Lets Party with Fruit2O

Disclosure: I received product in exchange for a review from Fruit2O and Mom Select. I was under no obligation to write a positive review- all opinions are my own.

Unfortunately, my camera went on the fritz, so this photo came directly from Fruit20

Honestly, I'm not a big fan of water (I know- horrible) I prefer the Dr, coffee, and of course sweet tea. I try to drink more water, but I have to force myself. So, over the years, I have tried many different flavored water options. Most of them have a funky aftertaste similar to a diet soda. Fruit2O and Mom Select came to my rescue. I was chosen to host a Fruit2O mommy party, and I am so glad because now, I can trick myself into drinking water.

As I have mentioned before, May and June are quite crazy for me with birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and the craziness of the beginning of summer. My mom also moved from Floriday, so that made it even busier. Luckily for me though, my parents threw me a birthday party forcing me to take it a little easy for a day. Fruit2O was really handy for this because it is hot in the South Carolina summer and water is essential (even if it is forced). I was quite pleased to find that I didn't have to force myself to drink it. I was equally shocked to find that Fruit2O has zero calories, zero carbs and zero artificial flavors. There is just enough flavor to make it tasty, without tasting like a kid's drink.

My family really enjoyed trying out Fruit2O and there was a flavor for everyone- even if watermelon was the all-around favorite!

Fruit2O has also created a Dial It Back Facebook App that helps us know what information we are sharing too much of. This is handy for the busy world we live in and goes great with Fruit2O's minimalist branding and flavor. I learned quite a lot about myself.

I guess its Twitter that I really need to worry about dialing it back on! Did you try out the app? Do you need to dial it back?

I really enjoyed this party and product- I just hate it took me so long to get this wonderful news to you. Non-water drinkers unite- we can now stomach the water. (Maybe they will come out with sweet tea next...)

My Favorite Beauty Pins & Things To Try

What have I been up to today? Well, it was mostly a day of to-do list housekeeping. Making sure I'm staying on track and checking progress on upcoming projects. I did manage to work in some beauty time (aka me time!). I cut my hair (more on that next week) and tried out some false lashes that I received from Influenster.



They were actually a lot easier to apply than I thought, but I will write about that later when I give a full review!

I also realized today that my post about 20 Amazing Uses for Baby Oil was quite a hit on Pinterest, so I'm going to do something special! I'm going to share a few of my favorite beauty pins and some things I want to try!






This one reminds me so much of my own grandmother- who taught me so much about beauty!


Of course, this isn't all of my favorites, and I'm always looking for more. I just didn't want to overwhelm y'all!
Here is something I will test in the next few days (when I get brave enough)



Here is the look I'm trying to achieve- does anyone have tips for me?




For more beauty pinspiration, check out my board! I'm always adding new stuff.

What is your beauty board url? I would love to follow you!

Living The Organized Life: Step 3

Last week, I told you want to do with those lists. This week, I am going to go into it more in depth and share with you how I plan my week. So, grab a cup of strong coffee and lets do some planning! 

The most important thing to do when getting it all organized is to decide if you prefer digital or paper planning. I do a little of both. So, I'll start with how I handle lists. 

Here are the digital lists I use. I use Wunderlist for those things I need to do on my computer every day. In this is social media tasks, reading my blog reader, check email, and even things that if I don't do every day, I get behind on. On Wunderlist, I also keep a list that is what I need to do after publishing a post, monthly to-dos reminders, and business bills.

I use the post-it program that came on my computer for different things. For instance, if I am working on a campaign and need to keep track of a certain hashtag, handle, or url- those go on a yellow post-it. The purple post-it is for projects that I need to make progress on when I can (like finishing up my website) or things that I need to do to my computer, like organizing files or learning a new program. 

The black rectangles are To-Do Desklist tasks. I use this for keeping up with reference sites (if a client sends me a font they like or an element of a website they like, it goes in their task box); links to reviews I have in the queue, and things I need to research. 

Keeping these lists on my desktop are what I have found works for me. It keeps me from having scraps of paper and a million lists. (Although I still have a thousand!)

Every thing else goes in my planner. 

My master to-do is written on notebook paper, folded and tucked in a pocket of my planner. 

My weekly recurring tasks are also on a paper in the same pocket. 

Almost everything else is in the calendar. (The stuff that isn't listed here is another project) When something is planned (for instance, an investigation for CSPRI Inc) that is more than a week out, it goes into the monthly planner to be handled at a later date. Within the week, it goes straight to the daily plan book. 

Now, its time to plan. 

