• Home
  • About Tracy
  • Contact Me

Using Time Wisely

Organized to save money, energy, and time

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Document Organization
    • Overview
    • Box 1
      • Credit Report/Cards
        • Credit Reports
          • Credit Updates
          • Credit Scores
        • Credit Cards
      • Personal
      • Home Ownership
      • Vehicles
    • Box 2
      • Life Insurance
      • Major Medical
      • Tax-Favored Programs
      • Prescriptions
      • Dental & Vision
      • Special Health Policies
      • Short-term Disability
      • Long-term Disability
      • Personal Insurance
    • Box 3
      • Social Security Documents
      • Retirement
      • Investments
      • Estate Planning
      • Tax Records
  • Household
    • Cleaning
    • Maintaining
    • Organizing
    • Scheduling
      • Laundry
  • Event Planning
    • Assisting
    • Attending
    • Coordinating
      • Birthday Party
      • Christmas
      • Dinner Party
      • Fall Festival
      • Field Trip
      • Lemonade Stand
      • Thanksgiving
    • Learning
    • Preparing
    • Serving
  • Miscellaneous
    • Communication
      • Customer Service
      • E-mail
      • RSS Feed Reader
    • Goals
    • Organization
    • Time Management
      • To Do List
  • Food
    • Food Prep
    • Grocery Shopping
      • Lists
      • Pricing
    • Menu Planning
    • Recipes
    • Stockpile
  • Family Activities
    • Going Out
      • Free Outings
      • Inexpensive Outings
      • Summer
    • Rewards
      • Good Grades
      • Reading
      • Summer Reading
    • Staying at Home
  • Stretching Your Dollars
    • Daily Deals
      • Groupon
      • LivingSocial
    • Drugstores
      • CVS
    • Gas Prices
    • Gifts
    • On-line Shopping
    • Pictures
    • Products
    • Restaurants
    • School Items
    • Tips
You are here: Home / Archives for Uncategorized

2014: Happy First Day of Fall!

September 23, 2014 by Tracy

2014: Happy First Day of Fall!
2014: Happy First Day of Fall!

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

My favorite season swept in with a refreshing gust of cooler air today. Seizing the opportunity, we opened the windows and allowed the chilly air to waft through our home. My toes were so chilled that I headed for a warm bath as soon as my kids went to bed.

Having lit my pumpkin spice candle, I am welcoming the fall season with open arms. Getting as much enjoyment from this season, we headed outdoors after lunch for a brisk walk. Then as soon as we finished our school work, everyone headed outside.

My girls crack me up with their jeans and jackets zipped up while my son runs around in shorts and a t-shirt. Though I could not muster the t-shirt, I was comfortable in my capris, long-sleeved shirt, and flip flops.

Spending time with my family has been my focus these last two months. Adjusting to home schooling is still occurring. With each day so different, I am learning that I still have lots of learning to do.

Lessons that I think my children will pick up quickly can sometimes take double or triple the time anticipated. However, I am honored to take time to cover the subject and wait for the understanding of that concept before moving to the next lesson.

Moving from a never-will-I-home-school opinion to a why-didn’t-I-do-this-sooner approach, I am loving my new role as full-time teacher to my three children. We work really hard at the start of the week to free up time at the end of the week for fun activities.

With my new teaching responsibilities, my postings have been sporadic. Yet, you keep coming back to read which warms my heart. As our school routine gets a bit more settled, I hope to get back to more regular posting this season.

In welcoming this first day of fall, I am so grateful for the cooler weather. This change is like a new beginning. If summer was unfriendly, then file summer away. Fall is here with a fresh start. In using time wisely, learn from the past and then plan for the future while living in the moment today. Happy fall!

Happy First Day of Fall!

Filed Under: Holidays, Uncategorized Tagged With: fall

2014: Remembering 9.11

September 11, 2014 by Tracy

2014: Remembering 9.11
2014: Remembering 9.11

Photograph Credit: Flickr (GlynLowe)

With my brother being a fireman/paramedic, this day brings a special appreciation for those who put themselves in harm’s way while helping others.

