Archive - Tips RSS Feed

I’ve Finally Found Balance in my Life!

May 8, 2013 in Balance and Peace, Inspiration, Tips with 0 Comments

2501367628_61fccb4a62_b

{image by kmakice}

Sometimes your life requires you to refocus the ebb and flow process of tasks, obligations, and commitments. Just trying to find out what the essentials can seem impossible. 

Sometimes you want to scream:

“What is the priority??” 

“Should Do I do this?

Should Do I do that?” 

“Someone  tell me what to do!!”

I know that feeling oh too well.

It’s a balance of what you think you should do and what you can actually do.

I like to think Gentle Reminders will help me find my way, but I have to be honest… sometimes its a swift slap from a situation that usually catches my attention.
I am a doer, so my focus is on accomplishing, and when projects, responsibilities, and newborn babies arrive, my urge To Do gets magnified.

When I think of peace I think of three things:

               Community • Communicate • Care 

I realize that there are other things that can cultivate peace in our lives, but my focus here are these three:

Create your community 
You are not alone, there are people you can lean on. This quote says it well, “You can’t choose the family you’re born in, but you can choose the Friends you keep close to you.”  It is important to have friends for emotional support and physical support. We all need friends! You have to seek the right relationships that can help you. Why? Because you can’t do everything. You can’t do it alone. There will be circumstances where you need that extra support and that’s okay.

Communicate
The biggest challenge for me before I got sick was to ask for help. I was the one who helped others but I never thought it would be important to ask for help for myself. I quickly learned  to not worry about overloading someone else. We all have boundaries and if you have friends who don’t have boundaries, it is time to cultivate friends that do. People with boundaries will only help when they can so if they offer they most likely mean it and so that, my dear, is your time to say “Yes I need help!” I’m myself am not scared anymore to inquire for support. When I look down the week and I see a whirlwind of to-do’s, I pick up my phone and call in reinforcements and quick!  Don’t hesitate get on your phone and just  say it  “HELP!”

Care
There are no stream line bullet points or steps to do. It takes time and practice to remember to introduce self-care into your week. Some people think that if they do this and do that, then they can create time for some self-care. I am here to remind you self-care happens no matter what gets accomplished in your day. Self-care is not only facials, massages, and mani/pedis, (those are really nice), but it’s also the your emotional, spiritual and inspirational needs too. You know what you have been neglecting, and it’s time to find it, dust it off and put it back in each of your days. If that is too much, change it to a weekly self-care. You can always work on getting self-care in on a daily basis. Just do something to take care of yourself each day.

I believe we all deserve Peace… now get out there  find your peace in each of your days. Why because your inner Zen is waiting.

 

Planting Peace…Shelley

Is It Really A No Brainer?

May 1, 2013 in Creative Ideas, Inspiration, Tips with 0 Comments

136216456_40df1bd6e1_b

{image by redjar}

Becoming a foster parent has lead me down a very long and tedious journey. Every single corner of our home has been checked and then re-checked … all drawers were opened and evaluated. Don’t get me wrong! I am not complaining—the process has been great! The six page checklist offered an opportunity to really test my organizational skills. It lead me to a project that has been sitting in my project que for awhile now.  One thing I have been meaning to do for a long time is add to my Emergency Binder.

Let me share well at the time… not too humorous situation but looking back gives me a chuckle.

When the hubby and I got married in Costa Rica, we hired  a house/pet sitter to took care of our dogs, cat, fish, and home. I created a mini binder and I added all the vital information needed for the sitter. At the time I felt like it had enough information. When we left for our 3 week wedding/honeymoon, I felt good we walked her through our home and answered any of her questions. Everything was fine as left but upon arriving to Costa Rica, we immediately checked into our hotel  and that’s where we were met with  a few messages from the sitter. The messages stated that she simply could not figure out how to turn off  our TV.  We called her right away but after many attempts we realized that our TV would be on for the next 21 days. We asked her to invite our neighbors over and see if they could turn off but  to no avail… all parties could not turn off the TV.  The sitter lowered volume when not home and our TV worked a little bit harder the next following 3 weeks. 

 

remoteblog

My mind was churning, by the time I arrived back I knew a new binder needed to be created.

 

 Now was my opportunity to really create a binder that had all the unique things to our house. I  took a pic of the remote and drew lines to what each button meant. It seems like a no-brainer type of appliance, but when it comes down to it… how many of us know how to work anyone else’s TV except our own?

The binder I created has all the normal emergency stuff in it, but it also has maps of where to find things and it contains items that are pertinent to our home.

