"Our plans miscarry because they have no aim. When a man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the right wind." |
Leave early and allow the kids to sleep in the car. As a parent with a child who has severe motion sickness, leaving early gives her an opportunity to sleep through a large portion of the trip. Although there are more holistic ways to manage motion sickness, we opted to use an over the counter medication during this trip. My oldest commented at the end of the trip how this simple adjustment made all the difference during our long drives. We mapped out our route prior to our departure, stocked our car with a cooler full of drinks and a bag full of snacks, and limited the stops for bathroom breaks and rest stops to the driver. |
Sightseeing / Activities |
This is the first time that we have really tried to include the girls in choosing our daily activities. I also think it was the first time that we didn’t engage in a battle if they didn’t like our suggestions. While we were visiting Mesa Verde, both my husband and I wanted to take a tour that required climbing latters, being in confined places, and involved a great deal of walking. The girls were okay with the walking but we learned that both suffered from a bit of claustrophobia. Instead we opted for a self-paced tour that my husband and I had taken 14 years before. It was really nice to reminisce about that trip while making new memories with our girls during the current trip. I learned that vacations are not just about what I want as a parent. It’s the girls’ vacation as well and they have a right to enjoy the experience.
We always stay in hotels during the actual road trip. We always try to find a facility that has an indoor pool and continental breakfast. The breakfast helps prepare for a day of driving and makes budgeting for food a lot easier. Once we have reached our destination, we switch over to vacation homes for lodging. This is perfect for our family because it gives off the feeling of being at home. Once we have arrived, we stop at the local store and stock up on meals that I have planned for our stay. We keep it super simple. At this point, the only meal that I usually purchase out is lunch. This gives us an opportunity to sample some local fare and sometimes eating out locally can be part of the adventure.
Traveling Light
I really tried to encourage my clan to travel light this year. Our oldest definitely deserves an award for the achievement of family minimalist. One of the blessings of renting a vacation home is that we always have an opportunity to do laundry. Each of us were allowed to bring a duffle bag or backpack. After seeing how we packed, I know we can make it on a longer, farther vacation. Minimizing our things also impacted our stress level. The less stuff you have, the less likely you are to leave it behind. I can’t stress enough the need to minimize your expectations of the trip. I found that just letting go of all my lofty expectations really freed me to enjoy the trip. I remember spending an afternoon on the porch with my daughter practicing the art of selfies. Some of the pictures we took were hilarious. I know that we created memories that we can look back on and get a good chuckle out of. I found that letting go eased tension and helped me to really see the value of the relationships I have with my family.
So I encourage each of you to take time to travel. Seek opportunities to see the beauty of our blessed creator. I can’t tell you how many times I felt in awe of a mountain or a field of beautiful, colorful flowers. I was mesmerized by the knowledge that He has imparted upon us to create communities and connections with our natural surroundings. Sharing these experiences with those you hold dear is a very beautiful and rewarding thing.
Why take on this project?
Several years ago, I actually completed an overhaul of my pantry. I wouldn't say that my pantry has fallen back on hard times, but it just needed a go over and an organizational push in the right direction. Over the summer, I have really tried to analyze where our money was being spent and if there were any ways that I could be a better manager of it. I realized quickly that we were throwing our money away with the food we were also wasting. Since I didn't necessarily have a clear plan for weekly meals, we were also throwing a large chunk of money away on eating out. Our fast food lifestyle was definitely not good on our wallets or our family's health. Not only were we compromising the quality of food we were eating, we were not sitting down together as a family. And if there is one thing I learned this summer, it's that our meal time really demonstrates the pulse of our family. I can find out more in 20 minutes of dining with them than at any other time during the day. So after making this analysis, I was ready to attack my pantry and fridge and make them more family meal friendly.
MEAL PLANNING 101
This is something you will have to carve out a chunk of time for. Be prepared to do some planning and it will completely help you focus on your shopping trips and help you cut down on the time you spend in the kitchen during the week.
- WHEN - We receive our grocery ads in the mail on Wednesday. This is when I sit down and make decisions on what I will buy for the coming week. I tailor my meals based on the ads.
- WHERE - I usually do this when the kids are not around because I honestly need the least amount of distractions possible. I have been known to sneak away to the library or Starbucks to get this done. I love buying listing pads and I use them in my planner to keep up with my weekly meals.
