by Vicki Peel | Aug 31, 2022 | Lifestyle |
Top 5 Habits of Organized People
Do you consider yourself an organized person? I used to think I was. But it’s so easy to fall into habits that sabotage my efforts to get things done efficiently.
Ever wondered how some people stay a lot more organized than others? Well, the secret is habits!
Those who appear to have it all together tend to follow the same habits day after day. They aren’t born super-organized, it’s a skill that can be learned by absolutely anyone. So, what are these habits that can make your life more organized?
Keep reading to discover the top 5 habits of organized people you can adopt today.
Organized people write everything down.
To be organized, you either need to have an extremely good memory, or you need to start writing things down!
You’ll notice one of the main traits of an organized person, is that they appear to remember everything. They never miss sending out greeting cards on time, they’re always early and they know exactly what needs to be done and when it needs to be done. So, do these people just have a better memory than you? No! They simply make sure they write everything down.
I have an everyday notebook where I “dump” everything – things I need to remember to do, bright ideas of projects to develop later, or household tasks I need to do. Then at a time when I have some time, I go back through the day’s entries and do something with them, such as move to a specific list for taking action later or take action now.
So, start making lists for your shopping and always mark down important times and dates. And do it in whatever way works best for you to retrieve the information.
Organized people have a set routine.
Another habit organized people is having a set routine. If you’re a parent, you’ll know just how important routine is when it comes to managing a household. Kids and adults who develop good organizational habits have an easier time of managing their lives.
Just because we’re older, it doesn’t mean we don’t need a regular routine to keep ourselves happy and healthy. Organized people know this, and they use it to their advantage. They have a routine for everything, not just for bedtime or exercise. For example, they’ll also set aside 10 minutes each day to carry out specific chores or tasks.
One of the good things about setting routines is that you don’t have to exert energy making decisions about what to do. Setting a morning and evening routine can help set the tone for your day and help you end it relaxed for a good night’s sleep.
For example, my morning starts with what I call a “vitamin cocktail”, a blend of water or almond milk with polyphenols, flaxseed oil, vitamin B12, and vitamin D3. It actually tastes very good! Then I have a quiet time of meditation. Then I map out my day and what I need to accomplish.
So, if you’re looking to become more organized, getting into a routine is going to prove crucial to your success. Developing habits of organization help you accomplish your goals.
Organized people create schedules and goals
Those who are organized don’t waste time. They schedule their time and set goals to work towards. What’s more, they don’t stop until they achieve them.
When you have a schedule, you know exactly what you need to do and when it needs to be done. This reduces the risk you’ll miss anything important. It’s important to remember that when you are making goals, you’ll need to make them as short as possible to ensure they’re achievable.
For example, you want to become more organized, so that’s your main goal. However, there’s a lot of smaller goals you need to reach before you can achieve the overall goal. So, start by writing your main goals, then work on splitting them down so you have a clear idea of the smaller tasks you need to work on in order to achieve them.
They don’t put anything off
Do you tend to put things off for as long as possible? Organized people don’t! To an organized person, their motto is “Why put off something until tomorrow when it can be done today”. This simple rule can help you to become so much more organized.
Sometimes when I find myself putting something off, it’s because I don’t see a way to address the issue. If I simply stop and quietly think about what needs to be done and how to do it, a plan emerges that can efficiently get it done.
If you want your life to be much less stressful, getting things done as quickly as possible is sure to help. So, stop procrastinating and start getting things done.
They know when to seek help
Finally, out of the many habits organized people have, knowing when to ask for help is a crucial one.
These days, it’s common to feel like you need to do everything by yourself. Social media has played a large role in making people feel like they need to be super human. You should be able to easily juggle your work, family, financial and social life without any help from anyone else. It’s a myth! Organized people know when to ask for help in order to maximize their time.
This is probably the hardest habit for me to develop. I’ve always relied on myself to do everything. I grew up thinking self-sufficiency was a most admirable goal. However, I am learning that people are very willing to share what they know with you. It feels good to help someone else. So, give people a chance to help you and let them feel good about themselves.
