by Vicki Peel | Aug 6, 2023 | Lifestyle |
In only ten minutes, you can create a morning routine that will put you in the right mindset to conquer your day. Jumpstart your day with these simple routines to prepare your mind.
As your feet hit the floor every morning, say to yourself “It’s gonna be a great day!” I have this phrase on my bedside table to remind me that if you start your day in a positive mindset, it propels you through the day in a positive manner.
Minute 1 – Drink the Water
Start keeping a large glass of water beside your bed. Before you even get out of bed, drink the water. Your body is dehydrated after a long night of repairing itself, and you need to replenish that. Drinking water will also help reduce the morning fog and grog that follows so many into their workday despite multiple cups of coffee.
Minutes 2-3 – Do the Breathing
Now that your body is rehydrating take a few minutes to do simple breathing exercises. This is as easy as timing your breaths to take six to ten deep breaths through one minute. Timing your breaths will force you to focus on your breathing and your body. Helping you to wake up and calm yourself for your day.
Minutes 3-6 – Stretch the Body
Gentle stretching will get your blood flowing and your body energized. This will also help to ease you into the process of getting ready and the day ahead. Stretching has long-term health benefits as well including better circulation and flexibility overall.
Minutes 6-9 – Give Thanks
Take a few moments to reflect on what you are thankful for. You don’t have to write these down or keep a record on your phone. Just take a few moments to single in on aspects of your life you are thankful for and why. This will put a positive spin on your day and keep you present through the difficult moments.
Minute 10 – Visualize the Success
Visualizing the successes you wish to have through the day will cement them in your mind and boost your confidence level. They don’t have to be big successes. Just see yourself completing daily tasks with ease to secure the outcome you desire.
You may not have hours to devote to morning routines, but you can spare ten minutes of your morning to starting off on the right foot (or mindset). Your personal morning mindset may take even less than ten minutes, but the benefits can last all day. Consistently devoting your time to these few minutes can change your life – for the better.
Need more help with setting your mind on your personal success journey?
Check out my “Habits and Mindset Journal”. It’s a great way to set your life course and it’s easier than you think.
Check it out HERE. Then let me know how you benefitted.
Here’s to the peace and joy of your new morning mindset!
by Vicki Peel | Aug 3, 2023 | Food |
Remember the GEICO commercial that it was “so easy a caveman could do it”? How about “so easy a husband could do it”?
All kidding aside, my husband started learning to cook when I had my knee replacement surgeries. And I am still amazed at how far he’s come and how interested he is in trying new things!
In this video, he demonstrates how to cook chicken wings in the air fryer and roasted potatoes in the oven. I’m also impressed with his video presentation skills!
Take a look!
Do you have an air fryer? Do you use it often? If you don’t have an air fryer, but are interested in purchasing one, download this free Air Fryers Buying Guide. I did all the research for you and highlighted the top 5 air fryers recommended by 4 sources: Women’s Health, Food Network Kitchen, Good Housekeeping, and C-NET Home.
Go ahead and download the Air Fryers Buying Guide HERE!
And leave your comments below! I’d love to hear from you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything during our March – June foods extravaganza!!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Aug 3, 2023 | Food |
Air fryers – they appear to be the hottest kitchen appliance on the market!
They are basically convection ovens on steroids. The formula? High heat + circulating air = crispy food.
The variety of air fryers on the market is overwhelming. And the prices vary from about $40 to $300 or more. And do you even need one?
While air frying is certainly a healthier option than frying in oil, it cannot make frozen fried foods steeped in processing and chemicals a healthy choice. So, a little label reading will help determine which frozen foods are actually healthy choices. But air frying can make vegetables crisper and tastier for kids (and adults) who hate veggies.
If you have an air fryer, or intend to purchase one, here are some “dos and don’ts”.
DO:
- Preheat your air fryer unless the recipe specifically says not to.
- Grease/spray oil on the air fryer basket to keep food from sticking, but DON’T spray with aerosol spray cans (like Pam), which contain harsh ingredients that may mess up the coating on baskets.*
- Use oil on food to crisp it, unless it already has some fat on it like chicken.
- Shake or turn food during cooking.
- Spritz food with oil halfway during cooking for crispier foods.
DON’T:
- Use loose aluminum foil, will fly around the basket from the air circulation. If you do use foil, make sure the food is heavy enough to keep it in place.
- Use shredded cheese, which will also fly around the air fryer and get stuck on the bottom of the fryer and not on the food.