- HOW - I create a meal plan for six days. We have decided as a family that we will eat out / carry out once a week. As the main cook, I thought it was a fabulous idea! I mean, moms need a break! Once the list is done, I look in my pantry to see if I have any of the items necessary to make the meal. If I do, I just place a line through them. I then check to see how many stores I will be visiting and I create a sticky note with a list of the items I will be buying from each store. Lastly, I look at any other staple item I will need for the week and place those items on the sticky note for the store that has the best deal. Since I do shop at multiple stores, I have to get a little creative with my shopping. For example, in the fall when we return to school, I plan on shopping at Aldi's on my way home from work as I am going to ask my husband to pick up the girls from their school on that day. Fridays, I will leave work at 3 (I usually stay longer as the girls don't need to be picked up until after 3:30) and head to Target to get my shopping done before getting the girls. Lastly, I will probably either do my Albertson's / Brookshires shopping on Friday night or first thing on Saturday Morning. The most important thing is making a system that works for you.
- WHY - I promise you that planning simply makes life easier. I have saved so much money by having a plan when going into the market. I have also saved my sanity as all meals are planned and ready to go for the week. I have found that I am not wasting as much food. I actually see and use what I need on a weekly basis.
SETTING UP MY KITCHEN
PANTRY
I had an idea that if I could just create a space in my pantry for the meals I am cooking each day of the week, life would be so much easier. So that is what I did. I actually created areas in my pantry for different types of food: canned foods and dry foods, baking materials, spices, and cereals. The important thing for me, however, was being able to see everything in my pantry. I then bought 6 wire bins that fit perfectly on the shelves, placing a number tag that corresponded to my meal plan list on the front, which made finding ingredients a breeze. Now, if I am making roast on the first day, I can easily find all my cooking items within that bin. No more digging around the pantry trying to locate things. The best thing about this organization plan is that my family is not allowed to touch anything in the bins. So those beautiful Hawaiian Rolls in basket 3 are off limits. I sort of have to protect certain things from being eaten before their time.
Fridge
I bought two bins to slide in and out of the fridge easily. The first bin is for days 1-3. They hold anything that needs to be cooled until cooking. The other bin holds days 5-6 and serves the same purpose. It is my goal to get them all cleared out by the end of the week. Honestly, I was the master of forgetting I had veggies in the fridge to cook. Now I am forced to remove it from the bin and prepare it. My fridge is a much cleaner place now. |
Truly organizing the kitchen has transformed our weekly meals. Planning ahead for the week has seriously impacted my stress level, family time, and wallet in a positive way. I feel as if I have more time and energy to get a good meal on the table knowing that everyone is going to be satisfied. I feel it is important to put a disclaimer here. This does not ensure that everyone is going to love the meal. We have a rule that meals will be revisited if at least 3 out of the 4 people at the table like it. If someone doesn't want to partake in the meal for that evening, they are still obliged to sit with us for dinner and make themselves a peanut butter sandwich. Of course I would love to hear feedback or feel free to share your ideas on how you have organized your meal times.
So since I am all into listing and anything lists, I am super excited that The Positive Muslimah sent out this challenge.
