One of my many goals for this year is to be more organized. I have a lot of ideas and I want to start implementing them soon but I'm wondering what methods are the best.
I already have a laundry schedule which works out because it means that I do one load of laundry a day and usually, I don't have any to do on Sundays. We also have chores for the kids which takes care of kitchen and bathroom cleaning. That all is fine and dandy, but that is only cleaning...and only some of the cleaning.
I need to organize my billing center which I would like to have places for everything and start doing online expense and income tracking. I know, I am so far behind what everyone else does but I need to get to that point because I need a more visual version of what we are doing. I also think this will help us save more money. Seeing what you spend on a screen in your face is much more effective than just looking at the bills and checkbook.
Paperwork. Holy moly, we get a ton of paperwork. With the kids schoolwork, bills, general papers, we are swamped over here. Some days, I feel like we are floating away on the paperwork. I have a small file box thing with file folders but somehow that system doesn't always work. I need a central nervous system. A place where things are organized and planned out and I am on top of everything. I need to look into some organizers or something.
I am pretty old fashioned in that I like to have an actual paper calendar and planner. I still write everything down because for me, I am more likely to remember something that I wrote down than what is on my Google calendar.
I have scoured Pinterest and Etsy and found some great ideas that I think I can pull off. I just need to be more efficient in my running of the household.
Also on the list, more menu planning. It seems that I am not the only one. The discussions on Facebook have been going on about menu planning, doing batch meals, freezing them and doing crockpot meals. I have begun this process and with a Facebook event my friend posted, hopefully I will get some more great recipes. I am looking at inexpensive, easy meals that my family will love. I have incorporated some Paleo meals into the mix and hopefully as I continue on, I will do even more of them. There is nothing better than having crockpot meals, made from scratch to cook. I love the crockpot. When you are a busy family, it is a staple in the house!
Are you planning to be more organized in the new year? What do you do already that works well for you? I'd love to hear some ideas!
Monday, January 6, 2014
Friday, January 3, 2014
Goals for 2014
It's good to have goals, to have something to look forward to, strive for and obtain. I like to create goals and I think it makes me aware of what I am doing or not doing with myself. I want to do better, that is the reason why I make a list each year of what I want to achieve. Over the years, the focus of the list has changed. As I get older, I am finding more time for myself and so I am able to make changes for me. I think the last year was the first year that I did a lot more for me and at first, I felt guilty about it but then I realized that I am better for everyone else when I am better to myself.
So, here is my 2014 list of goals:
FAMILY -
Anyone who knows me, knows that my family comes first, as it should. I want to spend more time as a family, the five of us. We did more of that over the last year and we all enjoyed it. We went on hikes, went for random road trips, went fishing, went to the lake for picnics, etc. It is good for a family to have that time with each other without others. We want to build a strong foundation of what family means for our kids. Our parents did it for us and we want to pass that on. So, here's some goals centered around that.
* Go for hikes at least once a month as a family. Possibly choose a different location each time to discover new places. (weather permitting, we do live in PA)
* Eat dinner together more. We don't really do this too often and it's terrible. Some of us eat at the table, some in the living room. Usually, I am eating after everyone else because I am busy doing too much to eat when they are.
* Do one fun outing a month. I want to go to museums, the zoo, science center, trip around the city, etc. with the kids. We don't get them out as much as we should. There are so many places they have never been.
* Take the kids for a weekend away. We are planning on a trip to Virginia this summer for a long weekend or a week but we want to do a weekend away, maybe to an indoor water park hotel. We haven't made definite plans on when or which place yet, but we want to do it.
* Make it to more of the kids' sporting events this spring. The kids are both doing lacrosse and track & field and I want to be there to cheer them on and see them succeed. I wasn't able to go to too many last year with work but I hope to this year.
FINANCES-
This could be a blog post on its own but I am going to keep it short and sweet.
* Save money. We plan on putting away at least $25.00 a week to build up a savings plan. I know that doesn't seem like much but we need to do it and well, most weeks, that is all we can afford to put away. I've read the plan that a lot of people are using online, where you save the dollar amount equal to the week of the year. It is just easier to do a straight $25 and call it a week. Plus, you save the same amount, if not a little bit more, than that plan.
