New on the Blog: 3 Areas to Downsize for a Simpler Home + Life So.... what are you doing with ALL your free time this year?!?! Ah... I'd be rich if I had a dollar for every time someone has asked me that question over the last 8 weeks! I'm not sure the answer warrants a full blog post, but I'll share a bit in today's email. For starters, I "only" have 3 days to myself each week... and only until 3:00 pm when everyone returns home again. DAY 1 = online work day -- I write blog posts, draft email newsletters, answer emails and comments, and complete Virtual Assistant tasks. DAY 2 = church day -- I have commitments at church until noon but I often stay longer to prep things for the various programs Dave and I are responsible for on Sundays. DAY 3 = school day -- I'm usually at the kids' school the better part of one day each week for recess duty, Moms In Prayer, Parent's Club Board, chapel, lunch volunteer, room mom duties, field trips, Outdoor Ed volunteer, etc. So... that's what I'm doing with all my free time! 😂 No, I don't have massive amounts of leisure time to do whatever I want, but I'm certainly not bored! I am thankful that all the commitments above are self-chosen (not forced upon me). My days currently feel like the right balance for this season of life -- but as you know, "balance" requires constant effort to maintain. This week's email and blog post are geared toward helping YOU find and maintain a healthier balance in your home, family, and life! Simple Food. I often get pushback when I share anything about meal planning, but I know how important this weekly task is for my sanity, for our budget, and for the overall happiness of our home, so I'll keep sharing. I DON'T love meal planning, but I do it anyway... I can help you do it too! Learn more --> How to Eliminate Meal Planning Overwhelm. Organized Home. The words "downsizing" and "decluttering" don't only apply to our physical possessions... they can (and should) be applied to other areas of life too. You might just be amazed at the difference it can make in your life! Keep reading --> 3 Areas to downsize for a simpler home + life. Intentional Living. Last week, I shared why October is often a low-key month for our family... and several of you responded with how jam-packed and stressful this month is for you. If you're feeling pulled in too many directions, here are a few ideas to help you streamline and simplify this busy season. Learn more --> 7 Signs You Might Be Too Busy (and how to simplify) In other news... Looking for a new pumpkin recipe to try this week? Try my oldie-but-goodie Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie with a crunchy pecan topping. It's the perfect mix of fall flavors in every bite! Raise your hand if every childhood birthday included a U.S. Savings Bond. 🙋♀️ My grandma faithfully gave each of us a savings bond every year from birth until we were married, and I finally cashed mine in. It felt sort of nostalgic bringing my envelope of bonds to the bank earlier this week -- thinking of my grandma faithfully ordering them month after month, year after year for ALL her grandkids, spanning 45 years. I saved the tattered envelope with my grandma's handwriting on the back.❣️ KIDS' BRAINS + SMARTPHONES = BAD Are you struggling to resist your children's persistent pleas for smartphones? Here's some encouragement to help you stand your ground! (Not from my blog) Need a road trip destination? Head to Michigan... it's so pretty here! HOLIDAY PREP IDEA: Make a candy countdown chain! I shared this idea at the end of last school year and mentioned it would also be super fun for birthdays and holidays. If you have kids or grandkids who love candy, stock up on candy during the Halloween sales and be ready to create a fun Candy Countdown next month. Have a wonderful week, ~ Andrea p.s. In which of these 3 areas would a little downsizing help you achieve more "balance" in your life? |
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