Life Passing By Too Quickly? Five Ways to Slow Life Down…

May 12, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

Today’s modern woman is one that wears many hats – career professional, mother, daughter, caretaker, wife/partner, friend, and many more. Juggling so many different hats and roles can certainly have time feeling as though it’s speeding by, with one day blending into the next in a blink of an eye. Sometimes you can feel pretty desperate to slow life down…

So how can you slow life down? Obviously we can’t stop the clock, but is there a way to have those days feel a bit more stretched out, giving you more time to enjoy yourself? These five tips/techniques may just be the answer you’re looking for.

Don’t Spread Yourself Thin

How many times have you said yes to a task or project that you really don’t have time to do? You know that by saying yes you’ll be spreading yourself incredibly thin, and placing a lot of pressure on yourself. Well, it’s time to start doing less , and learn to say no.

In order to be successful at this technique, you also need to learn how to cut through everything and find what is really important. Focus on the tasks that absolutely need to be done, and then don’t stress the rest of it. There should be no guilt by having nothing to do other than relax and take a moment to sit down.

Move at a Slower Pace

What better way to slow down life than by you actually slowing down. This means getting dressed a little slower, eating your meals a little slower, spending more time on conversations, and slowing down when you drive. By taking a life a little slower, it also gives you the opportunity to start appreciating the little things that you would typically miss while you’re in a rush.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Typically, when people find themselves at a busy point in life, the last thing they allow for is time to get outdoors and enjoy themselves. Just because you’re busy doesn’t mean you aren’t allowed to have fun. Time outdoors to soak in the sunshine, the fresh air, share a laugh with friends while sitting on the patio, enjoying a bike ride with the kids; these are moments that will feed the soul and give you that fresh spark of energy.

Take Time to Chronicle the Moments

Instead of walking around being attached to your smartphone, why not put it down and replace it with a great quality camera. You can step into the role of amateur photographer and start chronicling those special and unique moments in your day. You can even start to carry your camera with you so you’re prepared whenever the moment strikes.

The FujiUserwebsite is a great source of information when it comes to learning how to capture that fabulous shot, allowing you to hone your skills.

Pick Up Reading

Whether you used to be an avid reader or you’ve never really felt you “had time”, reading can be a wonderful activity that calms the mind and the soul. Even if you only give yourself 15 minutes before bed, it will still have a positive impact.

How do you slow life down?

Finding ways to slow down life allows you to start enjoying it more fully, and ensure that it doesn’t just pass you by.

Angie

Angie is a coffee-fueled writer, artist-wanna-be, and over-worker who currently resides in a tiny fixer-upper near Salt Lake City with her boyfriend and 70lb rescue pittie. She works full time in Customer Service/Computers, part-time in retail and fashion, goes to school part-time on and off, maintains this and another couple of blogs, as well as volunteers with rescue dogs. In her free time, what little of it there is, she likes to read, play nerd games, craft and create art, and spend time with all of the awesome people in her life.

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

May Goals 2017

May 1, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

April showers bring May flowers… I’d like to say that time is flying by, but in reality time is crawling for me now that I’m pregnant… I think it’s because I’m just dizzy/nauseous all of the time and counting down the days until I’m out of the first trimester and can hopefully start feeling better in the second… Fingers crossed I do feel better in the second trimester, I can’t take much more of this… Anyway, it’s time to set some May Goals… And to be kind of lenient with myself for them.

Goals Recap

I was going to do a recap, but it appears I haven’t set goals since February… So… Oops! I did have my big set of yearly goals, and I could recap those, but let’s be honest-I’m behind on them horribly. I just haven’t been well enough to do much the last month or so, and before that I was crazy busy with two jobs.

May Goals

So here we go. Keeping in mind that I’ll be gone for a week or two near the end of the month, and I’m very sick/nauseous, here’s what I feel like I can get done this month…

Home Goals for May

Get my garden started. We’re finally getting the lawn mowed down and I bought two kits to make garden boxes, so I feel like I can at least get the garden started this month in a few steps.
- Dig up the grass where I’m putting my garden.
- Set up my garden boxes.
- Buy soil and fill the garden boxes.
- Decide which plants to plant, and how to plant them.
- Buy plants and get them started.
Trim the rose bushes… Really it should have been done already, but they’re going to be out of control if I don’t take care of them.
Weed the walkways/garden areas.
Get caught up on laundry.
Clean/organize my bedroom.
Clean/organize the upstairs.

Blog & Business Goals for May

Post more regularly on the blog.
Get the blog brought back to me, with better direction.
Figure out a new sponsorship program.
Get caught up on mailings. (So sorry to those waiting on a package!)
Work on my FTC statements and be better at transparency.
Update my sidebar and pages.
Start working on inventory for my new home business. (More info coming soon…)

Health Goals for May

Start incorporating more physical activity at least 3 days a week (and step it up once the nausea subsides.)
- Walk the dog.
- Yard work.
- Intensive cleaning.
Have my first OBGYN appointment (May 8th!) and hear the baby’s heartbeat.
Take my prenatal every day.
Drink more water.

Other Goals for May

Fly to Georgia and help Melanie Grace deliver and care for her baby girl.
Finish booking my return ticket from GA.
Plan the work booth for the Pride Festival.

What are your May goals?

Tell me in the comments or leave me a link to your goals post!

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

5 Surprising Ways to Combat Anxiety

April 27, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

It is believed anxiety affects approximately 40 million adults over the age of 18 years old in the United States. That is 18% of America’s population.

5 Surprising Ways to Combat Anxiety

While it is a treatable disorder, it has been reported that only one-third of people receive treatment to help them overcome the common mental illness. We are therefore looking at five surprising ways you can combat anxiety.

Paint, Doodle or Use a Coloring Book

Anxiety has a way of locking people into a cycle of repetitive thoughts, with many people fearing they are unable to escape their worries. That’s why you should either paint, doodle or concentrate on an adult coloring book, as you can focus your attention on something else, rather than the worries that are seemingly defining your life.

If coloring, painting or doodling isn’t your thing, do something else that keeps your hands and mind busy. For instance, you could play a board game, decorate the home or play your favorite sport.