I basically created the binder as if  I was walking into my home for the first time. Our binder has the default info such as the local hospital information, animal information, neighbors’ name and phone numbers. It also has our vehicle information, local grocery store and animal hospital. We mapped out the exterior of the house and also the interior. We drew where our gas line ran from house, main water line for  plumbing issues, our breaker panel and what switch turned on our garbage disposal.

Whether we are planning a trip or in an Emergency, we have a plan and I feel 100% confident that my binder will provide Peace of Mind.

Have you created  an Emergency Binder yet? If not, maybe it’s time!

You can go to FEMA’s (Federal Emergency Management Agency) website Ready.gov. 

In case of a real emergency and we are not able to make it back home, I uploaded  my information to this website  as a sort of double back up. My binder is also at my mothers home in case we have no internet access and no way of getting into our home.

Need help making your own Emergency Binder? Connect with me here and let me support you in utilizing your resources!

Planning Peace…Shelley

In The Nick Of Time

April 26, 2013 in News, Time Management Ideas, Tips with 0 Comments

IMG_1605

Taxes may or may not be a complicated process for you… however it is still a process. The key to submitting taxes is being prepared and being prepared is not staying up late at night pulling your paperwork together in a hurried panic.

How do you feel when you prepare for your taxes? Panic? Hurried?

Now that the tax deadline is over, it’s time to reevaluate your process. It’s time! It does not have to be an ordeal EVERY year.
I want to share some things I do to help the tax process be smooth sailing each year for me. It is my hope that you can snag an idea and apply it to your tax process.

Find your system so that your tax process can be less frustrating and time-consuming.
Collect your items so that you have everything at your fingertips.
Set deadlines for your spouse i.e., you need XYZ by a certain date. Make sure this date is at least 30 days before you are gathering your paperwork. Plug those dates in!

icalexample copy

Set a specific time to collect your paperwork. Make sure that paperwork is uninterrupted time. I like to make a cup of tea, put on some classical music and begin the process of gathering.

Organization  is a year round effort.

I meet with my tax preparer and ask what categories can I write off. I keep updated each year in case anything changes. I take those categories and make a file for each. Each day I put the receipts in each specific file folder category. I write the name of the person I was with, file it and I continue to to that each day until the following year.

I use this divider folder I repurposed from another project and use for receipts.

IMG_1626

Keeping your documents organized will reduce the errors and you will save time in completing them.

Keep everything in one place. I use this banker box and call it my TAX BOX. I keep hanging folders, envelopes and file folders among other things in this box.

IMG_1604

 

I keep my business in separate folders, but it still remains in the box. I try to keep the paperwork under control and I like to use software like Mint.com (for my business Quicken works good for me). Both are easy to send to my tax preparer and with my tax box I have everything at my finger tips.

 

IMG_1603

 

Are you feeling like you need extra support? Let’s work together! Connect with me and we can find a system that works for you and together we can make a new change. It doesn’t have to be complicated… it just has to work for you!

 

Planning Peace…Shelley 

Are You Kind of like a Zombie?

April 17, 2013 in News, Time Management Ideas, Tips with 0 Comments

3071055422_9de108f288_b

 

Sometimes finding motivation when making a personal change  can seem like a long and winding road.  I agree it can  definitely be a journey and as most journeys, there are challenges to rise to. When you are slow to decide and even slower to take actions, finding a simplified life seems even farther away. Being present seems easy enough to say, but to do it can at times be very challenging. Sometimes I catch myself so caught up in attempting to multitask, pushing myself to do more in a less amount of time.

It’s at these times that I usually end up making silly mistakes-

You know what I mean?

 Texting the wrong person

 Leaving  an  item at home when I left my home to solely drop off that item.

Forgetting to hit send and wondering why this person has not responded?

 Saying YES to a project when clearly you want to say NO.

 Driving to the wrong location because you were thinking about all the to-do’s.

Come on!

I know I am not alone in this club so don’t pretend you don’t know what I am talking about!

bikerphone

Everyone thinks multitasking is a faster way of doing things but it really isn’t. Some of us have gone off the edge with multitasking and I am first in that line. But I  have changed the way I approach my to do’s and it has helped me avoid getting caught up in “get out of my way I am trying to finish my last 3 to do’s!” 

Even a concealer won't help!

Even a concealer won’t help!

Just listen for a second…

Multi tasking does not exist.

I repeat.

Multi tasking does not exist.

Okay… did you hear me?

Multi tasking does not exist!

You may think you are multi tasking but the only thing you are creating is:

1.  More time used to finish task

2. Increased amount of mistakes

3. Increased levels of  stress

multi

image by Lars Plougmann

Why not do one task at time and complete that task

efficiently, effectively and effortlessly? 

