Snail Pace Transformations

The Summer Bucket List : And the Changes it Brings

May 10, 2013 by Victoria Leave a Comment

A few weeks ago I decided to cheer on my friend Crystal Paine while she was doing her first live broadcast event with Lyza Terkeurst . Sure she couldn’t exactly hear my cheering but I did leave her a comment the next day saying I had watched it; online friendship support is different than face to face friendship support…or is it?

Anyways that is a whole different blog post lets get back to today’s topic. During the broadcast Crystal mentioned something I have heard her talk about before; “making a summer bucket list”.

The idea is to sit the family down and brainstorm on what everyone wants to do over the weeks of summer vacation. Then type out that list and post it somewhere that you see all the time to make sure it actually happens.

I have always made a bucket list in my head but sadly never involved the kids although believe me the ideas on my list involved them, if it were a just me list it would say, read several books while swinging in the swing chair instead of things like camp for 5 nights and go to a new water park.

Since that podcast I have been pondering a family written bucket list and announced it to the children Wednesday. They are already shouting out requests some small “a trip to the pool with the high dive” some extremely large “a return to Disney World” (that child is going to be a bit disappointed).

What I quickly realized is that involving the children in this list and posting it where everyone can see it daily means I need to be more proactive in making sure it happens otherwise I will be facing 3 disappointed faces come fall.

Meaning I need to find more time in my day for fun while the sun is out which leads me to my announcement.

My New Blog Post Schedule

Starting next week I will be posting just Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. I will no longer post on Fridays.

Other Changes

Sunday Surfing is becoming Weekend Surfing and will be posted on Saturday.

You will still find Shopping Saturdays and Selling Saturdays alternating with Weekend Surfing on Saturday.

Monday will remain my goal post day

Wednesday will be a wild card day where I will write about time management, simple recipes, faith, fitness, homeschooling, or whatever idea comes to my mind.

Daily Life Captured will be seen on the first Wednesday of the month instead of the first Friday

I will not be having a one week series for the month of June, July or August (one week series will return in September)

If another blogger hosts a series that welcomes other bloggers that I think will benefit my household I might join in (like Money Saving Mom’s Clutter Busting Challenge this month)

Review posts to as much as I can control will be posted on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday.

Yes that still looks like a lot of posts, but one less scheduled post a week for me is on average 2 to 3 hours saved when I add up time to write a good quality post, take good quality photos, edit and label the photos, edit the post, tweak the post for better SEO, publish the post and promote the post. Two to three hours is the same time it takes to visit the local pool with my children or pack up for a weekend of camping (both things I am sure are going to be on that summer bucket list).

What do you do to make more time for fun in the summer? Do you write a summer bucket list?

Don’t miss a Summer post Subscribe By Email or By RRS Reader or follow along on Facebook or Twitter

Filed Under: This and That

Day 7 of the Clutter Busting Challenge

May 9, 2013 by Victoria Leave a Comment

Today’s 7 tossed are things that I can actually sell to raise money for our upcoming anniversary trip.

There are four Vera Bradley purses in this photo as well as 2 iPad cases. The iPad cases won’t bring in much money but every dollar adds up. The Vera Bradley purses however always seem to resell well.

My plan is to research these prints and purses on eBay today and then post them to my personal Facebook account in my virtual yard sale photo album at prices about 20 to 30% less than average selling price on eBay. This saves me the effort and fees of posting on eBay and gives my friends a deal and first dibs.

What purses my friends don’t want will then be listed on eBay.

I like the purses, and I do use them from time to time but I love the idea of a two night three day getaway with my hubby even more.

I love using memory building trips as motivation to declutter for cash. I think we often forget that memories are built from events not things.

Keeping that phrase “memories are built from events” helps me to declutter more effectively. I think to myself “would I rather keep this, or use the money I will get from selling it to spend time with…..doing…. and building memories”?

Do you ever resell you no longer needed items?

Don’t miss a post Subscribe By Email or By RRS Reader or follow along on Facebook or Twitter

linked to Money Saving Mom’s Clutter Busting Challenge

Filed Under: Giveaways

Day 6 of The Clutter Busting Challenge

May 8, 2013 by Victoria 1 Comment

Today I started on my bag collection. I am thinking I might get 2 days worth of items out of it all together.

