I was born in NJ, grew up in PA and am newly Southern as of late 2013. We made the move when my husband took another job and so far, we’re loving it! Though, I could do without the oversized bugs! I was married in 2010 to my college sweetheart and we welcomed our little girl into the world in October 2012. How life has changed since then! She is full of personality and always keeps us on our toes! I have many creative loves and own a photography business, an Etsy shop and have just separated my photography blog into a personal one. I also work part time as a health coach consultant. Yea, I’m a little busy, which is why I need my planner to keep me on top of things!
How do you take care of yourself so that you’re physically and mentally prepared to be your best self for others?
I will admit… since having a little one, this has become harder and harder. However, my husband and I are passionate about staying healthy. He does better in the nutrition department and I do better in the workout department, so between the two of us, we keep each other in check! I recently started a weekly “wog”- that’s a walk/jog- with some neighborhood friends, it’s a great way to get out with the kids and fit in our exercise!
In your house, how do the mundane parts of life get done?
I have to set aside certain times to do things, otherwise, I’ll just push them off if they’re something I don’t like doing (like unloading the dishwasher)! Or, sometimes, the time just gets away from me! My current schedule is:
Sundays- start laundry (this typically runs over into Monday)
Monday- clean bathrooms and kitchen
Tuesday- clean floors
Thursday/Friday- meal planning
Friday/Saturday- grocery shopping
For meal planning, I sit down on a Thursday or Friday (whenever I get a free minute) with my weekly meal planner, my grocery list paper and my iPad. I open up Pinterest and Foodgawker and search through my favorites for some inspiration on what to cook. I also get great use out of “My-go-to-dinner-ideas” in my Simplified Planner. There are so many meals that are quick and we enjoy, but sometimes we just forget! I then plan out the meals for the week, while simultaneously adding needed ingredients to my grocery list. When the meals are finalized, I write them on our chalkboard menu wall so everyone knows what’s for dinner (including me!)
What is one tradition or routine that’s really important to you? And why?
Storytime. Since the day our daughter was born, we have read to her. Now, she loves books more than any other play item that she has. Every night, after bath and brushing her teeth, we all go in and sit around her chair and read a few books together. It is a quiet time that both my husband and I cherish and we love the extra snuggles!
Your PICK SIX: What 6 products can you absolutely note live without?
1. Otterbox Symmetry iPhone case: With a little one, I’ve already broken two screens. So far so good with this case!
2. Emily Ley Planner: I am typically a paper girl, but I will admit, I am getting better with using my technology and I am SO excited for the APP coming this summer!
3. Summer Infant Video Monitor: Maybe I’m just super paranoid, but I have to have EYES and EARS on my little one. This monitor goes everywhere with us during nap time and night time!
4. 12 Benefits Instant Healthy Hair Treatment: I use this every.single.day. This little spray leaves my hair soft, frizz free and even tangle free. I love it!
5. Burts Bees Beeswax Lip Balm: This is in literally every bag that I own, in our “junk drawer” in our kitchen, in my nightstand and my husbands. We don’t go anywhere without it!
6. Pampered Chef Cookie Scoops: My husband thinks its ridiculous that I need scoops in three different sizes, but they are all used for different things, and they are used. Heavily.
Anything else you think our readers would love to know? Any additional tips or systems that help you keep it all together?
Anyone that is struggling to make time for everything, should sit down and map out their their time. I put together a time schedule in excel to track how I was spending my time and how I PLANNED to spend my time. It has been a great help in making sure I spread my time evenly and don’t neglect family while trying to run three businesses, while working part time.
Follow along with Chrissy:
Blog: http://www.always-c.com
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The Simplicity Series features busy gals, in different stages of life, making what matters happen and tips and tricks they’ve found to be helpful. Simplicity is about building margin into your life and spending time on and with that which fuels your heart. While we love to share products and services that help us day to day, but simplicity is about HEART and intentionally choosing the thing that matters most (your TREASURE) more than anything money can buy. We wear many hats and we know you do too, so we’d love to hear your thoughts as well! For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34
We want to know how you intentionally create joy in your life as well as the ways you make your busy life simpler. Submit your story here.