- Set it and forget it – stopping and flipping or tossing food makes it cook more evenly.
- Crowd food. Food needs room for air to circulate.
- Use loose seasoning. Dry rubs end up like shredded cheese – all over the basket instead of the food. However, food that has been covered with oil that allows it to adhere to food is fine.
Do you have an air fryer? Do you use it regularly? What do you like about air frying? What are your concerns? I know – I’m just full of questions today! Please comment in the Comments section below or reply to any email I send to share your thoughts.
Want to know more before purchasing an air fryer? Or have your needs for an air fryer changed?
Click on my FREE 2023 Air Fryer Buying Guide for information on the best air fryers on the market to date.
* Here is a good option for spritzing oil on your food. I have one like this. And this option gives you two bottles for about the price of one in other options! Click HERE for purchasing information.
My emails (blog posts) sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything during our March – June foods extravaganza!!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | May 1, 2023 | Home |
That was just for fun! And here are the answers! How did you do?
Now, what can we glean from this little quiz?
- There are no hard, fast decorating rules. Do what you like!
- Create and name your own decorating style. It’s got to be as good as Barbiecore or Frogcore, right??
- We’re BACK!! Grandma and Grandpa have returned, triumphantly!! Embrace it!
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Apr 9, 2023 | Organize |
It’s true. I have been ahead of the HGTV curve for years. And today I’m going to show you the evidence to prove it.
Click on the image below to see my Trending Top 10 HGTV and H.E.R. kitchen storage and organization hacks. In this vlog post, HGTV kitchen hacks are shown on the left side of the slide and my kitchen hacks (H.E.R.) are on the right side.
Be sure to subscribe to my channel before you leave!
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Mar 1, 2023 | Food |
Welcome to March, which is National Nutrition Month. This is a good time to learn more about making informed food choices and developing healthy eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme, “Fuel for the Future”, highlights the importance of eating with sustainability in mind.
So what does eating with sustainability mean? It means consuming food with a low environmental impact, helping reduce gas emissions, pollution, and chronic diseases in humans. And that means eating more organic fruits and vegetables. (I wish I loved vegetables!!)
Why eat with sustainability?
Eating with sustainability in mind is not only good for the environment, but it is also a great way to nourish ourselves during every phase of life. Here are some reasons why:
1.It’s better for the planet
The food choices we make have a significant impact on the environment. By choosing sustainably produced food, we can reduce our carbon footprint and help protect the planet. Eating a plant-based diet, for example, is a great way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve natural resources.
2. It’s good for our health
Choosing nutrient-dense, whole foods that are sustainably produced is good for our health. These foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that help keep our bodies healthy and strong. They are also typically lower in calories and higher in fiber, which can help us maintain a healthy weight.
3. It supports local farmers
Choosing locally sourced food is a great way to support local farmers and small businesses. It also helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and distribution.
4. It can save us money
Eating sustainably doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, choosing whole foods and plant-based meals can often be more affordable than buying processed or packaged foods. By choosing seasonal produce and buying in bulk, we can save money while reducing waste.
Although, some foods, such as organic fruits and vegetables and grass-fed meats may cost more initially. But careful planning and better use of leftovers can even out the cost.
Tips to eat with sustainability
So, what are some ways we can eat with sustainability in mind? Although there is some overlap between why we should eat sustainability and how to do that, here are some tips:
1.Choose plant-based meals
Eating a plant-based diet is one of the best ways to reduce your environmental impact. This means incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds into your meals.
2. Buy local and seasonal produce
Choosing locally sourced and seasonal produce is a great way to support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint. It also means you’re getting the freshest, most nutrient-dense produce available.
If you’re not sure where to find locally sourced food, the U.S. Department of Agriculture can help you find that information. Just click on the link or click here.
Here are two more sources to find good locally sourced food in your area:
The Local Harvest website has search capabilities to insert your city and state for these options:
3. Choose sustainably produced meat and dairy
If you choose to eat meat and dairy, look for products that are sustainably produced. This means choosing products from animals that are raised in humane conditions, with minimal environmental impact. Search for Meat Processors in your area at Local Harvest.
4. Reduce food waste
Reducing food waste is another important way to eat with sustainability in mind. This means planning your meals, using up leftovers, and composting food scraps.