I sit down every Sunday evening with a strong cup of coffee, pretty pens, post-its, all of my paper lists, and some tabs. I get to planning. 

Here are the steps (don't worry, I'll share tips after)

1. Move everything for the week from the monthly to daily planner. 
2. Transfer all weekly to-dos into the daily planner
3. What are your goals for the week? Write those on a post it to be moved each day (unless you use a weekly format)
4. Look at the week- does anything need advanced planning for? If it does, plan a time/ day for that. 
5. Look at your master- what do you want to accomplish that week? Schedule those- try not to include more than a few items a day, depending on how much time is available for said day. 

Note: I am currently trying out a daily planner because I want to see if it will keep me focused on that day instead of worrying about what I have to do the next day- it might work!

I do color code- but that is just works for me, because I like color! School activities are always in red!

Tips:

• If you are planning an event/ trip/ big day, add a tab to that day. On that day, add a couple of post its. I add one for details (address, important phone number, confirmation, etc). I add one for things I need to take or grab at the last minute that day. If it is for a CSPRI Inc event, I even add one for the members that have confirmed. Adding the tab allows for me to quick reference that day. Adding the post its allow me to jot those things down and not muddying up the page if things change. 
• Use sales dots (like you buy for yard sales) for recurring tasks that are not your own. For instance, I use them for my husband's appointments, class days, and even doctor appointments for family members- if I want to check on them afterwards (like Mom's stroke appointments). Because these dots are not on every day, it brings my attention to it more. 
• I also have a post it that I move that is for the project I am currently working on. I am planning a big Halloween event, so my immediate tasks are on this list because they are things that I can't necessarily schedule. 
• Use a highlighter to mark off instead of a pen. It keeps things looking more orderly and allows you to look back at what you accomplished. 
• Add one little thing a day that you can mark off quickly. Something about marking off a to do list feels good and gets one motivated. (Even it is drink a cup of coffee or check email) I promise this works. 

This is what I have found works for me. It might not work for you, but it keeps me organized and sane. Spending an hour every Sunday evening ensures that I plan out my week and have an idea of what I have to get done. It also allows me to plan when I will get to do something special with my little guy. 

Next week, I will talk about organizing projects. Some of this will go in your planner, so make sure its pretty! 

What part of my organized life would you like to see? 

Thirty-One June Specials

Note: I just want to share these with you because I LOVE thirty-one products and they help keep me organized. I have not been compensated for this post in any way, I just want you to be aware of these amazing specials and beautiful products.

GET A LARGE UTILITY TOTE 

FOR ONLY $10

WITH EVERY $35 YOU SPEND IN JUNE!*

Some of my favorites from this catalog: 

Organizing Pack

Have fun checking out the catalog and getting organized (and its all pretty at the same time!)

Living The Organized Life: Step 2

Last week, I talked about making lists and how that is the very first step of getting your life organized. now that you have all your lists, we can start doing something with them. This step is vital to becoming and staying organized. I separated last week and this week so that there is time for our minds to take a break- sometimes we miss things and when we look at lists too long, it all blurs together. Make sure you have the lists handy that you made last week. Now- what to do with those lists.

• The list for all of your commitments is more about deciding if you can keep up with these tasks, if you need to get rid of that commitment, or if you need to delegate some of the tasks involved to someone else. This is always the hardest part of my journey, and I prefer to save it for last. I'm not very good at letting my responsibilities go to someone else though. If you have tips on how to do this, I am all ears. 

• The lists of projects you are working on or have coming up is vital. In this list, you need to separate into different lists for each project. At this point, I start adding a timeline and to-dos for each project. This will also help you see if you need assistance on any projects. 

• For all the tasks you do yearly/ seasonally/ or in a particular month, be sure to narrow it down to a certain month/ week. You don't want to have "sometime in 2013 I want to organize the garage" then all of a sudden, it is December and you have yet to complete this. At this point, these should be organized by month. 

• For those tasks you need to complete weekly, choose a day to always do them on and create a chart (either digital or paper). For instance, I have a chart with each day of the week and on each day is a few tasks that I need to complete each week. I schedule tweets on Wednesdays, send newsletters for the team on Wednesdays, organize my inboxes on Monday, plan school on Saturday, and plan my week on Sunday. There are other mundane tasks on the chart as well, but I have to do them every week. 

• The list of items you need to do every day is a little trickier. The reason for this is that you need to include things that you may not realize you do every day. The purpose for this list is that we all have those days where we feel like we are forgetting something or we just don't have it together and feel lost. You may not use it every day, but you need to have it handy and organized. This list should be compiled. I keep mine on my computer (using Wunderlist),  but I used to keep it written in my planner. I will go more into this next week when we utilize those lists. 

