KK's Busy Famblog

Happy New YOU ...or Same Old You?

November and December Reflections...

    Wow... It's about time to wrap up 2012 and call it a year already. So before I ramble, let me acknowledge my absence from the blogging scene for the last 2 months. Yup, I been MIA. Busy, overwhelmed, and caught up like many other Americans. I mean in just the last 2 months alone we've dealt with the elections, super storm Sandy, saying bye-bye to Twinkies (ok I realize some people don't care about that one, but hey they were a part of my childhood!), healthcare reform, doomsday hype, and being bluntly reminded of the evil in this world through horrific violent acts just to name some. 

    Now that aside, every household has its qualms too right? We gotta experience all of the above plus manage life for ourselves and for some of us our families/kids right? With so much going on in our lives, how can we get it together and put it all in perspective? What if I told you that the answer is completely accessible to you and only costs you the very thing that you have been abusing and have had all along? 

    It's time. When I say "it's time", not only do I mean it is time for you to get it together and prepare to start off 2013 in a strong positive place, but it is "time" that so many of us abuse and forget that no matter how much we fight trying to make the most of it, we can't get it back and it's quality that REALLY counts. Zipping through life all the time is simply not healthy nor effective. I continue to learn this the hard way, but also continue to work at it and grow stronger as I do.

This said, I challenge you to recognize the power of reflection. 

    Take some time to learn from your experiences and think about your impact on those around you. You know how to reflect even if you think you don't. We do it in everyday situations without realizing it.  When we are playing a game thinking about our next move and why its gonna be our next move, when we are planning a meal, or when we leave a meeting at work and need to take next steps. We just don't do it broadly enough. Try reflecting in ways that you can apply to life, not just a specific task. We all have time. In the shower, while driving, not to be funny, but on the toilet, just before you go to sleep...carve out time because its important.

Start by asking yourself questions: What worked? What didn't work? Why? What does this situation remind me of? How can I use this experience? Etc...

    It takes courage and honesty with yourself and can be incredibly rewarding when you truly commit to doing it. If you need a little extra help with how to reflect and where to start, here is a great quick read on Self Reflection for personal growth. I love how this sums it up and lays out the way we can approach reflection for life improvement. This is a great way to bring in 2013! 

    

    Even if you think you have all if the answers and life is spectacular, learn to reflect and consider how you impact people around you. If you don't care, you should. You might be surprised at where you are with others. Do you want to go on not knowing that important people in your life have issues with you that if you knew and were open to listening about could make your relationship better? You can improve relationships in your life for sure. Be proactive to make positive change in your life!

    

    I was watching a Jamie Fox interview on OWN the other night. He has this profound memory of something Ray Charles said to him when they were playing together. "Life is underneath your fingertips, you have to take the time to play the right notes." I leave you with that thought...make sure you play the right notes.

Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful. 

~Margaret J. Wheatley

More on Bento Lunch Making featuring Melanie Rosson!

    On my quest to learning how to make cool bento lunches I stumbled across a cool chick named Melanie Rosson on Instagram.  She posts several pics of her bento art which is really amazing by the way and her work has just been inspiring to me as I'm learning about this whole art of bento making.  Melanie has always been gracious enough to answer my questions share tips and tricks to make things that look so hard quite easy.

    The more I thought about it I figured hey since I'm getting so many inquiries lately about bento lunches and I'm all about making lunch fun and healthy for kids through my latest blog posts, why not ask Melanie to share some of her tips and tricks right here on my BusyFamblog? So here you have it people, I have the pleasure of introducing Melanie Rosson!

    Read on to see what she shared with BusyFams about how she got started with bento art and just how she does some of these amazing and tasty looking lunches. All pics you see in this post are from just some of her awesome work! 

BusyFams- How did you get into making these bento lunches? 

Melanie- A few months ago I downloaded the instagram application for the first time. I was perusing photos when I came across an adorable food creation by another bento maker. I checked out the hashtags and looked for more like it. I thought, "I want to try this." So I searched for how-to websites and researched more about it. My first attempt just utilized some cute cookie and sandwich cutters. My second, I actually tried to cut a smiley face out of nori and attached it to some spring rolls. After that, I slowly got better, and now I really enjoy and am pretty happy with almost every bento box I turn out. 

BusyFams- What are some key tools/accessories to have for people just getting started with this? 