Being present in what you are doing at the moment is so important, it can move  you forward in your short-term and long-term goals and plans. Taking the smaller steps each day and being present when doing them—putting your effort in and pulling your focus to your actions—will soon transform the way that goals and plans are achieved.

Today, try to be at ease with doing 1 task at a time.

If the task is to watch TV, then sit down and watch TV. Don’t try to catch glimpses, clean the living room, talk on the phone, and/or check your emails. Slowing down and being present allows you to be upfront in your life and make wiser decisions.

It’s time to:

Slow your to-do roll today and  remember in order to do a task well, you must take the time to do it one task at a time.

When you begin to see your to do list diminishing, you will see your progress and feel happy.

 

Planting Peace…Shelley

 

 

{photo by Thomas Hawk}

Tried and Truly Delicious Recipes

January 24, 2013 in Tips with 0 Comments

5393389069_a0d4fe9ef2_b

 {photo by Marisa | Food in Jars}

In my family, I am the only one who finds cooking a Peace of Mind. Not only do I enjoy cooking, I also love the process of trying different recipes of the same dish. I am known to make a dish over, over and yes… over again. Just ask the hubby: he can talk about 1 chili I made that…. well anyways, don’t ask him… just trust me! My husband has been my *main* audience right now for about 13 years now. He used to say “oh yeah, it’s good,” and now as I craft my cooking techniques, he is crafting his food reviews. I am now hearing “well it could do with a bit of a punch” or “not savory enough” or “this has a wonderful mouth feel” or “this is a keeper simply by the sauce.” What? Really? Has he been watching Top Chef? But in all honesty I love the feedback! I listen and adjust and adapt my recipes.

Every new recipe I come across I simply make as instructed and then I make it again and again—adjusting, simplifying, and adapting to my family’s personal level of flavor enjoyment. They have made it all the way to the dinner table and into my family’s stomachs!

Many of my clients I have helped out via means of cooking; they have asked me for my recipes so I decided to provide some more Peaceful Gifts in the form of recipes. These recipes will spoil your family’s taste buds and they will be begging for more!

These recipes will offer a delicious, simple and flavorful meal demonstrates how we love each other. Read with care and take time to adapt to your family likes. You can try these recipes one bite a time. I hope these recipes find a way to your dinner table – let me know how it goes!

Watch for the first recipe – I will be providing these recipes as free resources via my Peaceful Gifts.

I have learned that cooking is how we make it out to be. Join me as I share some recipes I have crafted over time taking a simple recipe and adding different ingredients to finally make it my family stamp of approval.

Wise words from a famous chef…     “Whatever happens in the kitchen never apologize. ” -Julia Child

Still stuck in a rut with cooking? Contact me here and let’s make it happen!

 

Planting Peace…

 Shelley

Peaceful Gifts – Creating Simplicity

January 7, 2013 in News, Organization Ideas, Time Management Ideas, Tips with 0 Comments

As I work with and get to know different clients, we always exchange useful bits of advice and wisdom–the best part of my job! The question I get asked the most after I have shared some of my life experience and tidbits of advice is “How can I get access to this information?” or “Is there a place where I can save these tidbits?”

That is why I created my new “Peaceful Gifts” page (located underneath my “Store” tab). This page is all about the free resources that I can offer you to create space and simplicity for planting peace amidst the craziness in your life! These resources can be checklists, remedies, or just some peaceful tools of self-affirmation and self-reflection–which is why I want to share them with you so Enjoy!

One of my newest additions to the page is the “Creating Simplicity” Checklist. Sometimes we sit down and try to plan our year; what results is a great big sigh of “oh boy!” There seems to be so many things to plan and not enough energy, time, or Peace to plan them! We try to plan one thing and then get caught off guard by another and before you know it you feel neck-deep in to-do’s and errands.  My “Creating Simplicity” Checklist most if not all of the big and small things that you need to take care of for the year–plus some tips on how to indulge and relax yourself. Create some Simplicity in your life and let me know how it goes! Check it out here or click on the picture below to download it! 

 

Give theses Peaceful Gifts a good read and download–let me know how they simplify your busy schedule each day, month, and year! Still feeling overwhelmed after seeing these resources? Don’t worry-I can walk you through each step.

 

Planting Peace,

Shelley

Everyone Dreams Of Peace

January 4, 2013 in Balance and Peace, Inspiration, Time Management Ideas, Tips with 0 Comments

      

My planner will bring structure to your goals, helping you Create new habits day by day.  It will inspire  you to keep things manageable and continue your focus. It will motivate you to create Peace in your days. 