Looking at this picture I find myself thinking, well maybe I should keep that little black backpack. It might come in handy for….

“It might” are stumbling words for those of us on a clutter busting mission. Chances are “it might” is truly an “it won’t”.

“It might” is yet another stealer of our time, energy and joy in our today.

I find the best way to deal with an “it might” item is do one of two things.

1. Get it out of the house the very day you decide to toss it. Every time I have a full box for the thrift store I try to get rid of it that very same day I filled it. I usually get my husband to drop off my boxes that way I can’t grab it out of the box last minute as I arrive at the drop off location.

2. Create an “it might” box. Write the date you placed the item in it on the side of the box, and if in 6 months time you have not used it the item is not a “it might” but a “it won’t” so get rid of it.

Do you struggle with “it might” items?

Don’t miss a post Subscribe By Email or By RRS Reader or follow along on Facebook or Twitter

linked to Money Saving Mom’s Clutter Busting Challenge

Filed Under: Housekeeping

Tearing Down The Walls Of The Heart

May 8, 2013 by Victoria Leave a Comment

The other day my husband and children were taking apart our old shed in our backyard to make room for a larger one.

As they got to the walls, I couldn’t help but notice the effort it took them to tear them apart.

The walls decades old contained surprises like 1000′s of nails when there should have been handfuls, as well as bugs and even a bees nest (thankfully it was still too cold out to be active).

As I stood back to take a picture for Instagram I was struck by a thought, just as physical walls are hard to remove so are the walls we place around our own hearts.

A person hurt me so badly when I was young that I became an expert wall builder. When I got older and the person was no longer a threat to me, those walls still remained intact and almost kept out the person whom I am building my current home with.

Ugly walls, full of shards require sweat and hard work to remove, whether they be physical or emotional.

That hard work however is worth every ounce of sweat. Our home now has a shed large enough to fit our bikes and our tools.

My heart now is filled with the joy brought by the love of a man whom I tore the walls away for and the laughter of the children that were created from that love.

If you are struggling with emotional walls, remember not what pain from the past they were created for but what joy of the present and future they are keeping you from.

“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” Ezekiel 36:26

Don’t miss a post Subscribe By Email or By RRS Reader or follow along on Facebook or Twitter

linked to Hearts For Home at Upside Down Homeschooling, Teach Me Tuesdays at Growing Home Titus 2sdays at The Time Warp Wife, WFMW at We Are That Family, Welcome Home At Raising Arrows

Pin It

Filed Under: Faith

Review of Pure Natural Diva: Natural Perfume

May 7, 2013 by Victoria Leave a Comment

Ever since being diagnosed with uterine fibroids a few years ago I have been researching what things I can do to avoid their growth and the pain I receive from them.

One thing I came across right away was research done showing how chemicals in the products we use on our skin and hair create higher than normal levels of estrogen within the body thus increasing the growth and pain of fibroids.

At first I thought this was crazy and had to be untrue. Still I cut those products out of my daily beauty routine and sure enough within a cycle or two I felt 80% relief. In fact my fibroids rarely bug me anymore, unless I have fallen off my quest to put less chemicals in and on my body.

One thing that was hardest to give up was my favorite body sprays. I loved their pretty smells. So when an opportunity came across my path to review a natural perfume I was thrilled.

I received 4 trial vials of natural perfume one in each of the 4 scents that Pure Natural Diva Botanicals creates. My favorite was Elixir which contains a hint of vanilla.

Although I liked the perfume I have to admit the price of a full sized bottle is not within my current budget. I was pleased however to see that Elixer is included in one of the two sample packs that Pure Natural Diva Botanicals offers and at $14 to $16 for a set of 3 or 4 sample vials,I just might splurge occasionally on a sample ; perhaps with either Birthday, Christmas or even with my upcoming Mother’s Day money.