These are just 5 habits of organized people. While there are many more, if you focus on developing these habits, you’re going to become a lot more organized. How are your habits helping you?
Ready to take it one step further? How about the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey? If you haven’t read it, you should, and HERE is where you can get it.
How are your habits helping you?
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 July through September focus on LIFESTYLE!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Aug 29, 2022 | Lifestyle |
Developing An Attitude of Gratitude
We are living in uncharted times. The stress of not knowing what is going to happen can easily overwhelm us. But really, we never knew what was going to happen when things were “normal”. We went about our day to day activities and planned for our lives as if we had control over them. Our control over our lives boils down to how we deal with life itself.
One thing I believe can help us manage daily stress is to live each day in gratitude. I’ve been keeping a gratitude journal for several years now and I can attest to the power of writing down what you are grateful for.
I started out by writing down five things I’m grateful for every night. I start each sentence with “I am grateful for…”. It is a calming force to realize you have so much to be grateful for every day. And it also prepares you for more restful sleep.
Then I began acknowledging my gratitude during a morning meditation/devotional. I have a favorite book that I read a chapter in daily. When I finish it, I start it over again, because I always see something new in it every time that I read it.
Living in gratitude doesn’t mean we need to focus on elaborate things or say them in eloquent ways. It can start with little things that we start to notice when we realize the bounty in our lives.
Consider these five things that may guide you to develop an attitude of gratitude.
Make a Plan
One of the single best things you can do to maintain positivity during tough times is to make a plan for how to deal with it. Plan ways to be productive and have fun. When you focus on the solution rather than the problem, you will naturally feel more positive. You will feel like you are rising to the challenge.
Reach Out for Support
Support in and support out! Reach out to loved ones and offer your support. Reach out if you need assistance too. When things are dire, it is always reaffirming when people pull together and help each other.
Take a Break
Be careful about thinking about your problems constantly. It is OK to take a break. You can take a break from the news, social media, or other people. It might not be easy but taking a break from external stimuli can help keep you positive.
Focus on Things You Can Control
When your world seems like it is spinning out of control, you may feel helpless. One way to address this and stay more positive is to focus on the things you can control. Instead of fretting about things out of your control, focus on making sure you do your best job on the things you can control.
Think and Write About Things You are Grateful For
Even during great personal turmoil, you still have things you are grateful for. When things get tough, it is vital to remember that there is good in the world, and more importantly, in your life. When you are struggling, take some time to list the things in your life you are grateful for.
Journaling is a powerful tool in so many ways. By simply giving you a place to express your gratitude, a journal helps you maintain positivity outside of its pages.
Perhaps now more than ever an attitude of gratitude is one of the best habits you can nurture. Just realizing that we have more to be thankful for than we have pulling us down will help us to “keep calm and carry on”.
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 July through September focus on LIFESTYLE!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Aug 25, 2022 | Lifestyle |
Let It Go
So You Can Create Your Future
Resources:
Designing Your New Normal Mindset mini-course. Coupon code NEWNOW for $20 off!!
The Art of Letting Go by Damon Zahariades
My Gratitude Journal
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 July through September focus on LIFESTYLE!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Aug 20, 2022 | Lifestyle |
How do you respond to life when things don’t go your way?
Whatever your response, it is your choice.
I taught Child Care Services several years to high school students. One of the discussion strategies I used was WHIFs.
In that course, we discussed scenarios that could happen when dealing with preschool children and their behavior. Thinking through something before it happens is a good way to predict how you might handle an unfamiliar situation if it occurs and be prepared to help children learn appropriate behavior.
WHIF stands for WHat IF? It means to consider yourself in a specific scenario that required a response from you.
WHat IF you saw a preschooler biting another child? What do you do? As a caregiver, how would you respond in that teachable moment? Or WHat IF you witnessed a bully on the playground? Examining possible situations such as these were opportunities to help my students be prepared to make appropriate decisions for the safety and welfare of all the children in a class.
I think applying a WHIF to life situations is often an appropriate decision-making process for adults. Stopping to think about the consequences of your actions may help you make the best choice. And those choices either contribute to or detract from your personal happiness.