In conclusion, eating with sustainability in mind is an important way to nourish ourselves during every phase of life and protect the environment. By choosing plant-based meals, buying local and seasonal produce, choosing sustainably produced meat and dairy, and reducing food waste, we can make a difference in our health and the health of the planet.
Is it easy to change how we eat? No. But we don’t have to change everything. Simply making small changes will help. We can cut back on meat consumption, add another vegetable to the menu, and plan to use leftovers in appetizing ways.
Happy National Nutrition Month! What one thing can you do to implement any of these suggestions?
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Jan 5, 2023 | Home, Lifestyle |
Does your home evoke “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being”?
In other words, is your home a haven from the chaos of the world, a place that nourishes your soul and uplifts your spirit?
If so, your home has hygge!
What is Hygge?
And your first response may be “what the heck is hygge”? (It’s pronounced “Hoo-gah”, by the way. I know – how can something spelled like that be pronounced “Hoo-gah”!?)
“Hygge… is a Scandinavian way of life that celebrates coziness, shared meals, and companionable interactions with loved ones. Emphasizing warmth, kinship, and an appreciation for the little things, hygge is a perspective on life that started in Denmark and has contributed to the nation’s consistently high happiness ratings. Now, Americans are turning to hygge as a way to find happiness from within.” ~ Brinton Parker, (December 10, 2019),11 Ways to embrace the hygge lifestyle this season. PopSugar
Hygge is a great way to embrace self-care that extends to all family members. Think about all the things you love about your home and the things you like to do there that provide that much-needed extra layer of comfort.
How to Get Hygge
While there many ways to create hygge in your home, here are a few ways my home has hygge, supporting and comforting me:
-
- Time alone in the comfy leather chair in my office for journaling my thoughts and renewing myself spiritually
- Sipping on a warm cup of cocoa with mini-marshmallows
- Decorating my home with items of personal family memories (I’ll show you around sometime and point out all the “old things” that are so special to me!)
- Watching HGTV – any shows on HGTV (personally, I love Ben and Erin on Home Town, among many others!)
- Putting on an eye mask and listening to soothing music as I take a short afternoon nap
- Curling up (OK – I mean metaphorically curling; it has been a long time since my knees allowed me to actually curl up!) with my iPad to play Candy Crush, Soda Crush, Spades and Castle. (I’m ashamed to tell you how high I’ve gotten on Candy Crush. I am working to curb my “addiction”.) And I love playing Sudoku and Kakuro. There is just something satisfying about being able to solve one of these puzzles.
Now, how about you? What makes your house hygge, even if you don’t call it that? How is your house a haven from the outside world. Comment or email me at vicki@herlifehacks.com and let me know one or two things on your hygge list
Want to know more about hygge? Here are links to a couple of resources about hygge.
Coloring books are very comforting activities on the hygge list of a lot of people. Check out this hygge coloring book:
Think about your home and hygge. Is it hygge in its current condition? What could you do to make it more calming and comforting?
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Dec 8, 2022 | Preserve |
When we think of legacies, our first inclination is to think about what we leave behind for future generations when we die.
But a legacy is not about death. It is about life. It’s about how you are living your life right now.
Most of us would prefer not to think too much about creating a legacy. Why? Because thinking about creating a legacy makes us think about death, and that is too dark a concept to consider right now. After all, we’ll have time to think about that later. Right? Maybe, maybe not.
“Don’t be afraid of death; be afraid of an unlived life. You don’t have to live forever; you just have to live.” ~ Natalie Babbitt
What is a Legacy?
Whether you think about creating a legacy or not, you’re doing it anyway. You create a legacy by simply living your life. Everything you do or did is creating your legacy. So, the question becomes – are you living your life with intention so you will be remembered the way you want to be remembered?
“Legacy. What is a legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.” ~ Lin Manual Miranda
Most of us think about a legacy as something passed on to the next generation after our death. And we may even think that legacies are built and transferred by people who have a great deal of money or influence. Great people in history may come to mind. And if that is how you think of a legacy, you’d be wrong.
We don’t have to do spectacular things or have great wealth to leave an important legacy.
A legacy can be built by simply living a life of kindness. Just showing kindness to people we love and people we meet can have rippling effects that we may not even be aware of.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” ~ Maya Angelou
A legacy is built day by day in the little things we do and say that define who we are. A legacy is about memories – sharing memories of what you know about your parents and grandparents and the memories they passed down to you. A legacy is about creating memories with your family in the present so your children and grandchildren will know about you and previous generations, how you lived and what you lived for.