If you are looking for a natural perfume check out Pure Natural Diva Botanicals

(I was given a sample of this product for purpose of review but the opinions expressed are my own)

Filed Under: This and That

Day 5 of The Clutter Busting Challenge

May 7, 2013 by Victoria 1 Comment

This morning I got rid of the very last of the empty vinegar bottles, a pair of gloves and a old bike helmet.

So that brings my total to 26 empty vinegar and tide bottles not the 28 I feared. However it is still way more than one person should ever keep as spares in her basement. I now have just the 10 I need for a batch of my homemade laundry detergent.

As I was decluttering the morning I thought about the seductive woman described in Proverbs 7. I couldn’t help but relate my love of buying and storing things I don’t really need to the seductive woman.

These things are attractively dressed, they promise me more time, more money, or a different life in which I will be able to pursue the activity that they are (sewing & scrapbooking supplies) but in reality they steal those very things from me.

To be a good steward I need to live fully in the present, I need to focus on the stage of life I am in now, and these things keep me from enjoying my current life to the fullest.

This month I am getting rid of 217 of those seductive things. Sure some of them are no-brainers like a lifetime collection of vinegar bottles I created when I gave in to the seduction of laziness. Others however are tough to let go of like craft supplies that spoke to my creative side so loudly that I no longer heard the sensible side of me that realizes that in this stage of life I simply do not have time to create past the words on this laptop and the stitches created by my hands when I am winding down for the night.

What are the seductive women in your home? Are you brave enough to toss them?

Don’t miss a post Subscribe By Email or By RRS Reader or follow along on Facebook or Twitter

Linked to Money Saving Mom’s Clutter Busting Challenge

Filed Under: Housekeeping

Day 4 of The Clutter Busting Challenge

May 6, 2013 by Victoria 4 Comments

I did my Saturday, Sunday and Monday toss on Saturday afternoon. I am actually very embarrassed to show this photo to the world. So before I do here are my lame excuses.

Lame excuse number 1 : We moved my laundry area to the basement a year ago so the recycling bin is on a different floor.

Lame excuse number 2: I have a shelving unit on either side of my washer and drier and it seemed easier at the time to just place these items there than lugging them up the stairs as I emptied them.

Lame excuse number 3: I make my own laundry soap so I do need some of these to store it in (just not this many).

Lame excuse number 4: I truly had no idea that things had gotten this bad. I mean ya I knew I had a few too many, but not THAT MANY.

So here is the picture of my 21 things (7 a day for 3 days)…….

Okay stop laughing now. Yes that is in fact a picture of 21 empty bottles of vinegar and tide. I use vinegar as fabric softener and tide for the whites (I use my homemade laundry soap for all our other laundry).

This story gets worse. Tomorrow you are going to see more of these bottles, and on Friday I am going to have to ask my children to help lug the huge cardboard box they are sitting in up the stairs with me and to the curb for the recycling guys to pick up.

Yes that is right everyone who drives or walks by that morning before the recycle guys arrive is going to see this large mound of 28 empty vinegar and tide bottles and will ponder for the next few miles just how one family could go through that much vinegar and soap.

Oh well, live and learn, and I have learned. I have learned that if you avoid the little for too long it becomes something big and embarrassing.

What did you get rid of today?

Don’t miss a post Subscribe By Email or By RRS Reader or follow along on Facebook or Twitter

Filed Under: Housekeeping

Bundle Of the Week: Blogging Bundle

May 6, 2013 by Victoria Leave a Comment

5 ebooks for just $7.40

One thing I learned in my freshman year of blogging is the importance of researching information in order to improve my blog. One great way to research is to read books on either blogging or topics related to blogging (like social media or ebook writing).

If you are wanting to blog or are just starting a blog I would highly recommend investing in this weeks e-book bundle I have personally read Pinteresting, and found it to be an extremely informative read about the ins and outs of Pinterest and how to use it effectively to grow your blog traffic.

The complete bundle includes:

Blogger Behave by Laura Booz
At the end of the day, your blog is just one part of your life, and Laura shares the secrets that have helped her blog well and live well. Learn to develop a vision statement for your blog, strategize blog content that benefits your life, blog authentically without regrets, gain control over blogging time and much more!