Melanie- For charaben bento, you definitely need a straight edge to cut nori (seaweed) and other ingredients such as white cheese or deli meat. It makes things a lot easier and neater if you have some nori punches to cut out some staple shapes and faces too. It is also essential to have a few different sized silicone baking or separating cups so as to split up your food in the box. Cookie cutters also makes things easier, and shapes more uniform. You can use them to trace and cut shapes out of fruit, vegetables, cheese, and deli meat. Larger ones you can also use to shape rice balls. 

BusyFams- What are some good tricks to know as far as things to always aim for when making a bento lunch (a good rule of thumb)? 

Melanie- It can be easy to get carried away with making a bento box pretty, (I do!) but it's important to remember to make it taste good too! It is food after all. So do spend time preparing side dishes and planning what you need to pickup at the grocery store. I like to always plan that I'm making the lunch for someone else (as I often actually am) so I try to think about what would make a fulfilling lunch for them as well as be nice to look at.

BusyFams- What's the most common food/ingredient you use in your lunches? 

Melanie- The most common food you'll see in my lunches are rice balls, or onigiri. Rice balls can be shaped with your hands in plastic wrap, or with cutters or molds. Plus, a rice ball is very durable and not too messy. They're really easy to turn into faces! But I also utilize mini sandwiches sometimes. as they don't take as much time. But it's more challenging to get a clean look with sandwiches.

BusyFams- How long does it take on average to make a nice looking bento lunch? 

Melanie- When people ask me this, I say at least an hour. But for me, when I try to make a specific character, theme, or design while still putting a nice assortment of tasty prepared food in the box, it takes more like 2-3 hours. If you have most of your food and design idea prepped beforehand though, you can cut that time down immensely.

BusyFams- Do you have any recommendations of books or websites for people to learn more about making bento lunches?

Melanie- I got started with the book Yum Yum Bento Box, and did google searches for beginner's tutorials. The bento tutorial blog I've looked at the most is http://bentomonsters.com. I don't recommend The Just Bento Cookbook unless you have no interest in charaben bento.

    If you are thinking about trying this, stop thinking and go for it! Anyone can do it...look at how Melanie got started.  She was just inspired and now she is doing amazing stuff.  Again, we don't have to be all fancy with it. Get only as carried away as you like.  It doesn't take much to put together a quick, colorful, and tasty lunch for your kids or loved ones.  

    Also, a lot of people have been asking me where I got my stainless steel lunch box that I've been posting my own bento pics in.  I got that from Planet Box and if it seems too pricey I also found another great eco friendly lunchbox that is perfect for bento lunches at Laptop Lunches.They are less pricey and have a beautiful variety to choose from with links to cool creativity tools like veggies cutters and bento dividers. Check em' out! I think I'm gonna get one from them too. 

BusyFams thanks Melanie Rosson! 

For more on Melanies work follow her here: 

 FB, Twitter, and Boss Bento

  

Kids Lunch Coming Home Untouched? Jazz up Their Lunch!

                                

Ok so let me make clear that I am not an expert on fancy shmancy food presentation.  However, after my experience last year with my then 1st grader coming home with untouched lunch I needed a solution for this year.  I browsed the internet and stumbled across something really cool.  Drum roll please....Bento box lunches!  I admit I've seen this stuff many times before and would pay little
attention because I just always assumed it was too complicated and time consuming and did I mention complicated? Yeah so I finally explored this idea of making bento style lunches a bit more and came to the conclusion that it's actually easy, pretty (which can be quite irresistible to picky eaters), can be quite healthy, and fun to prepare! 

If you don't know what bento even means, here is a quick run down straight from a really user friendly site called  Lunch In a Box:

A bento lunch is a compact, balanced, visually appealing meal packed in a box. Historically, it’s a Japanese box lunch, similar in concept to the Indian tiffin, the Korean dosirak, or the Filipino baon lunch. In Japanese, “bento” or “obento” refers to the packed meal, and “bento-bako” refers to the bento box itself.

I was really inspired by all of the info out there.  I even purchased a book for just 10 bucks that seemed like an easy beginners guide for making these things. I learned that you can really pack whatever you want in a bento lunch (Any cuisine) and you can even salvage dinner leftovers in a bento lunch.  There are so many possibilities!  I even learned about how to make rice balls and sushi with whatever fillings I wanted. Molds for making shapes are really inexpensive and can be found on Amazon. I encourage you to check out the link above to Lunch In a Box and also find a book to help start you off.  I purchased a book called Yum-Yum Bento Box just because it was inexpensive and I saw good reviews on Amazon for this.  It gives a good list of supplies/accessories to use for making the various shapes and for cutting the foods. I really like that the book also gives prep times for the different lunches and lots of pictures. 