It is especially helpful in potentially negative situations to ask yourself this question:
WHat IF I choose to _________? (Fill in the blank with a choice you could make
in a specific situation.) Would that choice fulfill my needs or add to my peace and
contentment? Or would it hurt someone else unnecessarily?
Or WHat IF I choose to _________? (Fill in the blank with another choice you could make in the same situation.) What would be the likely outcome of that choice?
Your response to your WHIF has the potential to either add to your happiness and move you toward your goals and dreams in life or move you further away from those goals and dreams. It could also possibly help or hurt the people you love the most.
Do any of the following attributes or feelings apply to you? Do any of them define or contribute to your happiness?
- Your Needs are Met – When a person is happy, their needs are usually being met at the level they want them to be met. It doesn’t mean that someone is not having a hard time, it’s more about how you make what you have fill your needs.
- You Feel Satisfied – When you are happy, you tend to feel simply satisfied with your life. You think about your life and feel good about it.
- You Feel Content – A happy person tends to feel content about their life in general. They are not in a constant state of stress. But remember happy people do have stress, they’re just better at feeling content even when things aren’t perfect.
- You Are at Peace – Peace tends to go with contentment. Happy people tend to know that everything will turn out okay and are good at turning negativity into positivity.
The truth is, happiness is how you define it personally for you. It’s not about getting tons of stuff unless you want that. It’s not about finding a spouse unless you want that. It’s not about having kids unless you want that.
It’s all up to you how you define happiness.
Happiness is not a destination where you arrive one day and stay there. It’s a lifelong journey that will have many ups and downs and struggles. But you get to decide how those ups and downs of life affect you. You have it in your power to be happy where you are in your life right now.
So, the next time you’re faced with a potentially negative situation, apply a WHIF to consider the impact of your actions. While you do have to do more than think positively to really and truly feel happy, it does start with your thoughts. Make your choices manifest happiness through your actions.
Consider how your choices impact your happiness level by applying your own WHIF.
Add comments below about your process for making decisions that impact your happiness.
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 July through September focus on LIFESTYLE!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Aug 18, 2022 | Lifestyle |
I know – sounds crazy, right? What can a jigsaw puzzle teach anybody? But it did, so stay with me and I’ll share everything.
I love puzzles but haven’t put one together in quite a while. That’s because I know myself, and I know that once I open the box and start spreading out the pieces, I won’t do anything else – no working on my business, no housecleaning, no cooking, nothing! So, I’ve been avoiding the cabinet that houses at least five or six unopened puzzles. (I love Charles Wysocki Americana-style puzzles!)
But one rainy Sunday afternoon, I just couldn’t resist any longer. I opened a 1000-piece puzzle. And then it began to unfold its magic for me.
Lesson #1: Puzzles are therapeutic.
As soon as I opened the box, I started to feel more relaxed. I forgot about everything else that had been on my mind. I just focused on the puzzle and all stress and worries melted away.
Lesson #2: Devising and implementing a system solves many problems.
Spreading out 1000 puzzle pieces is a daunting task. So, I had previously made puzzle boards. You can buy some on Amazon, but I cut large cardboard boxes into manageable sizes (less than 2′ x 3′) and hot-glued felt to them. Voila! I now had room to spread out the puzzle pieces so they would not slip off the surface, and they could be stacked as well for ease in accessing.
The next part of my system was to sort individual pieces by placing them on the puzzle board evenly in rows, while separating the edge pieces. This immediately felt so satisfying, like there was truly order in my life!
The next step was to complete the border of the puzzle, followed by starting on small sections for which the colors were clearly defined and could be easily seen and selected from the puzzle boards. As I began to look for puzzle pieces that fit, I referred often to the picture of the puzzle, always orienting it the same way as the puzzle frame. (I work on all sides of the puzzle, so I can see things from a different, and closer angle.)
Lesson #3: When you are faced with a problem that seemingly has no applicable solution, leave it alone for a while and come back to it later with a fresh view of the situation.