Chew Gum

Now this one is surprising. One 2008 study discovered that people who regularly chew gum reported lower anxiety levels. It is believed the act can help lower your body’s cortisol levels while providing mental stimulation. Also, you will feel calmer if you chew the gum quickly. It’s worth a try.

Medical Marijuana (Where Allowed)

Back in 2010, Harvard Medical School researchers stated they believe the drug could reduce a person’s anxiety. Therefore, using vaporizers for cannabis could help, as it can act as a sedative in low doses and improve a person’s mood. What’s more, it can help to suppress nausea and alleviate pain, which is why it is commonly used to treat chemotherapy side effects.

Stroke a Dog or Cat

Did you know that the simple act of stroking a cat or dog could help to reduce your anxiety? Having a pet can prevent a person from feeling isolated and alone, while providing more structure to their day. Dogs and cats can provide a calmer environment for the owner, so can reduce their risk of a stroke or heart attack. If that’s not a good enough reason to buy a new pet, we don’t know what is!

Have a Relaxing Bath

Warm water can aid relaxation, which is why many people often enjoy a bath after a long, hard day. If you don’t have a bathtub, place your hands in warm water to combat the anxiety you are feeling. It can be an effective way to treat the disorder at home. So, the next time you’re feeling a little anxious, place your hands under a hot tap or enjoy a nice, warm bath. You might notice a difference to your mood.

How do you cope with anxiety?

Anxiety can have a significant impact on a person’s health, as well as their personal and professional lives. So, it is good to know there are millions of people just like you are living with the disorder, so you’re not alone. Speak to your doctor if any anxious feelings persist so that you can take back control of your life.

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

The Mayhem Busting Magic Of Organization

April 3, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

Life consists of moments of impact. You know the ones; those massive moments that everything has been leading towards. These are the big ones, and they bring big stresses. Staying organized is always important, and never more so than when you’re facing such hurdles. Turning to organization in your hours of need will take the situation from stressful to shining in a few easy steps. And, it’ll ensure you approach the hurdles on the best possible footing. Here are a few of the biggest stresses you will face, and how organization can help you every step of the way.

Organization in Marriage

Marriage is a pivotal moment of impact in anyone’s life. It’s when you join with another person in the most complete way possible. ‘What could be better?’ you may wonder. What could be more stressful, more like. Never will you have so much to plan. That’s why it’s important now, more than ever, to turn to your organizational skills. Knowing what’s happening, and when, will save you having to stress. Use to-do lists to make sure you’ve got everything covered. Start at the beginning by thinking about wedding invitations. At this stage, you’ll need to write your guest list. You’ll also need to consider whether you want to make custom wedding invitations, or get a professional to do it for you. It’s going to be hard to move forward with your plans until this part is out the way, so jump the hurdle as soon as you can. Tick it off your list once you have an idea of numbers, and move onto the next job. It may seem like the list is neverending. If you feel overwhelmed, return to your list and see how much you’ve already achieved. Wonderful wedding days are planned one step at a time.

Organization and a New Job

Organization can be a huge help when you have a new job. You’re trying to make a good impression, and you’re not going to do that if you seem scatter brained and unreliable. Get organized to make sure you show the best side of yourself. Take a notebook along for your first few weeks, and write down anything you think you might need to remember. Keep this with you at all times! Think, too, about writing out to-do lists for every work day. This will ensure you always know what you’re doing. It’ll also mean you never miss a deadline, which is crucial.

Organization When Moving House

Moving house is a biggy. The stress stakes don’t get much higher than this. Organization can save you a lot of worry. Get organized with packing to save yourself the last minute rush. Write down which order you plan to pack. Make a list, too, of anything you may need to keep aside. Take it one room at a time, and tick off each room as you go. That way, you can start packing early, without worrying. Set aside the items on your list to ensure you’re not caught short when you need something!

When does being organized help you most?

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Staying Organized While You Study for Your Online Degree

March 22, 2017 by Angie 1 Comment

Online degrees are a great way to pursue the advanced qualifications you need to progress in your current career, or obtain the credentials necessary for embarking on exciting new opportunities. However, since you’ll be studying in your spare time (which you may not have a great deal of) it pays to get yourself organized before your course starts, so you aren’t left racing to catch up as you work towards that online degree.

Before You Commit to a Course

Make sure you have the time to devote to your studies without burning out. Most degrees need around 10 hours of your time each week, but some courses like the online masters in gerontology offer the option of studying in an accelerated program. You may need to devote more hours to the course if you hope to obtain your master in gerontology in the 18 month time frame.

Remember, you have to fit the course in around your work and family commitments, and while 10 to 15 hours might seem doable to begin with, once reality sets in and you’re exhausted at the end of a busy day with 2 hours of study still to go, you could run into problems.

Go Through Your Course Schedule As Soon As You Receive It

Once you’re enrolled on a course, the first thing you should do is set aside some time to go through the syllabus and start planning out your work load. Which books and other written materials do you need to read and how long will that take? How many pre-recorded lectures are there, when can you make time to watch them? What time do you need to organize away from work to attend live class sessions?

Make Good Use of Apps

While paper wall planners and notebooks are handy, they aren’t the best way to stay organized with an online degree. For one thing, you can’t take them out and about with you while you run errands, and for another they can’t make noises at you to get your attention!

An app on the other hand can be with you 24/7 and it will notify you when you need reminding about the paper you’ve pushed back all weekend, or the live class that’s starting in five minutes.

Evernote

Evernote is a great choice. You can set up schedules, turn any list into a to-do list with notifications, tag notes so they’re instantly available when you need them, store pdf’s you need to read, make voice notes about those pdf’s, dictate essays and set up IFTTT (if this then that) commands to move work where it needs to go to next.

Germ

Another great free app for those who like to break tasks down into small parts is germ.io. Set up your workflow, add in due dates and you’ll be in organized heaven.

Are you working on your online degree?

Completing your degree will take a lot of your time and dedication, but on the day you graduate with your shiny new degree, you’ll realize that it was all worth it. Get organized, plan until you’re sick of planning and you’ll have the best chance of success.

