Start your day out right!

IF you are just looking for the simple version of my Morning Start and Evening End. The link is at the end of this article. OR you can click here.

Starting my day is one of the hardest things for me to do. I have my alarm set for 5:30 am and every time it goes off I hit the snooze and take another 10 minutes sleep. I wish I could say that I only do this once or twice, but in reality I do this at least 3 times. I have even set an alarm with my Alexa, and I still tell it to snooze when the alarm goes off at 6 am. I am terrible. Mornings are the worst for me.

What makes it even harder is trying to get all the chores done before I leave for work. Prior to getting a full time job I knew I had time, if I did not get up soon enough it was not a big deal. I could sleep until 7 am and I would still have time! Not any more.

When I started working full time I knew I needed to be ready and out the door a lot earlier than before. And when I say a lot earlier, I mean A LOT earlier! The unfortunate part it has been a challenge to find a way to get the chores done, be ready for work, and get to work on time. It truly has been a challenge.

After 3 months I figured it was time to do some research and find ways to improve my morning routine. I started reading articles on what to do, how to plan, and ways to improve my mornings. I found out there is more to just getting up early and getting stuff done. You need to plan, both your morning, your evening, your day basically. For you to have a better morning, you need to have a better night. I started planning

I found out that if I wanted to my mornings to improve I need to find a plan for my whole day. I needed to figure out what I am going to be doing the next day before the next day came.

Here are the steps I found out worked well.

1. Plan the night before: When I planned out my day the night before it gave me the opportunity to see what needed to be done. It allowed me to figure out what needed to be done, and what I wanted to get done. With that list complete I would know how much time I needed to complete my tasks.

2. Morning Start List: I created a list of chores that I wanted to accomplish each morning before I left for work. I posted that list on my refrigerator where I could see it as a reminder of what I wanted to get done before I headed out the door. It was also important that I put how much time each chore would take. Now I know this sounds a bit controlling, but knowing how long my chores all together will take helps me to know what time to get up in the morning. Or if it is realistic of me to accomplish the tasks I want to get done.

3. Evening End List: I also created a list of chores that I wanted to accomplish each evening. I also posted this list on my refrigerator where I could see it as a reminder of what I wanted to get done before I go to bed. Just as important as it is to know how much time it takes to get ready in the morning, I also need to know how much time it takes me to get ready for bed.

And what I put on my list is just as important.

1. Chores to help me be a better me: I know there people that don’t necessarily agree with the “me” time, but taking care of yourself is important. Taking the time to exercise, read, journal, and clean yourself help takes care of your body and your mind. And when you take care of your body and your mind you are able to take better care of your family and home.

2. Chore to help me plan: It is important to know what your plan is for tomorrow just as it important to know what your plan is for today. Taking 10 minutes in the evening to write down the chores that I want to accomplish the next day helps to know where my day is headed and to know how much needs to be done for that day. If there are errands to run or if there is something out of the ordinary that I need to accomplish.

3. Chore to help me take better care of home: Taking care of a home is a big responsibility there are many things that need to be taken care of whether on a daily, weekly, or monthly bases. There is almost always something that needs to be done. By having a plan, a list of tasks to be done on a daily, weekly, or monthly bases, taking care of a home is easier.

I know this might seem like a lot but it is not. In fact, I know this ideas helps so much I want to help you get started. Here is my simple PDF that I have used with both my Morning Start list, and my Evening End list. Or you can take a piece of paper and start with your own list. Think of the things/tasks that you would like to do each day before you go to work, and then the things/tasks you would like to do each day before you go to bed. Put that list somewhere you can see it. Then make a pack with yourself that you are going to do those tasks for the next 30 days. You will see a difference. I did!

The Simple Joys of a Bucket List

Embrace the Season: Creating a Fall Bucket List to Cherish the Simple Joys

As the leaves begin to turn and the air gets crisper, there’s a certain magic in the Fall season that beckons us to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of life. This year, I’ve decided to channel that energy into creating a Fall bucket list—a collection of activities and experiences that I want to enjoy before the season slips away. You might be wondering why I’d create yet another list when life already seems full of them. The reason is simple: having something to look forward to helps us live more intentionally.

Why a Fall Bucket List?

