“Life is change, growth is optional. Choose wisely.”
Karen Kaiser Clark
September has arrived, and with it comes the opportunity to focus on growth, self-discovery, and positive change. As I bid farewell to the summer and welcome the autumn breeze, I’m excited to embark on a journey of self-improvement that’s uniquely me.
Embracing Self-Improvement: My Way In a world that’s constantly evolving, one thing remains clear – the potential for self-improvement. My passion for planning, organizing, and self-care guides me through a month of meaningful transformations. As I navigate through this journey, I’m blending my love for beauty, planning, and self-care to create an elegant path toward growth.
Unlocking the Power of Planning For me, planning goes beyond mere schedules and to-do lists. It’s about crafting a roadmap to my goals, dreams, and personal fulfillment. From a meticulously planned skincare routine to a well-structured day, planning is the cornerstone of intentional living.
Savoring Self-Care and Coffee Moments Self-improvement isn’t solely about productivity; it’s about nurturing my well-being. With a cup of coffee in hand, I’m finding moments of reflection and indulgence in the things that bring me joy. These moments are the heart of self-care and the foundation for growth.
Creating Positive Change, One Step at a Time September is my canvas for change, and I believe that progress is a journey, not a destination. I’m setting achievable goals, celebrating every milestone, and embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth. This journey is about creating a life that reflects my dreams and aspirations.
My Effect: A Beacon of Inspiration In a month dedicated to self-improvement, I’m inspired to be a beacon of my own journey. The blend of beauty, planning prowess, and self-care wisdom I offer is a testament to the art of continual growth. As we navigate challenges and celebrate triumphs, I invite everyone to join me in embracing self-improvement and the journey of becoming the best versions of ourselves.
So, as I embrace Self-Improvement Month, I’m following a path that’s uniquely mine – a journey of planning, beauty, and self-care intertwined with the pursuit of becoming my best self. Let’s welcome September with open arms, as I lead the way in creating a life that’s as elegant and well-curated as my own persona. Here’s to self-improvement, growth, and the art of becoming! 🌟📔🌷
Picture this: it’s a lazy Sunday morning, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, and you’re armed with a planner, a pen, and a dash of imagination. As you take that first sip of your favorite java, you’re not just sipping coffee; you’re sipping on inspiration, ambition, and the promise of a productive week ahead. Welcome to the world where the weekend transforms into a canvas for creative planning, all while infusing your unique style into every detail.
Just like how your morning coffee carries the power to awaken your senses, your weekend holds the potential to awaken your goals and aspirations. In the hustle and bustle of life, we often overlook the art of harnessing our weekends for intentional planning. But fear not, because we’re about to dive into a journey where the blending of caffeine and creativity takes center stage.
Think of your weekend as that captivating blend of beans you carefully choose for your cup of joe. It’s not just any two days; it’s an opportunity to blend your personal style with strategic planning, resulting in a concoction that fuels both your passion and your productivity. Just as you savor the layers of flavor in your coffee, you’re about to explore the layers of planning, goal-setting, and self-care that can brew a week full of accomplishments.
So, grab your planner and your favorite mug, because we’re about to embark on a journey where the weekend becomes your palette, coffee becomes your companion, and planning becomes your masterpiece. Whether you’re a morning planner, a midnight scribbler, or someone who fancies a midday planning rendezvous, get ready to infuse your weekend with the kind of energy that can only come from a well-brewed blend of planning and personal style.
Get ready to sip, sketch, and set your intentions. It’s time to turn your weekend into a canvas of possibilities, painted with the hues of your personal flair. Welcome to the art of productive planning with a side of coffee-fueled creativity. Let’s dive in and brew up a weekend that sets the tone for a week that’s as bold and flavorful as your favorite cup of joe.
Absolutely, let’s delve deeper into the importance of planning your week, including the upcoming weekend, and provide tips for setting clear goals:
The Art of Weekend Planning: Setting the Stage for Success
In the whirlwind of modern life, the concept of the weekend often brings a sense of relief and relaxation. However, beneath the surface lies a treasure trove of opportunity waiting to be harnessed. By incorporating the weekend into your weekly planning, you’re not just enjoying a break; you’re crafting a strategic foundation for the days ahead.
Embrace the Power of Comprehensive Planning
Weekend planning isn’t just about the days off; it’s about weaving those precious moments seamlessly into your overall week. A well-structured plan doesn’t view the weekend in isolation; instead, it envisions it as an integral part of the canvas upon which your week’s masterpiece is painted. Why? Because when you allocate time for relaxation, leisure, self-care, and even a touch of productivity, you’re setting yourself up for success on multiple fronts.
Tips for Setting Clear Goals: From Work to Well-Being
Begin with the End in Mind: As you set your goals for the weekend, envision what you want to accomplish by the time Sunday evening rolls around. This mental snapshot will serve as your North Star as you navigate the weekend.
Balance Across Domains: Your goals should encompass various facets of your life—work, personal growth, relaxation, and social connections. Balancing these domains ensures you’re not just productive, but also nurturing a holistic sense of well-being.
Prioritize Tasks: Break down your larger goals into manageable tasks. Prioritize them based on urgency, importance, and alignment with your long-term objectives. This way, you’re channeling your energy into tasks that truly matter.
Be Realistic and Specific: Set achievable goals that are specific and measurable. Instead of vague goals like “work on a project,” aim for “complete research phase of Project X” or “write draft of report.”
Delegate and Collaborate: Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks that others can handle or collaborate with colleagues on projects. This not only lightens your load but also fosters teamwork.
