Category Archives: Article

6 Steps to Put Yourself Back on the List Today!

Posted on by Greenplicity
20 Oct

Wake up, change the baby, feed the kids, get the preschooler dressed for school, clean up the mess from the day before, call the boss, do the dishes, conference call at 3pm, walk the dog, do the laundry, cook dinner, the list is never ending.  If you’ve fallen off your own list this blog post is for you!  Often times we are so busy we sometimes forget a very important person in all the chaos, you!  In order to keep things running smoothly you have to be functioning on all cylinders.  The only way for you to do this and keep your sanity is to make time for yourself.  So here are some tips to get you moving in the right direction and back on your list today:

 

  • Be Selfish – Yes you heard me right, be selfish and take the time that you deserve. Many of us sacrifice for others regularly but never make the time for ourselves. Sometimes you have to make a point to sacrifice for yourself; this is key to keeping your sanity. What I mean by this is you have to know when it’s time to take a break. Starting today be selfish at least once a week and take some time for yourself. If you can find the time to do it more than once a week great! I encourage you to try to find the time daily, even if it’s just 15-20 minutes.

 

  • Stop Judging Yourself – Most times we are our own worst critics. I’m too fat, I’m too skinny, I hate my hair, I wish I had more time to spend with my family, I’m a bad mother/father sound familiar? Stop being so hard on yourself. The only person judging you most of the time is you, so rise above it. We all have our share of struggles but judging only makes it harder to make it through the day. Most days are already hard enough so don’t make them any harder than they have to be. Instead of judging yourself read some positive, pick me up affirmations to get you back on the right track. Here are a couple of my favorites “I trust myself to make the best decision for me” or “My thoughts are my reality so I think up a bright new day”.

 

  • Do What You Love – Remember the person you were all those years ago before your career, marriage and kids? What did that person like to do? What did that person feel and enjoy most? We all get so wrapped up with our family and jobs that we forget about the person we were before. It’s important to stay connected to that person; after all he/she got you to where you are today. Think really hard, what did your former self love to do, now go do it! I promise you won’t regret it.

 

  • Listen to your Inner Self – Be quiet and listen, what would make you really happy right now in this very moment? If it’s something that can be done immediately do it! If not make the time to do it. I know this is easier said than done sometimes. If it’s hard to make the time now schedule it in advance. Hire a babysitter or ask a friend/relative to watch the kids while you go out and have some “me” time.

 

  • Imperfect is Perfect – No one is perfect and anyone that tries to hold you to that standard (including you) is crazy. Stop trying to attain the unattainable. We all fall and make mistakes. The true measure of character is how we rise when we fall. You are perfect just the way you are. So embrace the imperfection and be the best you can be, that’s all any of us can do.

 

  • Love & Accept Yourself – Enough said! Love yourself, accept yourself and be true to you; everything else will fall into place.

 

Now that you have the list I hope you put it to good use.  If you don’t use all of the tips use the ones that work best for you.  If you have other tips that work, please share; let us know what you think below.  We are all ears and can’t wait to hear from you!  Make sure to sign up for our blog so you never miss a thing!

 

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Mind Over Matter: Tips to Live By

Posted on by Greenplicity
06 Oct

BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, the sun isn’t even up and your alarm clock is blaring in the darkness as you fumble around searching for the snooze button.  How many times have you made a plan to get up early to exercise, meditate, or maybe even get caught up on some work?  You set your alarm for 5am and when the alarm goes off you hit the snooze button and then you hit it again and again.  By the time you finally get up an hour or more has gone by and you’ve slept through your plan.  Sound familiar?  Starting a routine can be hard, especially at the beginning.  I’ve heard it takes a solid commitment of 14 days before something becomes a habit.  I believe this to be true because I’ve seen it in my own life.  I sometimes wonder how I accomplish everything I do in a day.  If you saw my list of to-dos it might scare you.  At the end of the day when I look back on everything that I’ve done during the course of the day I’m shocked at how much of an Energizer Bunny I am.  I manage to muster up strength at my lowest moments.  I’m sure you’ve had these moments yourself; you know the moments where you feel like the whole world needs something from you but you don’t have anything left to give.  Here is where will power and  mind over matter comes into play.  When you push yourself you have breakthroughs, so I’m here to push you to challenge yourself and make a commitment to you.  Before we get to the challenge here are five tips to help you get ready for what’s ahead:

  • Go to sleep: I’ve talked about this before and how important this is to your overall health.  Make sure you are getting a good nights rest.  It is recommended that the average adult get 7-8 hours of sleep every night.  If you can get 7-8 hours great, if not at least try to get 6-7.  Getting the sleep your body needs will have you clear and alert in the morning.
  • Start small:  Pick a small task to start with.  Set a goal to complete that task everyday for the next 2 weeks, like waking up everyday at 5am or exercising for fifteen minutes everyday.  Controlling small patterns of behavior will get you that much closer to where you want to be.  Starting small will build your will power for the larger goals you have set for yourself.
  • Kick the temptation:  Plan ahead so that you don’t fall short of your goal.  If things don’t go right don’t get discouraged or tempted to go back to your old ways.  Remember that you’re human, no one is perfect; beating yourself up will only make you more discouraged.  Stay the course, focus and press forward.
  • Remind yourself of what you are trying to accomplish: Always keep in mind why you are doing what you are doing, whether that be establishing a new routine or stopping an old one.  It is important to keep this at the forefront everyday.  I love to use sticky notes, I post them in spots that I know I will see daily, like the mirror in the bathroom.  The constant reminders will help you stay on track.
  • Just Do It!: Determination is the true meaning of will power; so stop making excuses, set the goal, get up and do it.

I’m not sure what your goal is or what you want to accomplish, just know that it’s possible.  Whether you are looking to start a new routine or put an end to one, you have everything you need to make it happen and I’m here to encourage you along the way.  I’ve done it and so can you!

 

So here is the challenge:  I want you to look at your calendar and set a goal that you would like to reach in the next 14 days.  Make a commitment to do whatever it is everyday for the next two week.  Make sure to start small, you can always move on to something larger once you’ve achieved your first goal.

Make sure to share with us or comment below on what you will be working on over the next 14 days.  Good luck and I’m routing for you all the way!

Fall Favorites: Caramel Apple Pie Cookies!!

Posted on by Greenplicity
25 Sep

Warning, warning this could be dangerous….Have you ever had apple pie in the form of a cookie?  Well I have and I’m here to tell you it is by far one of the tastiest, most addictive fall treats out there!  Fall is one of my favorite seasons; I love everything about it from the clothes, the shoes and most definitely the food!  I ran across this recipe from one of my favorite food bloggers CincyShopper, a true foodie.  I love this girl because she really knows her food.  I consider myself to be a foodie as well so I’m always looking for great recipes to try and of course share.  One of the things I love about this recipe is how simple it is.  The ingredients are minimal and quick to put together; in less than thirty minutes you can look like the rock star in your house.  Let’s start fall the right way and dig into this tasty treat together!

 

INGREDIENTS

1 package Refrigerated Pie Crust (2 crusts)

5 oz Caramel Topping

10 oz Apple Pie Filling

1 Egg

1 tsp Cinnamon

1/4 tsp Nutmeg

1/4 cup Sugar

 

DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 350. Spray cookie sheet with nonstick spray and set aside. Allow crusts to warm slightly to make them easier to work with. Dust work area with flour and slightly roll out crusts. Spread a thin layer of caramel on one of the crusts. Use a knife to chop pie filling into smaller pieces and spread over top of caramel. Cut other crust into 1/2″ strips. Use strips to create a lattice top over pie covered crust. Cut out circles and transfer to prepared baking sheet. Beat egg in bowl until well blended. Mix together sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Brush lattice tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

 

The recipe is fun and easy and sure to be a favorite with everyone in the house.  Okay I’m making myself hungry, so I’m going to stop gushing over these cookies now.  Do me a favor, if you give the recipe a try post some pics on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Greenplicity) or leave us a comment below and let us know what you think.  Big shout out to CincyShopper, you rock!!  Enjoy guys, can’t wait to hear from you!

 

 

Rise & Grind: 5 Steps to a More Productive Day

Posted on by Greenplicity
16 Sep

I ran across a t-shirt the other day that said “Rise & Grind” on the front of it. The message really resonated with me; it spoke to the essence of who I am in every sense of the word. Most days I feel like I’m on roller-skates buzzing around with a to-do list in my hands and my hair in the wind. I’m sure if your days are anything like mine you can relate. You probably wish there were more hours in a day; unfortunately we’ve only been given 24, which may be a blessing in disguise. So what’s the best way to utilize these hours and make the most of the day you might ask. Here are five things that have helped me over the years and truly hope they will help you too:

1. Get a good nights sleep – Sometimes it can be hard to turn off when the day finally comes to an end but this is a necessary step to being more productive the following day. The body needs rest to be effective and at its peak performance. Make it a point to get in bed at a decent hour, your body will thank you!