Pinteresting by Tabitha Philen
Pinteresting: Pinterest Strategies for Brands and Bloggers is a step-by-step guide for understanding Pinterest from Tabitha, a professional blogger and Pinterest expert. You’ll learn how to create a show-stopping Pinterest profile page, keep your account fresh and inviting, build a solid community of followers who are actively engaged, develop solid strategies for your Pinterest account, optimize your website by making it more Pinterest-friendly and find the tools to help you manage your Pinterest campaigns.

Blog at Home Mom by Christin Slade
Christin offers both practical and encouraging tips to help moms balance their life at home with their blog or online business in Blog at Home Mom. You will find ideas for organizing and prioritizing your blog and writing time, as well as setting goals and keeping balance with your home and children.

25 Simple Steps to Make Money Blogging by Tara Ziegmont
It is possible to make money from your blog, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy! In 25 Simple Steps to Make Money Blogging, Tara shows you how to monetize your blog through increased readership, ads (including the pros and cons of various different types of ads) and paid writing opportunities. She even shares what works (and what doesn’t work) on her blog.

30 Days to Make and Sell a Fabulous Ebook by Angela England
In 30 Days to Make and Sell a Fabulous Ebook, Angela draws from her own ebook publishing experience (earning five figures a year!) to speed you on your way toward producing, marketing and selling an ebook. You’ll find 30 bite-sized daily lessons, daily challenges, additional resources and quotes from experts to help you create and publish a successful ebook!

The Blogging bundle is only available through 8am EST on Monday, 5/13.

Click Here To Buy

Filed Under: Sunday Reads

3 Snail Pace Goals For The Week: May 6 to May 12

May 6, 2013 by Victoria Leave a Comment

Wow! I think this is a first. I completed all 3 goals that I set for myself.

Last Weeks Goals.

1. Done: I finally got my daughters too small summer clothes on Facebook last night and by the time I woke up this morning I had sold $22 worth plus another $4 worth in books she no longer reads; giving me another $26 to add to our anniversary trip fund. Facebook really is the easiest way I know to get rid of unused items.

2. Done: I successfully posted and linked up to Money Saving Mom’s Clutter Busting Challenge all three days last week, and have my most embarrassing post to date ready for today.

3. Done: I ran the errands that my husband required of me all week long for the sale of our previous home and later today we sign the papers.

One of those tasks was watching a one man crew put this ready built shed into place in our back yard. I then arranged for two teens to help my husband and our three children empty his existing shop at our old home and fill this shed.

This weeks Goals

1. Pick out plants for my front step planters and the planter on the porch. (this is my families Mother’s Day gift to me every year)

2. Continue in Money Saving Mom’s Clutter Busting Challenge.

3. Try an idea I have involving a mesh orange bag and a crochet hook (or possibly knitting needles).

On Going Goals

1. Exercise 5 days a week (managed 4 days)

2. Spend 20 hrs a week working on the blog (did it and more)

3. Spend the last hour of every day screen free (failed 2 times this week )

Don’t miss a post Subscribe By Email or By RRS Reader or follow along on Facebook or Twitter

Amazon.com Widgets

Filed Under: Goal setting

Sunday Surfing

May 5, 2013 by Victoria Leave a Comment

I spend 30 minutes each day reading other blogs. Every other Sunday I share a few of those posts with you my readers.

1. Parenting A Boy Not A Herd: As a parent who firmly believes in getting to know each child as an individual I loved this post.

2. Hiding in My Metaphorical Closet: We all have those rooms that need a good cleaning.

3. Thieves: Pain, Fear, or Worry : I loved Life as Mom mention of Dr. Google. Oh the times, he and I have spent together.

4. 10 Ways To Be Less Wasteful: This article had me thinking. How often does everyone else out there change their kitchen cloths? Me, several times a day (am I germ-a-phobic?)

5. It’s Earth Day Be Green and Frugal: I found several more ways being thrifty and green go together.

If you like theses posts you might want to follow me on Pinterest. I pin my morning finds while sipping my morning green tea and enjoying the silence of a home full of sleeping children.

Don’t miss a post Subscribe By Email or By RRS Reader or follow along on Facebook or Twitter

Filed Under: Sunday Surfing