DIY Homemade Toilet Bombs

DIY Homemade Toilet Bombs

This is a post all about my favorite way to keep your bathroom clean.

We have five kids.

No more needs to be said on that.

DIY Homemade Toilet Bombs

But seriously. I have literally a bazillion other things to do with my day than to clean the bathroom. So to help keep things sparkly clean (and not stinky…that part is very, VERY important) I swear by these DIY Homemade Toilet Bombs!

First of all, they are so simple to make. They only take three ingredients.

Second, to use all you have to do is to drop them into the toilet. The fizz up, clean it and deodorize it.

Third, even the kids like to use them. SCORE!

To make these DIY homemade toilet bombs you will need a few things.

  • A silicone mold. You can get fancy if you want, but I’m lame and just used a square one.
  • A glass jar. Again, be fancy if you want. I’m lame. I got a big jar at Hobby Lobby for about $3. (Yay for 50% off day!)
  • Citric Acid. I totally Amazoned this. To be honest, no clue where you would find that at Target. LOL The citric acid will create the fizzing effect and also help breakdown water stains.
  • Baking Soda. You will want the big box! Baking soda is a common household cleaner. It’s also a deodorizer.
  • Essential oils. I use a mix of lavender, peppermint and lemon. Different oils do different things, but this mix helps to clean, kill germs and of course, smell good!

How to make homemade toilet bombs:

DIY Homemade Toilet Bombs
In a bowl, mix 1 1/3 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of citric acid.

DIY Homemade Toilet Bombs

In a spray bottle, mix the water and essential oils.

DIY Homemade Toilet Bombs

Spray the water and oil mix into the baking soda and citric acid. It will fizzle a little bit, but that’s ok. (If you don’t have a spray bottle just be sure to add the water mix VERY slowly!)

DIY Homemade Toilet Bombs

Mix around until it is all damp.

DIY Homemade Toilet Bombs

Press into mold and allow to sit out and harden for a few hours.

DIY Homemade Toilet Bombs

Transfer to a jar or an airtight container. I have ours in a pretty glass jar in our bathroom.

That’s it! They are so easy to make. Once you use them, I promise you will make sure that you always have a batch ready!

DIY Homemade Toilet Bombs

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Want more homemade cleaners? Check these out:

       

Hands Down, The Best All Purpose Cleaner

Let’s play a game. Have you ever played 3 truths and a lie? It’s super easy. I say four statements and you pick out the one that isn’t truthful. Ready? Except this time…it’s cleaning edition.

  • We own a cleaning company.
  • I hate to clean.
  • We have 5 kids and 2 dogs….who all make keeping things clean super difficult.
  • I have to do the dishes right after dinner or it drives me crazy.

Do you know? The last one was the lie, but it does drive Dustin crazy so he normally gives in and does them. 🙂

Hands Down The Best DIY Cleaner

Having a cleaning company means we have gone through a on of different cleaners looking for the right ones. But nothing has ever compared to this homemade cleaner. It really is hands down, the best all purpose cleaner ever! And it’s so inexpensive to make.

Supplies:

Instructions to make the best all purpose cleaner EVER:

In a clean bottle, pour the borax, washing soda and castile soap. Fill with warm distilled water. Add whatever essential oils you wish to the bottle of your cleaner. I sometimes use just lemon or just orange. But other times, I like to do a mix of grapefruit, orange and lemon or lemon and basil. Put the lid on tightly and shake. Print out our free labels and pick which one you want. Run the label through a sticker maker and attach it to your bottle. (PS. Sticker makers are inexpensive and so handy to have! I use mine all the time for various things around the house or with the kids for school projects.)

In a clean bottle, pour the borax, washing soda and castile soap.

Hands Down The Best DIY Cleaner

Fill with warm distilled water.

Hands Down The Best DIY Cleaner

Add whatever essential oils you wish to the bottle of your cleaner. I sometimes use just lemon or just orange. But other times, I like to do a mix of grapefruit, orange and lemon or lemon and basil.

Hands Down The Best DIY Cleaner

Put the lid on tightly and shake.

Hands Down The Best DIY Cleaner

Print out our All Purpose Cleaner Labels and pick which one you want. Run the label through a sticker maker and attach it to your bottle.