20 Fun Things About Me
20. I love creating things.
19. I have a hot temper. I usually don't share it.
18. I'm a California girl at heart.
17. I was a total nerd in school.
16. I prefer mascara and lip gloss to make up.
15. I have an irrational fear of heights.
14. I'm a people watcher.
13. I cry at emotional things. some commercials get me every time.
12. I yearn for calm.
11. I have an adventerous heart but sometimes fear gets in the way.
10. I like to eat at resteraunts. My family does not.
9. I tell my girls to follow their dreams even though I don't always follow my own advice.
8. I am a loyal friend,but I am a tough but to crack.
7. I would rather read middle grade and young adult fiction.
6. I dislike ice cream.
5. I don't like confrontation.
4. I love my girls and wish they wanted to spend more time with their mom.
3. I would go back to school if I could just focus.
2. I wish people would just ask the questions they have about who I am.
1. I'm worth it.
20 Fun Things About Me
20. I love creating things.
19. I have a hot temper. I usually don't share it.
18. I'm a California girl at heart.
17. I was a total nerd in school.
16. I prefer mascara and lip gloss to make up.
15. I have an irrational fear of heights.
14. I'm a people watcher.
13. I cry at emotional things. some commercials get me every time.
12. I yearn for calm.
11. I have an adventerous heart but sometimes fear gets in the way.
10. I like to eat at resteraunts. My family does not.
9. I tell my girls to follow their dreams even though I don't always follow my own advice.
8. I am a loyal friend,but I am a tough but to crack.
7. I would rather read middle grade and young adult fiction.
6. I dislike ice cream.
5. I don't like confrontation.
4. I love my girls and wish they wanted to spend more time with their mom.
3. I would go back to school if I could just focus.
2. I wish people would just ask the questions they have about who I am.
1. I'm worth it.
"If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail." - Benjamin Franklin
The above quote from Benjamin Franklin sums up exactly why I have hit walls in my personal and professional life. Actually, I managed deadlines, appointments, and tasks really well until I turned 40. Something happened at this milestone that prompted me to begin making "to-do" lists. I just couldn't seem to remember things like I used to. List making for me was pretty futile in the beginning. Lists would magically disappear , and I would be left not knowing what I was supposed to be on top of. It was a process of learning how to organize my lists and plans in such a way that I wouldn't find myself sorting through a pile of paper to find a list that held important time sensitive information. So, I thought I would share some of the things that have made planning more manageable for me.
Monthly Planner / Weekly Spread
When I first started looking into planners, I was drawn into the hype of all the planners that were way past my price point. I am not saying that I won't gravitate towards them later when I have fully established my planner routine. For right now, I am on the learning curve, and I just couldn't see making a $50.00 investment into a planner. I decided that the best planner for me was a simple version I found at Target. My planner needed to have a view of the entire month and a weekly spread to make the weeks more manageable. The pictures below show a glimpse into my journal. You will see that I love to embellish with stamps, stickers, and washi tape. This is an extension of my creativity and the influence of countless planners I follow on Instagram. For those who have a flair for the creative, I enjoy gathering materials at the Dollar Tree, Micheals, Target Dollar Spot, Hobby Lobby, and Tuesday Morning. If you are ready to take the next step on your planner journey, you may wish to check out the links below the picture gallery.
Planner Resources:
1. Erin Condren Planners https://www.erincondren.com/
2. Kikki K Planners http://www.kikki-k.com/diaries-calendars
3. Filo Fax Planners http://www.filofaxusa.com/
1. Erin Condren Planners https://www.erincondren.com/
2. Kikki K Planners http://www.kikki-k.com/diaries-calendars
3. Filo Fax Planners http://www.filofaxusa.com/
Bullet Journaling
I completely fell in love with bullet journaling the first time I saw it. It took my to-do lists and made them completely manageable. Since I don't take my planner with me everwhere, my bullet journal is just the right size to throw in my purse and go. I also liked being able to use the countless journals I have accumulated over the years for this task. It's especially nice to be able to go back to any given day or week and see what tasks I have accomplished. You will find a video below that takes you through the step by step set up of a Bullet Journal. You also may wish to look at the Midori system of Journals. I have left links below. Finally, Etsy has several sellers that sell a Fauxdori that is comparable to the Japanese version.
I completely fell in love with bullet journaling the first time I saw it. It took my to-do lists and made them completely manageable. Since I don't take my planner with me everwhere, my bullet journal is just the right size to throw in my purse and go. I also liked being able to use the countless journals I have accumulated over the years for this task. It's especially nice to be able to go back to any given day or week and see what tasks I have accomplished. You will find a video below that takes you through the step by step set up of a Bullet Journal. You also may wish to look at the Midori system of Journals. I have left links below. Finally, Etsy has several sellers that sell a Fauxdori that is comparable to the Japanese version.
Midori Traveler's Notebook Resources
Etsy (search Fauxdori) - https://www.etsy.com/
Midori Traveler's Notebook - http://www.midori-japan.co.jp/tr/english/
Etsy (search Fauxdori) - https://www.etsy.com/
Midori Traveler's Notebook - http://www.midori-japan.co.jp/tr/english/
#Listersgottalist - Lists
These lists are a form of therapy for me. They are fun and creative and help me get thoughts down on paper. Having given prompts by @theresetgirl from instagram each month is an added bonus. . I will link her webpage below if you are interested in getting started on this. I found this cute little scrapbook at Hobby Lobby in their clearance section, and I am having so much fun putting together the pages each night. Need inspiration follow #listersgottalist on Instagram.
These lists are a form of therapy for me. They are fun and creative and help me get thoughts down on paper. Having given prompts by @theresetgirl from instagram each month is an added bonus. . I will link her webpage below if you are interested in getting started on this. I found this cute little scrapbook at Hobby Lobby in their clearance section, and I am having so much fun putting together the pages each night. Need inspiration follow #listersgottalist on Instagram.