FYI- I'm not getting any kind of pay or incentive for sharing this info.  This is all out of my own desire to just share something that is working for me. There are a ton of other bento making books too that you can research on Amazon or just the internet in general.  I just like to look at the reviews to see what other people think. As far as finding a bento box or lunch container to do this with, just check out the links above as well.  As for myself, I use Planet Box. This is a really cool stainless steel (dishwasher safe!) lunch box that can serve as a bento box and my kids absolutely love it.  So far (knock on wood), this whole bento adventure is a success! 

Here are some photos (including the first one above) of how some of my stuff came out...keep in mind I'm still learning..lol! The others within my blog are from Alphamom and A Place called Joy. 

Hope you like this post and give this a shot.  If you have suggestions or knowledge on making bento lunches,please do share! I would love to know more so please please leave a comment!  Good luck!

           

                               

                                       

                                            

Here is something you can do with simple hotdogs (I used the Hebrew National brand, but you can use just about any knid).  I made a face on one and the other I just wrapped some nori around.  There is an even cuter way to make these...In the pic above I just cut the hot dog in half the long way then split open down the middle. From there I just slit like three lines along the bottoms for the legs...or whatever they are...lol. The idea is so that you have something that will look like an octopus.  After cutting the hot dog, you can boil or lightly fry until the leggy things curl.  I wrapped some fried egg around mine with nori and this could go in a bento with  rice balls and whatever else you would like.

This wasn't the best explanation so here is a link that explain better: 

For the octodog (hot dog octopus)

 

15 Ideas For Family Summer Fun

It's finally here. Summertime is in full effect.  What better time than now to start getting back outdoors? Allergies are settled down, the weather is nice, and there are so many fun things to do.  I've come up with some ideas for a Summer Bucket list that I will be exploring with my family this year and I thought I'd just share them in case anyone wants to entertain a few.  

#1 -Almost everyone lives somewhat close to a historical landmark.  If you do and haven't experienced (or if it's been a good while since you last experienced) the fun right
under your nose, go ahead and stop taking it for granted. Go walk a bridge, visit a museum, a National Park, etc. Get out and explore with the family and make a day of it.  You can teach the kiddos something while you are at it. Check the internet for local landmarks near you. 

#2 -Build a terrarium. A friend of mine inspired this one for me.  He just learned about making terrariums and quickly became awesome at it.  It is not hard at all to get started with making
terrariums. This can be fun and educational. Start out by getting a good book about how to build
terrariums and visit a local nursery for plants. How to build a terrarium.


#3 -Add a bird bath and/or bird house to your back yard. I was in an arts and crafts store the other day and saw all kinds of bird houses and baths that you could design, paint, build, or even some that were ready made.  This is surprisingly really affordable (can be under 20 bucks!) and could be a lot of fun for the kids as well as educational. See what The Bird Depot shares as well as good deals- How to make a bird house.

#4 -Make cake pops for the 4th of July. There are so many great 4th of July recipes out there right now.  Here is one that I think I'm going to try from  Taste and Tell Blog

OR if you want something a little more fruity, try blueberry/strawberry/whipped cream cups. This can also be prepared in one big dish. Red White and Blue desserts.

#5 -Go to the library to check out some good books and then read outside somewhere. 

#6 -Make a lemonade stand. You can be as creative as you want with this one as far as building a stand.  Otherwise, you can always buy one that is already made.  Making the lemonade could be a fun creative part as well.  You could even get fancy and have different flavor lemonades. Do you know some recipes for different lemonades besides lemon and strawberry? Please share!


#7 -Create an outdoor movie theatre. Project a movie outside in the backyard- have popcorn and grill up some dinner.  There are many different selections of projectors and screens. Check Amazon and Walmart for some reasonable deals. I've even just used a white sheet for a screen and that worked just fine.  


#8 -Go bowling or play miniature golf. This is easy and just plain fun; especially when you are with a good crowd. 

#9 -Have a water balloon toss/play in the sprinklers and add water guns to the mix. Sometimes its just so hot and this is a great way to cool off. Check out Amazon for a cool selection of water guns and water toys. 


#10 -Have a yard sale- Make a party out of setting it up and tearing it down at the end of the day. Who says a yard sale cant be fun? DIY life shares How to Hold a Profitable and Fun Yard Sale

#11 -Fly a kite! Simple fun that is priceless! Everything you need to know about kites.