* Work more. Yes, you read that right. I plan on working more hours to make more money. I am able to work more than I do but I haven't been doing it. I am reducing my days at the gym so that I can work more at the rink.
HEALTH-
I am all about improving our health this year. I worked hard to get back into shape over the last year and I think that a ton more can be done in the way of our eating. I am so guilty of preparing dinners out of convenience. I am a box and bag kind of cook I'd say, at least 3-4 days a week. Lately I have been doing better but I need to improve more.
* Cook healthier meals that are not out of a box or bag. Processed foods are not our friend.
* Start incorporating the Paleo lifestyle into our meals. I am doing research on this lifestyle and the benefits of it. The concept is pretty simple actually and I have heard amazing things from people that live it. Words like "life changing" "never been healthier" have really appealed to me. It's not all about losing weight for me, I want to be healthy. I want my family to be healthy.
* Drink more water. The detox stage of the Paleo lifestyle (notice I am not calling it the Paleo Diet because it is a lifestyle change, not a diet) has you drinking a ton of water to flush your body and start fresh.
* Schedule regular checkups for all of us. I am always behind on these so I need to keep a better schedule of them.
FITNESS-
I couldn't not include fitness into my goals because it has become such a large part of me. I have a passion for working out and seeing how strong my body is and how I can change my body.
* Run 14 races as a part of the 14in2014 group. These will be a mixed bag of distances and races. Some will be virtual but I'd like to do as many "real" ones as possible. I actually hope to do more than 14.
* Run two half marathons. I ran one last year and I will be running that same one again this year but I'd like to add one more in for this year. If I do them far enough apart, I think I will be fine.
* Continue to do monthly challenges for different muscle groups. It's amazing the things we can do as we build up to them. I find these challenges really fun and I love that my daughter is doing them with me.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE-
So many people and organizations have been there for us over the past few years and I want to give back as much as possible. We don't always have the resources to help but I will do what I can to help. Even if it is just sharing on Facebook, I want to get the word out about the organizations that hold a special place in my heart.
The list is big, I know. I can't do it all in one day that's why they are my yearly goals. What are yours? What are you hoping to achieve this year?
So, here is my 2014 list of goals:
FAMILY -
Anyone who knows me, knows that my family comes first, as it should. I want to spend more time as a family, the five of us. We did more of that over the last year and we all enjoyed it. We went on hikes, went for random road trips, went fishing, went to the lake for picnics, etc. It is good for a family to have that time with each other without others. We want to build a strong foundation of what family means for our kids. Our parents did it for us and we want to pass that on. So, here's some goals centered around that.
* Go for hikes at least once a month as a family. Possibly choose a different location each time to discover new places. (weather permitting, we do live in PA)
* Eat dinner together more. We don't really do this too often and it's terrible. Some of us eat at the table, some in the living room. Usually, I am eating after everyone else because I am busy doing too much to eat when they are.
* Do one fun outing a month. I want to go to museums, the zoo, science center, trip around the city, etc. with the kids. We don't get them out as much as we should. There are so many places they have never been.
* Take the kids for a weekend away. We are planning on a trip to Virginia this summer for a long weekend or a week but we want to do a weekend away, maybe to an indoor water park hotel. We haven't made definite plans on when or which place yet, but we want to do it.
* Make it to more of the kids' sporting events this spring. The kids are both doing lacrosse and track & field and I want to be there to cheer them on and see them succeed. I wasn't able to go to too many last year with work but I hope to this year.
FINANCES-
This could be a blog post on its own but I am going to keep it short and sweet.
* Save money. We plan on putting away at least $25.00 a week to build up a savings plan. I know that doesn't seem like much but we need to do it and well, most weeks, that is all we can afford to put away. I've read the plan that a lot of people are using online, where you save the dollar amount equal to the week of the year. It is just easier to do a straight $25 and call it a week. Plus, you save the same amount, if not a little bit more, than that plan.
* Work more. Yes, you read that right. I plan on working more hours to make more money. I am able to work more than I do but I haven't been doing it. I am reducing my days at the gym so that I can work more at the rink.