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Life Updates from January + February Goals

February 13, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

Hello lovelies, how was your January? Mine? Crazy. But with the way my life is, how could it be any other way? It couldn’t. Crazy begets crazy begets crazy, and so on and so on. Man, it feels like I’m stuck in a never-ending cycle of “busy” and I’m getting more and more exhausted each day. Something has to give, but honestly? I just don’t know what yet… Anyway, we’re here today to talk about goals… Specifically to recap my successes and failures in January, and set a plan for February Goals. We should also touch base on my yearly goals too…

January Recap & Goals Progress

Whew, January flew by, didn’t it? Or maybe it dragged on waaaaay too long… I can’t decide, but I do know I’m glad it’s over. It was politically stressful, exhausting work-wise, and of course it’s that one month of the year where I feel like my depression/S.A.D. kicks in hardest. But, there was some really good stuff in January too, and since I didn’t post a life update last month, I’d like to do a little one here.

Memorable January Happenings

Here are some of the best things that happened in January.

Fun Bus and Wendover Fun

The night before New Years Eve, my friends and I hopped on board the Fun Bus to Wendover to join our dear friends Katelyn and Callie for their bachelorettes party. If you’re not familiar with the Fun Bus or Wendover, you’re likely not from Utah… Haha, it’s about 90 minutes to the small border town of Wendover Nevada from Salt Lake City, so it’s a popular destination for those who want to get away for an evening and party or gamble. Thus, a whole business has boomed when it comes to Wendover, including the Fun Bus-a charter bus that runs regularly and can be hired out for things such as group events.

Basically, you catch the Fun Bus and they drive you out to Wendover for the evening. It costs about $20, and you can drink and play games the whole way down, spend a few hours in Wendover, and then they drive you home so you can sober up on the way back. They also include fun things like coupons for the buffet, a free drink, etc. Katelyn and Callie’s fun bus was probably the most fun I’ve ever had on one, and the evening was great. I drank more than I have in a while, and Josh and I wandered around (because neither of us are big gamblers) while our friends tried their hands at table games. It was a blast, but I learned that I’m basically super old now and I would have liked to have headed back at midnight instead of 2AM.

Callie & Katelyn’s Wedding

On the 6th, my dear friend Callie married Katelyn, the love of her life. I was so lucky to be one of the few invited to the wedding, and it was probably one of the best weddings I’ve ever been to. The ceremony was sweet, the food delicious, and there was dancing and an open bar. It was marvelous!

It was an absolute blast, so much so that Chris and I both went home and talked about it and obsessed about it for weeks after. “Remember how much fun that was?” “Remember how adorable they looked?” “That photobooth was a fantastic idea!” We felt very blessed to be included in their special night, and there was just so much love.

Melanie Grace, Travis, and Grayson

I can’t believe I didn’t get any photos, but Chris and I were lucky enough to get to spend an evening with some of my dearest friends who were in town for a super-short (too short) visit from Savannah. We hung out at the hotel and had dinner with Melanie Grace, Travis, and their little one (who I was able to give holiday presents to in person) for one short but really fun evening. I love them so, and I can’t wait to see them in a few months when I head their way.

Rose Gold Hair

I Changed My Hair

I made the tough decision to part with my purple hair. Seriously, it was a tough one. I LOVE having purple hair, but part of me felt like it was time to start thinking about grown up decisions like possibly switching careers (I have made no decision towards that yet, and am probably staying put for a while still), so I felt like I needed more grown up hair in case I decided on job interviews. I was struggling with it though, and had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do other than I wanted to go lighter.

My stylist Jamie did a FANTASTIC job though, and I’m in love with the rose gold blonde she acheived. It’s so pretty!

January Goals Recap

Okay, let’s get down to how I did on my January goals… Not well…

January Home Goals

~~Pack up and put away Holiday decor, move it out to the garage~~ – SUCCESS!
Organize the living room closet to hold games and craft/art supplies – In Progress (I just haven’t had time to finish…
Move kitchen table into the living room – FAIL (still in the works)
Move grandma’s hutch from her house to mine, set it up in the kitchen – FAIL
Clean out Fridge/Cupboards – FAIL
Organize cookware and drawers/cupboards – FAIL
Deep clean the kitchen – FAIL
Deep clean the Living Room – FAIL
Find all the plants new homes – In Progress
Organize shelves, unpack boxes of books/decor stacked in the corner onto them – FAIL
Hang some decor on the kitchen and dining room walls – FAIL
Move A/C window unit & Packed Pool out to the garage – FAIL

January Blog Goals

Finish new design updates – In Progress (mostly done, just a few changes left…)
Write & schedule out new and awesome posts – In Progress
~~Put together a killer monthly giveaway~~– SUCCESS! Go enter the HUGE Planner Supply Giveaway!
Figure out my 2017 sponsorship program changes – FAIL
Get back into the groove of blogging – In Progress

January Work Goals

Suck it up and figure out how to be happy at my day job – In Progress
Work less at my part-time job – In Progress

January Finance Goals

Figure out my budget and how best to stick with it – FAIL
Start the snowball effect to pay down some debt – FAIL
Set a strict no-spend budget – FAIL
Leave 80% of my LLR Facebook groups (I have to stop buying it) – In Progress (I haven’t bought any, but I haven’t gone and left groups yet…)
~~Start listing more things to sell in my dejunking process~~ – SUCCESS (still have more to go, but getting there.)

January Life Goals

~~Read/listen to at least 2 books~~ – SUCCESS! I listened to 3!
~~Have a great visit with Josh before he heads back to Canada~~ – SUCCESS!
~~Have a great visit with MelanieGrace and her family~~ – SUCCESS!
~~Attend Callie and Katelyn’s wedding~~ – SUCCESS!
Visit my grandmother more often – FAIL. I only saw her once. 🙁
Visit my parents’ for my mom’s birthday or for my parents’ anniversary – FAIL
Get my planner set up and in use – In Progress… Set up, but I’ve been bad about using it.

So yeah, so far I’m failing at my yearly goals too… I need to get my crap together.

February Goals

Okay, it’s a new month. It’s a short month. I’m already way behind… I think that means I’d better take it easier on myself this month and set myself up for success in March, but I still have a lot to do. I set up a yearly plan and now I’m behind schedule on it.

