A to Z Blogging "O is for..."

"...Organizing Your Days"
From "Lifehacks for Christian Moms"
by Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher, Nebraska Family Times newspaper

Having a plan for your days can seem...well, boring. But it can also bring a sense of calmness to your life, knowing when you will do laundry, plan meals, shop, cook and even take some time to relax. 

Some moms, purposely or as a result of a lack of planning, don't even attempt to establish a daily routine. But without some sort of routine, or at least a general plan for the day or week, life can be chaos--constantly scrambling to find clean underwear, last minute trips to the store or resorting to fast food for supper, or just getting out the door in the morning. An unexpected event--a visitor or illness or last-minute event--can throw the day or week into even more chaos. 

There is no one "right" way to organize your days. Collect ideas from books, magazines, friends, and tweak them to make them

work for you and your family. The important part is to establish some sort of plan for "normal" days or weeks, as well as a contingency plan for those days that are filled with the unexpected. 

Following are some of my favorite tips. I've gathered them throughout years and from various sources. Use them, tweak them to make them your own, or ignore them all and make your own! There are no "rules" to organize your days; figure out what works for you. 

Benefits to Planning Your Day

• You'll feel more in control of your life.
• You'll accomplish your priorities--"home" priorities as well as "fun", "kid," and "just for mom" priorities.
• You'll feel a sense of accomplishment at completing the important things.
• You'll get more done when you know the basic things you'll be doing every day.
• You'll be better able to cope with an unexpected event or crisis. 

Hints as You Organize Your Days

• It might take several months to come up with a schedule that is ideal for your family, and the schedule will continue to evolve and change over time as the activities of your family change. DO NOT GIVE UP! The benefits of having organized days far outweigh the effort it takes to do that organization.
• Try different calendars and techniques. 
• Gather hints from a variety of sources--Pinterest, magazines, books, friends, etc. 
• You do not have to use every single method in a book, article, or website. It's ok to use hints from a variety of sources. 

Steps to Making a Daily Schedule 

• Begin with a calendar--wall, desk, paper, electronic--find something that works for YOU. (I have three calendars; a wall calendar, one with a monthly calendar and checklists for every
  
  day--{it's my very favorite calendar and I got it from Planner Pads}, and a calendar with large squares and just the months in it {on this calendar I record things like days I walk, my weight, etc.} Admittedly, I'm a little compulsive about my calendars, but they keep me on track! 
• Start by filling in the things that have to be done on a certain day and time--appointments, Bible Study, classes, work schedule. 
• Depending on their age, add kid's and your husband's  commitments (I used to color code everyone's activities and use a different color for family activities) like practices, pre-school, etc. 
• Next, list the routine activities for the week--laundry, cooking, paperwork and bills, cleaning. Remember to include time for devotions, working out, hobbies, etc.
• Analyze your personal energy cycle and preferences; do you prefer to get up early or stay up late to complete tasks? How much "mommy quiet time" do you need every day? Do you prefer to work for a larger block of time or take frequent breaks? 
• Now schedule the tasks according to what you've just outlined. Some people schedule hour by hour; others list "morning" and "afternoon" tasks, others make a list of things to do during the day and do them as the mood hits. 
• Try the schedule for a week or two and then revise it as necessary. You'll continue to revise it as you find new ways to do things, as tasks change and as your kids grow. 

Hints for Organizing Your Days

• Don't plan too much for one day. One or two major tasks, like
  
  laundry or cooking, are enough. You will become discouraged if you plan too much and aren't able to accomplish and there will inevitably be something that takes longer than it should, or an added "must do" to the day.
• Plan both "quick and easy" and more time and energy consuming tasks for the day. It's easy to fit small tasks like "schedule dentist appointment" or "write thank-you card" between larger tasks and even if your day is filled with interruptions you'll have the satisfaction of getting a few things done.
• Plan down time. Take a break or two during the day and, if you find yourself working well past bedtime every night, or miss out on time with your kids, plan a time to be done with "home management" at a certain time, even if not everything is crossed off of your list. 
• If you make monthly goals (for exercise, Bible reading, etc.,) consider listing them on your calendar so you are reminded of them frequently.
• List reminders on your calendar. My sister's birthday is May 1st, and she lives in Canada, so I have a reminder to send her card tomorrow. I've also made a list of graduations I'm invited to; I will shop for all of the cards and gifts at one time. 

Congratulations! Just by reading this post you're on your way to more organized days. Commit to making a schedule and following it for at least a month, then tweak as necessary; for example, you might decide to try grocery shopping every two weeks instead of every week. 

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This post is an excerpt from the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. This post is part of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, available for download May 1^st.

I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Nebraska Family Times, with the theme, “Words Matter.” 