Hands Down The Best DIY Cleaner

(PS. Sticker makers are inexpensive and so handy to have! I use mine all the time for various things around the house or with the kids for school projects.)

A few important things:

  1. I REALLY love these glass bottles. I’m not a fan of plastic and we have been trying to eliminate as much as we can in our house. Plus, I feel fancy. And since I hate to clean, I take my victories when and where I can. 🙂 PS If you are worried about them breaking, I’ve been using them for over a year now and we haven’t broke any. (And remember, we have a small army!)
  2. Get the washing soda at the store if you can. It’s cheaper. I found mine in with the stain removers on the very bottom shelf.
  3. Don’t like lemon? Use grapefruit! Not a fan? Use orange! Not a fan of any of them? You can make a fragrance free version!
  4. Distilled water works best. But I’m not going to lie, there have been a few times I used regular old tap water.
  5. It will keep for a few months, but we go through it much faster than that!

Hands Down The Best DIY Cleaner

Don’t forget to pin it – Hands Down The Best DIY Cleaner!

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How To Adopt A Soldier & What To Send – Family Service Project –

How To Adopt A Soldier & What To Send

How To Adopt A Soldier And What To Send

Volunteering as a family is something that is really important in our household. We are truly grateful for what we have and also for where we have been. At one point, we prayed for the some of the things we have now. And some of the things we have now, we never even imagined we would accomplish. Funny how life works, isn’t it? While we consider ourselves far from where we started, we never want to forget the beginning of our journey. Which for us, gives us motivation to stay humble and make sure that our children grow up knowing how lucky they are, that giving back isn’t something you do for Instagram likes and that serving others is way of life.

Sometimes, finding places to volunteer with kids can be tricky. (You wouldn’t think it would be, but we were surprised – especially when the kids were younger!) But volunteering to send cheer to our military members is a way not only for even the smallest family members to help with, but it lets you volunteer at home and at your own pace. Sometimes, I would love to donate financially to organizations, but it’s not in the budget for that month. But we always have some room for postage or I can pick up a few things on sale for a care package! Plus, the kids always have so much fun with these projects!

(If you are looking for more great family service projects – check out this list of 16 ideas!)

How To Sign Up To Adopt A Soldier

There are so many organizations that you can sign up with! Here are a few to get you started:

How To Adopt A Soldier And What To Send

What do you do when you adopt a soldier?

Well, that answer depends on what you sign up for! Some sign ups are for just letters while others are for care packages. Some are even for handmade items (like baked goods, paracord bracelets, cool ties or hats and scarves)

This should go without saying, but I know life gets busy sometimes, but please, if you sign up to adopt a soldier…please, please, please be sure that you follow through! When you adopt one, they are taken off the list from someone else being able to adopt them. Sending things out in a timely matter is crucial! Some organizations that you can volunteer with may have you make a commitment such as one letter per month. Even with good intentions, make sure that the time commitment is something you can do.

How To Adopt A Soldier And What To Send

What do you send when you adopt a soldier?

There are so many things that you can send! Letters (or for younger children, pictures or artwork) is always appreciated! Keep in mind the different kinds of weather that packages must travel through as well as time. Sometimes it can take a long time for your package to reach it’s final destination not only due to distance but also due to security screenings. If you are sending holiday specific items, they need to be sent early as well as edible items need to be things that won’t melt or expire. (Many places say food items need a 6 month shelf life.) If you are packing a care package, here are some general ideas:

How To Adopt A Soldier And What To Send

Shipping Tips For When You Adopt A Soldier:

  • Use a durable, heavy duty box (the post office will help with free shipping supplies!)
  • Put items into plastic baggies in case anything breaks or leaks

Other Things To Consider When You Adopt A Soldier:

  • Try to get your neighborhood involved! Host a care package party and invite your neighbors to come and help package items to send out. Neighbors that can’t attend may still offer to donate items and/or money to help cover postage. You can Download a flyer here!
  • Host a sock drive
  • Don’t forget that while many care packages are made with the service men in mind, there are service women there too! FeminineHow To Adopt A Soldier And What To Send hygiene products and girly things are always in need!

How To Adopt A Soldier And What To Send

I hope this helps you and your family while you adopt a soldier! Don’t forget to pin!

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Save Money On Dog Food And Treats (Save Hundreds Each Year!)