February Home Goals

Finish getting January’s organization/cleaning goals
- Move Table from Kitchen to Living Room
- Move Grandma’s Hutch from her house to mine (and into the kitchen)
- Organize all shelves/cupboards/drawers
- Organize Living Room Closet – Games and Craft Supplies
- Desk Area – Clean and Organize
- Deep Clean
Finish February’s Organization Goals
- Clothing
- Closet
- Shelves
- Drawers
- Deep Clean
Start setting up a desk/workspace area for creativity (desperately need one!)

February Blog Goals

Finish new design updates
Write & schedule out new and awesome posts
Figure out my 2017 sponsorship program changes
Think about new direction and rededication

February Work Goals

Figure out a better morning routine to be more successful with arriving on time/early to work

Retiring The Monthly Goals Linky

I’ve been struggling the last few months to post it on time (I mean hello, it’s 10 days into the month now and I’m just getting to these goals) and I haven’t been able to visit all the participants as much as I’d like either. When my linkytoolz account came up for renewal I decided not to renew it… For now, I’m going to retire the Monthly Goals linky, but continue to share my goals nad progress, as well as look for yours as well. Please feel free to link to them in the comments-I’d still love to see your progress!

What are your February Goals?

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

When Life Gets You Down, Get Organized!

February 3, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

Let’s be honest; life often goes wrong. We all have an idea of how our lives are going to be, and more often than not, that’s not how things work out. For those of us who love being organized, it’s a nightmare! You spend time on one plan for your life, only to find yourself starting again. The good news is that you can also use your love for organization to pick yourself back up.

How Getting Organized Helps During Tough Times

There are few problems that organization can’t solve. All it takes is a little ingenuity. Here are a few of the problems you might face at some point in your life. These tips should give you some idea how to turn your organization skills to each one!

Unemployment

Whether you’re fresh out of university or have lost your job, unemployment is horrible. It throws you into uncertainty. You won’t know whether you can make your rent, or whether you’ll be able to eat. The trick is not to let that knowledge get on top of you. Finding a job shouldn’t be difficult if you approach it right.

Getting Organized while Unemployed

To avoid panic, it’s worth having savings behind you. This is something anyone can do at any time and will make a huge difference when things get tough. You can also turn your organizational hand to the job search. Think of your search as your career. Be proactive. Set out an action plan. Set aside days to search online. Think, too, about searching out and about. You could even arrange days where you phone potential employers. Being proactive is the best way to secure your next job!

Break Ups

A break up is never nice. Whether you were married, living together, or dating, it can leave you feeling lost. You made space for that person in your plans, and have to adjust to the fact they aren’t there anymore. Plus, you have to deal with the technicalities of the breakup. This will be easier if you were dating and had no ties. If you were living together or married, there’s more to consider.

Getting Organized in the Midst of a Breakup

Write a list of everything you need to think about to give yourself a guideline. Think about whether you need a divorce attorney. Do you need to contact your landlord and let them know the situation? Make note of everything, and work through the list. Having something to focus on can make the painful process easier.

Money Problems

Money problems can cause massive amounts of stress. Organization can be the best way to pull yourself out of the hole. If you’re struggling to make your money last, or if you need to set aside a certain amount, organization could be vital.

Getting Organized During Financial Struggles

Working out how much you need for bills, rent, and food can make it much easier to ensure you have enough each month. If you need to save for whatever reason, set yourself a savings plan. That way, you’ll know when you’ll have enough money. Having a set date will allow you to breathe easier.

How does being organized help you?

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Winter Blues? Simple Ways to Start Feeling Fabulous Again

January 6, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

Winter can take its toll on us all, can’t it? The weather is dreary and cold, the nights descend upon us far quicker than usual and we aren’t exactly the social butterflies we were just months earlier during the summer. We can’t wait to get home from work and jump into our warm cozy bed with a book and a cup of tea… It seems like the only way to soothe our Winter blues…

But the problem with that is that we become an outsider and our social life goes completely down the drain. Getting out of your comfy onesie or PJ’s at the weekends seems like the most disgusting idea ever and brushing your hair if you’re just staying inside doesn’t even come up on your radar.

Ways to Ditch the Winter Blues and Feel Fabulous

But there comes a point where you need to start feeling great about yourself again. You might have gained a little extra unwanted weight over the Christmas period (who can blame you? Those pigs in blankets are at fault though) and you might be feeling a little down in the dumps. Fear not ladies, follow these simple steps and you’ll be back to feeling your usual fabulous self in no time.

Get a Makeover

Who doesn’t love a good make over? They are a fantastic way to cheer yourself up and what’s great is that you get a gorgeous end product too! You can experiment yourself and find your new look for next year and if you’re not looking for a huge transformation then you can make some little changes. If you’re feeling bored with the current hairstyle you’ve had for years then consider switching it up and changing the style or colour.

If you’re looking for some inspiration then pile up on beauty mags or check out looks online. You don’t need to be a professional to do your makeup to a high quality these days thanks to the very talented makeup vloggers out there sharing all their tips and tricks. You really can transform yourself overnight with the help of a few new products and some well delivered makeup advice. If you really want to go all out then you can hire the professionals to come and do it for you instead.

Take a Pamper Day

There is nothing more rewarding to your body than a pamper day. There are so many cheap ways you can pamper yourself without needing to spend too much at all. Run a bath and add your favourite bath bomb or take a long hot shower to relax your muscles.

Grab your dressing gown and don’t change from it once. Put your favourite music on (create a playlist so you don’t have to keep changing the song), light your favourite scented candles and detox your body with a green tea. If being super healthy isn’t your thing then make yourself a creamy hot chocolate and warm yourself up that way.

Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! Once you’ve had a long bath, exfoliate your skin, treat your feet and then finish it all off with a gorgeous pedicure.

Go on a Shopping Spree

If there’s one way to instantly feel good about how you look then it’s to get some new clothes. You’ll instantly feel better about yourself and you’ll have quick results. If you’re feeling like your wardrobe it a little outdated then get yourself out onto the highstreet to splurge on some new clothes. Alternatively, if you want to stand out from the crowd then you can get make all your purchases online and have them delivered straight to your door. Check out www.madisonlosangeles.com/designers if you’re looking to be spoiled with choice.