A to Z Blogging "N is for..."

...Never Run Out!"
From "Lifehacks for Christian Moms"
by Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher, Nebraska Family Times newspaper

(Catching up...so reposting this from a couple of years ago.)

 It happened again as I was preparing homemade pizza for Saturday supper. I was out of tomato sauce. As I searched the grocery story for that crucial ingredient my cart magically filled…and 45 minutes and $45 later I was back home wondering how “just one thing” had taken so long and cost so much.

As well as being inconvenient (my sister had to go to three all-night gas stations when she ran out of children’s cold medicine in the middle of the night) and expensive (the medicine she found was VERY overpriced) running out of anything can be very frustrating.

Through trial and error I found a way to “never run out” again. I hope the tips will help you too.

1. Make a meal list. List about 20 meals that you like to cook and your family likes to eat. List all of the ingredients needed to prepare each meal. 

2. Make Master Shopping Lists 

Master Grocery List. Include all of the items for your favorite meals, plus staples like margarine, canned

products, and other things your family uses on a regular basis. List everything you use on a regular basis as well as what you use occasionally. Print out several copies of the list and post it on your refrigerator. Ask your family to circle an item if they use the last one (I circle peanut butter, vegetable oil, etc. when I open the last container in the cupboard).

Discount Store List. List pet food, paper items like paper towels, toilet paper and tissues, cleaning items (including dish and laundry soap), over-the-counter medications your family uses regularly, office supplies, and so on. Again, print out a list and post it in a central area.

3. Prepare for shopping trips. Before you shop, check the lists for items you’re low on. Also check your pantry, laundry room, etc. for items you’ll run out of before your next shopping trip. By shopping for items proactively, before you’re all the way out, you won’t have to buy items when you’re completely out, in a panic, and will pay way more than necessary. 

Before you grocery shop, plan meals for the next week or so and check to make sure you have all of the ingredients on hand. (I didn’t realize how quick and easy it is to plan meals ahead…and it makes the days and weeks run so much easier!) On your master list, circle the items you’re out of.

When you have just two or three containers of frequently used items left (in our house that includes catsup and BBQ sauce) or open the last of a less-frequently used item (like lemon juice), circle it on your list and mark it with an “*”. That means you don’t need it immediately but will soon; but several if the item happens to be on sale. If you have a coupon for a circled item, put a “C” by it so you don’t forget to use the coupon.

4. The shopping trip. Your goal is to gradually build up a stock supply of items your family frequently uses—when they are on sale. For example, when BBQ sauce is on sale I buy 10-12 bottles—enough to last until the next time it’s on sale. Even if your budget only allows you to purchase 1-2 extras, do so! You’ll gradually build up your supply and eventually only have to buy those things when they’re on sale. And if you’re just starting to buy ahead, consider buying two of everything, even if it’s not on sale. An extra jar of mayonnaise or can of soup in your cupboard can still save you a last-minute trip to the store. 

Be discerning; don’t buy a dozen bottles of a new brand of taco sauce; what if your family doesn’t like it? It’s also not saving money or making good use of your finances if you buy a large amount of perishable items and end up throwing them out because they’re spoiled.

What about things that usually don’t go on sale, like over-the-counter medications and soap? You’ll still save money by buying several of these things as your budget allows, because you won’t have to make a trip to the store for “just one thing.”

“In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Proverbs 13:23

What tips do you use so you never run out? Share them in the comments.

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This post is an excerpt from the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. This post is part of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, available for download May 1^st.

I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at 

Nebraska Family Times, 

with the theme, “Words Matter.” 

A to Z Blogging "M is for..."

Morning Blues—and how to Beat Them!
From Lifehacks for Christian Moms
by Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher, Nebraska Family Times newspaper

Mornings can be hectic—whether you have kids at home or are just getting yourself ready for the day. Here are some tips to take the “blues” out of the morning.

•  Start the morning on a positive note with the Lord’s words: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassion never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) and “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it!”  Psalm 118:24).
• It’s hard to start the morning facing a sink full of dirty dishes or overflowing garbage can.  Every evening take a few minutes (it takes less time than you think!) to clear off the counter and start the dishwasher and take out the trash if needed. Pick up dirty towels in the bathroom and toys and shoes and books scattered around the house. This is not deep cleaning but a quick pick-up so you don’t have to face chaos and clutter in the morning.
• Plan breakfast the night before and have a back-up in mind in case the bread is green or last bit of milk is spilled in the morning. It’s OK to eat supper for breakfast, too! Cody’s favorite supper/breakfast was meatballs and
  