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to let time slip by without fully enjoying the moments that make each season special. A Fall bucket list serves as a gentle reminder to pause and engage with the world around us. It’s about more than just checking off activities; it’s about creating memories, enjoying traditions, and spending quality time with loved ones.

Creating this list isn’t just about me—it’s about my family too. Part of living a simple and fulfilling life is making time for the things that bring us joy. By writing down the activities we want to do, we’re more likely to make them happen. It’s also a wonderful way to bring everyone together. As a family, we can share ideas, plan our weekends, and look forward to the adventures we’ll have together.

Planning Our Fall Adventures

Michael and I have already started brainstorming, and we’ve got a few events that we’re excited to include on our Fall bucket list. One of the highlights for us is always the local Oktoberfest.

For the past two years, Michael and I have made it a tradition to attend the Oktoberfest in our area. It’s become one of those special events that we look forward to all year. The festival is a delightful escape from our everyday routines. The lively music fills the air with a sense of celebration, and the aroma of delicious food beckons us from every corner. Michael, of course, enjoys sampling the variety of beers, while I indulge in some soda or a sweet cider. The festive atmosphere, combined with the crisp Fall air, makes it an experience we cherish.

But Oktoberfest is just the beginning. This year, I’m excited to add a trip to our local drive-in theater to the list. Drive-ins have a nostalgic charm that’s hard to resist, and we’re fortunate to have one close by. There’s something magical about watching a movie under the stars, bundled up in cozy blankets, with a big tub of popcorn in hand. It’s a simple, yet unforgettable way to spend an evening. Just last weekend, they screened The Goonies—one of my all-time favorite movies. It’s little moments like these that make Fall so special.

The Joy of Simplicity

As I put together our Fall bucket list, I’m reminded of the beauty in simplicity. Life doesn’t have to be filled with grand adventures or elaborate plans to be fulfilling. Sometimes, the most meaningful experiences are the ones that are closest to home—like a walk through the woods to admire the changing leaves, baking a batch of pumpkin spice cookies, or spending a quiet afternoon reading a good book by the fire.

This season, I encourage you to embrace the simplicity of Fall. Take a moment to think about the things that bring you joy and write them down. It could be as simple as carving pumpkins, making homemade apple cider, or having a cozy movie night. By planning these activities, you’re more likely to make time for them, and in doing so, create memories that will last long after the season has passed.

Creating Your Own Fall Bucket List

I’ve made a printable version of my Fall bucket list, which you’re welcome to use as inspiration for your own. You can find the link below. Whether you use mine or create your own, the important thing is to take the time to enjoy this wonderful season.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Visit a pumpkin patch and pick out the perfect pumpkin

• Take a scenic drive to admire the Fall foliage

• Host a cozy bonfire and roast marshmallows

• Make homemade applesauce or apple pie

• Go on a hayride or visit a corn maze

• Spend an afternoon crafting Fall decorations

• Try a new soup or stew recipe for a warm, hearty meal

• Plan a day trip to a nearby town or festival

• Have a picnic in the park with a thermos of hot cocoa

• Attend a local farmer’s market and pick up seasonal produce

Remember, the goal isn’t to pack your schedule with activities but to choose a few meaningful ones that bring you joy. By writing them down and planning when to do them, you’re giving yourself something to look forward to, and creating the space to savor these simple pleasures.

Making Memories

At the end of the day, what we’ll remember most about this season are the memories we create. Whether it’s laughing with loved ones at Oktoberfest, enjoying a cozy movie night at the drive-in, or simply taking a walk in the crisp Fall air, these moments are what make life rich and fulfilling.

So this Fall, take the time to slow down, plan some fun activities, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re doing it with family, friends, or even by yourself, a Fall bucket list is a wonderful way to celebrate the season and all the joy it brings.

Fall Bucket List

Mother’s/Mom’s Day

Mother by definition is a woman in relation to her child or children. If you were to ask any woman who is a mother, the definition would be so much more. It is someone who has sacrificed a bit of them for the betterment of others.

Mothers are the ones who make the meals, wash the clothes, wipe the bottoms, dry the tears, help the boo-boos go away, and pray by your bedside at night.