Hit the Gym

If you’re feeling bad about yourself because you’re not squeezing into your favourite numbers then that is the indication you need to get to the gym and work it off. You’ll feel so much better about what you see in the mirror and you’ll be less lethargic and full of energy once you start getting active and eating right.

Get Social Again

You might be feeling a little blue because you haven’t spent enough time with your loved ones. During the cold months it’s easy to just lock yourself away and snuggle up in bed with your favourite films, but that’s not good for you at all. You still need to be socialising and having conversation with others as that’s what will stimulate your brain. Locking yourself away from everyone is really unhealthy so get yourself out of bed, dressed and ready to greet the world.

Try a New Hobby

You might be feeling a little glum because you have nothing to look forward to. Aside from work and the daily norm, there might not be anything you’re doing other than returning home to do the chores. A great, easy way to inject some excitement and happiness into your life is to take up a new hobby. It can be a physical one which will leave you feeling refreshed and less tired, but you can opt get into a creative hobby. The great thing about doing something creative is that you can even make money from it. If you learn how to make handmade items, you can advertise on Facebook and you may be surprised by how many friends you have that are interested in what you have to offer.

Become Zen

If you’ve never tried meditation then perhaps now is the time to start. Get in touch with your zen side and you’ll start to feel much more relaxed and in control of your life. Taking time out of your extremely busy life is a fantastic way to get a good outlook on what’s wrong and will indicate to you how to fix it.

Let Your Hair Down

If you haven’t met with the girls for a few cocktails and some loud music in a while then now is the time. It’s not something we all want to be doing every week like we did in our younger days but that doesn’t mean that you can’t do it every now and again. Fish out your best outfit, put your new makeover skills to use and head out for a night of fun and giggles with your closest friends.

How do you get past the Winter blues?

Leave your suggestions in the comments, I’d love more ideas!

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

2017 Goals & Musts + January 2017 Monthly Goals Linky

January 2, 2017 by Angie 1 Comment

Well hello there 2017! You know, it hasn’t sunk in at all yet that it’s a 2017… I’ve had to write a few dates at work this morning and while I’ve been highly successful at putting a 7 at the end, it’s still not something that my brain is registering fully. It’s 2017? Really? 2016 FLEW by… I mean, I’m glad it’s over. 2016 was a bit rough… I’ll talk about my year later this week when I do a recap, but for today I wanted to get on to our January 2017 goals and talk about my upcoming plans for the year. Plus, we want to have a giveaway and host a linky party!

So, oops… I guess I forgot to do December Goals last month guys… I’m sorry. I could go back and recap my November goals, but it’s not even pretty… You’d think with two months to complete those goals I could have gotten it together, but nope… November and December were a pretty big failure on everything. Everything was just out of control with my time, money, and life in general… I spent the majority of last year exhausted, overwhelmed, and struggling in more ways than I can even say.

Real Talk: My Big Issues

While I’m typically pretty anit-resolution and I scoff at “new year new me” because come on… It almost never works. There is a sort of “rock bottom” mentality that I reached with everything during the last few months.

Something Has to Give

I’m tired of being tired, busy, and not being able to dedicate time to the things that are important in life. I’m tired of always being too broke, and of overspending due to stress shopping. I’m tired of feeling like crap because I don’t drink enough water or I’m always eating out because I’m constantly on the go and practically living in my car… My messy car. I’m tired of having a messy car. I’m tired of having a messy house because I’m never home long enough to clean, and when I do get a few hours at home all I can do is crash or veg out because I’m SO exhausted. I never have time, or energy anymore… My life is being sucked out of me.

Where the Problem Lies

So, when looking at why I’m so wiped out all the time, I have to break it down into some of the time-suck problem areas and decide what to do about them.

Werk Werk Werk Werk Werk

While a big chunk of the problem can be attributed to the fact that I’m working two jobs. I work my regular day job 7AM-4PM Monday through Friday and then have 3-5 small shifts at my second part-time job throughout the week.

My Full-Time Job

Lately my day job has felt a little soul crushing… I’ve been in the exact same position for the past 7 years with no real opportunity or possibility of advancement. When that gets brought up with my supervisor I get told that it “appears like I don’t care as much as I used to” and all I can think is-well, how can I? There’s no challenge here, no reward, nothing that says I’m every going anywhere here. It feels a little hopeless and it’s driving me crazy. Buuuuuut, I make good money and have good benefits, and my job is comfortable and provides a lot of freedom. That’s hard to leave behind.

My Part-Time Job

Real talk? I can’t afford to quit my second part-time job at the moment.I need the income, plus I do actually enjoy working there and I feel a real obligation to my coworkers right now. I know logically that I can’t keep both jobs forever, but quitting the part-time job is not in the cards in the meantime.

Where Work Stress Led Me

But, if I’m being real honest, there were times where I seriously thought hard about how I could make it work if I quit my full-time job and went to work for my part-time company in a full-time position… Yes. I was so stressed about my day job, and loved my night job so much, I considered taking a HUGE pay cut and working retail full time. That’s the point I got to with my job last year.

A Cluttered Space is a Cluttered Mind

You know what else ends up being a HUGE time suck? Mess. Seriously. It’s hard to do anything when you can’t even get your head straight, and you can’t get your head straight when everything around you is a giant mess. It just can’t happen. If you saw my house you’d be severely concerned about me. I’m severely concerned about me. I don’t have time to clean it because it’s already to this horrible meltdown point that makes it feel like all I can do is tread water or let myself drown… There’s no getting ahead of it. It’s baaaad.

Broke as a Joke

Seriously, how can someone who has two jobs and makes fairly good money at one of them, feel so broke all the time? I’ll tell you how. Spending problems, budget problems, piles of debt, and the tendency to run away from problems when they get too big. Yep, that’s me in a nutshell at the moment.

Spending & Budget Problems

I don’t handle stress well, so to cope I end up either stress-eating and getting more unhealthy, or stress-shopping and spending money I don’t have. Lately it’s been more about the stress-shopping, since I don’t really have the time to sit around and eat. I then tend to get obsessed with something and spend spend spend on it… A few years back it was nail polish (OMG, who remembers that?) and I bought like 300 bottles of nail polish and got into all of the nail polish communities… Even though I almost never paint my nails.

