Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Personal Development Books

So lately I've been on a "Personal Development' kick. In the past month I've taken on two new jobs; a designer with Origami Owl AND a health and fitness coach with Beachbody. It's been a lot of work so far, just figuring out how each system works.

One thing that both organizations encourage is PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT! 

So after doing extensive research (checking out the YouTube channels, blogs, Facebook pages and Instagram pages of top people in each company) and see what the most successful people were reading, AND really thinking about how I want to grow as a person, I sat down and made a list of the kinds of personal development I wanted to read about:

Faith - I believe that God has a hand in all our successes and by building our relationship with Him, those successes will happen. I want to develop a closer, stronger relationship with God, and have the confidence to turn my life over to him.

Financial - I want financial success, we all do. But no how much money you make OR don't make per year, if you do not manage it wisely, you won't have it. You can make minimal money, but live a fulfilled life by making smart choices. I want to learn how to make those smart choices. 

Interpersonal - I'd like to think that I am a pretty easy person to get along with, although I'm sure there are some who would disagree. But this is something I want to work on; how to relate to more people, how to listen better, how to find that one thing about someone that makes me interested in them and be able to relate to them. 

Professional - This is different from financial development. I want to learn how to run my businesses. How to stay focused and prioritize my tasks (something I am HORRIBLE at.)

Health/Fitness - Now that I am an Independent Beachbody coach, it's my 'job' to teach people the way to better health and to be an example of what I'm trying to 'sell.' No one wants to listen to the lazy, chubby girl tell them about living a healthy lifestyle. I want/need to learn how to find motivation to eat better and work out each day. 



WHEW!!! That seems like so much, but I think it's important to your success to constantly feel you need to work on something, even if it's minor. 

What is your opinion on these types of books? Do you believe they really provide insight into growing as a person? Or do you believe that they are written by some schmuck just looking to cash in and earn a buck?
Please let me know in the comments below.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Life Perspective


Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

 

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.  It is the most requested column I've ever written.  My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

 

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.

      Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, and then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27 Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33.. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36.. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone elses, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Sunday Social 8/3/14

Hi y'll! I can't believe it's August already. (frowny face)
 
 
 
I'm linking up with Ashley and Neely for another Sunday Social.
 
1. Gum or mints? - Well, I have braces, so mints is definitely the way I go.
 
 
2. Tea or Coffee? - Hmm, this is tough. I NEED my coffee in the morning, but I love sweet tea and a hot green tea at night. So I'm going to say it's a draw.
 
3. Fruits or Veggies? - I love fruit, it's nature's candy! Lately I've been eating a lot more fruit and the craving for other candy is pretty much gone.
 
4. TV or Movies? - I always tell people I have 'Movie ADD.' I seriously cannot sit through a movie unless I'm at a theater watching it. So I definitely prefer TV out of the two.
 
5. Candles or Diffusers? - Candles. All the way. Slightly obessed with Bath and Body Works candles. Just slightly.

 
 
Thank you for visting my site on this wonderful Sunday. Please check out my other website, Imperfectly Healthy to see my journey towards better health and fitness.

Friday, August 1, 2014

Flea Market Book Haul

One of my favorite places to pick up 'new' books is a flea market. At the one I go to there are 2 booths that I visit, each one selling books for between $2 and $3. That's a really, really good deal for books that normally cost, on average, $15 to $20! Now granted, you won't find the newest releases, but it's a great way to pick up some older books to add to your collection. 

Another great aspect of only paying a few bucks for a book is that, if you don't like it or can't get into reading it, you only paid a small amount for it. I don't feel like I've wasted money and I usually donate to book to a local charity. 

I try to go about every 3 months. This gives me times to read some, if not all, of the book I picked up last time, but also allows for a new variety of books to be circulated in. 

 

On my last visit, I picked up quite a few books and have been diligently reading them.
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
So, I picked all these books recently and I don't think I spent more that $20.00 on all of them. I normally add the books I've purchased to my Goodreads 'To Read' list.
 
I know a lot of people have a certain perception of what flea markets are and ours certainly is by no means better than any other. I just think, especially if you're an avid reader like I am and you like building a library, it's worth checking out.
 
Please let me know in the comments below if you also purchase books from a flea market or second hand source and if you've found any really good gems.
 
Thanks!
 