For instance, many times I was sure that a certain puzzle piece would be so easy to find, either by its distinctive color or shape. But having scanned those puzzle boards several times, it still didn’t show up. So – I just moved on to another section of the puzzle and later that specific puzzle piece happened to be right there in front of me! Perhaps, one could call me a procrastinator sometimes, but I prefer to say that I’m “waiting for a vision”!
Lesson #4: When you’ve exhausted all options to solve a problem, regroup.
After about one-third of the way to puzzle completion, I noticed puzzle pieces were getting harder to find. So, I took a few minutes to re-organize each puzzle board. I put like puzzle pieces together – such as dark green leafy pieces, white sand ones, buildings, and animals. Then I could focus on the specific attribute of the puzzle piece for which I was looking. Worked like a charm! I started seeing the pieces easily. Then, I started consolidating the pieces onto fewer boards to make the search easier.
Lesson #5: Finishing a project is a joy in and of itself!
One (among many) of my shortfalls is excitedly starting many things, only to fizzle out before they are finished. But putting that last piece into the puzzle “sparks joy”, as Marie Kondo would say!
So – the final lesson to my puzzle story is this: when you find yourself stressed out and unable to see the next steps you need to take, stop and complete a jigsaw puzzle. It will make everything clearer!
By the way, the total of unopened puzzles is up to 1 dozen – yep – 12 unopened puzzles just calling to me!!
This post was originally published September 28, 2019.
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 July through September focus on LIFESTYLE!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Jul 29, 2022 | Lifestyle |
Are you living by design or default?
Because it is one or the other.
And it’s your decision. Even if you’re going with the flow and dealing with whatever comes along, that is a decision. You cannot NOT make a decision.
The last three years have taken their toll on the world. No one has escaped from the impact of a global pandemic. Some have managed to do well, but everyone has felt the impact of a changing world at a speed we would have never thought possible.
And the future may seem scary. Our country is in turmoil. And how do you make decisions for a future that is so unpredictable?
I understand.
As I neared my retirement, I felt uneasy, like there was more that I should be doing with my life. It seemed as though I was not reaching the level of my potential to help people.
So, in the fall of my 49th birthday, I went back to college to work on a doctorate. I knew I would never recoup the money it would take to get me there. But I also knew I had the potential and a deep yearning to pursue it.
As I neared completion of my course work, the amount of time I needed to complete my dissertation made it difficult for me to work at my job as Career and Technical Education Director for my county and write. How was I going to manage?
Before I could retire with full benefits, I retired anyway. That left my husband and me living off of his income only.
But I graduated that fall with an Ed.D in Educational Leadership! It had only taken me 36 years to FINISH school!!
And I had no job. But I was blessed with the opportunity to take care of my two wonderful grandchildren for a year. They were ages 2 and 9 months!
Then my dream job was offered to me! I finished my educational career as a Regional Coordinator for Career and Technical Education with the state of North Carolina. I supervised 22 counties in the state’s northeast region with an office in my hometown.
I completed 34 years in education and retired with nothing to do.
I didn’t take it well. I sat around and played sudoku and games on my iPad.
Then I started thinking about creating a blog and products online that would use my home economics and educational leadership background to help busy families. That evolved into HER Life Hacks and Simple Systems for Life websites and blog.
Why do I tell you all of this?
Because I had to make major shifts in my thinking at each crossroads of my life. I had to change my mindset. Even though it was scary, I made that shift.
You can too.I created a 4-module online course, “Designing Your New Normal Mindset” to help individuals who have been reeling from the impact of a global pandemic.
The world has changed, whether we like it or not. Are you going to thrive or just survive? It’s a decision.
Where are you now?
Do any of these feelings apply to you?
- Angry about the political scene and seeming restrictions placed on personal freedoms
- Afraid for the lives of children, grandchildren, family members and yourself as you go to public places, like schools, churches, shopping centers
- Feelings of helplessness and sometimes hopelessness
- Feeling unable to get what you want and deserve out of life
- Anxiety about making life-altering decisions and being able to follow through
- Lacking the confidence to try new things
- Feeling cheated by the current conditions you find yourself in
- Worrying about the future
- Putting yourself and everyone else down
If you have experienced any of these feelings, I urge you to take a look at my course, “Designing Your New Normal Mindset”.