Shame, Shame, Shame

This year? This year it clothing-and being specific, leggings. Working at Torrid I ended up spending more than I made for at least the first 6-8 months of working there. It was all just there, and so cute, and I got a discount! Then came LuLaRoe, and those soft soft leggings… I became obsessed, and if I can admit some of my shame here… I may have dropped several hundred dollars on leggings alone in the span of 2-3 months. Seriously. I wiped most of my savings out thinking “Oh, it’s okay-I can make this up later” but then I never did… Because there were always more leggings… And there were things that were more important that came along and prevented it. Things like car licensing and vet bills.

Debt Problems

Buying a house was a much bigger thing than I realized… When I bought my house I had gotten my credit into a pretty good place, and I’d saved up just enough to cover a down payment. I don’t know what I was thinking… I should have had more in savings. I should have had a better plan… Sure, I can afford my mortgage, but I hadn’t thought about the other things I was going to have to buy. I needed a refrigerator… I bought it on credit. Washer and Dryer? Guess those will go on credit too… Oh hey, now my car needs new tires and I’ve maxed out my credit cards and depleted my savings, but I HAVE to have them for Winter so hey, new credit card.

Procrastination Problems

Oh, and did I mention that I’m so good at procrastination? Like the queen of it… Not only that, but when I get super stressed about something I have a bad habit of ignoring it or running away from it until it builds so big I can’t do either. So, when a few of my credit cards made it really difficult to pay, and impossible to schedule automatic payments, they didn’t get paid… I had the money, I just kept forgetting/putting it off until wham-default. Ugh. Over and over and over again…

Who Has Time to Worry About Their Health?

Yeah, yeah, yeah… Perhaps the most important thing you should worry about is your health… But with everything going on, things much louder and demanding than my own body, when did I have time to think about my health? I know I need to… I really need to… But I’m so busy… And so tired, and it’s just another stressful thing that makes my head want to explode.

Move More, Be Less Healthy? What?

You know what’s funny? I’m more active than ever, since my second job is very physically demanding… I carry heavy boxes, am constantly on my feet, running around the store, and moving. More moving than my sedentary body thought it could get used to at first-I get a good work out on the regular, and extra good workouts when we do a big project like floor sets…

But I’m fatter and more sluggish than ever… I’ve actually gained weight since I started my second, more active, job. You know why? I’m not sleeping enough, working late hours at one job and getting up early for the next will do that to you, and some weeks I’ll go days without even getting more than 4-5 hours of sleep. I’m not drinking enough water, because I’m pretty much surviving on coffee and diet coke… And I eat WAY too much fast food. I don’t have time to cook… I don’t even have time to shop, and if I do, I’m too tired to drag myself through the grocery store.

Excuse Me, it’s About Time for My Melt-Down

And boy, have I hit melt-down central. Everything sets me off… My car failed safety inspections because I need a new windshield and I basically had to run out of the mechanic shop to avoid bawling right there in front of them, then I spent the drive home hyperventilating and in the midst of a massive panic attack which set off an asthma attack and left me choking and gasping while my poor boyfriend tried to calm me down.

Burn it All Down

But it’s every day stuff too… I trip over something in my messy house and immediately lose my temper and want to consider burning it to the ground. Sometimes burning it all to the ground seems like the only way to get ahead of it all… Can’t I be a phoenix and rise from the ashes?

Maybe I should burn it all down… No, I’m not talking arson here, I’m not dumb, nor am I that masochistic. That would just make all my problems worse… But metaphorically, burning it all down sounds pretty good. I’m not entirely sure how to go about that, all I know is that something has to give.

Something. Has. To. Give… And soon. Immediately. I can’t live like this anymore.

My Motto for 2017: Get Your Sh*t Together

I’m not picking a word for 2017, instead I need a whole damn motto-GET YOUR SH*T TOGETHER. That’s right, in 2017 I need to get m life in order, and stop messing things up worse. I think I’ll print it up and hang it somewhere like my bathroom mirror where I can look at it every day.

2017 Yearly Goals MUSTS

I don’t want to make some resolutions that I’ll fail at after two weeks… I don’t want to promise I’ll go to the gym x times a week when I know I wont… I don’t want to set a goal to lose x pounds… Been there, tried that, it doesn’t work either… But I do need to make some significant change in my life before I stress myself into an early grave, because that’s what will happen. I’ll have a heart attack or burst a blood vessel because I’m over-stressed and unhealthy. So these aren’t goals. These are MUSTS. I MUST do these to actually live and thrive at living.

Must #1: Get Organized

No more fooling around, the main thing I have to do this year is actually get organized. I’m tired of being a disorganized mess. Here are some areas I’m going to focus on, and some ways I’m going to accomplish it.

Use My Planner

In my ever on-going habit of wasting money and being as disorganized as possible, I buy a planner every year, and every year I don’t use it. This year I picked up the new Mini Happy Planner because it’s the planner I love, but it’s portable! I figure if I put it in my purse and take it everywhere with me I’m more likely to use it. I was also told that I need to make time to sit down and plan for a set time each week.

Home Organization

I need a clean space if I’m ever going to focus or feel good, and the first place to start is my home. This is supposed to be my sanctuary. It’s supposed to be a place where I can relax, and right now it just stresses me out more. I also don’t want to have people over these days because I’m so embarrassed, and I really miss having people over.

One Room at a Time

While I’m going to try and get my house presentable as a whole earlier than this, I’m going to major tackle a different room each month and set individual goals for that room in order to make it so I don’t go into 2018 just “treading water” with disorganization. This means I’ll also need to invest in a few improvements around the house, so I’m going to make a goal to save up for these a little later in the year.