 

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

25 Manners Kids Should Know (and many adults don't!)

 
 
I ran across this the other day on Pinterest and thought it was interesting. So many times we tell children to 'mind their manners.' But really, what are the manners they should be minding? That's why this caught my eye. A great list from a reputable source, Parents.com. But, as I was reading the list over, I realized how many adults don't know, or don't display, these manners.
 
 
via Parents
 
I printed this baby off and put it on our fridge. I may even frame it. Why? Because I want my son to know how important these actions are and to remind myself anytime I start to 'misbehave' that if we expect children to do certain things, than I should be able to do them too!
 
Please let me know in the comments below, do you have a difficult time following these basic manners? I know I do at times!

Friday, July 25, 2014

Creating a Dream Board


I’ve been seeing people posting their version of dream/vision boards around the internet lately. I laugh, because they are grown up versions of the bulletin boards we all had in our rooms as kids. (At least I did.)
 

 

 
BUT it’s a really good idea, writing down and having a visual of your goals/aspirations. That’s something I’ve had a tough time with. I always make the plans, but they hardly come to fruition. I think partly because they are never put down somewhere for me to constantly see. Kind of like my Summer Bucket List, great list, but without it printed and in constant view, it’s hard to remember to do those things.
 

So, I’ve decided to create my own Vison Board. I have a list of things that I want to achieve:

 

·       Disney Cruise 2016

·       Pay off car, buy a newer (hopefully brand new) Jeep

·       Build a deeper faith and stronger relationship with God

·       New home for my son and I

·       Find a new job that provides me with greater personal enrichment

·       Fit into my smallest size jeans by the end of 2014 (they are 6 sizes smaller than I am now)

·       Make sure the time I spend with my son is of greater quality

·       Purchase an Apple computer (I’m still using my Old HP)

·       Invest some of my time in philanthropic pursuits

 

As you can see, some of them are already pretty specific, like fitting into a certain size clothing by a certain time, but some are pretty vague at this point. I know I need to fine tune most of them. But I want to see these goals every day and make sure everything I am doing every day is helping me achieve. It’s kind of like the saying some organizers use when helping you go through your ‘stuff’: If you don’t need it, love it or if doesn’t make you money, get rid of it. I plan to use that approach to my life.

 

IF I DON’T LOVE IT, NEED IT OR IT DOESN’T HELP ME ACHIEVE MY GOALS, IT’S GOT TO GO!

 

I have a wall in my bedroom with nothing on it currently. I’m thinking of repainting the wall to give myself a fresh start. Then I want to build a board, maybe some sort of magnetic or white board, then frame it and hang it up. I want to make sure it’s special, because my goals and dreams are special.

 

Have you built a dream or vision board? Do you think it helps in achieving your goals? Please let me know in the comments below.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Summer Bucket List update

Summer is now in full swing. Actually, I think it's halfway over and I'm frowning as I look at my Summer Bucket List. We haven't done too much except visit a children's museum last weekend. 





 
I'm going to print my list out and hang it on the fridge, hopefully that will inspire me to add more activity to our days! It's been kind of tough, I work full time, we've had swimming lessons every night and he spends every other weekend with his dad. And we all know you can't cram too much fun into a day with a three year old, often it will backfire on you. But I'm going to keep trying.


Make s’mores
Go to a drive-in movie
Go on a scavenger hunt
Bowling
Go to the Zoo
Make popsicles
Blow bubbles
Go on a treasure hunt
Nature walk
Go to the library
Play putt-putt golf
Visit a museum
Finger paint
Make cupcakes
Go to the beach
Go to a movie
Shop at a flea market
Watch fireworks
Go on a picnic
Go on a boat ride
Tie-dye a shirt
Make root beer floats

Leaf rubbings
Pajama party
Visit an aquarium

Drink slurpees
Learn to write ABC’s

Go to Adventure Island

Plant flowers

Ride a train

Watch a sunset

Blow bubbles

Play in the sprinklers

Make an ice cream sundae

Monday, June 30, 2014

Working Away vs. Working At Home

I think I struggle from the same issues many mothers do: working away from home to provide for the family versus working at home to spend more time with the family.

My situation is a complicated by the fact that I am currently a single mother who carries the health insurance for not only myself, but my son as well, through my employer.

I constantly go back and forth between the idea/possibility of working from home as a 'momtreprenuer' and remaining a 'working' mom. (that's in quotations because we all know that no matter where your income comes from, you're a working mother. Even if you have a sugar daddy, you're working something ;) )

There are two big reasons for me to remain in employment outside of my home: a steady paycheck & secure health insurance. Plus there is the adult interaction I get daily and I am forced to get up, get dress and get out of my house.