Now, I know many dads do this too, but there is something about a mother. She is the one whose laughter can fill a room, whose stare can stop a train, and whose words can fill the gap. It is a mom who walks the floors from birth until eternity full of worry, fear, love, and prayers. Prayers for our futures, our pasts, and our days. It is a mom who walks beside us, defends us, and yet reprimands us for our good. It is a mom who loves us to the core no matter who we are.

I have been the one who needed the tears wiped away. I have been the one to walk the halls with worries on my mind and prayers in my heart. I am a daughter and I am a mother. From both, I have learned what it means to be a mom.

“Mother is a verb. It’s something you do. Not just who you are.” —Dorothy Canfield Fisher

Over the past 37 years, I have learned what it means to be a mom. To be a mom to someone gifted to me, and to some I gave birth to is a profound honor. There is no other job in this world that can compare. Raising all of my kids was a journey that grew me into the adult I am today. It was a journey of growth. Neither is different in my mind. Both are treasured. All of them gave me laughter and tears, frustration, and delight. All four of my kids grew me into the mom I am today.

When I think about where I would be today without the influence of the many moms in my life, or without the experience of being a mom myself, it is hard to comprehend. It is their love, wisdom, and strength that shaped me into the adult I am today.

I know in my heart this is a job that is not for the faint of heart. It is a purpose that God gives to us to strengthen our faith. It is the opportunity to see God’s creation grow. It is the moment of sanctification for both ourselves and those around us.

1 Peter 3:4

You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

You never know the effect you may have on someone or what effect someone may have on you. God puts people in our lives at certain times to help us grow. Being a mom is not just about the biology of life, it is about the job of mentoring others. Being a mom never stops because of age or relationship. Being a mom means that you are willing to sacrifice a bit of yourself for the betterment of others. He puts those moms in our lives to show us Christ.

When we think about it moms are the ones who show us so much more. They show us how to be soft, how to love unconditionally, and how to protect at all costs. Moms are the ones who bring the sunshine into our homes and the twilight at night. To be a mom in any sense is to have the privilege to touch someone else life. I have had that privilege in every sense of the word.

I pray that the knowledge and influence given to me by other moms is something that I have passed on and can continue to pass on to others. I pray that being a mom to others has given them just a drop of what I have received from the moms in my life.

• “[Motherhood is] the biggest gamble in the world. It is the glorious life force. It’s huge and scary — it’s an act of infinite optimism.” — Gilda Radner

Mother is by definition a woman who is related to a child or children. We know that being a mom is so much more. It is the woman who prays every waking moment for their child’s future, faith, and growth. Being a mom means that you love even when your child is slightly unlovable. I am a mom. I am a daughter. It is an honor to be both. It is a challenge to be both.

There are 12 months, 52 weeks, and 365 days in a year. And it seems so funny that one of those days is set aside for moms, mothers, madras, and mas. I don’t think there is one day that I am not thankful for my mom. She has guided me, loved me, and raised me. My mom walked beside me when I was successful and comforted me when I fell. My mom is my cheerleader and my conscious. I would not be who I am today if it weren’t for my mom.

Many friends and mentors were and are my mom. These were women who loved me. They laughed with me. They taught me and prayed for me. These women were the ones who showed me what contentment meant. Who showed me what love meant. I would not be who I am today if it were not for these amazing women.

I am a mom. I have raised four kids. They have challenged me. We have laughed and cried. We have fought many battles. Some have been won and some were lost. We have prayed together and for each other. I would not be who I am today if it weren’t for my kids.

Today and many more days, I will honor my mom for the example she gave me. Today and many more days, I will remember my friends for the example they gave me. And for today I will take one moment to be proud to say I am a mom.

Growing your own jungle.

You need to consider your home, lifestyle, and needs as you begin to choose your living beauty. Plants are a wonderful addition to your home, but if you get a plant that demands attention and you do not have time, the plant will not survive. Or, if you are able to take the time to nurture your plants, then maybe you are able to be more adventurous. The best place to start is with your research. Research what will fit in your life and home.

