Good morning reader friends! Is it really fall?
As sad as it is that such a fun summer is over and the kids go back to school tomorrow, it makes it a little easier knowing that they're ready. When their nit-picky sibling spats ramp up, that's when we know it's time.
Our youngest is off to first grade (I can't think about it), so I've got my new daily plan figured out. I started by asking myself, “If I were on top of my life, what are the things I'd be accomplishing each day, instead of dealing with the constant ‘I'm so frazzled and will never get it all done' feeling? Then I sat down to plug those goals into a schedule; things like morning Mass/daily readings, exercise, laundry, meal planning, cleaning (15 minutes a day, no more – I hate cleaning), working on the blog/email (the biggest chunk of my week), helping in the kids' classes, errands, coffee or lunch with friends, and everything else. Now if I can just have a little self-discipline and stick to it, but at the same time allow for flexibility when needed, I'll be on a roll.
I'm curious how many of you who work at home have a daily schedule, and how well you're able to stick to it? Any tips for me?
Here's some interesting stuff I have for you today:
- There were 531 entries into the recent contest for the $50 Amazon gift card, thank you all for your input on the survey. The winner is Lacy, commenter #354!
Email me within 3 days ([email protected]) to claim your prize. If I don't hear from you, I'll announce a new winner next week.
Email me within 3 days (- Did you see this post from Jimmy Moore the other day where he discusses his recent switch to a more ‘paleo low-carb' way of eating'? Here's an excerpt:
“Must we get so caught up in the minutia of how much carbohydrate someone must eat in our diet that we forget the average Joe and Jane are downing Coca-Cola, Twinkies, McDonald’s French Fries and Doritos like they’re going out of style? None of us thinks this is healthy and yet this is the typical fare for more Americans than we probably know. While I can appreciate (and even actively promote) an exuberant passion for sharing what you have learned in your own personal nutritional journey, it’s important to remember that we are not all the same… This is an ongoing discussion that I am pleased to see continue as long as we keep our eyes on the big picture of what all of this means regarding the impact ancestral/Paleo/low-carb living has on public health.”
- Speaking of setting goals and getting on top of your life, have you seen this video yet for Jenny’s How to Cook Real Food e-course, which is opened back up for fall? She'll show you how to get your family's meals on track and how to save money, too. Remember that the price goes up $50 soon, so sign up now for 45 videos and over 100 recipes! Find out more:
- Exciting scoop for local readers! If you live here in Rockford, a reader friend who just moved here recently, Melissa, is starting a new co-op and has room for a few more members. (We need more in the group so we meet our buying quotas each month and get the best deals on Real Food that we buy in bulk.) If you're interested, email me and I'll forward to her: [email protected].
Want to satisfy your sweet tooth now and then or make a treat for your kids without feeling bad about it? Check out Kate's new book, Treat Yourself-Real Food Desserts. “It's a book filled with delicious, sweet, tempting desserts — which rely only on real food. They're full-fat, full flavor, and low-sugar. There's no white flour, white sugar, or vegetable oil to be found. In fact, they're all based on sprouted flour, soaked flour, or almond flour, if flour is used at all (yes, there are several grain-free and even GAPS-friendly treats!).“
- As much as it drives me crazy when the government jumps into our lives and tells us what we can and can't eat, (see How the government is making or keeping us sick), this article ticked me off because the USDA is so quick to tell us not to eat whole foods, but they don't seem to have a problem when we're shoving a bunch of crap into our mouths. Thank you to Susan who sent me this one: U.S. Rejects Mayor’s Plan to Ban Use of Food Stamps to Buy Soda.
- Here's a related Huffington Post article on how Sugary Drink Consumption is Up, but most of us knew that. “Among the worst offenders in terms of daily consumption? Boys, age 2 to 19 — 70 percent of whom consume sugary drinks on any given day.” They recommend that we drink more water instead, which is good, but many need something more as a replacement when water just doesn't hit the spot. Of course they don't
mention fermented drinks like our favorite, homemade kefir soda pop. (And have you seen this post? Are you addicted to liquid candy?)
mention fermented drinks like our favorite, - Along that same line of flawed government thinking, Stanley wrote an article recently about a new Harvard study which claimed eating red meat causes type two diabetes. As he says, “The food industry seems to want us all to become Soyatarians, since they make the most money that way.” Read Diabetes Study Proves Nothing about Grassfed Meat.
- In case you're wondering, no I still didn't get my latest newsletter out, (did I mention I plan to get on top of my life soon?), so there's still time to sign up if you haven't yet (it's free), and catch all the Q & A's that you've been wondering about. Also you'll get exclusive discounts only for subscribers on various promotions and you'll be entered to win a Real Food Ingredient Guide.
Have a great week!
Note: Affiliate links are included in this post, you may want to read my Icky small print stuff: privacy policy, copyright, disclaimers, terms & conditions.
Amanda says
I work full time, but I also had to revamp my “home work” schedule this fall. The DH just started two new jobs (Praise God!), which through off our routine. He’s no longer at home to help out with chores during the day, and as a one car family, I’m gone more than I was before. I now have a different evening for different chores, do dishes twice a day (no dishwasher in my place), and spend my weekends cooking to cut down on meal prep during the week.
I also have to get myself to bed before 9:30! If i’m not up by 5:15 I can’t get myself out the door on time – and I need so much sleep it isn’t even funny.
Praying you find the time you need to get everything done!