HEALTH-
I am all about improving our health this year. I worked hard to get back into shape over the last year and I think that a ton more can be done in the way of our eating. I am so guilty of preparing dinners out of convenience. I am a box and bag kind of cook I'd say, at least 3-4 days a week. Lately I have been doing better but I need to improve more.
* Cook healthier meals that are not out of a box or bag. Processed foods are not our friend.
* Start incorporating the Paleo lifestyle into our meals. I am doing research on this lifestyle and the benefits of it. The concept is pretty simple actually and I have heard amazing things from people that live it. Words like "life changing" "never been healthier" have really appealed to me. It's not all about losing weight for me, I want to be healthy. I want my family to be healthy.
* Drink more water. The detox stage of the Paleo lifestyle (notice I am not calling it the Paleo Diet because it is a lifestyle change, not a diet) has you drinking a ton of water to flush your body and start fresh.
* Schedule regular checkups for all of us. I am always behind on these so I need to keep a better schedule of them.
FITNESS-
I couldn't not include fitness into my goals because it has become such a large part of me. I have a passion for working out and seeing how strong my body is and how I can change my body.
* Run 14 races as a part of the 14in2014 group. These will be a mixed bag of distances and races. Some will be virtual but I'd like to do as many "real" ones as possible. I actually hope to do more than 14.
* Run two half marathons. I ran one last year and I will be running that same one again this year but I'd like to add one more in for this year. If I do them far enough apart, I think I will be fine.
* Continue to do monthly challenges for different muscle groups. It's amazing the things we can do as we build up to them. I find these challenges really fun and I love that my daughter is doing them with me.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE-
So many people and organizations have been there for us over the past few years and I want to give back as much as possible. We don't always have the resources to help but I will do what I can to help. Even if it is just sharing on Facebook, I want to get the word out about the organizations that hold a special place in my heart.
The list is big, I know. I can't do it all in one day that's why they are my yearly goals. What are yours? What are you hoping to achieve this year?
Thursday, January 2, 2014
13 in 2013 Recap
When I started out 2013, I envisioned myself getting back into shape, running more and trying to get healthier. What I didn't anticipate was running as much as I did, making connections with fitness groups, running groups and becoming addicted to running.
I signed up for the group 13in2013 so that I could hopefully stay motivated to keep running and it worked! I ran 15 races in the year and one of them being my ultimate running goal, a half marathon!! I often saw posts from people about their half marathons and I never thought that I would be able to do something like that.
Then, I began to wonder why I wouldn't be able to do it. Here I am, a mom of three, 34 years old and in pretty good shape. If I am constantly telling my kids that if they want something they have to work toward it, why in the heck shouldn't I be doing the same. So, I started training. At this point, I had already had at least 12 races under my belt. A goal that I wasn't even sure I could achieve. I mean, I had always wanted to be a runner, I enjoyed being out on the road, by myself listening to my thoughts and clearing my head.
The decision to join the group was probably the best decision I had made in a long time because it kept me focused, it made me realize that I am stronger than I thought and that I can still do things for myself and create goals to push myself.
I am already signed up for 14in2014. I plan on acheiving that goal and then some. I hope to run two half marathons this year. I hope that I can continue to run and keep going when things get tough. It has been great for my anxiety, my stress and my overall health.
I signed up for the group 13in2013 so that I could hopefully stay motivated to keep running and it worked! I ran 15 races in the year and one of them being my ultimate running goal, a half marathon!! I often saw posts from people about their half marathons and I never thought that I would be able to do something like that.
Then, I began to wonder why I wouldn't be able to do it. Here I am, a mom of three, 34 years old and in pretty good shape. If I am constantly telling my kids that if they want something they have to work toward it, why in the heck shouldn't I be doing the same. So, I started training. At this point, I had already had at least 12 races under my belt. A goal that I wasn't even sure I could achieve. I mean, I had always wanted to be a runner, I enjoyed being out on the road, by myself listening to my thoughts and clearing my head.
The decision to join the group was probably the best decision I had made in a long time because it kept me focused, it made me realize that I am stronger than I thought and that I can still do things for myself and create goals to push myself.