#12 -Go bike riding to get lunch. That way you get fun time plus exercise before and after stuffing yourself! 

#13 -Go to a beach and build a sand castle. I have no idea how to build a sand castle, but I sure want to. Here is some helpful info to get you started from what you need to how to build one.

#14 -Plant a garden. Don't have a suitable area? Get a half barrel and do a small garden with summer veggies or herbs. See what Eat Close To Home says about starting a garden from scratch.

Learn from DIY Network how to make a container theme garden.


#15 -Treasure walk. Give the kids each a little bucket. Go on a walk and let them collect treasures they find along the way – leaves, rocks, flowers, bugs. Don't let those "treasures" enter the house though! See how Audra from Rediscovering Domesticity does this walk with her family.


So there you have it! Hope you try out something on this list to spread some fun into your summer this year.  I would love to know more ideas that you could add. Please share in my comments section; especially ideas that can keep families within a reasonable budget. 

Happy Summer!

Hey y'all, the Busyfam Mama is Back from a Hiatus!

                    

...And boy have I been busy these past few months! I needed a break...hell I still do really, but feel some guilt about just leaving my blog hanging. I've never done that before and I have so many stories and thoughts that I could have been sharing along the way. I just couldn't find the dang time to blog about it! Oh well, if I don't forgive myself and move on who will? M'kay y'all still love me? We cool? Cool!

Now what have I been up to? Well, dealing with some super sick allergy having kids, school, work, new family drama (there's always something in that category), praying, new healthy habits, cultivating my love life (can't leave my hubby hangin), and trying to wrap up some projects which will really free up some time for me soon. 

So how does one keep sane and organized with so much going on? Here are some things I've done:

• Loved and religiously used my Google calendar in conjunction with my iPad/iPhone. This is a beautiful thing! If you don't do this already and you have an iPhone/iPad/other smart device you may want to look into the possibilities. It's a great way to stay on task and not forget important things for your personal life as well as professional. 
• I finally learned how to use Siri and make her work for me! Im still in the learning process and I can't say I'm like those fancy people in the iPhone commercials who make it look so damn easy, but I am really enjoying what Miss Siri can do (um...is it a man or woman? ...or computer that is not human at all? Hmmm.) You do have to make sure she knows you though because Siri will let you know what's up if you don't talk to her. As you can see I've decided Siri is a lady. 
• I accepted that my kids have taken over the house in some capacity and devoted a space in our main living area for their stuff. This has given me some good opportunities to multitask while they are busy and safely doing their kid stuff in eye-shot rather than upstairs where I can't see them, but hear them fighting or giving each other sass, or...being the angels they are.
• I gave my computer a break. Sometimes you really need to do that because it is so easy to get consumed in cyberworld and that is really a time sucker in itself. 
• I've been walking walking walking. I have been on walks with my family, friends (yeah I got a few), and co-workers and it's therapeutic, healthy, a great way to just spend family time, and just makes me feel good. I want to do even more with a particular movement called Girltrek. If you don't know about this, please take a moment to check it out. It's absolutely great and can be beneficial yourself and others who get involved in many ways! Please follow the Girltrek group I'm associated with right here! We would love your support!
• I played  hooky with my hubby. Well, we both requested  the same day off from work in advance, but we didn't tell anyone when we were off...and together. It was important for us to do that and I highly recommend it. As a supervisor I must say please get an excused absence from work. The "hooky" part applies to everyone else who might otherwise take advantage of your time off from work in a way that you can't necessarily have that quality time you so desperately need.
• I spring cleaned my office at work. That just made a world of difference and has contributed to me being more productive as things are in their place. 
• I cleaned out my closet at home. All I can say is WOW and you women out there who are anything like me when it comes to a closet full of clothes and shoes know the feeling of a clean organized closet.  It's another world compared to how it is when your clothes are all there, but you can't find what you are looking for. It can be time consuming and frustrating just looking for it too; especially when you come up empty handed.
• I stopped being so fixated on being superwoman. I can't do it all so I do what I can. I admit I may have even spread myself too thin lately, but I refuse to let guilt get me cornered. I'm gonna do what I can do and take a step at a time. 

So that sums it up for now my friends! If you are feeling inspired or have some tips and tricks of your own to share please leave me a comment and let me know how you do what you do without losing it. How do you keep doing "you" in all the madness?

 

 

My First 2012 Blog Post ~ of Random Thoughts...