Include Self-Care: Prioritize self-care as a goal. Schedule time for activities that recharge you—whether it’s reading, yoga, a leisurely walk, or quality time with loved ones.
Visualize Success: As you set your goals, visualize yourself achieving them. This mental exercise can motivate and energize you, making your goals more attainable.
Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, even the small ones. Positive reinforcement boosts motivation and reinforces your commitment to your goals.
By weaving weekend planning into your overall routine and setting clear, well-defined goals, you’re maximizing the potential of your free days. From work-related milestones to nurturing self-care moments, you’re setting the stage for a weekend that’s both rejuvenating and productive. Remember, each goal achieved during the weekend is a step closer to your larger aspirations—a testament to the power of strategic planning and the magic of well-spent weekends.
Absolutely, let’s dive into your favorite planning tools and how they add a touch of style to your weekend organization:
Stylish Tools for a Weekend Full of Flair
When it comes to weaving a tapestry of productivity and style into your weekends, the tools you choose play a pivotal role. These tools aren’t just practical aids; they’re an extension of your personality, helping you curate a weekend that’s both functional and fabulously stylish.
Chic Planners that Speak Your Language
Enter the world of planners that are more than just pages; they’re canvases waiting for your dreams and ambitions to take shape. Tula Xii and Go Getter Girl Co. planners aren’t merely tools; they’re companions on your journey towards goal-crushing and memory-making. Their sleek designs and thoughtful layouts blend seamlessly with anyone’s, (definitely mine to be honest) personal style, ensuring that every page you turn reflects your unique essence.
Pens with Personality
Grab your favorite pens! My favorite go-tos: the Papermate Flairs and Pen Gems, are more than writing instruments; they’re the wands that bring my thoughts to life on paper. As we glide them across our planner’s pages, our words take on a vibrancy that mirrors our zest for life. The choice of pens isn’t just about functionality; it’s about finding tools that resonate with your creative spirit. Do you have favorites? I’d love to hear in the comments which ones you use. I’m always looking for new pens and markers to add to my vast collection.
Highlighting Your Brilliance
Who says highlighting is just about marking text? With my must-have Mildliners or your favorite brand, you’re not just accentuating words; you’re adding strokes of color that evoke your passion and enthusiasm. These aren’t just highlighters; they’re brushstrokes on the canvas of your plans, guiding your eyes and thoughts towards what truly matters. I love using them for color-coding too. Helps me see if I’m balancing different areas of my life and work well. If I see a lack of certain colors it helps draw my attention to it so that I can perhaps consider reprioritizing and rescheduling to make room for important areas like self-care and family time.
Sticky Notes and Stickers: Small Accents, Big Impact
Sticky notes and stickers aren’t just adornments; they’re the brushstrokes that turn your plans into a work of art. From small sticker shops to Tula Xii, each sticky note and sticker is like a tiny gem adorning your planning canvas. They’re reminders of the little joys that punctuate your journey, and they infuse your weekends with a dash of whimsy.
Brewing Creativity with Your Cup of Choice
And then there’s your trusty coffee mug—the vessel that holds more than just coffee. It holds your ideas, your intentions, and your dreams. As you take each sip, you’re sipping on inspiration, fortifying yourself for the planning ahead. I have seasonal mugs that add whimsy to my planning and I have the very important Kansas City Chiefs mugs that are must haves on game days throughout the football season. I mean, for me, this tradition has been linked to the win and loss record of the team so I guess you would say I’m superstitious. I’d like to think of it more like a ritual. Do you have coffee mugs that are sentimental or linked to certain days of the week or year? I’d love to hear the story in the comments.
Who says flavor is just for coffee? I used flavored coffee and Skinny Syrups to infuse more than just taste into my weekends; they infuse personality and delight. Each drop is a reminder that even the smallest details deserve attention and care. Do you like flavored coffee? Are you a Pumpkin Spice Latte fan? I’m more into caramel and cinnamon and vanilla for my coffees although I do have PS syrup on my coffee bar for guests and my occasional desire to join the PSL fandom.
Java Adventures
And let’s not forget the coffee itself. My favorite coffee from Java Momma isn’t just a beverage; it’s the elixir of motivation that fuels my planning endeavors. It’s the companion that keeps my senses awake and my ambitions alive.
So, as I open my stylish planner, grab my favorite pens, and adorn my pages with sticky notes and stickers, I remember that these tools are more than accessories. They’re my creative arsenal, my companions on the journey towards a weekend that’s both meticulously planned and fabulously fashionable. With each stroke of the pen and each sip of coffee, I’m not just organizing my time; I’m crafting a week and weekend that are a masterpiece of style and substance.
Weekend Symphony: Striking the Perfect Chord Between Hustle and Chill
Ah, the weekend—a melody that harmonizes relaxation with productivity, turning two days into a symphony of accomplishment and enjoyment. As someone who embraces the art of planning, sips coffee like it’s liquid ambition, and thrives on the vibrant rhythm of life, I’m about to uncover the strategies that create a weekend score worthy of applause. Let me how these strategies resonate with you. What works and what doesn’t. I love learning from my readers.
Strategy 1: The Productive Prelude
Kickstart your weekend with a “Productive Prelude.” Harness the early hours when your energy is high and your focus is laser-sharp. Tackle those tasks that need your full attention, whether it’s a work project, an organizing frenzy, or a burst of creative brainstorming. Think of it as your opening act—a crescendo of accomplishment before the leisurely interlude.