• Go over that "master" to do list you created last week and see if any of the items belong on any of the other lists you made. Are there any items on this list that need to be delegated to someone else? Are there any items you have completed, or have decided against completing? 

• Make sure your list of other things to include in your planner/ to do diary is complete. Make sure you have all birthdays/ anniversaries/ holidays/ special dates gathered. Prioritize what other things you want to keep track of in your planner. I used to keep my water intake in mine, but I've changed my bottle and can keep up with it that way now. I do however keep up with my weekly fitness goals, motivational quote, meal planning, and hubby's / son's appointments and important dates.  

Do not put any of this in your planner/ to do diary yet, just make sure it is organized, complete and handy. Next week I will share how I organize my planner and to-do diary. 

This may seem like a mundane/ useless step, but it is one that if I skip it, disaster strikes. 

20 Amazing Beauty Uses For Baby Oil

About 7 years ago, I discovered an amazing use for baby oil. I heard that you can use baby oil to remove eye makeup. I just had to try it because I wear a lot of eye makeup and the eye makeup remover I was using cost more than my makeup. So, I gave it a shot. I liked it, but it wasn't quite what I wanted. That's when I discovered baby oil gel- and fell in love! Since then, I have been on the hunt for other uses for baby oil and I will share some of those with you today.

1. Use as eye makeup remover- just squirt on a cotton ball, swipe slowly across the eyelid and lashes. 
2. Use as massage oil
3. Use as cuticle oil
4. Shave your legs with baby oil
5. Use after shaving/ shower for super moisturized legs. Just don't dry legs before applying. 
6. Mix a drop of baby oil with your regular lotion for shinier skin and longer lasting moisture
7. Use as a scrub. Wet your face, apply baby oil to face, scrub with sugar, and wash off. 
8. Use baby oil to remove paint from skin
9. Rub on exposed skin to protect it from the cold. 
10. Use baby oil to get sticky off your skin (bandaids, bubble gum, etc)
11. Rub on cracked heels
12. Put 5 drops in your ear while lying on your side to help dissolve ear wax
13. Remove temporary tattoos (Love this at Halloween)
14. Use as a hair serum- just use a couple drops
15. Use on cheeks as a highlighter. You can also use baby oil on eyelids to make them shiny
16. Mix with foundation to give yourself a glow
17. Use baby oil as a brow tamer after filling in with a pencil
18. Mix with bubble bath for extra moisturizing power
19. Use to help remove stuck rings and bracelets. You can also use it to untangle chains. 
20. Use with cocoa butter to manage stretch marks

I found this one today: use it to cleanse your whole face! 

Do you have other uses for baby oil in your beauty routine? What other beauty tools like this would you like to see? 

Living the Organized Life: Step 1

I know there are many ways to be organized and many ways to get organized. I want to share a different way to organize. I am going to show you how I handle keeping my LIFE organized. These are the steps I take when life is getting out of control. This whole process usually takes a couple of days and I usually do it once a year, when it is needed. I am only sharing one step a week so you do not get overwhelmed. I also want to help you take the time to focus on each step.

Step one is all about making lists. 

• Make lists of all your responsibilities and commitments. 

Don't forget to list all organizations and groups you are a part of as well. When doing this, make sure to sub-list all things you do in each category. 

For example, I am in CSPRI and within the organization, I am the case manager, staff media assistant, and Paralina producer/ host. All of these jobs require certain tasks like updating calendars, keeping track of schedules, and scheduling/ monitoring social media. I include all of these things in sub-lists.  

• List any projects you have going on or that you will be starting soon.  

Also list any to dos that you have and steps you know to take for each project. 

For example, I am planning a Halloween event, a birthday party, and  various other things for the team. Within each category, I go ahead and list the things I know have to be done- this helps me keep up with everything I'm doing. 

• List all chores you do yearly, seasonally, monthly, weekly, and daily. Also list things you do after completing certain tasks. 

I also include work tasks since I work from home. I have a list of all the things I do after I complete a blog post- I include that as well.

Seasonal chores include household and business management. I list that once a week I need to schedule social media posts, once a month, I review all social media channels, and a list of all the social media tasks I do every day. 

• Gather all to do lists scattered around and combine into one. 

This is for all those to dos you write down to eventually get to.

• List any other things you keep up with and things you may want in a planner or to-do diary. 

This is things like birthdays, meal planning, water/ calorie intake, weekly meetings, etc.