January 1st, 2012. Woke up at 7:47am  and I'm already thinking about what's for dinner. Hope everyone was safe last night...no crazy middle of the night phone calls about who's in jail or in the hospital- nice...no news is good news as far as I'm concerned. My youngest one just had her first tantrum of the year, now she's just singing to herself. I'm dreading cleaning the house, but know I must do it. Today it needs to happen. That dead tree must come down. Aw man I'm gonna have to go back to work Tuesday. I gotta prep for school...another class coming up.  I need to organize my 3 girls clothes- go through SO many clothes and pull stuff that doesn't fit anymore....oh no, what happened to my calm world?

10:36am
The house is halfway clean, tree is down, hubby is happy watching a game or something now, gonna have some yummy coffee, I don't even have a hangover, looking forward to mom and her beau coming over for dinner, I'm gonna make a kick a$$ roast, kids are content enjoying a movie, I think everything is gonna be okay, I'll sit down with my iPad and make a to do list and organize my calendar ...right after I change a dooky diaper and clean all the coco puffs my little monster just happily scattered all over the kitchen floor. "Sigh..."           Life is good.



                                             

Do a Good Deed As You Clean Up Your Christmas Mess

Got more than you anticipated dealing with in terms of all the "stuff" you've accumulated this holiday season? Well when you really put it into perspective, what a nice problem to have considering those who did not receive or are less fortunate right? This said, making room for new toys and clothes after Christmas doesn't have to be a drag. I know I thought I had prepared before Christmas for all of the extra items that I knew would be coming into my household. Don't get me wrong,  I am so very thankful for all of the gifts my kids received and they got a lot of things that they really needed, however I simply don't have enough room for all of their "stuff". They still have things from last year that are in good condition. I wouldn't feel right just tossing them and they are items that I no longer have use for.

So what now?  I don't want to just keep stuff and let them collect dust just because they are things in good condition. Some sorting and organizing is definitely in order here, but I need to get rid of all the extra stuff first as many of you. What's working for me is dividing the garbage from the donate-able (I totally made up that word, but you get me right?) type items and then putting all of that donate worthy stuff aside in the garage to tackle when I'm ready. I just used big garbage bags to sort stuff out in a way that I can manage.  Now I'm able to get things organized inside and I'm feeling a lot less stressed and actually good about giving to others.

I think giving is a great lesson for my kids too. I want them to know that it is always good to give to those in need when you truly can as we could be in the very same situation. Nothing we have is promised. That's why I'm taking this opportunity to include them in the process. So far I've been very honest with them about what I'm doing with their old toys and they even started helping me and saying things like "Mom, I really like this doll, but I don't need it  anymore and I think another little girl might really like it." Then I hear my other daughter chime in with something like "Yeah, cause it might be her only toy right?"  Lets hope they don't have and regrets later from missing those toys...lol.

Sometimes it can take some effort to find the best way and place to donate your stuff. Don't let that stop you from making it happen. It'll be worth it and you will feel so glad you did it. There are even organizations that will pick stuff up that you leave on the curb right outside your home so just consider taking the time to give rather than simply dumping your stuff in the trash. As the saying goes, one family's junk is another family's treasure. 

Anyway, you can totally just search the web for some local spots in your area. Also, here are some helpful resource links for you if you'd like some specific ideas for where to donate and how to make room for all of that new stuff if you want to do some giving as you make room in your home!

 

 

Happy giving and happy cleaning!

Volunteer Guide

Hands On- Easy Ways to Make a Difference

25 Best Places to Donate

Salvation Army Donation Pick-up

Declutter-Organize-Purpose

Planning and Organizing tips

Your Commute Doesn't Have to be a Nightmare

    

    When is the last time you looked forward to your commute to work or school? Most would say that's a rare occasion. Well, I thought I would share my perspective on the matter because I know a thing or two about commuting and the energy it can easily consume innocent people of. I have been commuting for almost 15 years a round trip distance of just under 100 miles a day. Why? You ask...(because I heard you just ask that) well as I've told many people, for my kids to live in a neighborhood and attend school in a specific area that my husband (he's a commuter too) and I prefer and for them to be surrounded by other family is extremely important to us. It just so happens that my place of work is no where near that. I actually like work so am not looking for another job. Believe it or not, my work brings me joy and that's important too. So now that we've got that out of the way, let's talk drivin'...

