Stopping to Smell the Roses

February 21, 2014 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Recovering from entertaining last night, I kept a light schedule for today. In stopping to smell the roses, I played legos with Miss 3 this morning, visited with a friend, and browsed appliances.

My daughters love the Hello Kitty legos play sets. Miss 3 never ceases to amaze me with her conversations with her figurines. I love the time hanging out with her.

We then had a play date with a friend that lasted mid-morning through late afternoon. From dress up to a balloon hot potato game, the girls played hard. I really enjoyed the time catching up and listening to my friend while our children played.

This evening our stove was pulled out to identify the broken part, so we decided to adjust our menu plan and head to Chick-fil-A. We planned to go next week to use our calendar cards, but tonight worked out great.

We then went to check prices on scratch and dent ranges for information as we consider our options for repairing or replacing our 9.5 year old unit.

Though I walked into our house seeing cake crumbs still on the table from last night’s activities, toys strewn about, furniture out of place, and the kitchen sink full of dishes, I felt no guilt in stopping to smell the roses. Investing in my family and friendships far outweighs a clean and tidy home.

I’m so thankful that today was slow. I need more days like this to refresh my spirit, encourage my soul, and rest my mind and body.

In this fast-paced age, it is easy to zip from one activity to the next to get it all or mostly done. As you continue using time wisely, you will find some days busier than others. However, set your schedule so that you are not too busy for stopping to smell the roses. Happy stopping!

Question: What “roses” have been in your life recently?

Welcome, Blogelina Commentathon Participants!

February 19, 2014 by Tracy

Welcome, Blogelina Commentathon Event Participants!

Photograph Credit: Blogelina

Hello! I’m Tracy, the owner and writer of Using Time Wisely. Around here, we are on a journey of using time wisely. Sometimes that walk is on a straight path while other times we backtrack and try again.

Life is full of ups and downs, and we take the bumps as they come. If you are on this journey of using time wisely, then come join our fan base on Facebook.

Another way to stay connected is through e-mail. To receive in your inbox one e-mail around 11:00 a.m. with the new posts (1-2), subscribe to my FREE daily newsletter.

I will not share or sell your e-mail address or send you spam. For more details of how Using Time Wisely operates, please visit my privacy policy and terms and conditions pages.

Enjoy your journey of using time wisely as you read and comment on the blog posts in your group through the Blogelina Commentathon. Happy commenting, and welcome to Using Time Wisely!

Finding Your Momentum

February 17, 2014 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Welcome, Blogelina Commentathon participants! Glad you are joining us on this journey of Using Time Wisely. Jump right on in as we learn from each other.

Last week was a big hiccup from our family’s typical week. With light snow falling early Tuesday morning through the development of black ice on Friday morning, our family stayed home.

Of course, we ventured out to play in the snow once it accumulated, but we also enjoyed sleeping later and staying up past normal bedtime.

Don’t get me wrong, we loved it! However, all good things must come to an end.

As we moved bedtime back over the weekend, we are starting to find our momentum. If you are out of sync due to illness, snow, or other unusual circumstances, you might feel sluggish and unmotivated.

Recognize that a change is needed and that you can make that change. In finding your momentum, start with your routines, plan simple meals, and get your rest.

Start with your Routines

Routines are patterns of activities performed in a sequential order. For example, in our family’s evening routine, my children prepare for bed. These activities include:

Fill drink containers and take upstairs
Bath/shower
Put on pajamas
Brush teeth
Go potty
Lay out clothes for tomorrow

This routine is automatic for our 3 children. When Paul and I ask them to go upstairs, they fall into this routine and prepare for bed.

By starting with the routine, our family gets back into a rhythm. For resetting, I find the evening routine the most important because it sets us up for a great morning. At which time, we can implement our morning routine and then fall into our afternoon routine.

Once the routines start flowing, we find our momentum and get back on track.

FREE printable

Plan Simple Meals

During this time of transition, I find simple meals the best use of my time. I know I will need to help Mr. 8, Miss 6, and Miss 3 with extra homework, more reminders, and time to adjust as we find our groove.

By falling back on our list of 15 Quick Meals for Busy Nights, I create margin (extra time in our schedule) while feeding our family.

My other favorite dinner strategies include crock pot options and freezer cooking which I place on our monthly menu planner. (You are welcome to download my FREE printable menu planner).

This menu planning tool helps our family get to the table while using time wisely since we don’t have to wonder what’s for dinner at 5:00 p.m. Whether you use a menu planner or another tool, experiment to discover what works best for you in finding your momentum.

Get your Rest

As you get back into your routines with your well-fed family, take time to get your rest. As you are working diligently and exerting more energy to get back into your normal pattern, you will need rest.

Think of it as the first day of school. Do you remember how exhausted you or your kids are after that first day. Whew! It’s a whirlwind. My daughter did not even make it to her bed. She fell asleep out of exhaustion on the ride home.

You are tired. It is normal as you are gaining speed and finding your momentum. Realize that getting back to normal is going to cost you some sleep. Take it. The better rested you are, the more energy, more patience, and more stamina you will have to tackle the tasks at hand.

With a plan in place, are you ready to press forward? Begin with a mindset of “I can do it,” and then start with your routines, plan simple meals, and get your rest. Before you know it, you’ll be back into your groove and plugging along.

Hiccups will happen, so creating a plan for those bumps in the road will help you in finding your momentum while using time wisely. Happy momentum building!

Question: How do you find momentum when life happens?

Happy 3rd Blogiversary, Using Time Wisely!

February 13, 2014 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Look who’s turning 3 today! My husband jokingly refers to Using Time Wisely as my fourth child. In some ways, he is correct. In other ways, I do abandon the blog when life happens, and I never would abandon a child.

Gratefulness doesn’t seem to fully express how much I appreciate each and every reader. I am so honored you would use your time to subscribe by e-mail, follow on Facebook, and visit the website.

You amaze me with your consistent reading.

I am still very much learning how to blog. Having spent some time in the past week updating the Using Time Wisely sidebar, I have come a long way. I am thrilled with the progress made, but I have much I still want to do.

The site in general needs updating, and I would love to roll out a new look this year. With the program purchased, I might have to build the site back up from the ground. I am still in the research phase which is why the design has not changed.

On this third blogiversary, I am making some noise and celebrating you! Thank you for being part of the Using Time Wisely community. I appreciate the accountability provided within our community as we journey on to using time wisely. Happy celebrating!

Happy 3^rd Blogiversary, Using Time Wisely!

Question: What do you like or dislike about Using Time Wisely?

Changing Weather Patterns

February 10, 2014 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

In preparing for the changing weather patterns as snow is coming this week, we stopped by Aldi and Walgreens today for the essentials.

I also finished the loads of laundry for our clothing and put off the towels and linens in case we lose power before I get to those loads.

With a busy week on the horizon including science fair and Valentine’s Day, I knew I needed a jump start on the week. In alternating between a headache and a runny nose, I decided to get some extra rest this afternoon.

After rising from my 2 hour nap, I still felt sinus pressure. In concentrating on staying well and warm, I am taking time to get my rest.

With our downstairs picked up and our upstairs a work in progress, I am choosing only the important tasks. While I rest, I am taking in the Olympics. How impressed I am with the new snowboarding event where two Americas took gold in both the men’s and the women’s freestyle!

As you prepare for the change in weather patterns this week, listen to your body. If you need the extra rest, take it. Better to be proactive in your health, then working to heal after a cold or infection takes hold. Stay healthy while using time wisely!

Question: What changes in the weather patterns are the meteorologist predicting for your area?

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