But then, there are also the drawbacks: The wear and tear on my car, plus gas, as I currently drive almost 15 miles each way, the time spent away from home is almost 11 hours a day and that's also 11 hours away from my son, not liking the people I work for/with, not being able to control how much I am paid. Plus, after sitting at a desk all day, I am mentally exhausted, but still have so much to do around the house.

If I were to start working from home, either doing some sort of Internet based employment or a direct sales sort of business, like Origami Owl, there would be some benefits to that: I would be able to pick my own hours and can structure my own day and there is no travel time for work. I can essentially make as much as I'm willing to work for, the more effort I put in, the greater the paycheck. It's not like that at my current job. Plus I will be able to spend more time with my son, which is most important. The biggest issues for me would be that I wouldn't have steady, consistent income and I would have to outsource health insurance. And as we all know, getting health insurance is not fun.

Has anyone else come across the struggle? What did you end up doing? I'm starting to feel like if I continue on the same path, my life will be lifeless and I don't want that.

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Sunday Social 6/29/2014

HAPPY SUNDAY!!!
 
I haven't done a Sunday Social in quite a while, but I figured, what the heck...
 



1. What was your college major? Did you ever change majors? I started off as an accounting major, but for a bit thought I wanted to try physical therapy. So I took a couple classes that were geared toward that. Unfortunately, even though I was enthusiastic about the topics, they didn't come easily to me. So I decided to continue on with business classes.

2. What is the best purchase you’ve made lately? Probably my Ninja blender. I love that thing!

3. What is something silly we don’t know about you and go… I have all white hangers in my closet & will actually throw away non-white, plastic hangars.

4. What is your favorite Holiday? Easter. It's at the best time if year & it's a pretty laid back holiday in my family. More often than not, Easter includes a trip to the beach. This past Easter, we went to our favorite beach resort and ate brunch.
This is the view from my seat Easter breakfast. 
 
5. What is the first thing you do when you wake up? Go to the bathroom. (I know, TMI. But I'm being honest.)

I hope everyone has a great Sunday and hopefully you have a short week ahead!

 

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Project Pan

I have a ton of 'stuff' in my bathroom. No joke, I am currently rotating through 6 different shampoos and 5 conditioners and three different body washes in my shower. I have more make up than I will ever use, I have about three different facial moisterizers (and that's just for daytime!) Again, lots of stuff!
 
I ran across some videos on YouTube titled 'Project Pan.' The objective of the project is to not purchase any more of an item, mostly cosmetics, until you 'reach pan' or use up a certain number of items you currently own.
 
Well, I don't do YouTube videos, but I thought that this would be a great idea. It would get me to use up my stuff that I currently have and give me a reason to use up some of the stuff I haven't been using.
 
So, after I do a little shopping spree at Bath and Body Works this weekend (which is okay, I haven't bought any bath products there in ages) and go through and toss the stuff I have no intention on using or has gone bad, I'll make one last trip to Target to stock up and that's it. I will not be purchasing any items until I use up, let's say 25 items that I currently own.
 
As I sit here writing this, I am realizing what a daunting task this will be. I am a consumer at heart and live in a disposable world. I have the mentality that if I don't like something, I'll put it aside and get something I like more. I'm actually hoping to learn a few things
 
  1. I'm hoping to save money.
  2. I'll learn which products I actually like and don't like because I will have used them extensively
  3. I'll learn to not be such a hoarder & get rid of stuff that I don't like/doesn't work for me
Hopefully I can learn to use what I have and not be such a frivolous spender. (Biting nails as we speak!)


Friday, June 20, 2014

Summer Bucket List 2014

Happy Summer!
 
While tomorrow, June 21st, marks the actual first day of summer, it's been summer here in the great state of Florida for a couple months now.
 
I ran across a Summer Bucket list on internet a couple months ago and thought, Hey, that would be a great idea. I'm always trying to do different activities with my son and this would be a great way for me to actually have ideas at hand. So, after doing extensive research (looking though Google images) I came up with a list:

 
Make s’mores
Go to a drive-in movie
Go on a scavenger hunt
Bowling
Go to the Zoo
Make popsicles
Blow bubbles
Go on a treasure hunt
Nature walk
Go to the library
Play putt-putt golf
Visit a museum
Finger paint
Make cupcakes
Go to the beach
Go to a movie
Shop at a flea market
Watch fireworks
Go on a picnic
Go on a boat ride
Tie-dye a shirt
 
Make root beer floats
Leaf rubbings
Pajama party
 
Visit an aquarium
Drink slurpees
Learn to write ABC’s
Go to Adventure Island
Plant flowers
Ride a train
Watch a sunset
Blow bubbles
Play in the sprinklers
Make an ice cream sundae
 
 
I had so much fun making this list, I cannot wait to do all of these activities with my little one (hopefully more than just once!)
 
