I want to set a couple goals. I’d like to do something DAILY that is out of my comfort zone. I want to be more social and outgoing when I’m out and about. I want to pay attention to others instead of just focusing on what I need to get done. I’m generally a pretty social person. But what you don’t use you lose! Being a mom of 4 small children makes it easy to just stay home and work on the millions of things on my “to do” list.
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.
No?
You don’t do this?
Hmmm, okay. Moving on.
“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
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.
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
#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 found these cute printouts on Pinterest. Isn’t it great!!!
#13 MULTIPURPOSE YOUR PURCHASES
#14 AUTOSHIPMENTS
–Abbey Karel (Ask her about her skincare)
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.
Letting Go of Negative Feelings
In my attempt to prepare myself for natural childbirth I’m reading all kinds of books. At the moment I’m reading Painless Childbirth: An Empowering Journey Through Pregnancy and Childbirth. This book can get a little too deep for my liking but I’m still learning a great deal from it. The part that stood out to me the most is when she talks about letting go of negative feelings to better prepare yourself for a painless childbirth. She explains that hypnotherapy can be a great way to get to the root of these unwanted feelings, and how powerful our subconscious mind can be. It’s really helping me analyze my life and release the negative feelings that are causing me a bit of stress.
There are a few things I’m working through right now (in my mind) and one of them has to do with a long lost friend. Someone I became really close to at one point. I haven’t seen or heard from her in over 5 years, and the last time I saw her was when I ran into her at a store. She was very cold and acted as if she didn’t even know me. I knew instantly that something was wrong, this was not the excited bubbly friend I knew. I never saw her upset, and she was always so enthusiastic when ever we got together or talked on the phone. I left the store feeling overwhelmed with sadness and confusion. I didn’t know what happened. I replayed our last conversation over and over in my head, trying to come up with some sort of explanation for the way she acted towards me. I couldn’t figure it out, everything seemed to be fine. We haven’t spoken since that day. I’ve thought about her many times over the years and lost plenty of sleep over it.
A couple weeks ago I had this dream I got to see her again and I asked her what upset her so bad. In my dream she still seemed upset and didn’t really give me an answer. I woke up feeling like I should try to find her. I looked her up on Facebook… couldn’t find her. I emailed a mutual friend to ask if she knew where I could find her… no reply.
Another week passed and I was still bothered. Then I had another dream, and in this dream I saw her again and we actually talked and everything was good again. I woke up the next morning feeling totally refreshed and at peace with everything, which was amazing!
This is exactly what the author of this book talks about. She explains that we can do a lot of healing through our subconscious because many situations in life are completely out of our control. So if we can get our subconscious minds to create the outcome we hoped for then it can make us feel as if it really happened. It can provide tremendous healing and much needed closure.
Plan Of Happiness
I remember one summer day as a child, I was out playing with one of my friends. We were enjoying a nice time together until suddenly she punched me right in the gut, knocking the wind out of me. After a moment of panic and complete shock, I caught my breath. I couldn’t believe she did this to me!
“I wanted to see if you would cry”, she responded.
I compare this experience to our trials in life. God gave us free agency. The ability to act for ourselves. To CHOOSE! How will we respond to hurtful situations? Will we cry and become bitter? Or will we catch our breath and move forward?
We know that throughout life we are faced with different challenges. We for the most part understand that our purpose here on earth is to pass the test. Will we choose God? Or will be choose to follow our own selfish desires?
Often times I worry too much about what my next trial is going to be? I’m practically EXPECTING to get punched in the gut. But why am I so worried? Why do I fear trials so much?
I should be ready to face them with the “bring it on” attitude. I can handle this? God is with me and he will strengthen me because of it.
If we knew no sadness then we would not know joy.
If we had everything given to us, then we would not appreciate the value of hard work.
If we never had uninterrupted sleep by a screaming baby, then we might not ever appreciate how amazing it is to sleep through the night.
If we never got our hearts broken, then we might not fully appreciate it when we find ourselves a loving and trustworthy man.
If our children never faught with one another, we would not be so dramatically happy when we see them playing nicely together (I think they secretly know this).
Getting punched in the gut, believe it or not, can be a good thing. It might hurt and leave us momentarily out of breath, but it can teach us things. Perhaps to be prepared, be ready to flex when we see the fist coming. Or to understand that the pain and out of breath feeling only lasts for a moment.
In 2 Nephi chapter 2 verses 15-30 of the Book of Mormon teaches us that God’s plan is a plan of HAPPINESS. It was designed to be MOSTLY enjoyable.
“Happiness is the object and design of our existence.”
Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have JOY!
2 Nephi 2:25
Gods plan is utterly sweet and pure perfection. And LOVE is the foundation. He LOVES US! He WANTS us to be happy.
Make Your Own Kombucha
I’ve known about Kombucha since I was about 15 years old. My mom used to make it but of course back then I really wasn’t concerned about my health. Hence the countless hours I spent baking in the sun, and junk food I consumed on a daily basis.
Kombucha is a beverage the ancient Chinese called the “Immortal Health Elixir?” It’s been around for more than 2,000 years and has a rich anecdotal history of health benefits like improving digestion, boosting energy, reducing stress, and helping your immune system.
Reasons to drink Kombucha!