  mashed potatoes. String cheese and baby carrots are another alternative. Have breakfast bars on hand in case breakfast has to be eaten on the way to work or school.
• Before bed, choose clothes for the morning; lay them all out, including underwear and shoes. If it’s the first cold spell of the fall also hunt down gloves and hats.
• Gather your purse, library books, backpacks, and everything else that needs to leave the house with you. If something needs to stay refrigerated until the last minute, put a sticky-not reminder on the door or your purse.
• Make a checklist for your kids (and maybe yourself) of morning “to-do’s”. This will also teach your kids accountability and time management.
• Make it a priority to start the day on a positive note. Grit your teeth through spilled milk or lost library books. Send your family off with a smile; the time to discuss changes in the morning routine is not when you’re in a hurry, but when you have time to discuss it calmly.

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This post is an excerpt from the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. This post is part of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, available for download soon.

I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Nebraska Family Times, with the theme, “Words Matter.” 

A to Z Blogging...F is for...

...Fifty-Five things that take Only Five Minutes
From "Lifehacks for Christian Moms"
By Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher, "Nebraska Family Times"

 Your toddlers are totally engrossed in the last few minutes of their favorite TV show. Or you're waiting for your kids to find their library books and backpacks so you can take them to school. Or your husband is finishing a phone call before you leave for an evening out. Or you're all ready to go but your walking partner isn't due for a few minutes.


Rather than check Facebook or wander around aimlessly thinking "I should be doing something", put that time to use! You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish in just five minutes. (Disclaimer: None of the photographs are from my home...but they inspire me and I hope they inspire you too!)

In your bedroom:

1. Organize one dresser drawer.
2. Straighten your shoes.
3. Sort the stuff on your bedside table.
4. Give your husband a long hug and big kiss.

In the kitchen:

1. Clear out the dishwasher.
2. Discard the oldest, most unidentifiable, and/or scariest leftovers from the refrigerator. 
3. Go through the cupboards and make your grocery list.

   

   From Google Images...although I've had all
   of these things in my refrigerator...

4. Start your meal plan for next week. 
5. Straighten one cupboard or drawer.
6. If you're waiting while cooking, brown an extra pound of hamburger, or chop an extra onion to prepare for a meal later in the week.

In the bathroom:

1. Fold a load of towels.
2. Toss your old toothbrushes and get out new ones.
3. Clean off the counter.
4. Clean the mirror. 
5. Chock your supply of toilet paper, soap and other "bathroom" items and add them to your list if necessary.

In the car:

1. Sort through the glove compartment. 

   

   From Google Images...not my
   glove compartment!

2. Close your eyes and daydream.
3. Read a magazine article.
4. File your fingernails.
5. Do an isometric exercise, like tensing and relaxing your abs or biceps. 
6. Pick up all the sippy cups, tissues, animal crackers, water bottles, and scraps of paper in the back seat.

While you're talking on the phone:

1. Set the table. 
2. Sort laundry.
3. Lotion your legs.
4. Iron.
5. Sit with your feet up. 

   

   Google Images...but I wish my cupboards
   looked like this!
   

Before bed:

1. Get out the clothes you'll wear tomorrow. 
2. Put dishes in the dishwasher.
3. Wipe down the counters and cupboard doors.
4. Get the first load of clothes ready to wash.
5. Talk, really talk, to your husband.
6. Read a short devotion or a chapter of Proverbs.

In the living room:

1. Straighten the DVDs. 
2. Turn over and fluff the couch cushions.

   

   From Google Images

3. Water the plants.
4. Pick up everything off the floor so it's easier to vacuum.
5. Play a game of Chinese Checkers. 

At your desk:

1. Write a thank-you card or encouraging note, or get a birthday card ready to send. 
2. Look at your birthday and anniversary list for the next few months and check your supply of cards. 
3. Jot down ideas for your next project. 
4. Check your supply of stamps, paper clips, pens, envelopes, etc. 

Throughout the house (or a few rooms):

1. Empty all the wastebaskets.
2. Pick up all the stray coats, shoes, socks, etc. 

   

   From Google Images...this inspires me!

3. Collect all of the glasses, soda cans and dishes.
4. Spray air freshener in every room. Have a tickle fight!
5. Call a friend to say "I am thinking of and praying for you!"

For your health:

1. Jump rope. 
2. Learn to take your pulse.
3. Walk around the block, or up and down the steps in your home. 
4. Stretch.
5. Eat a piece of fruit.

With the kids:

1. Ask them about their day.
2. Say a prayer together.
3. Play tag.
4. Hug! 

What is your favorite thing to do in just five minutes?

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This post is an excerpt from the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. This post is part of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, available for download May 1^st.

I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at 

Nebraska Family Times, with the theme, 

“Words Matter.”