Strategy 2: The Coffee & Conquer Technique
Leverage your coffee ritual for maximum efficiency with the “Coffee & Conquer Technique.” Sip your favorite brew as you tackle tasks that require less mental strain. Respond to emails, check off smaller to-dos, and tidy up your workspace. Your coffee-induced clarity adds a touch of humor as you conquer tasks with a caffeine-fueled grin.
Enter the “Self-Care Serenade,” where relaxation takes center stage. Whether it’s a spa-worthy skincare routine, a book that whisks you away, or simply basking in the embrace of your favorite cozy corner, this strategy strikes a chord with your passion for self-care. Remember, a well-rested you is a force to be reckoned with.
Strategy 4: The Whimsical Work-Break Waltz
Infuse a bit of whimsy with the “Whimsical Work-Break Waltz.” Alternate bursts of focused work with delightful breaks. Set a timer for 25 minutes (a.k.a. the Pomodoro Technique), and when the timer rings, indulge in a mini-dance break or a quick doodle session. Who said work and play can’t waltz together?
Strategy 5: The Laughter & Learn Rhapsody
Merge humor with learning through the “Laughter & Learn Rhapsody.” Dedicate a part of your weekend to enhancing your skills or diving into a topic you’re curious about. Listen to an engaging podcast, watch an insightful documentary, or read a book that both educates and entertains. Your quest for knowledge becomes a joyful journey of growth.
Strategy 6: The ‘Let’s Tackle It Together’ Sonata
Invite a friend or family member to join you in the “Let’s Tackle It Together Sonata.” Collaborate on a task, whether it’s a DIY project, a cooking experiment, or a decluttering mission. As you navigate the challenges together, your shared laughter and camaraderie create a duet of accomplishment and joy.
Strategy 7: The Blissful Balance Coda
End your weekend with the “Blissful Balance Coda.” Reflect on your achievements and the moments that brought you joy. Raise a cup of coffee to toast the balance you’ve achieved—equal parts productivity and relaxation. The beauty lies not just in the notes you’ve played, but in the rhythm you’ve orchestrated.
With these strategies, you’re not just enjoying a weekend; you’re creating a symphony of accomplishment and enjoyment that resonates with your unique brand persona. From coffee-fueled bursts of productivity to whimsical work-break waltzes, your weekends become a masterpiece composed of laughter, relaxation, and triumph. So go forth, orchestrate your weekend with finesse, and let the music of balance guide you through every note of the melody.
Make Time for Self-Care each Weekend
Look at your weekend calendar and try adding at least one, if not three of the following into your plans. Making time for your self-care ensures you are refueled and refreshed when it comes to tackling all of those goals you’ve set for yourself along with mastering your mindset for the juggle of demands you are planning to meet.
Spa Morning Ritual: Kickstart your Saturday with a spa-inspired morning ritual. Begin with a soothing skincare routine, complete with your favorite cleanser, exfoliator, and luxurious moisturizer. As you massage in each product, visualize the stress melting away, leaving behind a radiant you.
Coffee Meditation: Turn your coffee routine into a mindful meditation. Brew your favorite blend and find a cozy spot by the window. As you savor each sip, focus on the aroma, the warmth, and the moment of tranquility it offers. Let the coffee awaken not just your senses, but your appreciation for the present.
Book Nook Escape: Designate a corner of your space as a “Book Nook Escape.” Surround yourself with plush pillows, a cozy blanket, and a stack of books you’ve been longing to read. Lose yourself in the pages, journeying to far-off lands or exploring new ideas.
Journaling Journey: Set aside time on Sunday morning for a journaling journey. Reflect on the past week’s successes and challenges. Write down your aspirations for the week ahead. This self-reflection becomes a map guiding you towards personal growth.
Creative Art Session: Unleash your inner artist in a creative art session. Whether it’s painting, sketching, or crafting, let your hands dance on the canvas. The act of creation is not just therapeutic; it’s an expression of your unique essence.
Nature Connection: Venture outdoors for a nature walk. Feel the sun on your skin, listen to the rustling leaves, and let the fresh air invigorate your senses. Nature’s embrace provides a reset button for your soul.
Mindful Movement: Dedicate time to mindful movement, whether it’s yoga, a dance workout, or a gentle stretch routine. Let the movement be a celebration of your body’s strength and resilience.
Cooking Creativity: Experiment with cooking a new recipe, infusing creativity into your culinary journey. As you chop, sauté, and season, you’re not just nourishing your body, but your spirit too.
Virtual Coffee Date: Connect with a friend or family member virtually for a “Virtual Coffee Date.” Share stories, laughter, and a cup of coffee as you bridge the distance with love and connection.
Digital Detox: Designate a few hours on Sunday as a “Digital Detox” period. Put away screens and engage in offline activities that bring you joy, whether it’s gardening, playing an instrument, or practicing a hobby.
Pampering Bath: Create a spa-like experience with a pampering bath. Use your favorite bath bombs, essential oils, and soft music to set the ambiance. Sink into the warm water and let the worries of the week dissolve.
Outdoor Exploration: Plan a mini adventure, like a hike, a visit to a local park, or a picnic in your backyard. The change of scenery can refresh your mind and soul.
Remember, weaving self-care into your weekend isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. By prioritizing these moments, you’re nurturing your well-being and setting the stage for a week that’s not just productive, but also filled with the richness of self-love and joy.