I am already signed up for 14in2014. I plan on acheiving that goal and then some. I hope to run two half marathons this year. I hope that I can continue to run and keep going when things get tough. It has been great for my anxiety, my stress and my overall health.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
A Time For Change
It's hard to get to really know someone online. I mean, we learn about their families, their likes and dislikes but unless they are truly transparent and talk about every single aspect of their life, there is so much we don't know about each other. I don't agree with putting every single thing out there because there are just some things that need to be kept private.
There are a ton of things about me and my family that are unknown to others, even our closest friends. Don't worry, I'm not using this post as a way to air out all my dirty laundry or deepest, darkest secrets. That would be absurd. My point is, I could go on and on to fill you in on why the next year is going to be a year of changes for me and my family.
This past year has been hard. Really hard. There have been moments when I wasn't sure I could mentally or emotionally handle everything anymore. I know that life is tough and life is what you make of it but dangit, it was a hard year. Even now, I look back and I think that the past year has been full of changes, struggles, some great times and just, lots of struggles.
We are all healthy and for the most part, happy so I can't complain too much but of all the years of marriage, parenthood, employment and just life in general, this past one would be the one to break me.
I know I keep repeating myself and I'm being annoyingly vague but I am saying all this to say that 2014 is going to bring about positive changes. My husband and I have weathered some storms together and I think that we have dug out from the worst of it. :knocking on wood: Some days we are so strong and I know we can get through anything and other days I wonder how the hell we are going to make it. When it comes to the nitty gritty of it, he is my rock and we really do make a great team.
Financially, again, the past year was one of the top 3 worst years of our lives. We are doing better and are trying to take the right steps to become even better. We hope to improve in this area by any means possible. We have cut back on so much already, I don't think there is any possibility of cutting back anymore.
Healthwise, we are on the right track. I am getting the kids to be more active and I have been working hard to get in shape and ensure that I can keep up with the kids. In this department, this was the most gratifying thing for me. I reached a goal I have wanted to reach for a long time, I am a regular runner and I am stronger than ever before. I am so happy that I decided to finally go for my goals and work hard for them. I do still need to work on better eating, healthier dinners and snacks. I am trying to menu plan again so that I can have a clear plan to go off of. It makes it so much easier to ensure that the kids are eating from the different food groups and that the meals are made from scratch and healthier than the processed foods we are used to. Thank goodness we all like fruits and veggies!
Doing Good for Others, throughout the year, there has been times that we have had to ask for help. It is never easy, it is probably one of the worst feelings to know that you aren't able to do it on your own. That you cannot provide for your family in the way that you are supposed to and want to. However, I have learned that it is much better to ask than to go without. Our kids deserve better and we are going to be sure to give back every chance we get. We do give to charities and organizations when we can but I have a special place in my heart for certain ones that have been there for us. We will pay it forward when we can.
I am going to continue to work on myself. Believe me, there is a lot of work to be done. I am determined to reach some more goals and become the person I know I can be. The next year is going to be amazing.
What are you planning for in the next year? Do you write down your goals? Are there areas of your life that need improvement?
There are a ton of things about me and my family that are unknown to others, even our closest friends. Don't worry, I'm not using this post as a way to air out all my dirty laundry or deepest, darkest secrets. That would be absurd. My point is, I could go on and on to fill you in on why the next year is going to be a year of changes for me and my family.
This past year has been hard. Really hard. There have been moments when I wasn't sure I could mentally or emotionally handle everything anymore. I know that life is tough and life is what you make of it but dangit, it was a hard year. Even now, I look back and I think that the past year has been full of changes, struggles, some great times and just, lots of struggles.
We are all healthy and for the most part, happy so I can't complain too much but of all the years of marriage, parenthood, employment and just life in general, this past one would be the one to break me.
I know I keep repeating myself and I'm being annoyingly vague but I am saying all this to say that 2014 is going to bring about positive changes. My husband and I have weathered some storms together and I think that we have dug out from the worst of it. :knocking on wood: Some days we are so strong and I know we can get through anything and other days I wonder how the hell we are going to make it. When it comes to the nitty gritty of it, he is my rock and we really do make a great team.
Financially, again, the past year was one of the top 3 worst years of our lives. We are doing better and are trying to take the right steps to become even better. We hope to improve in this area by any means possible. We have cut back on so much already, I don't think there is any possibility of cutting back anymore.
