I’m off today, but you are welcome to browse my site. On Thursday’s, I’m giving myself a little break and spending extra time with my family.

In the meantime, here are links to some great articles I’ve read in the last few days. Please go check them out.

• Smart Family Tips posted Greener Checks, Greener Banking. Now you can go green and save money, too. That’s a good deal!
• Check out these 7 Crazy Money Saving Ideas (That Aren’t Really So Crazy After All) at Almost Frugal. Go on and read it - you know you’re curious. You just might find a “crazy” idea that will work for you.
• Nicki at Domestic Cents gives good reasons why we should Recycle and some practical tips to make the process easier.

Thanks again for stopping by. I’m off to play!!

Related posts:

1. Playday Thursday: Goin’ On a Trip I'm off today and tomorrow and the next day.... Well, okay, I'm going out of town and will not have...
2. Playday Thursday: Mommy Links I’m off today, but you are welcome to browse my site and check out these links for moms I've found...
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Do you find that you’re running around like a “chicken with her head cut off” trying to get some project done at the last minute? Have you had plenty of time to get it done, but you’ve put it off?

If you answered yes to these questions, you’re probably a procrastinator. By definition, procrastinate means to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done.

Now, there are many reasons why people tend to put things off. Sometimes it is because they don’t want to do whatever the task, they are afraid to try, or they are just simply lazy or unmotivated.

Whatever the reason, let’s see how we can attack procrastination once and for all.

• Set a realistic date and time for completion - For some people just simply setting a time for a specific task to be completed, provides the motivation to get them going and get it done. Put it on a calendar where you can see the deadline. This always helps me.
• Motivate yourself - Give yourself a pep talk. Reassure yourself that you can accomplish your task and accomplish it well. Then get started. Once you start, your motivation should increase as you complete each step of the process.
• Be accountable to someone - Ask a family member or friend to call or check up on you to see how you are progressing. If you know they are checking up on you, you’ll be much more likely to work hard to complete your job.
• Stay focused - Try to forget about other obligations for the time being and concentrate on the matter at hand. Without other distractions, you will be able to complete your task more efficiently.
• Try to be creative - If there is a way to make your project more interesting or fun, by all means, do it. Maybe you could turn on your favorite music and dance or sing along, depending on what you’re doing, of course. This especially works well for those household chores.
• Break the project down - When working to accomplish a large task, break it down into segments. Make a list of each step or item to be accomplished, then mark through it as you get each item done. By dividing up the work over a period of time, you will be less likely to get overwhelmed or exhausted.
• Ask a friend for help - Working with someone else, specifically a good friend, almost always makes the most mundane tasks fun. Even if your friend can’t help with the hands on approach, maybe just being there for you will provide the encouragement and support you need.

For attacking those once put off tasks, remember, there is no time like the present. Since you never know what awaits you tomorrow, it is always better to get things done today.

I admit, it is like pulling teeth sometimes to get started on something that you really dread or dislike doing. On the other hand, once you’re done, the dread is over and you can relax.

Whether its dread, laziness or fear that makes you keep your seat, you still have to reach your goal eventually. So, stop thinking about it, and just do it!

How do you avoid falling prey to procrastination?

Posted on April 1st, 2009 in Home and Organization | 3 Comments

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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Can you believe Easter is almost here already? I hardly got past Valentine’s Day, and it was time to start thinking about Easter. Of course, isn’t that the way it always works.

I just love the colors associated with Easter, the pretty pastels remind me that Spring is full speed ahead. The kids get to dress up in something extra nice for Easter Sunday and go on Easter egg hunts. It’s just such a fun time for everyone.

In almost every store, you even find fancy little pre-made Easter baskets for the tiny tots on Easter morning. However, as cute as those little baskets are, I seem to have a few problems with them.

1. they seem a little pricey for what you get much of the time
   
2. the toys inside last about two minutes and they’re broken, leaving sad little faces
3. sugar - need I say more?
4. most importantly, they’re not personal

The way I see it, Easter baskets should be personal, just like Christmas presents, birthday presents and Valentine gifts. After all, you are the only one that knows the right combination of goodies that is destined to make the face of your little one light up on Easter morning.

Nobody said you have to be totally traditional here either. You don’t necessarily have to use a basket. What about a cute little plastic bucket with a handle for a boy or a pretty little tote bag for a girl? At least these items can be used at other times during the year.

Okay, so now what do you put in your chosen goody receptacle?

Anything that will fit, and that you know your child will enjoy, is perfect.

• For a boy, you might consider: Hot Wheels, ball cap, small box of legos
• For a girl, you might choose: costume jewelry, bubble bath, small stuffed animal or doll
• For either, good choices might include: books, balloons, play-doh, crayons or markers, sunglasses, movies, some kind of edible treat - Trail Mix, Cheez-its or other healthy snacks

What you choose to give your child is entirely dependent upon what you feel they will love and how much your budget allows. As far as the grass goes, you can still put that in even if you don’t go with a traditional basket. Then use your imagination as to whether to add ribbons, bows, or other decorative touches.

Yes, the homemade basket may end up costing a little more in the long run, but the quality of the contents can’t compare to those pre-made baskets. Plus, nothing can take the place of your personal touch.

What are you doing for your kids this Easter? Are you choosing pre-made or homemade? If homemade, what kinds of things are you filling the baskets with?

Related posts:

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Posted on March 31st, 2009 in Kids and Family | 11 Comments

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