#listersgottalist Resources:
#listersgottalist - http://www.listersgottalist.com/
#listersgottalist - http://www.listersgottalist.com/
Planning, journaling, and listing have truly allowed me to organize my time and thoughts more effectively. I have seen changes in my mood, focus, and money management. I can't wait to take what I have learned this summer and put it to use at work. The thing I love about systems is that you can adjust them to meet individual needs. I am currently researching Islamic planners on the market written with the Muslim in mind. If you have any leads on such products please share in a comment below. I would love to hear if you have any tips on planning or are aware of any planning resources online. Feedback is always welcome!
"In an age like ours, which is not given to letter-writing, we forget what an important part it used to play in people's lives." Anatole Broyard
I decided several years a go that I wanted to start writing letters. I really thought that I would. However, it became a buried idea. This is one of the many things I had aspired to do but let fall to the wayside. Now that the summer has returned and I have more time on my hands, I feel that maybe it is time to really begin revisiting this idea of sharing a part of myself through the letters that I will pen. I am fascinated by the history of letter writing, and have found great delight in reading other people's coorespondences that have been published in books.
Some say that the eyes are the gateway to the soul, but I believe something different. I believe that letters written on pristine white paper are truly the enterance into the thoughts and beliefs of another. It is through such exchanges that we truly get a glimpse into the context of time and circumstance. While I learn more about the practice of letter writing, I will occasionally drop in to share my findings with you all. I am currently reading the book Writing Personal Notes and Letter by Jennifer Williams. I have also found some magnificent envelope art on pinterest and will begin a board there to pin all things "Letter Writing - Envelope Art." Lastly, if you are interested in striking up a snail mail coorespondence, please submit a request through the contact tab. Just leave an address and I will get a letter out to you ASAP.
"Please write again soon. Though my own life is filled with activity, letters encourage momentary escape into others lives and I come back to my own with greater contentment." Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey
I decided several years a go that I wanted to start writing letters. I really thought that I would. However, it became a buried idea. This is one of the many things I had aspired to do but let fall to the wayside. Now that the summer has returned and I have more time on my hands, I feel that maybe it is time to really begin revisiting this idea of sharing a part of myself through the letters that I will pen. I am fascinated by the history of letter writing, and have found great delight in reading other people's coorespondences that have been published in books.
Some say that the eyes are the gateway to the soul, but I believe something different. I believe that letters written on pristine white paper are truly the enterance into the thoughts and beliefs of another. It is through such exchanges that we truly get a glimpse into the context of time and circumstance. While I learn more about the practice of letter writing, I will occasionally drop in to share my findings with you all. I am currently reading the book Writing Personal Notes and Letter by Jennifer Williams. I have also found some magnificent envelope art on pinterest and will begin a board there to pin all things "Letter Writing - Envelope Art." Lastly, if you are interested in striking up a snail mail coorespondence, please submit a request through the contact tab. Just leave an address and I will get a letter out to you ASAP.
"Please write again soon. Though my own life is filled with activity, letters encourage momentary escape into others lives and I come back to my own with greater contentment." Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey
I thought I would compile a few things pertaining to Jumu'ah with the convert in mind.
1. Attending the Jumu'ah Prayer - I used to love attending the masjid for Jumu'ah prayers. I looked forward to sitting in rows of people that are there to worship Allah and gain knowledge. I remember as a young mother taking my girls and trying to get them to behave during the khutbah. They usually would lean on me and sometimes even fall asleep as the khatib spoke. The thing is they didn't fall in love with it like I did. As they grew older it was really hard to get them back to the masjid. Strong mandates didn't seem to work and I found myself wanting to go the masjid but not wanting the arguements that went along with trying to get everyone in agreement to attend. I also had a hand in it as I felt the messages that were being sent from the minbar lacked relevance. To further my dismay the very things that I was trying to teach my girls about proper behavior at the masjid was not a shared value of the sisters off in the corner chatting and allowing their children to run freely around the prayer hall. Honestly, I just gave up trying to go. In retrospect it was a mistake. I should have not given up (I promise an idepth post on my ability to give up - I now equate it with emotional laziness). However, I have found opportunities to still gain some of the spirtual nourishment I need by listening in to the weekly Jumu'ah prayers online. Many local masjid's have a live link that allows people to tune in. This is a great option for sisters who might not be able to make it to the masjid due to family obligations. I tried it for the first time today and it was amazing. Valley Ranch Islamic Center is a masjid that I plan on tapping into each Friday. I did have a few glitches with the live feed but simply refreshing my browser helped with issues of buffering from the site.