    For me, commute time is really some of the only "me" time I get all week. It's the few moments in a day that I am kind of alone. I try to find something good in that. I use to hate my commute and don't get me wrong, I still have bad days. However, that's usually because I didn't prep for my trip. Preparation is key and it takes time, but it's well worth it. Here are some commuting prep tips:

• Leave your house on time (always consider how much gas is in your tank) this is the most important because this way a little heavy traffic can be a non-issue.
• Eat breakfast! OR whatever meal that is closest to your commute time.
• Bring a snack or two
• Always bring drinking water. Now you have an excuse to buy one of those cool water bottles at Starbucks that always seem over priced.
• Get whatever you need to take with you ready in advance. Have your wallet/purse/cell phone in sight (maybe near the door you leave out of) so you won't forget on your way out.
• Know where your glasses are!
• When you get in the car: Put your head set on and position your snacks and stuff in the car BEFORE you start to drive.

Once you get on the road then what? Here are things you can actually do while driving...with caution of course because driving does require focus and safety.  

• Listen to music
• Sing
• Listen to a good audiobook
• Just reflect or think about what project or thing you are going to tackle next.
• Call a friend or family member you rarely speak to
• Call your significant other and just tell them you love them.
• Drive in silence. Sometimes it's nice to actually hear your own thoughts.
• Notice the scenery ...do you have a scenic route that you often take for granted?
• Sip on a tasty beverage...non alcoholic of course! 
• Smile! You could make another persons commute that much better.

    One safety reminder: Don't drive sleepy! Pull over in a safe place and even then call someone to say where you are and that you are taking a power nap. Set your phone alarm. Let them know if they don't hear from you in a certain amount of time that something is wrong (especially if they call you and you don't answer).

    I'm sure there is more to add to my lists and everyone has their tips and tricks that work for them.  I'd love to know some more from you! Please leave a comment and share. Hope your next commute is a positive experience! Here's some commuting fun I'd like to leave you with:

WATCH KK's Commute VIDEO!

The Secret to Happiness...

So you wanna know the key to a happy stress free life? It's simple. Its not always simple to execute though, but it can be. Have a plan...don't just have a plan. To have the ultimate plan you gotta plan when you are gonna create that plan or the plan will never come to fruition. That's right people, I said you gotta plan to plan. You have to make time just to figure out what you are gonna do with your time if you want your time to be well spent and productive. So how does one do this? Well, it actually doesn't take a rocket scientist believe it or not. It just takes some will power and a calendar or to do list.

First thing is first though. If you want to start meeting your deadlines, you need to be organized...yeah, all things (stuff in your kitchen, room, kids rooms, closets, garage, desk, etc.) actually need to have a place of their own. That means if laundry is chillin in the basket for longer than a day or two you might want to check out whats in those closets and drawers because that impacts how clean your living room or bedroom will be which impacts how you are gonna get things clean for when Aunt Sally and Uncle Jack come over OR you just need to get your life organized because you simply can't find time to even fold up the clothes. If this is the case...you are not alone. If you need some organization in your life here are a few tips:

• Create a To Do list that you can truly check off.
• Be realistic...you are not a superhero so don't try to do way too much. 
• Get yourself a calendar and give yourself some deadlines (remember to make them realistic people...otherwise, what's the point?)
• Make time to check that calendar/To Do list EVERYDAY. 
• Plan who can do what in your situation (for example, my hubby and I consistently take on specific tasks.)
• Be prepared to get rid of stuff! Not only is this just good practice to keep you being featured on the next Hoarder Buried Alive show, but the holidays are coming which for most people mean that more stuff will be occupying parts of your home.

The list above is just a good place to start, but everyone is motivated differently. The point is to make a plan. Don't beat yourself up if it doesn't end up perfect right away (chances are it probably wont and you will backslide sometimes, but you gotta get up and keep it moving!) Even a little change is good. One step at a time.

This definitely works for me. Is life perfect now? No way, but I am so much better at keeping things tidy than I was before! My house is not insanely taken over by the kids anymore, my room is clean, bathrooms/kitchen clean, dinner is on the table, laundry is done, kids are clean, fun time happens with the kids, etc.and my hubby and I both work full time and have a long commute. Where there is a will there is a way.

This also applies to work life. An up-kept calendar does wonders. I feel the difference when this is not the case. Also, a clean office can help immensely.

Organizing to make life easier is an ongoing and exciting hobby of mine. I never thought I would say that, but what can I say; bins, sharpies, baskets, files, cabinets, shelves....they all make me happy when used in a functional way! Check out this website on Planning and Organizing Life. It's a favorite of mine.

And it would be really nice if you came back and share some tips, tricks, and success stories in my comments section! Please do!

Good luck! You can do it!