Reflect and Refresh Embrace the “Reset and Refresh” mindset as the weekend fades, where you revisit your accomplishments, set intentions, and infuse your week with purpose. Reflect on your weekend wins while savoring your favorite coffee, celebrating each achievement as milestones of progress. Look ahead with hope and set intentions for the week—whether work-related goals or self-care moments—visualizing them as part of a fulfilling journey. Let your planner be a tapestry of purpose, where intentions weave into a beautiful story of your aspirations. Dedicate time for self-care rituals that rejuvenate body and soul, incorporating activities like skincare routines and peaceful walks. Celebrate the week’s progress and embrace the cycle, infusing weekends and weekdays with intention and empowerment. Through this approach, each day is a canvas for purposeful planning, and self-care becomes your guiding compass, leading you toward a week that’s both accomplished and rejuvenated.
The Art of Curated Weekends As the curtains draw on your weekend, it’s time to relish the delightful masterpiece you’ve painted—accomplishments, self-care, and purposeful planning all swirled together in a canvas that’s unmistakably you. Think of it as your personal blend, just like that perfect cup of coffee that brings joy and a jolt of energy.
Crafting a Weekend: Your Personal Artistry
Crafting weekends isn’t just about to-do lists; it’s about channeling your inner artist. Picasso had his brush strokes; you have your planner, your favorite coffee mug, and a dash of humor that makes even mundane tasks seem like a punchline waiting to be delivered. Remember, life isn’t just lived; it’s curated, and you’re the curator-in-chief.
Harmony of Hustle and Humor
The beauty lies in the harmonious symphony of hustle and humor. Picture this: you, in your pajamas, tackling tasks like a boss while humming your favorite tune. You’re not just checking off boxes; you’re dancing through your to-dos, letting humor be the rhythm that keeps you going.
Masterpiece: Yours to Paint
Each weekend is your blank canvas, ready for the swirls and strokes of your intentions. It’s like Picasso said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Your art is in planning that energizes, self-care that revitalizes, and humor that sprinkles a little sparkle.
Blend of Bliss
The blend you create is a cocktail of accomplishments and a dash of delightful relaxation. It’s like crafting a perfect cup of coffee—strong, sweet, and just the way you like it. In each sip, you’re savoring not just the taste, but the journey itself.
Sip, Savor, and Plan the Beauty Ahead
And as you sip your coffee, you’re not just nourishing your senses; you’re nurturing your aspirations. With your planner in hand, you’re not just planning; you’re sketching the vibrant beats of a life filled with beauty, purpose, and a sprinkle of humor. So, here’s to weekends that are as splendid as your favorite cup of joe, and to planning a life that’s as enchanting as it is accomplished. Sip, savor, and let’s plan our beauty-filled journey ahead, together.
Cheers to a life that’s beautifully brewed and wonderfully lived! 🌟🍃☕
She didn’t have all the answers either. And she still doesn’t. She justst said, I’m doing it ANYWAY.
I was sipping coffee this morning and browsing the weekly grocery ads while I put together my shopping list and my meal plan for next week.
You know this is the time where I end up having random thoughts. Right? As usual my brain went into a rabbit hole and remembered that my grandmother loved brown paper bags. When we went to the store and the cashier asked, “Paper or plastic?” the automatic response was, “Paper.” While in this rabbit hole I sat and made a random list of all the ways I remember using brown grocery bags.
Back to School Time
One of the first that I remembered was my lugging every single text book home and covering them with the glorious brown sturdy paper.
It seemed like it took forever and I don’t recall ever loving the task. I sat at the kitchen table handing books, scissors, tape and grocery bags to my grandmother like we were wrapping gifts. Instead of nametags I used crayons and markers to label the new protective cover with the subject and my name.
When my son was younger it was unheard of to cover books with grocery bags. And to be honest with the more common use of plastic and rarely sweing paper bags at our local grocers we just didn’t have them handy. Instead we bought into the back to school shopping frenzy of buying plastic covers in various covers to help him know which book was which and hoped they didn’t get lost. Insert the next kid 8 years later we still bought covers but not as many. Why? Well schools only bought classroom copies and printed worksheets to save costs and today most textbooks are digital. I remember telling them both the “Back in my day, we….” I bet the first time they were in awe and wonder. But the third or fourth time I seem to recall they had glazed eyes.
Tomatoes
Before it started to get too cold in Missouri, we would pick every last green tomato off the vines and place them on the window sill or in grocery bags to help them ripen.
To this day, I love tomatoes. I want to grow my own here in Phoenix. It is possible in the desert if you do your homework and tend the garden diligently. Our season is much shorter and pulling them off the vine unripened would not be due to extreme cold. No. More like before the heat starts cooking them right there on the vine.
Onions and Garlic
By the way, paper bags speed up ripening of various produce. Did you know they also help onions and garlic last longer?
Small lunch bags and grocery bags alike are great for storing these amazing flavors on the counter or in your pantry for several weeks. If you do not have clay pots or Tupperware bins designed to store them properly, consider grabbing some bags and a hole puncher to ensure proper airflow.
Tip: Store each variety in separate bags like shown in the picture. Combining them in one bag will not extend the life as long.
Kitchen Trash Bin Liner
Let’s chat about rabbit holes. My coffee got cold when I went in search of any internet photo that might resemble the trash bin we used to have when I was a teenager. I have never seen a single one like it since. Maybe I never will. Imagine a black rectangulaelr bin (it was probably Rubbermaid) that is shaped to hold a grocery bag inside it perfectly. Its lid was like a white picture frame that sat on top fitting around the edge of the bin. It didn’t cover to block in the doors. Nope. It was open to toss rubbish right in. The one feature that was nifty was how it held the brown paper grocery bag to the edge of the bin while keeping it from folding in on itself. The downside was anything wet would obviously weaken the bottom. And coffee grounds were a common culprit. Have you ever had to clean up coffee grounds and other trash off of your kitchen floor? Yeah. Me too.