Save Money On Dog Food And Treats (Save Hundreds Each Year!)

If you follow me on Instagram (you do right?) then you have seen our dogs.

These two guys are pretty much my favorite. Before we go any further, let me just say, loud and clear

Adopt! Don’t shop!

Both Lincoln

And George are rescue pets from awesome organizations. Plus, adopting a dog is a great way to save money and not to mention saving a pup!

How To Save Money On Dog Food

But if you already have your pet and you are looking for ways to save money on dog food then check out these tips:

Save Money On Dog Food

Make Your Own Dog Food

My number one tip to save on dog food is to make your own. First of all, it’s a great way to control what your dogs are eating. Second, you know it is filled with nothing but good stuff and third, they love it! Every dog parent wants to feed their dog good, quality dog food. Just like humans, good food helps pets live healthier and longer lives.

How To Save Money On Your Dog

There are so many dog food recipes online. I’ve made this one from Damn Delicious before in the past and our dogs loved it. The only change I made was that I added a bit of coconut oil. Our dogs’ coats have never, ever looked better!

We’ve found so many veggies that our dogs like and we haven’t found any meats that they haven’t. 🙂

(Tip: I made a huge batch and then would use my vacuum sealer to seal and freeze it. Then I would only have to ‘cook’ once a month!)

Shop Around Online

(Psst! Check out these places and tips!)

Pet stores are generally NOT the place to shop. Their markups are usually the highest. Instead box stores and online are usually your best bet.

If you are shopping in the box stores, make sure you check your paper and online for coupons. But also, don’t forget to download apps like Ibotta. To use Ibotta, simply purchase the items as you normally would, take a photo of your receipt and your cash back will appear in your Ibotta account. You can cash out or purchase gift cards with the money! It’s a huge saver and super easy!

If you sign up through this link you can earn an extra $10 bonus!

Chewy.com is an online pet store filled with everything you could ever need. I like to check over by the tab of Today’s Deals. If your dog isn’t picky about their food, buying food on sale can be a great way to save! (Just remember to integrate their old food and new food while making the switch since some dog’s can be sensitive.)

I found this 24 pound bag of American Journey dog food that is normally $39.99 per bag, but it is a deal for 50% off your first bag. Add on that the option to autoship (you can cancel at any time) and you get an additional 5-10% off.

If you are new to the autoship program then you save 20%! As you can see above, my $40 bag of dog food had the price drop all the way to $17.74. And that includes a $5 shipping charge. (Shipping is free on orders $50+) Not bad…especially for a high quality dog food!

Amazon is another great spot to pick up dog food. And if you are a Prime member then shipping is free! (If you use the Honey extension for your computer you can even set up price alerts for when your favorite rand goes on sale or dips below a certain price. This makes it easy to stock up!)

Save On Dog Treats

Besides using the tips for saving on dog food above (and yes, you can make your own treats too! Pinterest is full of ideas!) one of my favorite places to get dog treats might be one you wouldn’t have thought of.

Subscription boxes are a great place to save money on dog food and treats. Plus, you get toys. 🙂

Barkbox is one of our absolute FAVORITES!!! For $29/month ($19 if you purchase a longer subscription) you get a box mailed to you filled with treats and toys. The food and treats are always a high quality and they have been a great way for us to try new ones.

How To Save Money On Dog Food

Don’t forget to pin our tips on how to save money on dog food!

       

Well Read Book List: The Yearly Reading Challenge

Have you heard of a reading challenge? Every year I say that I am going to read more. I love to read. I have stacks of books piled up just waiting to be read. But my problem is opening the book and falling asleep. Ouch. This year I am working on being more intentional with my time. I feel like I have been busier lately than I have ever been! Our life is filled with lots of ‘new’. New house (that uhhh….is still being unpacked, moved into and sadly, projects still finished), a new blended family and we’ve started a new business. So more than ever, being intentional is more than ever. And so is taking some time to relax! Enter the reading challenge.

Reading Challenge Book List

To help me be more intentional with my reading, I went looking for a yearly reading challenge. Want to join in? Here is the reading challenge I am doing this year as well as my picks.

Reading Challenge Book List

What do you think? Have you read any of these? Do you have any other suggestions on books you would read instead?