2. Reading of Surah Al-Kahf - This is prescribed upon us each Friday. I have provided some links below to give further infomation.
“Whoever reads Surah al Kahf on a Friday, light will extend from his feet to the heights of the heaven on the Day of Judgment." reported by Tarbarani
I would love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to leave a comment. I would love to create a conversation!
1. Attending the Jumu'ah Prayer - I used to love attending the masjid for Jumu'ah prayers. I looked forward to sitting in rows of people that are there to worship Allah and gain knowledge. I remember as a young mother taking my girls and trying to get them to behave during the khutbah. They usually would lean on me and sometimes even fall asleep as the khatib spoke. The thing is they didn't fall in love with it like I did. As they grew older it was really hard to get them back to the masjid. Strong mandates didn't seem to work and I found myself wanting to go the masjid but not wanting the arguements that went along with trying to get everyone in agreement to attend. I also had a hand in it as I felt the messages that were being sent from the minbar lacked relevance. To further my dismay the very things that I was trying to teach my girls about proper behavior at the masjid was not a shared value of the sisters off in the corner chatting and allowing their children to run freely around the prayer hall. Honestly, I just gave up trying to go. In retrospect it was a mistake. I should have not given up (I promise an idepth post on my ability to give up - I now equate it with emotional laziness). However, I have found opportunities to still gain some of the spirtual nourishment I need by listening in to the weekly Jumu'ah prayers online. Many local masjid's have a live link that allows people to tune in. This is a great option for sisters who might not be able to make it to the masjid due to family obligations. I tried it for the first time today and it was amazing. Valley Ranch Islamic Center is a masjid that I plan on tapping into each Friday. I did have a few glitches with the live feed but simply refreshing my browser helped with issues of buffering from the site.
2. Reading of Surah Al-Kahf - This is prescribed upon us each Friday. I have provided some links below to give further infomation.
“Whoever reads Surah al Kahf on a Friday, light will extend from his feet to the heights of the heaven on the Day of Judgment." reported by Tarbarani
I would love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to leave a comment. I would love to create a conversation!
Send me an email with pictures of your traditions that you and your family have created during the month of Ramadan. I would love to include them here. I of course will provide a link to blogs that contribute photos. :)
I am super excited to start blogging! Please take a moment to press the tab above titled "About", which explains the purpose of this blog. Wait, are you still reading? Seriously, you must read the "About" tab first! Okay, hopefully you have read the "About" tab and now you may be wondering, "Why Now?" I know that statistics say that a staggering 70% of people who take their shadahah will leave the deen, but I truly believe that if you asked these converts why, they would tell you that they don't feel enough love and fellowship from the Muslim community. Sure, they feel it for a while, but it doesn't last. I know there will be some people that feel that is a silly reason to abandon the faith, but the reality is that we all need each other to provide support and love. The Muslims in both Mecca and Medina created a joined community of diversity and faith. Those in Mecca held each other close and supported each other through terrible persecution, while those in Medina worked to create a healthy sustainable community where people grew in their faith.
This year was marked by the passing of a dear friend. She taught me many things about frienship, mercy and endless compassion, and I believe that if she was still with us, she wouldn't hesitate to embrace this project. It was always her vision to see true sisterhood develop without any form of backbiting, division, or judgement. The reason I chose Time Out is because, as a parent, I wanted my children to be thoughtful when taking a moment to access a situation. In no way do I meant to suufest that we "check out", but I do belive that we should all take mindful "Time Outs" from time to time. As a Muslim for 17 years, I finally feel connected to that feeling of excitement I had as a new Muslim. Time Outs should serve as a time to reaccess, recharge, and reclaim our faith.
This year was marked by the passing of a dear friend. She taught me many things about frienship, mercy and endless compassion, and I believe that if she was still with us, she wouldn't hesitate to embrace this project. It was always her vision to see true sisterhood develop without any form of backbiting, division, or judgement. The reason I chose Time Out is because, as a parent, I wanted my children to be thoughtful when taking a moment to access a situation. In no way do I meant to suufest that we "check out", but I do belive that we should all take mindful "Time Outs" from time to time. As a Muslim for 17 years, I finally feel connected to that feeling of excitement I had as a new Muslim. Time Outs should serve as a time to reaccess, recharge, and reclaim our faith.
Author
A muslimah mom of two teens trying to navigate my 40s. Taking time outs when I can to make it each day!
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