 I wanted to discuss the different elements in my Peace Planner. I created the planner to help me in creating peace on a daily basis within my life. These days your life may be full and at times may be very chaotic and stressful. Sometimes when you are planning your day, week, or month it feels like everything is important.  It can become difficult finding the priorities in your day. But remember it’s essential to deal with your life as it is now and not by the way you wish it would be.

 It is my hope that the Peace Planner helps create more clarity in your life.

Join me as I share with you each element of my Peace Planner. 

The Planning Your Peace Page – click here to listen.

The  Dream Inspired Page - click here to listen.

The  Daily Life Progress - click  here to listen.

The  Jot It &  Shopping List Pages– click  here to listen.

The  Life Inspired Page– click  here  to listen.

Planting Peace…Shelley

Put Yourself First: Peaceful Gifts

December 17, 2012 in Balance and Peace, News, Shopping Tips, Tips with 0 Comments

As I work with and get to know different clients, we always exchange useful bits of advice and wisdom–the best part of my job! The question I get asked the most after I have shared some of my life experience and tidbits of advice is “How can I get access to this information?” or “Is there a place where I can save these tidbits?”

That is why I created my new “Peaceful Gifts” page (located underneath my “Store” tab). This page is all about the free resources that I can offer you to create space and simplicity for planting peace amidst the craziness in your life! These resources can be checklists, remedies, or just some peaceful tools of self-affirmation and self-reflection–which is why I want to share them with you so Enjoy!

One of my newest additions to the page is the “Entertain in Peace” Checklist. We all know how crazy stressful and chaotic planning even a simple dinner party with close friends can be! There just never seems to be enough time in the world to buy all the ingredients while worrying about decor and drinks. I can make this process easier and streamlined for you… imagine a peaceful planning process and a great turnout/result! Are you with me now? I created this checklist to make party and get-together planning a piece of cake! Check it out here or click on the picture below to download it! 

 

Give theses Peaceful Gifts a good read and download–let me know how they simplify your busy schedule each day, month, and year! Still feeling overwhelmed after seeing these resources? Don’t worry-I can walk you through each step.

 

Planting Peace,

Shelley

Creating Peace

December 14, 2012 in Balance and Peace, Inspiration, News, Tips with 0 Comments

 

Sometimes life just takes me on its path and I feel like I am just running this endless race–always tired, stressed, and feeling crazy! Here are 25 ways I use to create Peace within my own life: 

  1. Creating peace begins where you live
  2. Creating peace begins in the calmness of your life
  3. Creating peace by visualizing the way peace feels
  4. Creating peace by surrounding yourself with peaceful people
  5. Creating peace by creating peaceful thoughts in time of stress
  6. Creating peace by touching others with peace
  7. Creating peace by living at the heart of the matter
  8. Creating peace by understanding we are all doing our best
  9. Creating peace by calming your voice when in a difficult conversation
  10. Creating peace by understanding peace is infinite
  11. Creating peace by allowing it to sustain you in moments of struggle
  12. Creating peace discussing the topic whenever you can
  13. Creating peace by not compromising your principles 
  14. Creating peace by forgiving those who you feel have wronged you
  15. Creating peace by that not insisting others live by your principles
  16. Creating peace by simply allowing each day to unfold
  17. Creating peace by your personal success within
  18. Creating peace by being inspired by words of encouragement
  19. Creating peace by not sweating the small task in life to prioritize
  20. Creating peace by understanding it is your responsibility
  21. Creating peace by not waiting for future to bring it
  22. Creating peace by creating kind thoughts for the people in your life
  23. Creating peace by praying for peace in the world
  24. Creating peace by surrendering to the notion of peace
  25. Creating peace hearing the whisper of grace in your ear 

Give these a thought. . . I hope they are helpful!

 

Planting Peace

Shelley 

 

Planning Your Peace 3

December 11, 2012 in Organization Ideas, Time Management Ideas, Tips with 0 Comments

My planner will bring structure to your goals, helping you Create new habits day by day.  It will inspire  you to keep things manageable and continue your focus. It will motivate you to look for peace  within your day

 

 

I wanted to discuss the different elements in my Peace Planner. I created the planner to help me in creating peace on a daily basis within my life. These days your life may be full and at times may be very chaotic and stressful, sometimes when you are planning your day, week, or month it feels like everything is important.  It can become difficult finding the priorities in your day. But remember it’s essential to deal with your life as it is now and not by the way you wish it would be. It is my hope that the Peace Planner helps create more clarity in your life.

Today I want to discuss  the  Daily Life Progress – click  here to listen.

Planting Peace,

~Shelley

Page 1 of 712345»...Last »