Healthwise, we are on the right track. I am getting the kids to be more active and I have been working hard to get in shape and ensure that I can keep up with the kids. In this department, this was the most gratifying thing for me. I reached a goal I have wanted to reach for a long time, I am a regular runner and I am stronger than ever before. I am so happy that I decided to finally go for my goals and work hard for them. I do still need to work on better eating, healthier dinners and snacks. I am trying to menu plan again so that I can have a clear plan to go off of. It makes it so much easier to ensure that the kids are eating from the different food groups and that the meals are made from scratch and healthier than the processed foods we are used to. Thank goodness we all like fruits and veggies!
Doing Good for Others, throughout the year, there has been times that we have had to ask for help. It is never easy, it is probably one of the worst feelings to know that you aren't able to do it on your own. That you cannot provide for your family in the way that you are supposed to and want to. However, I have learned that it is much better to ask than to go without. Our kids deserve better and we are going to be sure to give back every chance we get. We do give to charities and organizations when we can but I have a special place in my heart for certain ones that have been there for us. We will pay it forward when we can.
I am going to continue to work on myself. Believe me, there is a lot of work to be done. I am determined to reach some more goals and become the person I know I can be. The next year is going to be amazing.
What are you planning for in the next year? Do you write down your goals? Are there areas of your life that need improvement?
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
It's Giveaway Time!! Check out Milestones Sports Jewelry! UPDATE: WINNER!!
UPDATE: A WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT!!
It's that time of year when we are browsing the internet for all those great gift ideas and trying to find the perfect gift for those we love or even for ourselves (somehow I always end up getting something for myself ;) )
In my searches and browsing of giveaways, I came across a site/company called Milestones Sports Jewelry & Apparel and I fell in love. Who doesn't love jewelry and apparel that celebrates our running/fitness accomplishments?!
They offer a wide range of products from beads, charms, hoodies, tees, tanks and long sleeve t shirt hoodies. There are products that celebrate running, half marathons, full marathons and triathalons.
Milestones Sports Jewelry & Apparel and I have teamed up to offer my readers a giveaway!! That's right, you have a chance at winning an item from them! I was able to try out their burnout Enjoy the Journey hoodie.
It is so comfortable and the fit is just right. I really wasn't sure which size to choose because I wasn't sure how it would fit. It is so perfect. It is lightweight, soft and easy to move around in. This is a great layering piece for me for the days when the weather is colder and I need to be able to add or take away a layer. I love that it isn't too bulky. Plus, the saying on the hoodie is so true..."Enjoy the Journey...one milestone at a time." The journeys we take can be long and exhausting but we have to remember that each milestone counts.
You can win one of these too!! Enter this giveaway for your chance to own this and feel the comfort of their burnout long sleeve tee hoodie.
Here's the details of the giveaway:
This giveaway ends on Monday, December 16, 2013 at 12:01am EST. I will choose a random winner from the comments.
Mandatory Entry:
Leave a comment letting me know what product you absolutely love from their website found here.
Additional Entries:
Your random number between 1 and 15 is 8. The winner is AMY REILLY!! Please email me at prisgreen@gmail.com with your mailing address, size of the hoodie you would like and I will pass the information on to Milestone Sports Jewelry and Apparel!! Congratulations, Amy!
Good luck!
Disclaimer: I received a hoodie from Milestones Sports Jewelry and Apparel in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not monetarily compensated for this post and all opinions are my own. I would not recommend any products to my readers that I didn't truly love.
It's that time of year when we are browsing the internet for all those great gift ideas and trying to find the perfect gift for those we love or even for ourselves (somehow I always end up getting something for myself ;) )
In my searches and browsing of giveaways, I came across a site/company called Milestones Sports Jewelry & Apparel and I fell in love. Who doesn't love jewelry and apparel that celebrates our running/fitness accomplishments?!
They offer a wide range of products from beads, charms, hoodies, tees, tanks and long sleeve t shirt hoodies. There are products that celebrate running, half marathons, full marathons and triathalons.
Milestones Sports Jewelry & Apparel and I have teamed up to offer my readers a giveaway!! That's right, you have a chance at winning an item from them! I was able to try out their burnout Enjoy the Journey hoodie.
