It’s a new month… and time for a few new favorite things (not pictured = an amazingly cute little boy who turns THREE on Saturday!)
Blog
A Post for Anyone Who Struggles to Say ‘No’
Saying ‘no’ is rarely ever fun or enjoyable — it’s not something we anxiously anticipate doing (at least I don’t!) However, I think the whole concept of saying ‘no’ has a bad reputation and is viewed as unnecessarily negative by so many people.
If you are the type of person who struggles to say ‘no’ I hope today’s post will be encouraging for you!
How We Purge
Last week, I talked a bit about why I’ve never been one to participate in “purging challenges” — and after publishing that post I figured if I was going to explain how I DON’T purge, I should probably take the time to share exactly how I DO purge the things we no longer need or want in our home!
I’m sharing our super simple system today!
3 Concepts that Help Me Be More Content
If I’m really honest with myself, I’m not naturally a super “content” person. I would much rather work towards a goal — and while I don’t necessarily think it’s bad to strive for more, it does get tiring after a while, and I think it robs us of happiness.
Over the past few months, I’ve thought quite a bit about what exactly I do to (try and) be more content… and I came up with 3 super simple concepts that seem to help me.
Why I Prepare to Be Productive
Over the past 7+ years of blogging, I have shared my fair share of productivity tips, tricks, and tools — but as with almost everything in life, my productivity changes as my season of life changes.
Today, however, I’m sharing the one productivity tip that has worked for me for many, many years — and one I suspect will continue working for years to come!
The Point Of Purging – And Why I Don’t Do “Challenges”
Over the years, I have been asked time and time and time again why I don’t ever blog about any type of “purging challenge”, and why I don’t do any type of purging challenge in my own life.
I get it… I can definitely see the motivational factor of being involved in a fun purging challenge, but they’ve just never been something I’m excited to promote, and today, I’m sharing why!
Why We Didn’t Build A True “Master Bath”
Over the past 6 years of sharing various home renovations, I have been asked SO many questions about Dave and my bathroom, and (more specifically) why we didn’t re-work our plans to create a true en suite with the master bath directly off our master bedroom.
Today, I’m sharing the main reasons we chose to keep our bathroom separate from our bedroom.
5 Ways We Simplify Mealtime with Young Children
An Easier Twist on Our Favorite “Chicken Packets”
Almost FIVE years ago, I shared one of our family’s favorite quick, simple, weeknight meals — Creamy Chicken Packets. However, since then, I’ve simplified this recipe even more… and can now have it oven-ready in about 10 minutes!
If you’re looking for a super quick weeknight meal your whole family will love, then give this cream chicken casserole a try!
14 Simple Ways to Show Yourself Some Love
Happy Valentines Day!
Instead of sharing cute Valentine’s craft ideas, decorating ideas, gift ideas, recipe ideas, or other ideas that take time, effort, energy, money, and a decent amount of planning ahead, I thought I’d share 14 simple ways we can show OURSELVES a little extra love over the next few weeks, months, and even years!
Two “Secrets” to Being Productive AND Being a Present Parent
I’m often asked for any “secrets” I have to being productive while also being a “present parent” who plays with their kids, shows interest in what they want to do, reads books with them, does crafts together, etc.
I realize there are MANY variables that could come into play here, but as I’ve thought about these questions over the past couple of years, 2 simple concepts (a.k.a “secrets”) came to mind…
If it Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It!
I love thinking about better, more efficient ways to keep my home and life more organized — but I usually don’t start looking for a more efficient way until I start feeling like my current system isn’t working anymore.
If my current system isn’t broken… I don’t fix it (and I save a lot of time, money, and stress in the process!)
7 Simple Ways We Save A Little Bit More
I’ve gotten lots of money-saving questions over the past few weeks… so today, I thought I’d share a handful of relatively small and simple ways we save quite a bit every month and every year.
Most of these simple ways to save won’t instantly change your financial situation, but (as with most things in life) the changes will come about more slowly. However, by starting small and sticking with your savings goals, you will be on your way to create the very valuable habit of SAVING!
How I Save Time on One of My Least Favorite Activities
After many years of visiting 4-5 grocery stores each week, finding the BEST deals, playing the drugstore game, and sending in multiple rebates every week, I now do 97% of my grocery shopping at ONE store.
I know I’m spending more because of it… but the luxury of more time is a splurge I’ve thoroughly enjoyed for the past few years! I’d love to know how you handle your grocery shopping too!
A Few Of My Favorite Things {February 2017}
It’s February — the month of love — so it only seems fitting that I should share a handful of things I LOVE!
One is a newer favorite, the other 4 have been favorites for years and years! And as always, be sure to check out some of my favorite things from past months and share your favorite things in the comments!
How I Became More Easy Going By Planning Ahead!
Creating Routine… When Every Day is Different
As a self-employed, work-from-home mom of 3 energetic, non-school-age children, my days can be very VERY unpredictable… and this lack of structure starts to wear on me after a while!
Today I’m sharing a few basic routines I’ve implemented that allow our family to thrive, even when every day is different. I think the concepts could be implemented into many different family situations too.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes With Ham
One of the things I love most about scalloped potatoes is that it’s a delicious MAKE-AHEAD side dish that can instantly be transformed into a MAKE-AHEAD main dish with the addition of some chopped ham!
If you’re looking for a hearty winter meal (or yummy potato side dish) this is the recipe for you!