Here’s what it can do for you
- Lead you through a process to reflect on and evaluate how your current level of thinking is impacting your lifestyle
- Assist you in creating a new mindset map to adopt
- Strengthen your response to personal challenges
Here’s what you get:
- A 4-module course that takes you from:
- An introduction to the concept of mindset
- Through evaluating your current mindset (with accompanying workbook and basic mindset test)
- To a process to design the mindset that you want and need to guide your life (using information you learned about yourself and a personal lifestyles reflection worksheet)
- A tips report on 10 Things to Make Your Life Better
- A 7-minute guided meditation, “Calm the Raging River”
- Bonus downloadable copy of “The Serenity Prayer,” suitable for framing.
- Access to me for questions, clarifications, and comments
Here’s how to get it:
- Go HERE to purchase
- Enter your email address, so I’ll know where to send your purchase.
- Use the coupon code NEWNOW to receive a $20 discount, making your investment only $17!
- Click CONTINUE to complete the purchase.
If you have any questions about the course and whether it can help you, reply to this email. I’ll be glad to answer emails or jump on Zoom call with you (with or without video). Click on the Contact Me page and send me your message. I will respond within 2 business days. Just let me know how I can help.
What is your current mindset costing you? Why don’t you take the first step to moving forward and taking action? Click here to take that step.
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 July through September focus on LIFESTYLE!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Jul 22, 2022 | Lifestyle |
Question: How many psychiatrists does it take to change a lightbulb?
Answer: One. But the lightbulb must want to change.
You’ve probably heard that riddle before. But even though it may make you smile it does get down to the heart of the matter of changing your life. To change your life, you must want it.
Our habits drive our lives. They make things easier because we don’t have to think about them. We just do them.
We brush our teeth twice a day. We have that morning cup of coffee to get us going. We take a shower daily.
Habits are powerful. We don’t have to make decisions about many of the things we do daily. They are simple habits.
Have you ever tried to change a habit and replace it with a new one that serves you better? I know I have. But most of the time, I failed. I tried to change too much all at once. Or I tried to change too many things.
When I tried to count calories by writing down everything I ate, I failed. When I tried to cut out all sugar in my diet, I failed. When I tried to exercise 30 minutes every day, I failed.
So, what did I do? I quit trying.
But what if I changed one tiny thing consistently? How might that affect my life?
Check out this short video about what I did.
And you know what? If you start doing one thing differently until it becomes a habit, it changes your perspective about things. I found that what I drank at meals or snack time wasn’t that important. I could focus more on enjoying the food I ate. I also found that I started feeling better by drinking water instead of Pepsi. And then, I started feeling better about myself because I was successful at doing something to improve my health.
It was a tiny microhabit. But it had powerful results.
So why is it better to make tiny, incremental change in your life instead of revamping your entire life at once? Because microhabits are simply doable
They are easier to start.
Often, the reason we have such a hard time making changes in our lives is that we just don’t know where to begin. The whole process seems so daunting and overwhelming. With microhabits, the difficulty is removed. When you’re only changing one very small thing, it barely feels like a change at all. In fact, it can be kind of fun trying out an incremental change just to see what kind of result you get.
They are easier to sustain.
While big changes tend to get real old really fast (like changing from a diet full of processed foods to something Keto or Paleo), micro-changes (like adding a vegetable to every meal) never feel hard at all. The simplicity of incremental change carries momentum all on its own.
They are fairly painless.
The big changes are sometimes so sweeping that they can actually hurt. Imagine throwing out every piece of unhealthy food in your kitchen. Then imagine standing there staring into the abyss of an empty refrigerator trying to figure out what to eat. You have nothing left that your actually liked to eat!
The nice thing about microhabits is that the change is in increments. So, if you’re working to change your diet, you may be only changing one food – like giving up soda – while still enjoying the things you love.
And ultimately, you may find it much easier to start adding other healthy microhabits in your life.
They use less energy.
Those great big changes are only going to wear you out. It’s like going for a full-fledged workout when you typically rarely leave the couch. Your body certainly isn’t ready for that kind of work, and the whole process (finding workout clothes and equipment, going to the gym, knowing what machine to use and how long, and for how many reps) can be pretty daunting.