Last night as I prepared for today’s school day, I thought about what I wanted to share with my children about the day America was attacked from within. Though over a decade ago, the events of that day still play like a movie in my memory. I went to bed thinking about those events.

As I awoke this morning and came to our morning meeting, I informed my children that today was a unique day. We talked about the different sites and some of the events. They were filled with questions without anxiety about their safety.

Though we spent time remembering 9.11, I was a bit disappointed in the NFL’s choice to focus on the writing of our National Anthem over a 9.11 tribute for tonight’s game. However, I heard that the presentation of the anthem’s anniversary was spectacular.

Remembering 9.11 is fading for some, but there are those who still daily live with the emptiness and hurt from that unique day. Those images and memories are imprinted into my mind as I spent days glued to the television in awe that something so devastating occurred on American soil.

Permanently affected by those events, my heart surges with gratefulness for all first responders, military personnel, and healthcare individuals who daily serve and protect Americans. Thank you for your service each and every day!

Question: How did you remember 9.11?

Filed Under: Holidays, Uncategorized Tagged With: September 11

2014: Happy Labor Day!

September 1, 2014 by Tracy

2014: Happy Labor Day!
2014: Happy Labor Day!

Photograph Credit: Fotolia

Whether you are laboring or enjoying your day off relaxing, Labor Day was established to guarantee workers at least one day off.

Around our house, we are laboring. Seizing the day with Paul home, we had a long school day to catch up from our three field trips last week.

Thankfully, we are only a bit behind with two subjects that we usually cover once a week.

Since we are mostly home this week, we will work on these two subjects two days rather than one this week to get back on track. Other than these two subjects, we are back to our regular lesson plans.

I love homeschooling. This statement alone is amazing as I never thought I would ever home school. However, now that I have seen the immense benefits, I am so grateful for this opportunity to invest in the lives of our next generation by laboring.

Happy Labor Day!

Filed Under: Holidays, Uncategorized Tagged With: labor day

2014: Happy Birthday, America!

July 4, 2014 by Tracy

2014: Happy Birthday, America!
2014: Happy Birthday, America!

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

With parties happening all over the United States today, we celebrate our independence.

Happy Birthday, America! 

Our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence knowing that they were committing treason. Knowing their signature sealed their fate, they forged ahead without regret.

Today, we come together to celebrate the red, white, and blue as we stand proud to be Americans without fear of death claiming our independence.

As you enjoy the flag waving, the firework displays, and the cookouts with family and friends, I wish you all a wonderful and safe 4th of July!

Happy Birthday, America!

Filed Under: Holidays, Uncategorized Tagged With: July 4th

2014: Happy Father’s Day!

June 15, 2014 by Tracy

2014: Happy Father’s Day!
2014: Happy Father’s Day!

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Wishing all Dads, Husbands, Father-in-laws, Grandpas, Brothers, and Sons a Happy Father’s Day!

As you sacrifice your time, energy, and resources for your family, you not only invest in the lives of those near you, but also you emulate putting others above yourself.

Watching my husband work a long day and then arrive home to squeals of delight, I am amazed at the energy he still has to wrestle, play ball, and help with dinner when he would rather just sit on the couch and chill.

In using time wisely, Dads are investing in the lives of others, and we celebrate you!

Happy Father’s Day!

Filed Under: Holidays, Uncategorized Tagged With: Father's Day

Next Page »

Welcome to Using Time Wisely!

 

Presenting organizational tips and tricks to save you money, energy, and time.

To access 5 Ways to Using Time Wisely Today, click "like" on my facebook page and join in on the journey of Using Time Wisely.

Looking for something?

Email Newsletter

Sign up to receive email updates and to hear what's going on with us!

Copyright © 2025 · Lifestyle Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in