My Room Schedule:

January: Upstairs Organization & Deep Clean
- Take Down Holiday Decor
- Move Table from Kitchen to Living Room
- Move Grandma’s Hutch from her house to mine (and into the kitchen)
- Organize all shelves/cupboards/drawers
- Organize Living Room Closet – Games and Craft Supplies
- Desk Area – Clean and Organize
- Deep Clean
February: Bedroom Organization and Deep Clean (no cost)
- Clothing
- Closet
- Shelves
- Drawers
- Deep Clean
March: Downstairs Bathroom Organization & Fixes ($0-$100)
- Laundry
- Set up downstairs shower
- Clean out/treat under-floor pump
- Plumbing fix-up
- Replace Ceiling Panels
April: Yard Clean-Up and Garden (minimal cost: $10-$200)
- Take old furniture from garage and yard (yes, my back yard is that ghetto right now) to the dump
  - Borrow or rent a truck
  - Convince brothers or strong friends to come help
- Move yard tools into newly cleaned garage
- Clean up weeds, spray weeds
- Build Garden Boxes (wood is already purchased and ready to go)
- Plant Garden
May: Garage Organization ($0)
- Sort Stuff to Keep/Sell/Donate/Trash & Do It
  - Sell stuff taken photos of and listed on sale sites, or labeled for Yard Sale
  - Donate Stuff taken and donated before end of month
  - Trash stuff thrown in the trash or sectioned off for Dump Run
- Move stuff from front room into back room
- Set up Ceramics stuff & Kiln
- Reorganize totes and boxes so everything is properly stored
June: Garage Front Room Organization ($0-$100)
- Move kept stuff to back room.
- Move stacks of wood to my parents’ house (possibly)
- Have Yard Sale to get rid of to-sell stuff
- Get garage re-wired for 220 power for Kiln
- Make room for possible winter car/bike parking
July: Upstairs Bathroom Organization & Small Upgrade ($10-$50)
- Organize Storage (shelves/vanity/under sink)
- Deep Clean
- Paint
- Get Jetted Tub plugged in and working (Tentative-need a professional to look into the electric to make sure it’s safe)
- Get ceiling fan/heater fixed
August: Spare Bedroom Organization & Deep Clean ($0)
- Closet
- Storage
- Furniture Arrangements
- Deep Clean
- Paint Touch Up (Paint is already purchased and stored)
September: Kitchen Floor Upgrade ($200-$500)
- Tear up old Laminate and replace with new laminate
October: Living Room Floor Upgrade ($50-$500)
- Tear up Carpet
- Floors
  - If floors underneath are good, rent a buffer and refinish floors
  - If floors underneath are bad, install laminate flooring
November: Winterize & Decorate ($0-$50)
- Take out A/C units
- Cover All Windows with Plastic
- Get the Furnace serviced and replace filter
- Yard Stuff Stored for Winter
- Set up Holiday decor early
December: Relax, but plan out the updates for 2018!

Dejunk For Good

Why am I hanging on to so much stuff that I don’t even have room for? I have closets and a garage just full of crap! Time to get rid of it, and get rid of it for good… No more keeping things I think I may need someday.

Sell: Whatever can be sold needs to be listed and sold, which will help me financially as well.
- Clothing: Sell more of my good-condition clothing in my Poshmark closet.
- Other Goods: Sell good-condition non-clothing goods in online yard sales, Mercari, eBay, or an actual yard sale.
- Craft Hoards: Destash my hoards of craft supplies I’ll likely never use.
Donate: Whatever good-condition items don’t or wont sell will be donated to charity (goodwill, homeless shelters, etc.)
- Selling time-limits: Anything that doesn’t sell after 3 months get’s donated.
Trash: Anything that’s broken or not in good condition needs to get junked/recycled.

Schedule Regular Household Tasks

Using my planner, I’m going to schedule cleaning tasks daily/weekly/monthly that need to be done and stick to my schedule. I also need to make a plant-watering schedule, and a schedule that involves daily exercise and care for Bub.

Must #2: Set a Plan to Fix My Finances

This month I need to sit down and figure out all of my finances. I need to write down everything I need, figure out how much I make on average, and what my allotments/budgets are so I stop digging myself deeper into debt. I also need to work on a plan for using the snowball effect to pay off my debt faster and get myself into a better place so I can one day invest, and upgrade to a better home.

Must #3: Figure Out a Career Path

I need to really decide this year what I want to do with my life, and then set a course of action for getting there. Getting my debt out of the way will really help with that plan, as I wont need two jobs to survive. I also need to go back to school, but I don’t have the money or time for it at this point. Getting a good set up for what I really want to do will help me go back to school with a focused goal in mind.

Must #4: Get Back to Creative

I’ve let my blog fall aside for a while, and I really miss it. I miss writing for real, and on a regular basis. I also haven’t had much time to do creative things, and this year I have a few endeavors I’d really like to get going this year. I miss being creative. I need more freedom for it, and to build a life out of my blog and handmade goods.

Must #5: Practice Self-Care

This one is very important. I absolutely must start doing more to take care of myself.

Get More Sleep
- Set a bedtime and wake up time and stick to it
- Talk to manager at part-time job about less closing shifts during the week
- Limit/cut out TV and phone before bed
Eat Better – NOT Diet
- Stop eating fast food so often (will help finances and health)
- Cook at home
- Meal plan/prep ahead
- Drink water
- Quit Soda
Get Bubba to a Good Place
- Walk him more often – we both need it
- Save up and get him into a full-on training course with Jill at Salty Dog Behavior Training
Take More Time for Me

January 2017 Goals

Okay, so those are my long-term goals, and man they’re extensive. Hopefully having them so detailed out like that will help me as I go along, I just need to remember to refer back to this post when I am lost and need to get back on track. Plus, I will check it each month as I write out my goals for the months in our Monthly Goals Linky Party.