Microhabits encourage you to take things slow, leaving you with more energy for the rest of your day. So instead of worrying about all that time at the gym, maybe you’re just deciding to take the stairs at work or to park further away from the building, so you get that extra walking in. That bypasses all that energy you’d spend going to and from the gym, and still gives you some exercise you wouldn’t normally get.
They keep you motivated.
Great big goals can feel a million miles away and easily leave you discouraged.
Microhabits set smaller goals that are achieved in tiny increments. This means you get to your destination a lot faster, leaving you with a feeling of accomplishment. That feeling helps keep you motivated as you continue to work towards change. Creating microhabits is a self-sustaining cycle of change and momentum.
While these might not seem like big achievements, the feeling of having done something special is still perfectly valid and will make you feel good about yourself, and what you’re doing.
Is there something you would like to change in your life? Can you simplify it into a microhabit?
Here is a simple habit tracker I designed that you could download for free! My One Thing Daily Habit Tracker is an undated printable that you could print out to complete or use in digital format and save in a file. You have a choice of three colors – green, pink, or white, and can use it over and over because it is undated.
Go to my website, Simple Systems for Life, to get your free copy!
And start your tiny, incremental change toward huge rewards in your life today!
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 July through September focus on LIFESTYLE!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Jul 6, 2022 | Lifestyle |
To say that the world has been going through uncertain times is an understatement. People everywhere are suffering in some way. You may be one of them.
Life isn’t always the way we want it to be. All we have to do is to glance at the headlines to see that we live in very uncertain times. It’s hard to get through a week without hearing of another mass shooting. There’s always some natural disaster somewhere.
It makes it hard to remain hopeful in times like these. People seem to be more cruel than kind. And even more than your own fears, you may fear what kind of world your children and grandchildren are growing up in.
It’s easy to get caught up in a negative spiral of self-doubt and anxiety. How do you stay hopeful and positive when around you all you see are negative messages and fear? Is it even possible?
It is possible. But it’s not easy. Here are three ways that can help you stay hopeful in these uncertain times. These are certainly not the only ways to stay hopeful, but they will help you start down a more hopeful road.
Be here now.
Focus on the present. If you do, you will find it easier to take a step back and act as an observer. I’m sure you’ve heard it said or even said it yourself that all we have is the present. We cannot change anything in the past. If you have regrets or failures that continue to haunt you, you’ll never find the hope to move forward. By practicing mindfulness that helps you focus on the present, you’ll see you can enjoy the simple things in life, no matter how bad things may seem.
Look for the simple things in your life for which you’re grateful. Write them down.
Look for ways to exhibit compassion and empathy
In 2019, Caroline Flack posted on Instagram “In a world where you can be anything, be kind”. Two months later she committed suicide.
Spreading hope needs to start somewhere. Begin with the one person you can control, yourself. By looking for opportunities to pay it forward through random acts of kindness, you then become the impetus for others to do the same. Your compassionate heart and ability to walk in another’s shoes will be the guide to those around you.
You may never know how much a simple act of kindness means to someone. And even if it doesn’t? You’ll have at least changed one heart – your own.
Do something
The person without hope becomes stagnant, preferring to hide from the world. If you find that’s the case with yourself, then it’s time to force yourself into action, even if you don’t feel like it.
Get out of the house. Call a friend and suggest an outing or go by yourself. Find a green space somewhere because these places have been found to create calm and contentment in those who spend even a few minutes there.
The goal is to find a positive action and embrace it, whatever that might be. Pick up litter, hug a child, do something that makes you feel good inside, and you will find hope blossoming.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the negativity of the world around you. Only by actively seeking hope will you find it. By practicing these three steps regularly, you’ll find yourself able to look forward to each day, no matter what’s going on around you.
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 July through September focus on lifestyle!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Jun 16, 2022 | Food |
Party time! And just in time for July 4th celebrations!
You may be familiar with the popular term charcuterie boards. They are a great way to serve snacks and appetizers to your family and guests.
