Perhaps you have a pile of photos that looks like this? You're not alone and you can turn them into organized photos online to share with friends and family. Several years ago, I owned 12+ photo boxes. I sorted, purged and threw away thousands of photos to keep only the very best. Little by little, I reduced and organized our family photographs into a digital repository and cloud service. Now, I have peace of mind that memories are preserved and recoverable in the event of a disaster. (Like the pipe that burst in our home!) Additionally, I've learned to take fewer photos. Just one can tell the whole story. Old Photos Do you have a box of family photos tucked away somewhere? Are you unsure of the people in them? Unfortunately, passed down photographs rarely include important details. My Grandma Alice was a rare exception. She not only organized the photos but also sorted them into envelopes for her kids. We spent hours looking through them. What a gift she left us. …
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How to Organize Your Food Storage Containers
https://youtu.be/hJXKHseJzR8 Is this your current food storage strategy? It's ok, you're not alone and I can help. Whether you're using plastic containers, glass, Tupperware, or some combination thereof, the key to avoiding this disaster is simple. Boundaries Find one drawer or one shelf and label it 'Food Storage Containers.' Most homes own too many food storage containers and none of them have lids. Declutter First. Organize Second. Recycle stained or damaged containers Match all the containers and lids Keep one shape and one brand of plastic (i.e. Ziploc or Glad. Square or Round) Organize remaining containers and lids in nested piles Respect the boundary you chose and minimize accordingly Set aside extra containers to organize your pantry Recycle unmatched lids This drawer serves as the boundary for my containers and they stack easily. I usually avoid plastic, but it serves a purpose so we purchase sparingly and reuse it many …
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A Simple and Healthy Meal Plan for Busy Moms
We value time for family dinners, together. To ensure we eat healthy and sit down as a family, I create a weekly meal plan. A meal plan saves time and money Every Sunday, I build a meal plan and prep ingredients from my arsenal of simple healthy recipes. The recipes are organized and searchable in Google Drive. I like the ones that turn into several meals and create leftovers for lunch. Here's how. Grab my FREE Meal Planning Template +5 Weeknight Meals HERE. Mom! What's for dinner? Now, you have an answer. Use Existing Inventory First, check the fridge and freezer for proteins on hand. Veggies? Are there any likely to spoil soon? I clean and cut fruits and vegetables. Make muffins from overripe bananas. Defrost meat. And I also keep a stash of frozen veggies for a quick side dish. With a little prep work, veggies are ready for snacking, steaming, or sautéing. Spinach and romaine on hand for smoothies and salads. Snacks pre-portioned into …
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What You Can Afford Does Not Equal a Budget
Have you ever had a conversation about what you can afford? The better question to be asking is, what's your budget? The words afford and budget are used interchangeably which is a common mistake when it comes to personal finance. Why Budgeting is Important Budgeting is influenced by personal decisions. And we make better decisions when we plan how to spend our money. Also, budgeting is a discipline to achieve your goals. And it allows you to adapt to unforeseen circumstances like the two layoffs we survived without touching our savings. And yet, I encounter people who disagree with how we budget our money. Let me say that again. They disagree with how we budget and make assumptions about our income and what we can afford. Here's what I know. It is not how much you earn, it's how much you spend. This shapes your family's financial picture. Sadly, 68% of Americans do not have a budget. During the pandemic, families with a budget felt less financial pressure because they …
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Why I Love My Simple Morning Routine
Peaceful and Centered I love my morning routine. I relish the stillness of a sleeping house, alone, with a very hot cup of coffee. This week, I get to wake up to this view. We're spending time with our dear friends to ski, hike, play cards, and recharge. Plus, a little work for each of us. I love watching the sunrise over the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is nothing like it. This morning, the mountain range was blanketed by pink and orange. Then, this sliver of red. The sharp line grew as the sun broke through the horizon. I watched the moment when the day began, and I soaked it in. What if my days always began this way? Perhaps not in the mountains, but what if I took the time for a peaceful and centered start? The house was still quiet so I stretched out on the floor for some yoga as sunlight poured in the large windows. My journal called me to write a few notes and reminders about the day, but then I sat still in the silence with my eyes closed. Just breathe. We …
How to Organize Family Board Games
Board Games and Playing Cards We routinely hold a family game night. Our favorite board games come in the smallest boxes or no box at all. We travel with three decks of cards (Monopoly Deal, standard playing cards, and a Pinochle deck.) While the Fish Bowl Game requires only a pen and paper. And after many years, these games remain our favorites. To keep it organized, I designated a small cabinet for our collection. Games cycle in and out. The key to organizing board games is setting boundaries and being realistic about which games are played. How to Organize Board Games Collect all the games and cards Designate a cabinet or shelf to store them Check each box for missing pieces and instructions Fix or reinforce boxes with tape. Secure with rubber bands Donate games your family has outgrown Throw away damaged or incomplete games Confirm playing cards are complete decks Keep 1-2 high-quality decks of cards Limit your collection to what you use …