2. Eat right – The food we eat fuels our bodies for the day. Eat healthy throughout the day. It is recommended that you eat 5-6 times during the course of a day (3 meals and 2 small snacks). If you’re always on the go like myself pack small snacks that are healthy and filling for a quick bite. I love a mix of almonds and raisins, or even an apple. Remember “Garbage In = Garbage Out”.

3. Make a list – Compile a list of all the tasks you need to accomplish that day first thing in the morning. Make sure to prioritize your list so you know what things are most important. When your list is complete start with the most pressing task and work your way down the list. Try to check off at least the top three on your list before the end of the day.

4. Stay Positive – Expect great things to happen and they typically will! If I go into my day with a positive attitude expecting to accomplish great things I normally do.

5. Reset – Understand that even if you do have a bad day today, tomorrow is a clean slate. Mistakes are bound to happen so in the words of Taylor Swift “Shake it Off” and move on. Identify what you learned from them and try not to make the same mistakes again. Self improvement is daily so live, learn & let go.

Now it’s your turn to share. Let me know what helps you to be more productive. What does “Rise & Grind” mean to you? If you like what you see make sure to sign up for our weekly blog posts for more tips, insight and fun. Looking forward to hearing from you!

The Art of Embracing the Quiet Time

Posted on by Greenplicity
09 Sep

I woke up at 4:30 this morning, the house was still and the quiet was absolutely blissful! My household is crazy all the time with 2 toddlers running around, 2 dogs and my husband it can get pretty loud quick! I can’t say I’ve always enjoyed the quiet, but that time is much more precious to me now than ever! When I was younger I don’t think I really knew how to appreciate quiet time. I was always looking for something to fill my days with. I can remember my mom telling me “an idle mind is the devil’s playground”. I never wanted to be idle so I tried my best to pack my day with busy work. Even after having kids I would look for ways to be busy even when I wasn’t. Sometimes it’s hard to adjust when the “busy” stops. Often times you have to re-adjust to really take advantage of the time. Now a much wiser me enjoys and values my quiet time. We are all so busy each and every day with kids, jobs, wives/husbands, businesses to run, friends the list goes on and on. Where do you find time for yourself? It’s so important to find this time and use it wisely. Downtime is a great way to reset your body, defuse stress and have an overall better sense of health.

Quiet time for me typically comes early in the morning or late in the evening once the kids have gone to sleep. I take this time to reflect/focus on my day, my life, the future and me. I didn’t always know what to do with this time and you may be one of those people. If you are no worries, I’ve got you covered! I want to share some great ways to help you start embracing your own quiet time. Use some of these tricks or all of them, just take a little time for yourself each day. You will start to see the results immediately, so here goes:

1. Sit still and do nothing – Sounds funny at first if you’re a busy body but it works! Take the time to sit, close your eyes and meditate or just sit in the quiet. Meditation helps to calm and relax your nervous system.

2. Take a warm bath – Light some candles and let the warm water relax the tension away. Another favorite is adding a nice smelling soak to the water. Eucalyptus/Spearmint is one of my favorite scents!

3. Unplug – I think this may be easier said than done but turn off the cell phones, iPad, iPod, laptops etc. The electronic world has taken over and it’s hard to enjoy the quiet if your phone keeps ringing.

4. Read – Pick up your favorite book or magazine. Reading is a great way to expand the mind and can also be very relaxing at the same time.

5. Write in a journal – Keeping a journal is another nice way to use your quiet time. If you need some tips on how to do this check out one of our previous blog posts here (http://greenplicity.com/store/learning-how-to-kick-the-stress-for-good/)

6. Take a nap – Power naps are a quick way to reenergize. A fifteen minute nap can give you a nice jolt of energy and mental clarity at the same time

7. Take a walk – Walking is a nice way to get the blood flowing. Step away from the computer and take a quick 5-10 minute walk around the neighborhood and enjoy the nature around you.

8. Exercise or stretch – I enjoy running, which is a nice way to get rid of stress. Yoga is another way to beat the stress and get the blood flowing at the same time. The choice is yours whether you run, walk, swim, bike etc. Time spent exercising is some of the best thinking time you’ll get all day.

However you decide to spend your quiet time is up to you. Give it a try and see the difference it makes each day, I promise you won’t regret it! Make sure you post your pics and ideas on how you decided to spend your quiet time our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/greenplicity) . We’d love to know what works for you! Look forward to hearing from you; have a great week and I’ll be thinking of you during my quiet time.