While you can serve anything you like on a charcuterie board, these are the most common ingredients:
- Cured meats – salami, prosciutto, pepperoni, pancetta or other deli meats
- Cheese options – include a variety of hard and soft cheeses, like mozzarella, goat cheese, white cheddar, blue cheese or Gorgonzola – served in slices or blocks
- Fruits – dried or fresh, such as apples, grapes, dried apricots, or raisins
- Nuts – mixed nuts, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, almonds, which could include chocolate-covered nuts
- Crackers – include a variety of sizes, shapes and tastes; gluten-free crackers, small slices of bread and pretzels are also options
- Spreads or dips – such as hummus, guacamole, Greek yogurt, honey, apricot preserves
- Vegetables – either fresh or pickled, like baby dill pickles, cucumber slices, squash, carrots, olives
Since you are basically creating a snack tray, use any foods you like or have on hand.
A good charcuterie board is all about presentation, so choosing the board and serving utensils can add to the personality of your spread. Use serving pieces like cheese knives, tongs, sugar shells, pickle forks, and baby silverware. If you don’t have what you need, check out thrift stores and estate sales and start a collection of interesting serving utensils.
Consider a large cutting board or Lazy Susan as the base for your spread. You may also look for one at thrift or home stores such as Ikea, HomeGoods, Tuesday Morning or T.J. Maxx.
Now that you have selected your foods, serving board and utensils, how you put it all together is what makes your charcuterie board stand out. Although there really are no rules, your arrangement of food should be artistic and inviting.
Here are a few suggestions for your photo-worthy board:
- Select small and decorative serving bowls or ramekins for your spreads, jams, pickles or olives and spread them out on the board
- Use whole fruits or blocks of cheese
- Arrange meats and cheeses in circles, rows, or semicircles, overlapping or stacking for visual interest
- Fill in open spaces with groupings of small items like dried fruit or chocolate-dipped nuts
And don’t forget to take photos of your prize-winning spread!
How about jarcuterie, also called grazing cups? Although food items similar to those on a charcuterie board are used, the difference comes in how they are served. Jarcuteries are basically single-serving charcuterie boards, so jars are an appropriate serving package.
You can use any of the same food items as on your charcuterie board. But consider varying the size and shapes of your food choices. For instance, breadsticks would be easier to manage in a jar than round crackers. Skewers holding fruits are another serving option. Folding and rolling meats is a good way to present them in a jar.
Again, there are no rules, so pick and choose what you like and how you can arrange the items for attractive presentation and ease in eating.
Want to know more? I found several beautiful books on the subject that I think you’re going to love!
Here are two of the highest-rated books on charcuterie boards on Amazon. Click on the book title below the image for details.
“Beautiful Boards” “Graze”
“Beautiful Board” is the #1 best seller on Amazon with 86% 5-star reviews from over 7800 reviewers. And Graze is the Editor’s Pick, which has 77% 5-star reviews from over 800 reviewers.
This newly-published Jarcuterie book is already garnering great reviews! Although there are only 24 reviews, 81% of them are 5-star! Click on the title below the photo for more information.
“Jarcuterie”
I also found this great charcuterie board and cheese platter, equipped with serving utensils in an all-in-one package!! It’s almost 30% off with an additional 5% coupon right now! Click on the title below the image to take a closer look!
Charcuterie Board and Cheese Tray with Knife Set
So – what’s your take on a snack buffet – charcuterie or jarcuterie?
Take a picture of your spread and send it to me! I’d love to share it with others!
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 March – June foods extravaganza!!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Jun 15, 2022 | Food |
Summertime is here. The kids are out of school. What are they eating?
Do you struggle with how to get your kids or grandkids to eat healthy? Snacks are probably the biggest source of unhealthy foods kids consume.
Watch today’s video for some healthy snacks kids will love! I’m sure you can add some of your own ideas to the list!
What is a favorite healthy snack you prepare for your kids or grandkids? Comment below!
Don’t miss any of the posts, emails, and freebies of this March – June exploration of the world of food, which covers meal planning, meal prep, and making healthy food choices. Click on the Subscribe button on this page so you won’t miss any of the action.
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