Now that you have decided on your leafy friend, you will want to determine where your plant will stay. Some plants love to soak in the bright sun, while others prefer the shadows. It's important to research what is best for your leafy friend. If your plant is sensitive to light, you could end up browning the leaves. Conversely, if your plant needs sun but is in the shadows of your room, it might not produce flowers or flourish as well. Again, do your research. You need to know the optimal level of light your plant requires.

Your plant has its home, and now it needs a refreshing drink of water. Make sure you know how much your plant needs. There are drought-resistant plants that you can leave alone, or unfortunately forget about, for a while before you water them. Then there are plants that love a good drink on a regular basis. A beautiful orchid is one that does not need much water, whereas an Aloe loves to live in potting soil that is kept moist. It is important to know what your plants need. Remember, some plants are not as sensitive when it comes to their watering schedule, but overwatering can kill others in a heartbeat. One of the most common mistakes people make is overwatering their plants. So, make sure you do your research. Your plant will flourish from it.

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”

— Audrey Hepburn

Here is a link to a chart of various plants and their light/water needs to get you started.

As you get to know your plant, there will be practices that come around with the changing seasons. In fall, your plant will be dormant, requiring less water and food. In fact, during fall, your plant will prefer to be placed in a warm place where it can rest until spring. Once spring arrives, your plant starts to wake up and requires a bit more care. This is the time of year when you will want to freshen up the soil, possibly repot your plant, move it closer to a window, and increase your watering. As you move into summer, you will want to add fertilizer to your schedule and continue to increase your watering for some of your plants. The most important part of the plant's seasonal life is to research your plant. Just as you need to know about its light and water needs, you also need to understand its seasonal needs.

To assist you with your plants, here is a free plant card. This will provide the information you need to care for your plant(s).

“You will learn how to take are of plants by failing at taking care of plants- there is no other way.- ”

— Trinity Wilburn

Plants are a wonderful addition to your home. They bring beauty and a breath of fresh air to your day. With the right information, you can start with one leafy friend and end up with a jungle of beauty to enjoy each day.

Here is the book I would recommend. CLICK HERE.

Family Easter Egg Hunt

Spring time is a wonderful time to open your home, and hop out into your back yard for some fun family time. And what better way to do this than hunting eggs, specifically Easter eggs, but remember this hunt can be done at any time.

Don’t get me wrong I love a good Easter egg hunt. As a child I loved to hunt for Easter eggs. I still remember visiting my grandparents in the spring. And their small town would host an Easter egg hunt for all ages, even the adults. It was so much fun to run around that field grabbing as many eggs as I could. I still remember that feeling to this day!

The wonderful thing about memories, and spending time together is you can do it when it fits into your schedule or when you discover a new activity. There is nothing that says you can only do egg hunts at Easter time. Although it is much easier and a whole lot more fun when it is nice outside.

When our kids were little they loved hunting for things, whether it was inside or outside. Now mind you, just like in my childhood, egg hunts were also around Easter. And we have done them in so many different places, especially since there have been years that all we got was rain!

Doing egg hunts, or treat hunts is something you can plan at any time with anything. All you need is something to hide, somewhere to hide it, and a plan to make it happen. And that is what I am going to help you with today. Planting the seeds to plan a Easter Egg Hunt.

I have added a Easter Egg Planner for you to download and print for easy reference. You will also find a blank planner in the back to create your own Easter Egg Hunt, or whatever kind of hunt you want to create. Remember this is a starting point, a spring board you might say, to get you started. For now….

Let’s get started planning!

First you want to plan on a block of time, I would say about 2 hours, to put aside for the actual hunt. Make sure you are giving your kids time to hunt down all of the hidden gems, and not feel like they have to rush to find them. Although I can almost guarantee they will probably rush just to make sure they have all of those little gems you have hidden.

Second, decide what you want to hide. With this example I am going to use eggs, specifically Easter eggs. You can use anything that you can image, colored rocks, stuffed animals, or even notes that can lead them to another location.

Third gather and prepare all your supplies. I went and purchased plastic eggs, candy, and other surprised to use with my egg hunt. I also made Easter eggs with real eggs to add a bit of variety to our hunt.