Reading Challenge Book List

 

       

How To Get Started Geocaching

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, Walmart Family Mobile. All opinions are mine alone. #SummerIsForSavings #CollectiveBias #WFM1

Have you ever heard of geocaching? If you haven’t then once I introduce you to it, then you will not be able to wait to get started. And if you have, then you know how fun it is! It’s seriously one of the best family activities that you can do. Which also means, perfect for summer.

Geocaching is essentially a treasure hunt. They are everywhere – seriously, you have some set up in your town too! Once you get to the location that the cache is, you will need to hunt for it. Sometimes they are easy and sometimes they are really tricky. People can get really creative! Inside is always a little something – usually something that fits the owner’s interests. You can log your find, take photos, add something if you would like. Then, leave it for the next person to find.

You need just a few tools to get started making it a great frugal activity to do! Not to mention, incredibly fun! The most important thing that you need is a smart phone that can connect to the internet.

Recently, we went to Walmart and bought my son his first cell phone. There were several reasons that we chose Walmart for buying his phone!

  • Names you trust with Walmart’s low prices! We got him the LG Grace phone. It’s a great size, takes awesome pictures and plenty of space for his games! 🙂
  • No contract
  • No activation fees
  • No late fees
  • Budget friendly plans – We got the $49.98 Plus Plan from Walmart Family Mobile, powered by TMobile’s Nationwide 4G LTE Network. For only $49.98 we get Unlimited * Talk, Text, & Data which includes up to *13GB of 4G LTE then 2G.

Plus, customers on the $49.88 PLUS Plan will receive a free VUDU movie rental credit valued at $7.00 each time they renew their service. Adventures and movies? It’s a win!

And it is SO easy. Literally, we walked into the store, picked out his awesome new phone and purchased our plan. Setting up the phone took just a few minutes!

How To Get Started Geocaching

What does this have to do with geocaching? Because you need a great phone with reliable coverage! The first thing you are going to want to do is to download a geocaching app. This will pull up the caches that are near you and give you a map to follow.

Then, using your phone follow the map until you reach your destination! There are some caches that are in the city (we did one that the prize was hidden inside a restaurant!) and some are out in park-like areas. We chose to do one in a local park.

Our cache took us down to a creek.

Once we got down to the creek, it was up to us to find where the cache.

 

Sometimes when you are choosing a cache to find, they will have hints. If you need one you can check there or the comments of reviews. Sometimes the caches can be pretty tricky!

Our dogs were pretty excited to play in the water while we searched. When you find the cache, sometimes there is a log. Add your name, the date and a message if you wish. Then, put it back for the next people to enjoy!

And then it is off to the next cache! Luckily with our Walmart Family Mobile, powered by T-Mobile, we have plenty of data to take us on adventures!

  • Disclaimer: All prices for phones and plans included in this post are accurate as of the date of posting; however, these prices are subject to change. Please refer to this page or your local Walmart for current pricing.
  • VUDU movie offer is a limited time offer. Available for lines active with the PLUS $49.88 plan only. VUDU enabled device and account required for digital viewing. Customers must be 18 years or older to open a VUDU account. Movie rental only available in the USA. Free movie rental provided in the form of a movie rental code to the value of a $7.00 VUDU credit. Must be used within 30 days of receiving code. Offer is non-transferable. Limit 1 per customer. Additional terms and conditions on VUDU’s website: http://www.vudu.com/termsofservice.html

       

2017 Bucket List : 35 Things I want Do, Learn and Visit

If you follow me on Instagram then you know that my resolution this year is to be more intentional. I feel as though I’ve been moving through life, but not actually living it. I want to start choosing to be present in every moment of life – physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. I want to start being deliberate with my time and choosing to use my time to do things that make me happy, not what other people want or even what other people expect. So 2017 is the year that I decide to live a purposeful life.

