Using Time Wisely

Organized to save money, energy, and time

You are here: Home / Archives for 2012

Archives for 2012

Goals for February 2012: Removing Clutter – Part 2 of 2

by

Photograph Credit: Flickr (Angie Torres)

With the ups and downs of executing the goals set, I am learning that my bite-sized goals from January were not so bite-sized.

Instead of breaking down the goal into weekly or monthly bites, I just made a glorified to-do list. Starting where I was comfortable was a start. Now, I need to fine tune and adjust.

Last week, I shared my February physical and family goals. This week, I will continue with my financial and business goals.

Financial

Follow Crystal’s year-long plan to reach my goals. On Track. I completed writing out my bite-sized goals for January. In February, I need to finish removing clutter from my home. I began this project, and have completed my downstairs. I need to finish my upstairs during the month of February.

Purchase dressers for my daughters’ room. This goal is ongoing. We will be saving for these dressers, but we made no headway this month.

Purchase upgraded computers for hubby and me. This goal is also ongoing. We saved a little in January to add to this fund.

Business

Write posts one week in advance. Fell short on this goal. This past week, I made a little progress with 2 scheduled posts. I will keep this goal for February.

Follow Blogelina’s daily/monthly tasks. Failed. I am not sure where to find these tasks. Scheduled to take her on-line course, I chose to delay the start date until February. When I take the class, I will learn the process and plan to complete these tasks in February.

Read two chapters of blog book each month. Accomplished! Finished 2 chapters, but now I have lots of items to tweak, define, and adjust in my business plan. This goal will remain for February.

As you can tell I am learning as I go. Realizing that this process is new for me, I am willing to jump in and try it. As I learn, I will fine-tune my goals. In the meantime, I am enjoying the process, focusing on what is important, and remaining accountable to you. Thanks for following along on this journey. Happy goal completing!

Question: What are you learning about setting goals? Please add your answer to the comments.

2012: Happy Valentine’s Day!

by

Photograph Credit: Flickr (Ann)

Wishing you a wonderful Valentine’s Day surrounded by those friends and

family that mean the world to you! Whether you visit, call, or e-mail,

enjoy the time with those special to you while using time wisely!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day: Last Minute Timesavers

by

Photograph Credit: Flickr (Olivia Whitlatch)

Did Valentine’s Day sneak up on you, too?

Though the children and I have already attended a Valentine’s Day party and written out many Valentine wishes, I have made no plans for our family.

Sometimes I feel like I give so much that I am spent by the time the special day arrives. If you are feeling this way, hang on.

There are a number of options to still make this Valentine’s Day special.

Need a Card?

Still need a card? Walgreens is offering $.99 customizable photo cards. To get yours,

Photograph Credit: Walgreens

1. Click on this link.

2. Choose a 5×7 folded card.

3. Design it.

4. Use the coupon code LOVE99 at checkout.

5. Pay $.99 for in-store pickup or $1.49 for shipping.

This Walgreens offer is good through February 15, 2012 with a limit of 5 cards per account.

Do you already have Valentine’s Day cards? This offer is available on all 5×7 folded cards. In planning ahead, consider birthdays, anniversaries, St. Patrick’s Day, or Easter options. Then when the next event sneaks up, you are one step ahead.

Photograph Credit: Flickr (fabcakelady)

Need a Food Idea?

Breakfast: Heart-y Pop Eyes

Lunch: Cute cutouts and a love-ly lunchable option

Dinner: Heart Pizza (kid friendly) or just a home-cooked dinner for two. 🙂

Dessert: Heart-shaped cookies or brownies

Even if Valentine’s Day arrived sooner than expected, you can still make the day special. At our house, I’m thinking the heart-shaped brownies. We can bake together in the kitchen drumming up a delicious dessert while using time wisely. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Happy 1st Blogiversary to Using Time Wisely!

by

Photograph Credit: Flickr (Leenae)

Yeah! It’s my first blogiversary! Though it’s hard to believe it has been a year since my first official post, the day has arrived.

This past year has been a roller coaster ride, and I am far from knowing-it-all.

Though this year has had its challenges, I am thankful for each reader, commenter, and subscriber.

You brighten my days as I continue to practice using time wisely.

Giveaway Time

We must celebrate this wonderful occasion with a giveaway. The prize is a copy of Crystal Paine’s The Money Saving Mom’s Budget book. For reviewing her book, Crystal sent me a copy which I will send to one of my fabulous readers.

The Giveaway

One lucky Using Time Wisely reader will receive a copy of The Money Saving Mom’s Budget.

To Enter

1. Become a fan of Using Time Wisely on Facebook by visiting this link and clicking the “like” button.

2. Then leave a comment on this post saying you did.

Contest Details

This giveaway ends on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. The winner will be selected by random.org and notified via e-mail. (Click here for my privacy policy.)

Good luck!