This also may be a good time to see if there are any responsibilities you would like to delegate or step away from.

Hold onto to these lists, we will do something with them next week. I promise it will be worth it.

 

 

 

Republic Ecigs: I'm a Quitter

Disclaimer: I did receive products from Republic Ecig. However, I was not required to write this post. 

I have a shameful secret to share with the blogging world. I am a smoker. I know how horrible and unhealthy it is to smoke. However, at 20, I was bulletproof and the rules that apply to everyone else were obviously not for me. Over the past 10 years, I have lost family members to smoking related disease and seen others' health deteriorate.

As I wrote last week, I have been thinking a lot about my health and ways to improve it. One thing, besides my weight, that has been at the forefront of my thoughts has been the smoking issue.

The thing about smoking that a lot of non-smokers fail to realize is that it isn't just an addiction to nicotine, there is a habit aspect to it as well. We all form habits and we all have our vices. We work those vices into our lives and they become habits. I have a cigarette with my first cup of coffee, after each meal, before bed, and throughout the day when a mind break is needed. Sometimes I smoke just for an excuse to get outside.

Slapping a patch on when I need a break or chewing a piece of gum first thing in the morning doesn't do the trick. This is where Republic Ecig comes in. If you follow me on Instagram, you have seen how in love with this company I am.

A Republic Ecig has 18 mg of nicotine without all the other nastiness that is found in a cigarette. They work off vapor, so there is an illusion of smoke, but with no actual smoke or smoke smell involved. This is a much healthier alternative to cigarettes for you and those around you.

I love the product and I have dramatically cut down on the number of actual cigarettes I smoke in a day (soon it will be none). However, it was something else that caused me to fall in love with the Republic Ecigs.

Damien Horne from The Farm has partnered withRepublic Ecig to get these in the hands of every smoker

Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group has even praised Republic Ecig and all they do! 

Check out their mission statement to really be moved by a modern company. 

Republic Ecig is a company that has risen above a desire for profit, they strive to truly make a difference in the world. That is something worth getting behind! 

The Republic Ecig has an amazing flavor that is extremely close to the taste of an actual cigarette. I smoke regulars, so the "Rebel Red" is a perfect fit. The "Menthol Ice" impressed my mother-in-law, who smokes menthol full flavored. I also enjoyed the "Georgia Peach" and it reminds me of the sweet dreams I smoked in my college days and are perfect for anyone who prefers flavored cigs. There is even a ecigar! Republic Ecigs come in both disposable and rechargeable options and the prices are phenomenal! 

While I still smoke a few traditional cigarettes a day, Republic Ecigs has cut that number tremendously. 

Check them out around the web:

WWW.REPUBLICECIG.COM
WWW.TWITTER.COM/Republicecig
WWW.Facebook.Com/Republicecigs

#PQInShape: Redirection

I turned the big 2-9 on Wednesday and it kind of took a toll on my mind set. Yes, I know most struggle with 30, but this year kind of hit me hard. I guess that's because I know 30 comes next (shocker, I did learn to count mom!)

Seeing 29, I've been reevaluating some things, mostly my health and the decisions I make that involve my health. I'm getting to 30 and my little guy is getting older. I want to be around to see him graduate and lead a full life as an adult. I will be about 45 when he graduates. I know that its not old, but I know that if I do not become proactive in my healthcare, I may not make it much past 45.

I have a plan that I will be sharing with you. I will also be sharing with you the little things I have started doing every day to make my life more fulfilling and healthy. It is no longer about losing weight, it is about so much more.

I hope you join me on this journey as I find the new healthier me.

The Importance of Staying Organized

For those that saw this post on Instagram, you should know that it was the beginning of this post! 

For me, the price of not staying organized is the need to be rushed, which stresses me out and can cause mistakes- which ultimately can cost me money. Another price I pay when I am not organized is having too many tasks that absolutely have to be done in a short period of time. That is what the Instagram photo is showing- too many things to do in just one day! For some people, not staying organized can have much more extreme penalties. 

The last couple of days I have spent reevaluating my responsibilities, my organizing style, and how many minutes are in a day. This has prompted me to create lists of what I have to do every day, week, and month. I have also gathered my insane number of to do lists and consolidated them. 

Another project was to reevaluate the tools I use- both digital and traditional. I have been on the hunt for replacements of some. 

You all will benefit from this. Over the next several weeks, I will share the steps I have taken, tools that I use, and everything else involved in getting myself organized again and preparing for changes that may come my way. 

I will also be sharing some of the changes that have prompted the chaos- hold on, it is gonna be a ride!