I was thinking the other night, “Awesome. I’m going to live an intentional life.” But intentionally do what? It’s easy to say to simply be happy. But what does that look like? So, I started doing what I do best. I made a list. 🙂

v2017 Bucket List: 35 Things to learn, do and visit this year

Things To Do

  • Practice yoga….daily. I started doing yoga last year and it really helped me. I don’t do long yoga workouts or routines, but I usually just do 10-15 minutes here and there throughout the day. This year, I want to be more consistent and make sure I’m doing it daily!
  • Read 100 books. (You can join our virtual book club here! While we won’t cover 100 books, we will read a new one each month!)
  • Get outside more. Walking, baseball games, going to the dog park, visiting the farmer’s market…I don’t care. As long as it is outside.
  • Go to the theater more often. I love the theater. There for a while we were going pretty often. This year I want to not only get back into the routine of going, but I want it to be a regular occurrence!
  • Listen more. Stop talking. And just listen.
  • Paint my nails. Ok, so this one might sound silly. But I feel better when they are painted. AND I joined Julep last year and I have tons of nail polish colors, 90% of which are still unopened.
  • Get involved with local politics. I want to be informed, aware and part of the change that I would like my country to be. That starts at a local level and I want to get involved!
  • Start waking up early. Or at least earlier. We homeschool and I work from home. Our schedules are pretty relaxed. I fully believe that if you are tired you should sleep, but I also would like to not feel like my whole morning is gone as soon as we get up.
  • Develop a morning/night routine. I had a pretty good morning routine going for a while! But then for some reason, I wasn’t sleeping well and started sleeping later (see above) and so I stopped doing my morning routine. I need to get back into the morning routine and try to get one down for bedtime as well. And hopefully sleep better!
  • Start a new peaks, pits, prayers & praise journal. This little thing made me so happy so I plan on doing another one!
  • Eat healthier. Eat less carbs. Eat less soy (ok, so I should really just give soy up…) Eat less crap. Clean eating? Whole 30? I’m looking into it. 🙂
  • Go back to college. I’ve been thinking about this one for a while now. When I went to college, I had no clue what I wanted to do. I stopped and became a stay at home mom. Now, I don’t need a degree for my job, but it is something that I would like to get just for myself. Plus, I’ve been telling Josh all about how he needs to go to college…lead by example right?

Things To Learn

  • How to make candles. Why? I don’t know. I think it would be fun. 🙂
  • French. I took French through high school and even knew a little before school from my father, but I’ve forgotten most of it over the years.
  • All about herbs, holistic medicines and how the heck to grow them. We have a patio that would be perfect for some herb gardens! And I’ve been looking into getting a community garden spot this spring!
  • How to do makeup. Because I’m 30. And because 12 year olds are running around with better contoured makeup then I could ever manage to do.
  • Take a photography class. I take photos for my blog, but I’m still in auto. Even though I’ve had my DSLR for 8 years. Time to move on!
  • Learn how to shoot and edit videos. And because I feel like if I don’t take the plunge (finally) to videos my little blog here will soon become a fossil…videos are in my future.
  • How to use tools. After my divorce, I quickly realized that I don’t know how to do crap around the house. And that even includes the basics of tools. I bought a hammer. And probably a year and a half later I stopped using scissors as a screwdriver and bought a set of real ones. Please don’t judge.
  • All about essential oils. I’m really into holistic and natural approaches. I actually thought oils were for the crazy and that there was no way that 2 drops of anything was going to make any difference for anything. But I tried it. And I was wrong. I can admit that. 🙂
  • How to shoot and gun safety. Bet you didn’t think that this hippy list maker was going to say that huh? Haha! We went shooting once when I was younger and it was fun. We don’t shoot things – we shoot cans. I do think that everyone should know the basics of how to shoot and about gun safety. I want to take Josh with me. I want to know that heaven forbid he ever be at a friend’s house or in a situation where he see’s a gun he knows how to act and what to do.
  • How to ride a horse. Here is another blast from the past! I took English riding lessons for about a year and my step-dad’s family had a pony named Mickey that I would ride bareback when I would visit. I loved it! What an amazing way to get some exercise, but relieve some stress.
  • Get certified to scuba dive. Or at least how to snorkel and not breath in a bunch of water. I have big plans to travel over the next several years – I would love to explore the ocean too!