Happy Friday everyone!


Sunday, January 19, 2014

Sunday Social - 3 Things

Good Sunday morning everyone!
 
 
 
I'm linking up again with Neely and Ashley for another Sunday Social. This week it's all about the number 3.
 
1. Top 3 Favorite Kinds of Food - Mexican, Fish and Salads
 
2. First 3 Things You Do In the Morning - Shower, make coffee, get dressed
 
3. Last 3 Things You Do Before Bed - Wash face, brush teeth, turn off TV
 
4. Three TV shows you do NOT miss - Nashville, Major Crimes and The Kelly File on Fox News
 
5. 3 Places You Want To Visit - NYC, Italy, Aspen
 
6. 3 People You Can Always Count On - My mom, step-mom and bestie Krista.
 
I hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday!
 
Kim
 
 
Please be sure to visit my new blog Imperfectly Healthy, and follow my journey to better health.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Goodreads

To anyone that knows me well, it's no secret that I like to read. I have been an avid reader since I could pick up a book. My mom likes to tell the story about how I would sit on the couch looking at books instead of playing with my friends. My book reports were more like slightly condensed versions of books. You get the idea.
 
So you can imagine my excitement when I came across the fantastic website know at Goodreads. The best way I can describe it is that it is like Facebook meets your school reading list. Sort of.

www.goodreads.com
 
You create a profile on the site and then you start adding books that you've read, want to read or are reading to 'shelves.' You also can rate and review the books. I do this for all the books I've read. I like reading reviews from others, so I hope my opinion is valuable to someone. You can also explore books by genre and by different lists. I have discovered so many books this way. This is the 'school reading list' aspect of it.
 
You can also request other users to be your 'friends' like you would on Facebook. This allows you to see what they are reading and look at their reading lists. You can also join book groups. I am part of the Rory Gilmore Book Club, Read the Movie and The Smart Chicks Book Club. Each month the groups read a different book and have a discussion regarding the book. I really enjoy the threads; it's nice to get into a discussion about books. That was one of my favorite parts of my English classes, reading then discussing the books.
 
The site isn't all book list and discussions. There are quizzes and trivia to take, and you can look up some great quotes from different authors and books. One of my favorite features of the site is the giveaways. You can enter to win early releases of books. It can be a great way to expand your library with books that you might not of heard of otherwise. All they ask in return is that you read the book and review it.
 
Another thing I like is that Goodreads allows you to create a reading challenge for yourself and tracks your progress by telling you how on pace you are for accomplishing your reading goal. Right now I'm one book behind to be on pace for reading 25 books this year.
 
Overall, I think this is a pretty cool site to join. It also helps with my compulsion to have things on lists. I now have a list of books to check off. I suggest checking it out if you're a reader like myself and so many others.
 
Here's the link to my Goodreads site.
 
Kim
 

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Sunday Social 1/12/2014

Hard to believe it's already the second Sunday of the year. I'm linking up for another Sunday Social :)
 


1. What is the name of your blog? How long have you been blogging?  The name of this blog is Imperfectly Balanced Life. I chose it because that's often how I feel life is as a woman. We're trying to balance everything out and no matter how hard we try, it's never perfect. I've been blogging since July 2012, so a year and a half.

2. Why do you blog? I blog as a creative outlet. I blog to share information with others.

3. What is the first blog you ever followed? I'm not too sure, I think it may have been IHeart Organizing.  I have been following blog since before I started and have tried many of her ideas.. I think she writes so openly that you feel like you've known her forever!

4. What is your favorite post you wrote in 2013? Honestly, I didn't write too many original posts in 2013. Most of the posts I wrote were link-ups, primarily this one!

5. What are your blogging goals for 2014? My blogging goals for 2014 are to be more consistant with my posts and to post better content. I want to put more and better pictures in my posts, do more research for my posts. I want to just do a better job and gain more readers.

6. Top 3 favorite blogs to follow - I honestly haven't really been loyally following any blogs as of late.

I know this is a day late, but I hope everyone had a wonderful Sunday!
 

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Treating Myself Better

It's good to be selfish sometimes.
 
At least, that's what I should keep telling myself. As a mom, sometimes it's very difficult to remember that I need to take care of myself just as much as I need to take care of my son. After all, it's hard to be the best mom you can be when your not at your best.
 