January Home Goals

Pack up and put away Holiday decor, move it out to the garage
Organize the living room closet to hold games and craft/art supplies
Move kitchen table into the living room (making a dining nook since I need room for my grandmother’s hutch)
Move grandma’s hutch from her house to mine, set it up in the kitchen
Clean out Fridge/Cupboards
Organize cookware and drawers/cupboards
Deep clean the kitchen
- Stove
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Counters
- Sink
- Shelves
- Floor
Deep clean the Living Room
- Vacuum
- Carpet/upholstery clean (see if I can borrow the carpet cleaner from mom)
- Wash walls & touch up paint
- Dust
Find all the plants new homes (I adopted several of my grandmother’s and they’re just hanging out in the way)
Organize shelves, unpack boxes of books/decor stacked in the corner onto them
Hang some decor on the kitchen and dining room walls
Move A/C window unit & Packed Pool out to the garage

January Blog Goals

Finish new design updates (Did you see? How cute is that?!?)
Write & schedule out new and awesome posts
Put together a killer monthly giveaway (more info coming soon)
Figure out my 2017 sponsorship program changes
Get back into the groove of blogging

January Work Goals

Suck it up and figure out how to be happy (even if just for now) at my day job
Work less at my part-time job, use part-time job money more wisely

January Finance Goals

Figure out my budget and how best to stick with it
Start the snowball effect to pay down some debt
Set a strict no-spend budget
Leave 80% of my LLR Facebook groups (I have to stop buying it)
Start listing more things to sell in my dejunking process

January Life Goals

Read/listen to at least 2 books
Have a great visit with Josh before he heads back to Canada
Have a great visit with MelanieGrace and her family
Attend Callie and Katelyn’s wedding
Visit my grandmother more often
Visit my parents’ for my mom’s birthday or for my parents’ anniversary
Get my planner set up and in use

What are your January and/or 2017 Goals?

Join Us for the Monthly Goals

How to Play Along:

Follow your hosts My So-Called Chaos and A Peek at Karen’s World in some way to keep up with these linkies.
Write up a post about your goals for the month.
Include the button (below) or a link back to my post or Karen’s.
Link up in the linky below.
- The linky goes live on the first of each month and is open all month so link up at any time.
- Only posts talking about your goals (in whatever format you like) can be linked up.
- Posts that don’t link back or contain the button will be removed.
Visit other people in the linky and lave encouragement and support!

Link-Up

An InLinkz Link-up

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

You Are Your Top Priority: Six Tips To Help You Stay Safe

November 10, 2016 by Angie Leave a Comment

First of all, let’s be clear on one thing: if anything bad happens to you, it is not your fault. Victim blaming is one of the most toxic things in modern society and we need to be much more careful about the way we talk about victims of crime and other people’s terrible behavior. The ‘burden of being careful’ is something that affects all women. Having said that, there are some common sense things you can do to try your best to stay safe. Here goes…

Remember That Escaping Is The Best Plan

As a general rule, no matter how many self defense classes you’ve taken or how physically strong you are, it isn’t a good idea to stand your ground and attempt to fight. Additionally, never leave where you are and go somewhere with an attacker, even if they promise that they won’t hurt you.

Make Noise

If you do get stopped on the street and you’re in danger, draw attention to yourself – make a noise, scream, or do anything to get people to look out of their windows and see you, even if that means throwing a rock through a window.

Possessions Aren’t Worth Risking Your Safety

If someone wants to steal your bag, throw it away from you and then run in the opposite direction. No matter what you have in there, it isn’t as important as your physical safety. Make sure you keep some money in your pocket to help you get home safely.

Be Safe In Your Car

When you get into your car, make sure that you glance underneath it beforehand, and check out the back seat to make sure there’s no one hiding there. If a large van has parked next to the driver’s side, get in on the passenger side and move over to the driver’s seat. If you’re sitting in your car waiting to pick someone up, make sure that all the doors are locked.

Keep Your Keys in Hand

Make sure that you have your keys ready in your hand before you leave your house in the morning so you don’t have to stand in the street and fumble through your bag. This is actually a tip I was taught in a safety class by the school police officer. He showed us how to hold our keys and thread them through our fingers while walking, and recommended that we especially carry them like that when alone in the dark. Not only are you ready to unlock your car and get in immediately, but you have a good method of self-defense if you need it.

Be Aware On Nights Out

One thing that you must know: if a woman gets attacked when she’s drunk, it is not her fault. It is solely the fault of the attacker. Being drunk doesn’t make a woman any more deserving of getting attacked – but unfortunately it does make it more likely to happen, because predators are attracted to vulnerability and a drunk person’s guard is down.

Never Leave Your Drink Unattended

Make sure that when you’re drinking, you’re in the company of trusted friends who will make sure you get home safe, and that you return the favor for them. Watch your drink very carefully – never leave it unattended when you’re out, because it’s easy for people to spike them.

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Make sure you’re aware of what’s going on around you if you decide to get public transport home at the end of the night. Don’t listen to your headphones, don’t stick your nose in a book/stare at your phone intently. You need to be actively aware of what is going on around you.

Make Sure Your Home Is Secure

It’s important to remember that safety isn’t just something that you have to think of when you’re out and about. Your home is a place where you should feel safe and secure, and where you should actually be safe and secure. The main thing you should do is ensure that your doors and windows are locked at all times, especially at night.

Install a Security System

If you don’t already have a security system, it’s vital that you get one installed. Secure Penguin recently reviewed Scout Alarm, is a great system for young people – but take a look online to find one that works well for you. There are so many options now for more than just an alarm, and things like doorbell cameras and motion lights can help a ton.

Be Careful Who You Give Access to Your Home

If you’re having a party, make sure that everyone attending is someone you know and trust, and never share your address publicly. If you have spare keys, make sure anyone who holds them or knows where they are is trustworthy.

Save As Much Money As You Can

Put a percentage of every paycheck into an easily accessible bank account. Building up your savings gives you one of the most important things in the world – freedom. If you’re burdened by debt, it’s almost impossible to leave a job where your boss creeps you out or an abusive relationship, whereas if you have some savings you have the freedom to move on and do whatever you want. Having that security cushion of a good savings account can also help you out if something should happen to put your safety at risk.

Trust Your Intuition

If something about a situation feels strange to you, leave. Never feel bad about it – your safety should be your priority over someone else’s hurt feelings. If you’ve gone over to a guy’s house for dinner, and he gets a little too handsy and you’re uncomfortable with it, get out of there and go home. If you’re worried about his reaction and you don’t want to be upfront about why you’re leaving, plead stomach problems – it’s difficult to argue with that.

Be Prepared to Follow That Intuition

Download the Uber app and keep a couple of numbers of local licensed cab companies written down on a piece of paper in your pocket. If you have a feeling that you can’t explain about someone or a situation, it’s likely because your subconscious has been picking up on signs that your conscious mind may have missed, like tone of voice or body language.

How do you stay safe?

Leave your tips in the comments below to help others be safe.

This post may contain an affiliate link or two. Thanks so much for supporting my blog.

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com