Places To Go:

  • Iceland. Cold? Yes. Northern Lights? YES!! This is a major bucket list item. Fingers crossed it can happen in 2017!
  • Go on a cruise. I’ve never been on a cruise! This one is already in the works. We leave in February!
  • Indiana Dunes. I’ve lived in Indiana forever. And for some reason, I’ve never been to the dunes. I think it’s the perfect stay-cation.
  • Kings Island. I used to go to Kings Island all the time as a kid. Josh has never been though. We’ve gone to Cedar Point several times, but not King’s Island. This year we will make it happen.
  • Pine Lake. This is another Indiana place I’ve never been. And even weirder…never heard of! I actually saw it on Pinterest and had one of those ‘Are you kidding me? How have I never done this?’ moments.
  • Chicago. This is one of my favorite cities. And it’s only a couple hours away. I don’t think I could ever get tired of the museums.
  • St. Louis. I’ve heard good things, but it’s another place we just have never gone to. I don’t know why. It’s not too bad of a drive.
  • Lollapalooza. Joshua is really into music. We wanted to go last year, but tickets were sold out. So this year we are trying to plan earlier!
  • Salem. Josh says he is too old for dressing up and trick or treating now. So we need to find something else totally awesome for Halloween and I can’t think of a better place than Salem!
  • New York City…in December. So I would REALLY love to be there for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or New Year’s Eve but those may not happen this year. But I do want to go at Christmas time and go ice skating and see the tree.

So….What is on your 2017 bucket list?

v2017 Bucket List: 35 Things to learn, do and visit this year

       

Healthy Habits Calendar – January 2017

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I can’t believe 2017 is here. Are you ready? I’ve been working hard on getting things ready around here to help make sure that 2017 is the year that resolutions happen! I’m telling you….THIS.IS.THE.YEAR! 🙂

So if you are looking to get healthy in 2017 – I’ve totally got you covered! First, join our free Facebook group! Why?

  • Healthy challenges (small things you can do each day)
  • Monthly fitness challenges (January’s challenge is all about lunges)
  • Recipes
  • Tips, tricks, advice
  • Giveaways just for that group
  • Accountability
  • Support
  • Community
  • It’s fun. This is a safe place for people of all starting points – whether you have 100 pounds to lose, you are working on better nutrition, or you have been living a healthy lifestyle for a while now but just want like minded friends. Whatever your reason, welcome!

Second, print out our healthy living challenge! The point of our healthy living challenge is to give you one small thing that you can do to improve your health each day. Sometimes it is a reminder to get some exercise, sometimes it is about learning, sometimes it is an easy habit that you can start doing. The point is that there are so many small things that we can do that really add up! On my journey to get healthy, I have found sometimes I have gotten overwhelmed. There is so much change that I want to do that it can be daunting. Hopefully, this helps you not feel that way. Being healthy is meant to be a journey…and a fun one! This month we are focusing a lot on hydration so you will see several days that talk about water! 🙂

Here are some posts and free printables that will help you this month! (We will be adding more so be sure to check back or to join our Facebook group for more!)

  1. The Lunge Challenge
  2. How to take proper body measurements and a free printable tracker
  3. Test your current fitness level and a free printable
  4. Meal planning printable and free printable grocery list

Here we go! You’ve got 2017! Don’t forget to pin!

       

Choosing The Right Planner For The New Year

Are you planning on 2017 to be your year of finally getting (and staying!) organized? I don’t know about you, but I thrive on order. I love lists. A lot. I like to have my house looking just so. I need a schedule.

Finding the Perfect Planner For The New Year

One of the ways that I keep (or attempt to keep) everything together is with my planner. But there are different planners for different people. So, what are they? Which one will work best for you? Here are a few great options to help you decide!

(PS! Have you seen our organizing challenge for 2017? You will want to follow along! Each day has a small way that you can get yourself organized and prepared all year long!)

Paper Planners

I am 100% a pen and paper kind of lady. And stickers. And washi tape. 🙂

Finding the Perfect Planner For The New Year

This is my planner. It’s from Erin Condren and I love it. It’s a great size and has plenty of room for my monthly calendar of events as well as more detailed weekly notes. And it’s pretty. Super pretty. There are plenty of accessories as well: stickers, snap ins, bands, notes, dividers, pens, etc.

The only drawback to my EC planner is that it is a little pricey. But, if you think of the fact that it gets daily use then that price isn’t bad. I like to call mine an investment.

Finding the Perfect Planner For The New Year

A friend of mine introduced me to The Happy Planner. It’s very similar to Erin Condren planners, but not as expensive. They also have a ton of stickers and customizing items so no matter if you choose an EC or THP – they are a great solution!