Fourth you will prepare your hidden gems, and finish your other preparations for the big day. I filled my plastic eggs with small candy and pennies. I also made the colorful hardboiled eggs. Then I gathered up the “prizes” that the kids would be able to choose from after the hunt was done. This last bit is an extra. Buying or providing prizes is not something you need to do. Just putting small candy into the plastic eggs would satisfy any participate.

Lastly it is the big day! Gather all your gems, eggs, or whatever you are going to hide. If it is not raining outside, take your hunt outside. Find easy and hard places to place your “gems”. Make sure to keep in mind the age of the participants, your kids. You want to make the hunt a challenge but not such a hard challenge they cannot find the hidden “gems”. If it is raining don’t worry, move your hunt inside. To be honest my kids loved hunting for things in the house as much as hunting outside. And when you think about it there are sometimes more creative ways of hiding those “gems”.

The most important thing I can tell you is to have fun! This activity is a way for you to create a fun, challenging activity for your kids and their friends to do on any given day. It does not have to be perfect. All it has to be is fun.

The Smells of Winter.

Christmas has passed and away my tree went.  

We purchase a real Christmas tree each year. WE do this because my husband loves the smell of trees. I do too, but he really likes the smell of a real tree. He, well we both, think it smells like Christmas. But after this year I am kind of done. Having a real tree in your house is messy. And to be honest you have to be willing to water your tree or at least check your tree each day for it to stay healthy. There is way too much in this brain of mine to remember one more thing, watering the Christmas tree. I barely remember watering my house plants! (poor things) let alone remember what I am fixing for dinner! 

 So, this time of year, I welcome with open arms. We ardicate the Christmas tree from our house and I get to clean up the mess. Which means, things get a bit cleaner in our house. But the real reason I like this time of year is it gives me a chance to experiment with my oils to try and get that right smell that reminds us both of Christmas. This is all in hopes that someday we will ditch the real tree and own a lovely fake one that does not leave pine needles all over the floor and I have to try and remember to water the lovely thing before it dies. 

 Now I am sure there are some of you who love the real tree and will continue to go out, cut down the tree and put it in your house. More power to you! I am proud of you. Keep up the good work. But for me, personally, it is A LOT! With that said, my hope is that we can enjoy the smell of Christmas at any time, not just when we have a tree in our house. That we can sit by our woodstove and breathe in deep the smells of the season and not have to worry about another thing on the list.  

 There my rant is over. Now on to the recipes that I hope will bring the smells of the season into your home. 

 I want to share these recipes for winter season with you. I would love for you to try them and then let me know what you think. Some of them are tweaks of other recipes I have found and some of them are ones I have put together because of my personal likes. Here you go: 

  1. Winter breeze; 5 drops Northern Spruce, 5 drops Pine and 2 drops Peppermint.  

With this one I feel like Peppermint gives this blend a crisp smell to it. I feel like I am walking through the woods after a fresh snow fall, not like I would know what that means because of where I live. But I like the idea. 

  2.Fallen Tree; 4 drops Cedarwood, 4 drops Pine, and 4 drops Northern Spruce 

My husband does not like this one as much. He feels it is a bit to plan. For me it reminds me of a walk in the woods after a fresh rain. Now for me I do know what those smells like. It is woodsy and warm. A smell that warms your soul. 

3. Warm cup of hugs; 3 drops orange, 3 drops cinnamon, 2 drops nutmeg, 2 drops of ginger and 2 drops lemon 

This is a long one, but who does not love a good hot cup of tea at the end of the day!? This is one that will warm your house and your heart. It is definitely a warm smell, not as fresh as some. You might also think of it as a fresh baked pie smell. A smell you would have at grandma’s house. 

  4. Afternoon stroll; 3 drops of basil, 3 drops of sage, 3 drops of rosemary and 2 drops of lemon.  

This is one I love all year round. I enjoy the herbal scent. I feel like it brings warmth into my home. I know Micheal is not a big fan, but if I put it off to the side and it is a welcome aroma to the room especially in the afternoon. There are times it reminds me of walking through my garden in late summer or early fall. The earth tones renew my mind and comfort my heart. 

I hope you enjoy these blends like I have. Please let me know if you enjoy them as much as I have. I pray they are a wonderful addition to your collection.  

I would love to hear from you and some of your own blends that you have created. 

 A link to the recipe cards is here. Enjoy!