I hear the invention of plastic trash bags were revolutionary and made women very happy for several reasons. When I moved out on my own I never even looked for a kitchen bin like that one. I am guessing they were not a best seller. If someone has ome though, I would love a picture so I can at a later date update this article.
As the world is shying away from single use plastics, there may be a resurgence of ways to revisit reusing or repurposing paper. Studies show positive and negative environmental impacts of both. Today is not the day for that rabbit hole.
I am curious though. Do you use paper bags for crafts or creatively at home for other purposes? I would love to know more.
I have a shopping list to finish and a cold cup of coffee to finish sipping.
It is another week and I am eagerly sipping coffee after a short, brisk walk before the sun was brightly shining and heating up the pavement. Although it is September and many folks are starting to see signs of fall, those of us in Phoenix are still facing high temperatures around 100°. That means getting up early to beat the heat if you want to walk outside.
I put my weekly plan together last night while watching Sunday Night Football. It took longer than usual because I couldn’t take my eyes off of the fourth quarter madness as Green Bay made their way back to claim the win. Did you know I love football? No? Well, surprise! I had so much to think about this week because I have some lofty goals. I am working my side hustle hard this week and making some time to sharpen my saw. Me time includes reading because, well, to be honest I just haven’t been doing that much lately. And I have been looking at this book for weeks. I never put it on my bookshelf. No. I keep moving it from surface to surface through the house. That tells me how much I want to read it. So, I am planning for it. One chapter a day. I deserve that much me time. I know if I don’t write it in my plan I will keep putting it off and moving the book to, yet again, another surface. What book? This one…
The book is broken into 5 parts. My goal is to read a part each day and plan to add a little Badassery into my future planning. So excited!
My plans this week are pretty loose and functional with some key goals and important activities. The most important activities are the weekend. My son turns 23 on Sunday and I aim to make any free time we have as a family about him and his special day.
It seems lately that I am on the go and running on all cylinders from the moment I wake up until I crawl back into bed. I am making a point to have quality reading time to take my mind and my eyes away from screens. When I crawl into bed I want to sleep easy knowing my plans are clear and my mind is sharpened to be the absolute best person God made me to be.
I challenge each of you to plan the following into your week:
Sharpen your mental saw (read a book, learn something new, meditate)
As I sip coffee some mornings, it is not unheard of that I might be binging on a really great television series or watching movies, new and old. However, nothing beats watching a movie on the big screen in a theater with popcorn, a soda (or glass of wine), and my two best friends.
This past weekend we met up to see Tully. I regularly go to the theater but I don’t recall seeing trailers for this movie which feels like a gem hidden in the early swell of the summer blockbuster season. It could be that Marvel is overshadowing this a bit. (I saw Avengers too!) Nonetheless, mothers, this movie is for you.
As a fan of Charlize Theron I was eager to see it but I had low expectations. Anything about being a mother, my most important role in my life, gets my attention. And Charlize portrayed a woman, a real woman, a woman I could relate to.
I am not one to publish spoilers, nor am I one to write a review that tells of the plot. (See the link above for the official movie website.)
I want to share how it made me think and feel.
At many points in the movie I relived my own struggles as a mother with all of its challenges. I remembered the days that I put aside self care because taking care of little humans was all that mattered or that I had time for.
Having a child who is “quirky” is probably something every mother can talk about. The quirkiness can be so profoundly challenging that it consumes your every day. My best friends and I all have children with quirks. Our stories are as unique as the quirks as well as our survival tactics when we tackle the challenges. Our common thread and how we connected with the main character, is that we, all three, put our quirky children before ourselves with special diets, routines, doctors, selecting schools, and showering lots of love.
Motherhood bond. Sisterhood bond.
What makes us different than the character is how we move beyond the care of others and remember that we have to make time for self-care in a rational and healthy way.
I walked away from the film remembering the struggles my best friends and I have been through and how we have always tried to be there to lift each other up, encourage, and help with the heavy lifting of motherhood. It takes a village. So find yours and make sure your children know who all their special “Aunts” are so that the support system and relationships are strong and powerful enough to transcend the generations. Be a Tully…in the healthiest and most rational of ways.
And always love one another.
I hope you see this movie. It is surprisingly great. Take a tissue because between the laughter there may be tears just like in real life.
Back to sipping coffee and meditating on how grateful I am for being a mother and for being blessed to have friends who are my Tully during the highs and lows of motherhood.
It is coffee time! Quiet time is so very precious to me. And this time at the beginning of every week as I sip coffee feels paramount to how the week can go. I take time to think on all that I need to do plus what I would like to do. It is my way of getting out of the bed on the right side.
The past few weeks have been a struggle in changing priorities and I have had to shift even more to remembering what matters most. This focus adds a perspective like no other. I want to ensure I balance Mom priorities over work priorities because the family needs that right now. It isn’t just about my schedule. It is more about being “present” in mind and heart more.
I spent most of my time sipping my first cup in a retrospective state and looked back on what did and did not go well over the past couple of weeks. I asked myself what I could do differently because I felt like I was being too hard on myself and others around me. I realized that my expectations were perhaps set too high or not communicated effectively which can cause conflict on the home front.
Setting my plan for this week I designed a motivational and functional week spread in my planner. I wanted to see reminders of what is really important at work so that I can keep the negative noise and nonsense from others in perspective. And in doing that I can avoid the negativity from seeping over into other aspects of life. Most importantly self care needs to be at the front of the train and not in the caboose as a back burner.