Another option that has come highly recommended to me is Plum Paper. I really like how when you make your planner you can add sections like a blogging section or a sales section (perfect for people who sell things like LuLaRoe!) There are also sections for baby (tracking growth/milestones), wedding, and SO many more options! The price of this planner is midway between The Happy Planner and EC, with amazing details and quality!

Finding the Perfect Planner For The New Year

If you are a lister then you might really love this option. It’s the Panda Planner. And I think I’m obsessed. After this year with my EC I may opt to try the Panda Planner. I told you I’m into lists so this set up just makes me happy. There are monthly, weekly and daily set ups with room to have everything written down. (There is a larger version available of the Panda Planner if you write big like me!) 🙂 I love that it also focuses on the positive!

Finding the Perfect Planner For The New Year

Do you want a paper planner but not into all of the artsy, cutesy stickers? Or maybe you are super artsy and want to have space to doodle and paint. Maybe you like the simplicity. Whatever your reason, a bullet journal might be the solution for you. Right now bullet journals are super popular. Some people use them for keeping a list of their to do’s. (I love the key above!)

Some bullet journals are just that – journals, as opposed to planners. Some are extravagant with art, and color and calligraphy. Others are minimal and simple. Both are beautiful!

Digital Planners

If you are looking for an app that you can use to help plan your days here are a few that you may want to try!

  • Planner Pro
  • Fantastical 2
  • Todoist
  • Calendar 5

And don’t forget that Siri can schedule things on your phone calendar for you as well!

Finding the Perfect Planner For The New Year

Don’t forget to pin!

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Fitness Level Printable: Track Your Progress!

I’ve been getting ready for 2017 and the new resolutions that come with it. Ok, well the same resolution, except this year….Y’all, this is the year that it get’s done! For me personally, it’s not about seeing a certain number on the scale or even about a particular pair of jeans. It’s about making progress, finding the joy that I used to find in working out (something I will be honest, lately, I have been dragging my feet dreading) and being able to say that I live a healthy lifestyle. And, if that number on the scale comes or those special jeans I’ve been saving in the back of my closet end up fitting, then that’s just a bonus.

So. Where to start right?

First, join our free Facebook group. No, it’s not a place to have someone try to sell you a workout or supplements. Instead:

  • Healthy challenges (small things you can do each day)
  • Monthly fitness challenges (January’s challenge is all about lunges)
  • Recipes
  • Tips, tricks, advice
  • Giveaways just for that group
  • Accountability
  • Support
  • Community
  • It’s fun. This is a safe place for people of all starting points – whether you have 100 pounds to lose, you are working on better nutrition, or you have been living a healthy lifestyle for a while now but just want like minded friends. Whatever your reason, welcome!

How To Take Your Body Measurements Free Printable Tracker

Now that we are all friends, let’s work on being able to see that progress. Remember, it’s not just about the scale. One other way to track progress is by measuring your body in inches. You can get our free printable tracker here as well as learn the proper way to take measurements.

Another way to track progress is by tracking your workouts. At first, working out is hard. But after a while, you get faster, stronger, more flexible. This is a great way to track that progress!

In the first column, you will write down the exercise you are tracking. In the second column, track where you are today. Then, in the following columns, when you retest yourself in one month, two, etc write down your new results.

Here is one with a few exercises written in that I plan on using. Before you start, decide how you are going to test yourself. For me, for exercises like crunches, burpees, push ups and the stairs, I plan on giving myself 2 minutes and I will record the number that I was able to get done. For the plank, I plan on timing how long I can keep it in proper form.

There are extra spaces – you can fill them with whatever you would like and to reflect whatever goals you have! Maybe you want to track how many laps you can swim at the pool. Or maybe you got a fitness dvd but you can’t quite make it through the whole thing yet. Why not write down how many minutes you were able to accomplish? Do you have a treadmill? Track how fast you can walk/run a mile.

Another way that this form can be useful is for weight training. Print off the blank version and take it to the gym. Write down how many reps or sets you did and at what weight.

The numbers at the top don’t have to reflect months! Maybe you are retesting and tracking weekly.

However it works for you and for your goals is exactly how you should use it!

To print, simply right click to save it to your computer and print!

fitness tracker

I hope to see you in our Facebook group! Don’t forget to pin!

Looking for more free printables?