It is so comfortable and the fit is just right. I really wasn't sure which size to choose because I wasn't sure how it would fit. It is so perfect. It is lightweight, soft and easy to move around in. This is a great layering piece for me for the days when the weather is colder and I need to be able to add or take away a layer. I love that it isn't too bulky. Plus, the saying on the hoodie is so true..."Enjoy the Journey...one milestone at a time." The journeys we take can be long and exhausting but we have to remember that each milestone counts.
You can win one of these too!! Enter this giveaway for your chance to own this and feel the comfort of their burnout long sleeve tee hoodie.
Here's the details of the giveaway:
This giveaway ends on Monday, December 16, 2013 at 12:01am EST. I will choose a random winner from the comments.
Mandatory Entry:
Leave a comment letting me know what product you absolutely love from their website found here.
Additional Entries:
- Join this site with Google Friend Connect on the right sidebar, leave a comment letting me know you have done this.
- Head over to Facebook and Like my page, Rediscovering Me. Come back and leave a comment letting me know you have done so.
- Head over to Facebook and Like Milestones Sports Jewelry & Apparel. Come back and leave a comment letting me know you've done that.
- Tweet about this giveaway to let others know that they can enter to win as well! Example tweet: "I just entered to win a prize from @MilestonesSport via The Balance of Us here. You can too!" Leave a comment with a link to your tweet.
- Head over to Twitter and follow Milestones Sports here.
Your random number between 1 and 15 is 8. The winner is AMY REILLY!! Please email me at prisgreen@gmail.com with your mailing address, size of the hoodie you would like and I will pass the information on to Milestone Sports Jewelry and Apparel!! Congratulations, Amy!
Good luck!
Disclaimer: I received a hoodie from Milestones Sports Jewelry and Apparel in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not monetarily compensated for this post and all opinions are my own. I would not recommend any products to my readers that I didn't truly love.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Some Exciting Stuff
There are quite a few things that I love about the holiday season. The lights, the music, the giving spirit. Speaking of the giving spirit.....don't you just love all the online giveaways? Yeah, me too. I have been a winner a few times for various different products and giveaways. Who doesn't love winning stuff?!
Well, I'm going to be getting into that spirit of giving (away) a few things this holiday season! That's right, I have a few things up my sleeve and I will be hosting some giveaways over the next few weeks!! Stay tuned for the details as I get them!
Well, I'm going to be getting into that spirit of giving (away) a few things this holiday season! That's right, I have a few things up my sleeve and I will be hosting some giveaways over the next few weeks!! Stay tuned for the details as I get them!
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Waiting and Lessons Learned
If you follow me on Twitter or are friends with me on Facebook, you are well aware of the fact that my mom has her entire family in the Philippines, where last week, the strongest typhoon in history hit. Her family is not far from where the storm made landfall and where they are showing the pictures of devastation and death on the TV.
It is hard to watch the coverage, not knowing whether or not your entire family could have possibly been killed by this storm. I have heard from two cousins via Facebook, although they have no news for me regarding the rest of the family. There is simply no way for them to communicate. There is no power, there are no phones and phone lines are down.
At this point, nearly a week after the storm made landfall, the residents are desperate for food and water. Another storm is approaching the islands and with that, disease and dysentery are a real threat. The hospitals have no power so patients are dying because there is just nothing more they can do for some of them.
We have been praying hard for the victims, the survivors and for a large amount of family members that we just don't know about.
Chuck has been struck with the urge to help in any way he can but we just don't really know what that need is right now. Obviously, they need food and water and donations can be made to several organizations that are helping the country. He would love to go over and help them rebuild, to put their lives and homes back together but they aren't to that point just yet. There is so much more that needs done before they can even think of that.
I sit here at home and worry about our finances and the cost of our health insurance costing more a month, how we are going to get the kids what they want for Christmas and I feel so selfish and ridiculous. I see a lot of the hashtag "#firstworldproblems" and I have used it before but it is so true. Many of us have no clue about true survival mode. Many of us have never been through a natural disaster and wondering how we will feed ourselves or our children.
Life has changed for so many and I am worried about getting my kids the gadget they want. It all seems so silly and unimportant now. It just doesn't matter. We are alive, we are together and we are safe.
A little perspective goes a very long way.
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