It may also include possessions, which don’t need to be possessions of great monetary value. Their value comes from the meaning they have in your life and what has been passed on to you by previous generations. It is about connections. Connections about where you came from that help to define who you are.
Why is a legacy important?
Simply put, people need to know that life matters. That they matter. That you matter.
Legacies are about hope. Hope that the future for your children and grandchildren will be even better than today. That is especially important today – right now. The world has experienced monumental change. In just the period of a few years, we have seen changes we never dreamed we would experience as the result of a global pandemic. Even the word pandemic wasn’t on our radar before we were in the midst of it. These experiences alone make us think about the fragility of life, it’s meaning, and what the future might look like.
Preserving family histories is valuable. Learning about who came before you and what they were like and what they experienced helps you know who you are. Understanding how previous generations sacrificed and paved the way for the next generation provides a sense of security.
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
How do you build a legacy?
The short answer is to live every day with intention, doing the things that matter the most to you and realizing that how you live is a model for the next generation.
People have a need to know where they came from and what that means to them. And while there are many things you can do to create your own legacy, the focus for this article is learning about the legacies of previous generations and preserving family histories.
How do you do that? How do you learn about and preserve family histories? You ask questions.
My daughter gave my mother a lasting gift one Mother’s Day – a journal to record the details of her life. And thanks to my niece, she did just that. My niece asked my mother every one of the questions in the journal and recorded her answers. When my mother passed away, I copied every page of that journal to give to my sisters so we each had a copy to keep and treasure.
My daughter also gave that same journal to my mother-in-law, her paternal grandmother. And my husband planned to ask his mother the questions and record her responses. However, she passed away before he got around to it, and he regrets missing that opportunity to know his mother a little better.
Even though I have treasured memories of my parents and grandparents, I also regret not having asked probing questions about their what their lives were like growing up. What was it like growing up through the Great Depression of the 1920’s? What were their homes like as a child? What do they remember about their parents and grandparents? And so many more questions that I will never know the answers to.
I realize that youth is not the time to ask questions about the past. Youth is a time for present reality and future dreams. The process of aging creates time for reflection and remembering and wanting to know more about past generations.
And that is why I created “My Life, My Legacy” – a journal of questions for anyone who recognizes the value of passing on their personal history before passing on. It may be something you want to complete for your children and grandchildren, who may not recognize the value of preserving oral histories of their family until it is too late for them to ask the questions. Or there may be a family member whose memories about their life you want to record.
Just take a look at My Life, My Legacy Journal- Teal
Or My Life, My Legacy Journal – Leather.
Tell your story now – the way you want it told.
(Contact me for a coupon code.)
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything during our October through December focus on HOME STYLE!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Nov 11, 2022 | Preserve |
Are your Christmas holidays full of family tradition? Mine are. And I’ve realized through the years how important it is to preserve traditions and memories and pass them on.
The Christmas Legacy Planner and Plus Bundle provides the tools to capture traditions and memories for future generations.
Click on the image to see all the tools available to help you do this!
This is a lengthy video, so I’ve broken it down into parts. The numbers are for times where you can locate each section.
Start: Introduction and content files
1:10 Christmas Legacy Printable Planner
4:55 Christmas Legacy Digital Planner
12:01 Christmas Legacy Plus Bundle
And HERE is where you can see the entire Christmas Legacy Planner and Plus Bundle!
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything during our October through December focus on HOME STYLE!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Oct 25, 2022 | Clear Clutter, Home, Organize |
I am intentionally embarrassing myself with this post. Read on…
Even though I have some excuses – or rather explanations – I won’t list them here. This post starts a series of BEFORE videos and pictures of the condition of my house, which is basically a mess.
My plan for my messy house is to regain control by decluttering, cleaning, organizing and creating a system for maintaining by the end of 2022. And then sharing it all with you.
What you’re going to see is the worst of the worst place in my house. The utility room – where stuff goes to lanquish until I find a place for it. Where the door can be shut, and no one is allowed to enter.
Here is the BEFORE condition of my utility room. Pre-decluttering; pre-cleaning; pre-organizing; pre-establishment of a system for maintenance. Click on the image below and come on in! (The background music is incongruent with the current status of the room!)
While this is an embarrassment, you won’t believe the transformation. Tune in later for the AFTER! I can’t wait to see it myself!
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything during our October through December focus on HOME: seasonal home decor and BEFORE and AFTER videos and pictures of me regaining control of my messy house!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