My spread is full of motivation and focus areas. It gives me permission to delegate nonsense to the back burner. I am reminding myself to be the servant leader by focusing on my team’s needs and being a positive in the storm. Recently I have had an opportunity to observe leaders who are in the trenches with their teams and leaders who stay back in the tent barking out orders and then hiding in the shelter waiting and watching. The latter leader style sometimes seeps negativity out beyond the team and affects the bigger goal. And it is simply not my style. So while I am in the trenches I want to remember to be positive and guide my crew to the best outcomes with encouragement, gratitude, and course corrections that take us along the journey to the finish line celebrating together.
This week I want to make sure that I am focusing on the behind the scenes planning that sets the stage for every act in the play my team is cast in so they can be stars. I want to ensure the setting is right, the props are in place, and that they know their lines.
At home, I want to keep the work from seeping in. I want to protect our time so that it is of such quality that we all feel accomplished and grateful.
These may seem lofty goals for the week but I don’t think so.
In any moment of negativity I plan to step outside of it and ask myself:
Am I the engineer on this train right now?
Is this helping any of my three focus areas?
Should this be back burner?
Will this seep beyond work?
Knowing the answers to these questions should guide me to the right energy level in the moment and maintain perspective.
At the end of the week I aim to have positive energy to tackle that garage with my family: A project that we never seem to get to with our conflicting schedules and energy levels.
Share your spreads for the week and share the why. I always want to understand others why.
Yesterday, while sipping coffee and picking up around the house I finally scanned the cover of my recently delivered Family Circle magazine.
Note: This post is the result. I want to stress that I am writing this as a part of self-reflection and how this article impacted me personally. I am expressing my personal views. Please do not share this as a fact based article. The links I’m sharing are part of the research and certainly not the be all and end all sources for the topics that I’m discussing.. (Sad that I feel I even have to include this in my post.)
Slightly Off Topic Musing Before I Dig In on the Headline
I have to ask. Am I the ONLY person who gets magazine’s anymore? I battle with this in my head. There is still a section in most grocery stores and they still hang out near the registers when we check out so I have to believe there are some like me who still enjoy them. How many of us actually have subscriptions and find them in our mailboxes? I know just like newspapers, they are smaller and chock full of advertisements. Why do I still get magazines and pick up the newspaper from time to time? Well…I love them. I love finding meal and recipe ideas. I enjoy the decorating and craft ideas. I enjoy some of the health and fitness articles. And I love the back parts where readers submit photos and articles. I love the feel of them in my hands. I love that method of exploration. I’m not having to think of a search term and I am giving myself a chance to disconnect from the web and social media and learn and discover the “old school way.” I am given options of items to read and not feeling them pushed at me one by one like the algorithms that drive topics to my in box or are “sponsored” and “suggested” by the bots. I still like to get some of my information the old school way. How about you?
Now I know all magazines also have digital versions, but a typical web search isn’t going to produce those results unless you subscribe to the site. And frankly that is too much clutter in an already advertisement and spam-filled world of emails. And really, is this blog not a magazine in a sense? I’m asking you as my reader to subscribe or draw you here from my posts on social media. I don’t have bots and algorithms. I’m not here calling a pot black when I am simply a kettle that is black too. I’m a blogger and I don’t know that I aspire to an audience as vast as the the circulation of Family Circle. I don’t desire to have to sell ad spots and bog down this site with my margins full of ads that I hope you as the reader click on and buy something. Not today. Not tomorrow. Maybe next year. Who knows? That is a blog post and decision for future me.
Thank you for clicking the link in the email or social media post that brought you here. You, my readers, make me so very happy when I know you have stopped by for a visit or a view.
Exit Stage Musing And On To the Point
Right now, I’m thinking more about this Fake News and that article I discovered, not while searching the web or sitting in social media. It didn’t pop up in any of my feeds based on algorithms. It came to me in my actual mail box. I appreciate the work of the hands that get the shiny, colorful pages to my home or local grocery store. I hope they never go away. And this week, I was interested in more than the recipes and healthy tips. Family Circle published an article that I tell you is very timely. The cover highlight, “FAKE NEWS & what to tell your kids” completely grabbed me. What a sad topic to appear on the cover atop those gloriously beautiful cookies. This reader didn’t even go to the recipes. Yep. I bypassed those and went straight to Fake News.
Fake news has always existed. We used to call is rumors and crap. It has always been in the media. Every week for decades if we stood in a grocery store, the check out stands were lined with the “rags” like The National Enquirer. My mother always picked them up to read them for the pure fun and humor. Well, maybe she was hopeful that Elvis was still alive and had been abducted by aliens. We have always had to discern fact from fiction. So why now has this become a problem so out of control that I was planning to read this article before the recipes? Why do I need to know what to tell my kids?
I have to admit that reading this article struck a chord with me. I am not sure if I took it personally or if it had me more worried about the state of our education system and parenting? Should I take this as a personal criticism as a parent?
Good grief! I mean, have we really come this far that articles have to be written to hopefully educate us on how to deal with this problem? Assuming positive intent, I realize that we have tons of information we have to synthesize and rationalize in a small amount of time. It isn’t like the weekly Enquirer of old.
