Lately, let's face it, it's become all about this little two toofie-grinned brunette baby boy who has stolen my heart...and each and every blog post :) If the overwhelming amount of photos has become boring, then I apologize. Well sort of. While I won't ever stop posting pics of my sweet precious, I will spice things up a bit and get this ol' blog back on track. For instance, try something other than the shameless "I'll just post ten pics of Cade and call it a post" posts.
So I stumbled upon an awesome idea over at The Nester blog. Every October she does "31 Days of..." whatever you choose. 31 days. 31 posts. Anything you want to post about. It just gives you 31 days to strive for a goal, be held accountable, or just have a new "theme" of topics to post!
Lately I've really been working on becoming more organized and settling into "our family of three" and our new routine as parents. (Yeah, it only took me seven months. Sheesh!) Honestly until about a month or two ago I felt as if I were running around like a crazy person (oh wait, I still do that) then things only got busier with a new website design at work, this that and the other. As I approach the busiest time of year for me (the holiday season at Sugar, my sister's wedding, Cade's first Christmas, then straight into Cade's first birthday) I am devoting this entire month to make a few changes in my life that will hopefully make the upcoming busy season a little easier.
31 days to make a change. 31 days to...
- get my house, work (the store), finances, and well...life, organized. I will posts a little something every week (if not everyday) of new organized spaces, tips, and renovations. It's time to utilize every inch of space in our ever-so-shrinking house [and my store], get rid of JUNK and clutter, and find a place for everything, along with having everything in its place! Thank you for the sweet comments of motivation too. It really helped me take a deep breath and make a plan!
- save money. Along with organizing my finances, I plan to establish that budget I've been meaning to do all year as I finish up Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. I'm going to focus on monthly meal planning and better couponing which will result in saving more money for Christmas and upcoming trips in 2013. We will set goals (Christmas expenses, getting out of debt, future dream trips, saving for a new house) then begin to take the steps to achieve them.
- manage my time more wisely. Establish set days for set tasks. Whether it be cleaning, blogging, grocery shopping, or an entire day devoted to Cade. I wish to be more routined and not waste time doing unproductive things. Time spent with the Lord, time devoted to my husband, time for my child, time for work, time to make our home run smoothly, and time for me (you know, like pedicures, blogging, reading, exercising...I have to have my "me time" to keep my sanity)
- get fit & healthier. I plan to finally get back to aerobics. (my aerobics friends reading this right now are probably saying "yeah right") I went ONCE after I had Cade then never went back. Life got so busy. It's time to again, establish a routine...carve out some "me time" and try to turn some of this flab into muscle and tone up before my sister's wedding. It's also time for us to try to eat healthier (which we have done a decent job of this year, after making that one of our "New Year's Resolutions) but we can "amp it up" this month in order to both shed some pounds for our upcoming busy season! [a.k.a. fit into that bridesmaid dress and tux a bit easier]
- devote more time. Make each day count. Basically echoing my plan for "time management". Spend more time with my husband. More date nights. More "movie and popcorn" nights with no phones, no iPads, no laptops. More fun activities and time with Cade. Pumpkin patches, take him to the park, stroller rides, trick or treating, etc... I'd love to spend more time with my entire family, as well as my friends. Plan more family events. Plan more "girls nights". I love my girls and while living in a house full of "boys", look forward to spending "much needed girl time" with them! Most importantly, more time with Him. Daily devotions and more and more praying. All day, everyday...for everyone. The Lord has given me so many blessings and as we enter a season of thanks, I hope to be constantly grateful and a servant to Him to show just how thankful I am for our many blessings. Never taking one second for granted. Life is too precious!
After jotting down all these crazy thoughts/to-do lists in my head, this sounds like a lot. To be honest, I'm a bit overwhelmed. I work 30-40 hours a week AT work, then tack on about 5-15 hours of work AT home. I work some Saturdays. I do photography some Sundays. I'm raising an 8 month old. It's a busy time of year. It's becoming a more and more busier life.
Therefore, I just need a set routine/plan/organized space to make things run as smoothly as possible. I have never been a very "OCD" person and mostly thrive on the unorganized, artistic, creative chaos that I usually live in, but with a new season comes a new time for change.
If you'd like to also follow along with a few other wonderful ladies and their own personal "31 Day" journey, check out these fabulous blogs too. Just a few of my favorites who I noticed were participating:
Then here is the link to ALL of the "31-Dayers" over at The Nester blog.
There's really some awesome topics!
Today I got a slow start to my "new month" as I was in the eye doctor's office for three hours of my day [long story] , but I did accomplish a good bit (my daily goal: at night before I go to bed I want to ask myself "What have I accomplished today? I don't care if it's organizing an entire closet or just teaching Cade something new. As long as I'm doing something to make my life, my family's life, or someone else's better, then I can go to bed a happy, content person). So hold on to your seats. There will be posts of our guest bedroom makeover finally, new organization spaces/remodeled spaces. Posts about all the changes little Cade is making. Posts about decorating and the changing of seasons. Maybe even changing up my wardrobe and Fall trends/outfits/looks. Posts about changing things within myself; patience, time management, healthy living. Devotions, prayer request, whatever is on my heart and mind...it will be here. 31 days to make a change. 31 days to take the time to make a better me!
What will you change this month? If you are participating in the 31 days, definitely comment and let me know. I'd love to follow along and be inspired/motivated!
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