By nature, I'm more of a giver than a taker. Add a kid in there, and it seems that's all I do. Give. To everyone else. Well, this year, as part of my goals, I have decided to make a point to take care of ME better. I know that I will be a better mom, employee, friend and daughter.
 
1. I will not feel guilty about having a family member watch my son so I can have some time to myself. This has been so difficult for me. But I know that it's okay to have my parents watch my son so I can go get my hair cut or a pedicure. It's okay. In the end, he's not going to be mad because he hung out with his grandparents for a couple hours so I can get a hair cut.
 
2. I will buy things for myself. I usually put off buying myself clothes, shoes and accessories. So my wardrobe has been lacking for a while. But it's a fact that when you feel that you are dressed well and look good, it shows in the way you present yourself. I'm a big fan of solids, so it should be easy for my to accessorize. This is what I'm going to focus on, getting myself some good basic clothing items and getting some really cute accessories.
 
3. I will do my hair and make-up everyday. My normal routine is to just put on moisturizer and throw my hair in a bun. This goes along with #2. If I take the time to actually dry my hair and put on at least a little make-up it will make me feel better about myself and that will translate to the way I carry myself.
 
4. I will get my hair and nails done on a regular basis. I actually love getting my hair done and I love getting pedicures. But I always put them off because I feel like I don't have anyone to watch my son. So one of my goals is to make regular appointments and keep them. And as with my previous goals, it will make me feel better about my appearance and that confidence will project.
 
5. I will take the time every day to 'go to bed.' I often am so tired that I just lie down and pass out, often with the TV on. I should be taking the time to wind down every night, by enjoying a cup of tea and reading a book, then cleaning myself up before bed.
 
The main goal of all of my resolutions is to be a better me, so they somewhat intertwine. Like eating healthier and being more active are ways for me to treat myself better. But the specific goal I wrote about here, treating myself better, is really about my taking them time and money to spoil myself once in a while and not feel guilty about it.
 
On an additional note, as I started to write this post, I actually took a break to read my devotional. My devotion for the day was aptly titled 'Setting Goals for This Year' and talked about how we get so involved with meeting the needs of others and often forget ourselves. It talked about how, on airplanes, they advise you to put on your oxygen mask first then help others, realizing that if the adult isn't getting enough oxygen, then they cannot properly help the child and both will perish. Then posed this "Are you getting enough "oxygen" in your life to be of maximum benefit to those around you? It is not a selfish gesture to set goals allowing you to "refill your cup.""
 
I read that and felt it was a sign. A sign that if I can't be the best me I can be, how can I be the best mom, daughter, friend, employee? 

Friday, January 3, 2014

Becoming a Better Gift-Giver

If you read my post from January 2nd, you would know that one of my New Year's resolutions is to become a better gift giver.
 
I enjoy giving gifts to people. And I know people enjoy getting them. Even if it's just a simple card with a note inside. People like to know that someone was thinking about them. I know I do. I love getting home and seeing an envelope that's not a bill or a box. It makes me happy.
 
Anyway, back to me and my steps I will be taking to become a better gift-giver.
 
1. Keep a gift-giving list. I have already started to do this. I have a small notebook and I have given my closest family (kids, parent, sibling) each a page. As the year goes on, I can add things as I hear people say they would like them or I get a good idea for a gift and I can scratch things off if they get the gift or are no longer interested in it.
 
2. Buy birthday cards in advance. The first birthday I have to worry about is my nephew's towards the middle of the month. So, my plan is to buy birthday cards for people having birthday's in the next few months. I also have a Greeting Card Case from the Container Store.
 
 

I purchased it a couple years ago with the intent to use it. Yeah, it didn't work so well. It probably didn't help that I kept it in the back of the closet. So I'm now going to keep it in a place more accessable.
 
3. Put a monetary value on gifts to people outside my immediate family. I have several close friends with children and depending on the amount in my bank account, I will spend different amounts for their children's birthdays. This isn't exactly fair. I'm putting a $20.00 limit on cash and a $30.00 limit on physical gifts.
 
4. Send more cards. I want to start sending cards to my friends and families on Mother's Day or for other occasions that warrant them.
 
5. Actually mail out holiday cards. My intention has been to get my son's Christmas pictures done and use those for the cards. (I like doing picture cards.) But this year, I think I'm going to use pictures from things we've done over the year.
 
So this is my plan of attack, per say, to be a better gift giver. I'm sure I'll think of more to add to this list and possibly modify some of it. But for now, this is it. I will be following up on my progress with this goal.
 
I hope everyone is having a safe, happy and healthy 2014 so far this year.