What stood out were results from a study:
82% of middle school students had difficulty differentiating between news and advertising
75% of the time adults believe Fake news headlines
Shocking! Where did our critical thinking go? Did you ever see the Disney movie WALL-E? In my mind, the creators were predicting the trajectory of humans and our careless consumerism and decline in a key skill called critical thinking. In the movie, the setting was 100 years in the future and humans were conditioned to think and behave based on Big Data, algorithms, and bots. This movie came out in 2008, before the terms Big Data, algorithms, and bots became so common place. When I walked out of the theater ten years ago, I actually filed away a personal fear of where we were heading. I thought technology can and probably would change us and make us lazy. We would totally buy Hover chairs to get around and use screens for communication with other humans. They were hovering right next to each other but never left the chair or touched another soul. How many of us text a family member from another room in the house or heck across the room? It reminded me of how lazy we already were and that the folks behind technology could sway our purchases, voting, and opinions. The scene where the new color trend was announced and they could press a button to purchase and change shirts was shocking. Funny maybe. Let’s be real, Color of the Year is decided for us based on various factors and we buy into it. How do you think home decorating and clothing color trends happen? There is a science behind it and a whole team of smart marketing to influence us into buying to the trend. I wonder how many people who saw the movie saw the creators poking fun at us?
Do we buy into this or stop the madness? Can we stop the madness? Is it madness?
All great questions! Fake News? Where did that even start? Well I thought I would point you to Wikipedia and what it says, Wikipedia’s take on Fake News and this article from Family Circle on Fake News because they both drove home to me that a mere 10 years after WALL-E, we aren’t really 100 years away from needing to find another home away from earth nor are we immune to suggestive marketing and fake news. Are we not thinking for ourselves more each and every day? And when I think about it, it seems critical thinking as a skill is needed more than ever before. I know the people with the skill are behind the big date, algorithms, and bots. I guarantee that. So how can I ensure, that I’m honing my critical thinking and retraining myself and teaching my kids? How do I put into practice looking at news and discerning fact from opionion and fact from fiction? How do I talk to my kids more about what they have seen on social media, television, and hearing from their peer groups? And furthermore, how do I turn that conversation on to helping them be expert critical thinkers? I personally will not rely on formal education to do it all. I cannot expect that. It isn’t fair. I don’t send an employee of mine to a class and expect them to come back an expert? Why would I have the same expectation of my children and their teachers? Family Circle and Wikipedia both offer tips on how to analyze the information presented to determine fact, opinion, or fiction.
I encourage you to read this article on Fake News, and not just to know what to say to the kids. I needed it. Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised to find it in Family Circle. (Yay for the magazine in my mailbox!) Future generations can become critical thinking masters if given the chance. Fake News discernment starts with the individual. As we allow our kids access to a vast world of fact and fiction in the digital age we need to talk more about what is being digested. Some may suggest keeping kids off digital longer. I don’t know if that is the right way either. My kids have the ability to surpass me in so many ways if I educate, communicate, and foster critical thinking. They can be a powerful force. The article reminded me that my generation can really help be mentors and guides to the future. So I want to step away from the screens and talk and share an interact more. It will be these moments of connecting where I can find teachable moments. I can walk away with a stronger ability to identify fake news and so will my family. I can ensure that if what I’m seeing is really an opinion, that I won’t choose to adopt the same opinion because I agree and think it is fact. Talking with my kids about it will help me and in turn hopefully help them be stronger.
I may have thought I was doing this already, but the article made me pause and think on it. And I thought a lot. I even talked to my 13-year old about it. I recognize that I can be better. I was disappointed in myself. Because I realized, I am just so annoyed with the amount of fake news that I give less attention to a lot of it and in turn, talk less about news in general. And it got me to this rant. And honestly, I will take my in-hand magazine any day of the week.
I have to ask: What do you do with Fake News? Are you concerned about friends, family, and your kids not knowing the difference? Were you surprised by the statistics from the study that was shared in the article? Do you ignore Fake News? Do you agree with the article on why and how to talk to our kids?
Now…I am off to finish my coffee and look at the recipes and crafts in Family Circle.
I am sipping coffee and contemplating why I always have loved Valentine’s Day. I find it to be one that can evoke many feelings based on your personal season in life.
Many of us as children exchanged cards and candy with classmates. We all had those teachers that creatively guided us through many art projects made from the shape of a heart.
My mother (I miss her on holidays) never missed an opportunity on any holiday, even St. Patrick’s Day and 4th of July, to give gifts. When I woke up on these “little” holidays, I would make a beeline to the kitchen to see what might be waiting. There was always a card. Like many Valentine gifts, there was likely a heart shaped box with a few chocolates and a little something else with the theme of hearts: barrettes, bracelet, earrings, or a shirt. It was never anything fancy yet I loves it. I loved incorporating a gift I could wear into my outfits that day. My mom was my favorite Valentine every year. Even in later years with boyfriends, best friends, and crushes, her gifts were the highlight. I wonder if I ever told her that?
As a Single Mom, I continue this tradition with my family. I didn’t plan ahead this year, so after being out of town for two weeks, I made sure last Sunday that my errands included picking up something for my children. Yes, my son is 22, his girlfriend is 21, and my daughter is 13. Like my mother, my children are never too old to gift. And like my mother, anyone in my home is part of the tradition. As a parent, we are our children’s first and continuous Valentine. Don’t you think?
So, they have Skittles and Russell Stover chocolates waiting for them.
And like my mom, I made sure I wasn’t left out.
I have these candy hearts to play with and nibble on throughout the day. I love these and conversation hearts. Perhaps this was the origin of my love for words. Thanks to my first and continuous Valentine: Mom.
Do you have Valentine’s Day traditions? Anything special planned for today? Whatever you do, I hope it is special and in the years down the road provides happy memories. Life isn’t about things. It is definitely about shared memories. As you can see I don’t remember the “things” in detail but the memories, they are quite vivid.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
P.S. It is also Ash Wednesday. Are you doing anything special this Lenten Season?