- Improved Digestion
- Weight Loss
- Increased Energy
- Cleansing and Detoxification
- Immune Support
- Reduced Joint Pain
- Cancer Prevention
I’m going to give you a crash course on how to make Kombucha because it’s actually pretty simple. Also, you’ll save a TON of money by making it yourself. You’ll spend up to $4 a bottle if you buy it at the store. You can find all the supplies you need on Amazon. You can watch my how-to video at the end of this post or find me you YouTube. I’ve also provided a PRINTABLE RECIPE for you.
Use a strainer then a funnel when pouring out the tea into the flip top bottles. Leave a little room in the bottle to add some juice or powder for flavoring. Check out my Holiday Kombucha Video.
Close the flip top bottles and let ferment again for a couple more days if you want it to be carbonated. If you don’t like carbonation then just store directly in the fridge until you’re ready to drink.
Please feel free to add more tips or information in the comment section of this post. Also, I ‘d like to hear if anyone else out there has made their own Kombucha and what your experience with it has been.
Or if you live in Utah near me in Draper, you can buy a whole Kombucha kit from me.
BUY NOW $35
The kit comes with your starter Scobi, 2 cups Kombucha, sugar, grean tea, gallon size mason jar, and my Guide to Fermented Foods.
Kombucha
- 3 Quarts Water
- 1 Cup Sugar (regular granulated sugar works best)
- 6-8 bags Green tea, (or 2 tablespoons loose tea)
- 2 Cups Kombucha (from the store, or from your last batch)
- 1 Scobi
- 2-3 Cups Pureed Fruit
Prep time: Cook time: Total time: Yield: 1 Gallon
12 Steps To A Better Day
Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed today?
Step 1
SAY A PRAYER!
Prayer should always be the first thing you do when you need help. God is there for us when ever we need him. All we have to do is ask.
Step 2
TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT IT
Talking about it with someone you love and trust is very therapeutic. Share your feelings in a non-gossiping way. I always feel better when I can express what I’m feeling as well as get encouragement and advice. My husband has been so great that way. He helps me see things for what they really are… LIFE LESSONS. He helps me figure out what the lesson is and how I can handle it in a mature manner. He’s always there to remind me that I’m a great wife, mother and friend, I tend to forget. I’m sure you all have someone like this in your life, whether it be your spouse, a friend, sibling or parent. And if you don’t, then give ME a call :).
Step 3
READ SOMETHING UPLIFTING
Go online and start using google. Or search the scriptures for answers you need. Find an article that speaks to you and seems to be just what you need to hear. Read it a few times and really ponder the message. You might have a favorite book or even audio that helps uplift your spirits and gives you those positive affirmations you need. I love Joel Osteen’s sermons and all LDS conference talks.
Step 4
MAKE A LIST
You know how much I LOVE lists :). Make a list of all the things you’re grateful for. Then make a list of all the good things about YOU, remind yourself that you ARE amazing! We seem to forget so easily. I’m getting better with this as I get older and wiser, but I tend to let peoples opinions about me REALLY get to me.
Step 5
BE PROACTIVE
Let go of your pity party. Release those expectations you have of others and think of how YOU can make a difference in someones life. Look around you… is there someone in need? Someone hurting or struggling? If you can’t think of anyone then pray that you’ll find someone. Bring dinner to a family, or invite them over. Offer to babysit someones kids for the day. Visit the sick or elderly. What are you good at? How can you use your talents to serve others?
Step 6
WRITE
Write, write, then write some more. Let it ALL out. Put down your feelings on paper. Don’t hold back in any way, then tare it up. You don’t want to hold onto anything that may be hurtful for others to read. Wait a day or two THEN try writing down your feelings again, this time in a more positive way. Try to see the lesson and write about what you’re learning from this.
Step 7
GO OUTSIDE
Get out and get some fresh air. Go for a bike ride, a run or a hike. Then when you get back make yourself a healthy smoothie or salad.
Step 8
IMPROVE YOUR TALENTS
What talent are you working on improving at the moment? Is it singing, writing, cooking, painting, playing an instrument, photograpny? What ever it is start working on it. Getting your mind off the negative feelings and channeling that energy into something thats helping you become a better you will dramatically change the way you feel.
Step 9
BE PRODUCTIVE
Turn on some uplifting music and clean the house, organize a closet or your garage. Just get busy and get things done.
Step 10
PLAY WITH YOUR KIDS
Children have a contagious way of making you happy. Just watching how carefree they are, their innocence and love for the world around them. We can definitely learn from these little babies. Enjoy the moment with them. Take it all in. Notice their little smiles and laughter as you play with them. Smell their hair, kiss their cheeks and look into their beautiful eyes. Seriously the best medicine.
Step 11
SOAK UP THE SUN
The sun always makes me happy. Get outside and sit in the sun for 10-15 minutes. If the sun isn’t shining then try sitting in front of a Happy Light.
Step 12
DO A LITTLE PAMPERING
Get a manicure or pedicure. Get a massage, get your hair done or go buy yourself a new outfit. Go out to dinner or a movie with some friends. If you don’t want to spend any money, then go take a nice long bath with some essential oils, put on some relaxing music, use some deep conditioner on your hair, a mask for your face, then give yourself a mani pedi and finish off the night with a good ol’ fashion chick flick.
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