like you're getting no where.

photo credit: climbingcrystal

Dear Mother,

find some quiet time to ask yourself some questions.

Give yourself some space and time to think.

Do you just need to take a break? 
It's hard to go full force for an extended period of time. Would a short vacation from your goal give you breathing room, rest and space? Consider how you could take 2 or 3 weeks and scale back your efforts or temporarily quit.

What are the effects of quitting now?
Will it be a detriment to your health? Is someone depending on you? Consider how you would let yourself, your friends or family down.

Are you at a roadblock because you need to build some new skills or gain new knowledge? 
Sometimes you feel like you aren't making any progress because you've come to the end of your skill set. 

When you start something new, often you spend a lot of time learning about it, practicing it and discussing your new found knowledge with others. Is time to reach out for help? Take a new class or read a new book. This could bring back the excitement for your goal just like when you started out.

Does your goal still fit your environment? 
Situations change. Do you need to adapt instead of give up?

Can you modify your goal and find new enthusiasm? 
Adapt your goal in fun, interesting, new ways. Set up a small challenge for yourself and give yourself a reward when you reach it. It could be that you've waited too long to recognize all the hard work you've put in.

To All Who Are Weary… — my blessed life™
myblessedlife.net

Happy Sunday, y'all! I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed in the last few days, so when I saw this wonderful verse shared on Facebook, I just had to pass it on to you here on the blog. source unknown. Come unto me, all ye that ...

I Take Joy | Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal…..
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Robie Blair–photography Colorado Springs–our view outside. “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;” ...

Rivers of Water: Strength for the Weary
brookeespinoza.blogspot.com

Strength for the Weary. As we begin the third week of the Psalm 103 Summer Memory Challenge, we will be focusing this week on Psalm 103:5-6, and meditating on the precious promises within these fabulous verses.

How have you persevered this week? Leave a comment. I'll come visit.

Garage Sale Pricing

We need to clear out some stuff. It's been (and is going to be so dang hot) that I just can't get excited about planning a garage sale. It can be a bit difficult to figure out how to price the items. This can be especially true for the items with sentimental value to me, or were very expensive when we bought it. I have a hard time getting rid of cute matching children's clothes. I mean come on, it's cute and it matches and somebody better appreciate that.

photo credit: Bob n Renee

However, it's a good life lesson to remember as you buy things that you probably won't be keeping all these things. It's just stuff. Spend the money on select things you know will be the heirlooms and keepsakes (like the first baby outfit or a nice piece of furniture). The rest of the time it's better to be frugal and not attached to your stuff just because you spent money on it. It's easier said than done for us for sure.


Be sure to price things

I know, it's a hassle but worth it if you have someone helping you or have your kids keep watch while  you run to the bathroom.

People want to browse and compare and budget, and can't do that very well if you have to ask about every item. And people who are uncomfortable asking might just leave your sale, even if there was something they would have bought if it had been priced.

In addition, clearly priced items help prevent some haggling and bargaining, which can get tiring pretty fast.

Consider skipping the collectibles

If you have an enormous set of baseball cards (or figurines or barbies or antique glass), and you know they must be worth something but you don't know how much, sources suggest that you do not sell them or similar collectibles at your garage sale. Instead, research the item(s) to determine the real worth, and try selling online or to an antique store.

Pricing Items in Groups

Experienced garage sale folks claim that some visitors will ask how much something is no matter how clearly you have it marked. So choose a method that works for you and your stuff.

Price each item. This can get tedious, but at least it's pretty obvious how much each thing is. You can use masking tape and a permanent marker, or those little round stickers.

Or just group the like items together and put one price good for everything in the box, bin, or basket.

What Should Items Cost?

Here is a rough guideline on what to ask for which items and I find around here most of the time.

Books: $0.50 to $1 each for hardback, $0.10 to $0.25 for paperback

Clothing: $1 to $2 each for pants, jeans, sweaters, and skirts; $2 to $4 for dresses and pairs of shoes; kids' clothes should be about half of what the adult clothing is priced as

Kitchen items: $.25 to $0.50 for glasses and mugs; $1 to $2 for pots and pans; plates $0.50 to $1 each. A rough guide for appliances is to ask 15% to 30% of the original cost of the appliance (you could sell a $60 microwave for $9 to $18, for example).

Furniture: $5 for small chairs; $10 for small tables; $25-$75 for large dressers, dining tables, and bureaus; $5 to $10 for simple shelves

I found this to be interesting

Garage Sale Statistics | Statistic Brain
www.statisticbrain.com

Average number of items sold at garage sales each week, 4967500. Total US weekly revenue from garage sales, $4222375. Best time to start a garage sale, 7:00 am. Best day to hold a garage sale, Saturday. Average profit ...

And here's a few more good reminders about holding your sale

SELLING: How To Hold A Successful Garage Sale - Talking About ...
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A garage sale is a great way to get to make some spare cash while purging your home. Follow these easy, seven steps for your most successful jumble sale yet.

What items do you have a hard time parting with?

What You Learn From Motherhood

What would you tell yourself before you became a mom? What advice would you give to a new mom?

Have you been too hard on yourself? Or have you worried too much? Did you need to change your standards, or your friends, or your wardrobe?

 

I love this advice from other moms.

The Straightened Path: Advice For New Moms
www.thestraightenedpath.com
You have waited a sometimes agonizing nine months for this moment. You have dreamed about how precious it would be to see your baby in their freshly decorated nursery. You even grinned in the store while shopping for ...

dear me {as a newbie mom},
www.thehollierogue.com
dear me {as a newbie mom},. April 18, 2012 12 Comments. Hollis v day 303. dear me {as a new, stressing, need-to-do-it-all-perfectly-right mom},. it's ok….nobody knows what they are doing at the beginning (even if they pretend they do). your water might just break at home, even though you've read it rarely happens. your stressing ... read a lot, listen to a lot of advice, and then do what works for you and your baby. babies are easier than toddlers…. it's ok….. life isn't “by the books.” ...

10 Tips for New Moms | The Power of Moms
powerofmoms.com
I always knew I wanted to be a stay at home mom, but when it finally happened, I had a little bit of a hard time with it. In those first few weeks, I no longer could do anything I wanted and I often found myself frustrated.

Dear me,

Don't wait for the perfect time to clean.
You really do need to nap when the baby does.
Save more money when you're young.
Don't cut your hair off.
Ask for help when you need it.
Enjoy.
Simple routines are better than none.

Love, Me

What would you tell yourself?