Growing up with a French speaking Grandmother, I always knew that Mardi Gras was French for Fat Tuesday. I also knew that it was the day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season. Being raised Catholic Grandma made sure that I remembered to eat a big “fat” dinner that Tuesday every year because Wednesday meant a day of fasting and giving up something for Lent.
Over the years, I saw images and scenes depicting Mardi Gras festivals in places around the world. Even in school we were briefed on its history.
Mardi Gras is a season every year that really starts as Carnival and climaxes on Fat Tuesday. In places like New Orleans it has a very long history and more meaning than just the crazy costumes, beads, revelry, drunkenness, flashing and parades.
Knowing I was going to be in New Orleans during Carnival my planning included web research to brush up on the facts and found this Mardi Gras history lesson to be pretty concise and informative. I got lost in web land and remembered reading a book a few years ago, Downfall of a Good Girl. This sweet romance really piqued my interest in this annual event. Every time I see an NCIS: New Orleans episode around the week of Mardi Gras my yearnings persist.
2018 is my year. The Tri-Centennial Year of the city of New Orleans. Me. And my friends. In the Big Easy for Carnival.
Comparing my itinerary with the official Mardi Gras 2018 calendar brought out giddy girl excitement. Why? Well, the moon and stars aligned for me because the first parade of the season in the French Quarter hosted by Krewe du Vieux was the Saturday I was going to be in town. Yahoo!
Fast Forward to my trip. We went.
We stood in the crowds.
We met new people.
We had a great time experiencing a satirical and quite traditional Krewe Parade.
Satirical? Really? Oh my! Yes! This was not a parade for the narrow-minded. Nor was it a parade I would take minor children to. (This is certainly a parental choice. I did see a few children there and I am certainly not judging.) This year’s theme, in my mind was a sufficient warning.
The Krewe’s satire was bawdy and suggestive all while poking fun, or not so fun, at the Local Water and Sewer Commission. Some Krewes in New Orleans now steer away from some of these traditional satirical themes. Many use modern ways of pulling the floats. Krewe du Vieux (wikipedia.com) still holds to tradition with horses and mules.
I loved the entire experience and pretty sure my friends did too. The throws ran the gamut from pieces of candy and mini frisbees all the way to these raucous fans.
I captured a few videos I have uploaded to my YouTube channel, She Sips Coffee. Feel free to stop over and take a peek. You will find them here.
Knowing what I now know about Krewe history in New Orleans and seeing a parade, I have a whole new respect for the hard work done by these organizations. Not just during the Carnival season, because the work gets done year-round. Many work to raise awareness and many drive philanthropic agendas. They plan themes and floats probably almost as soon as they tear down the last one. As millions of people swarm the Bayou to party, I wonder how many know the history and honorable work of many of these men and women in these organizations? The annual parades and balls boost the local economy each year and lots of crazy stuff happens. I wanted to learn another side, or the why behind a theme. I watched for the message the Krewes were sending to the local politicians. Colorful images with creative puns and bawdy humor were prevalent from float to float tying to the theme and proving the hard work of the smaller Krewes that collectively form Krewe du Vieux. It wasn’t about the best Brass bands marching in between although they set the pace and gave us a party rhythm. We danced. We laughed. We were shocked. We were awed.
I wish I could have seen more parades and taken part in a Krewe Ball or two. Guess I just have to plan another visit to The Big Easy and soak more of it in.
The day after the parade, I saw this on a corner in the French Quarter. (It wasn’t raining.)
I immediately thought about why they chose their theme. Ten years after Katrina and essentially with NOLA being 300 years old, I believe there is work to be done to ensure a sound place to live. And don’t you want to believe New Orleans citizens want to offer a great city for you and me to visit? I appreciated the satire even more. Seems the opinion of the Krewe is that it is time for change.
Have you been to Mardi Gras or Carnival in New Orleans or other cities? Share your stories and memories in the comments below. Please!
Are you ready to travel along with me and hear about my 2-week adventure? You helped me pack and plan. Now I am ready to explore.
I didn’t even sleep a wink like I suspected. I don’t know about you, even at 47 years old I still anticipate the trip and stay awake the night before my vacation. I tend to watch movies and triple check the packing list because the last things to pack are important: hygiene, health, and beauty items.
So with no sleep I headed to the airport with my bestie Trish. And on each flight our giddy inner-selves emerged. And we met fellow Rock Boaters along the way and made sure everyone in social media circles knew we were coming.
We skipped fruit juice with breakfast and opted for the adult version in-flight. Why not? And even better, they were free.
Southwest last minute repairs had us departing late and worried about our connections. Juggling passenger flight changes while we waited so lots of people, including my bestie, ended up on different flight which coincidentally was my connecting flight. We met up with our other friends in NOLA baggage claim and headed to the hotel together.
The first day was packed full of fun. We stopped in at Famous Door and listened to music.
We waited with anticipation for our first parade.
I will write a separate post about the parade. I promise. That experience was amazing.
We ended up visiting bars on Bourbon. We loved Ticklers the most. We spent about 8 hours there with the dueling piano guys. And ran into friend after friend who would be joining us on the cruise. Sing alongs and drinks and merriment make for a great day. We made our way to famous Pat O’Brien’s because you have to have a Hurricane from that place. You just have to! And ran into more friends. Such fun.
I found out the next morning I did a few shots and we are a late night breakfast close to the hotel. Ummm. I would say day One was amazing fun. Wouldn’t you?
Have you imbibed in New Orleans on Bourbon Street? What was your experience like?
She Sips Coffee 