Abranda says
I am still reading it, but by chapter three, it has changed my life twice! No exaggeration. I am ordering more and mailing some out. I would so mail you one. She has a website and blogs. It should be one you add “to the pile” and have it ready for when you are. I can’t just read through it. I have to close it and chew. The women in my church were telling me she is catholic and her blogs had blessed them so much that is how I came across it. They are using it as a basis with the Bible in the women’s meeting. Not many books are something I would keep to reread, but I am not letting this one go, so I can reread it once a year or whatever. It is about living your crazy life in all fullness. God always being near and always in joy. Always thankful. So far she is talking about slowing down and living, even though situations, lists, and schedules do not ever seem to slow. It is not a self improvement book, but rather the inner depths of who we are and how we think, and live are challenged. This is probably a terrible explanation of it because of how deep she writes. An answering of prayer, many times over.
KitchenKop says
OK, you’ve convinced me. I’ll start with getting it from the library and go from there. 🙂
Thank you!
Kelly
damaged justice says
Big Ag cranks up the Astroturf! Hidden behind a paywall, but Google cache comes to the rescue. What’s interesting is that grain shill/spokesperson Ashley Reynolds appears to have advocated low-glycemic and ketogenic diets in the past…
https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:djzc05NV1-4J:www.bakingbusiness.com/News/News%2520Home/Business/2011/9/Foundation%2520sets%2520strategy%2520to%2520deal%2520with%2520Wheat%2520Belly.aspx+&cd=39&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
Foundation sets strategy to deal with ‘Wheat Belly’
BakingBusiness.com, Sept. 1, 2011
by Josh Sosland
RIDGWAY, COLO. — The Grain Foods Foundation has unveiled plans to counter media publicity attracted by “Wheat Belly.” The group said that so far, little or no media coverage has been attracted.
“Mullen, working with key members of the Grain Foods Foundation’s scientific advisory board, is addressing ‘Wheat Belly’ through proactive media outreach and its ongoing rapid response program,” said Ashley Reynolds, a Mullen account executive. “In particular, the public relations team will be contacting health and nutrition reporters at print and on-line media outlets, as well as editors at major women’s magazines to influence any diet-related stories that may be published in the coming months.”
Ms. Reynolds said Mullen also will leverage the G.F.F. social media channels, including the Facebook and Twitter pages and the blog, Six Servings, to “increase awareness about the dangers of following advice from ‘Wheat Belly.’”
Offering key messages crafted in response to the book’s promotional materials, Ms. Reynolds, a registered dietitian, noted the author relies on anecdotal observations rather than scientific studies; wheat elimination “means missing out on a wealth of essential nutrients;” six servings of grain-based foods are recommended daily in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans; healthy weight loss depends on energy balance rather than elimination of specific foods; and elimination of wheat products makes sense only for those with medical diagnoses such as celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
She said the group will lean on its scientific advisory board members to “discredit the book and ensure our messages are backed by sound science.“
Lisa says
Hi Kelly,
Every year when the kids go back to school I have grand dreams of an organized life that fits in exercise, time for blogging, testing new recipes, etc… But things always come up – kids get sick, things breaking in the house, community members needing meals, getting sucked into school/temple committees, and then the Jewish holidays start to roll in.
I don’t think there’s ever enough time in the day for stay at home or working moms.
One thing I have prioritized is getting to bed early – though it seems that once a week it’s the only way I catch up is that one night of going to bed late – but I try to keep an early bedtime on most nights, otherwise I don’t seem to cope well on those extra stressful days – and end up overeating and not having enough patience for the kids.
Another thing that keeps me sane is observing the Sabbath – no matter how hectic the week is I know that on Friday nights we are all eating together, that Saturdays we take time out from errands and phone calls and emails and spend time with family and friends and prayer. It’s really helped me to prioritize and start the week with a fresh mind.
KitchenKop says
You bring up a good point. I forgot to mention sleep in my post. I’m shooting for 9:00 pm so that if I make it, I can read for an hour, and if I don’t, I’ll still be there by 10 hopefully and I can get 8 hours before I have to start again!
I agree about keeping the Sabbath, too. God is smart and knows we need at least one day to refresh! 🙂
Abranda says
One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. This is what has changed my perspective on this very crazy subject of life.
Wardeh @ GNOWFGLINS says
LOVE that book! 🙂
KitchenKop says
Can you two tell me more about it? My book pile is so huge, I have to be sure I really want to read it before adding more to the pile these days, lol!!
Peggy says
Scheduling worked so well for me when the kids were younger. Now that they are teens and I’m the only driver in the house, it has gone beyond insane. I’ve started having a meeting with everyone on Sunday night. We all bring our planners and write down every appointment, every work schedule, every playdate, every chore and school assignment for the upcoming week. I still can’t “schedule” things like chores, those have to be done 5 minutes here and there as I find them, but at least there are fewer surprises.
Wardeh @ GNOWFGLINS says
Kelly,ahhh… I can relate to the scheduling. I’m on the same page! (vowing to set and work with one) I need it – my life has gotten too crazy. 🙂 I’m looking forward to your updates. I’m going to share about how I get my life organized again at my personal blog if you or anyone want to follow along (https://suchtreasures.com). There’s nothing up yet on that subject, but there will be soon. 🙂 I feel encouraged knowing that we’re on the same journey.
Lindsey @ Why Just Eat says
I’m so glad I found you blog – I have learned a lot over the last few hours! And to think that I’ve just been throwing away the whey from my homemade cream cheese – so sad.
Re: last kid starting first grade – you’ll be surprised how fast your days fill up! I was 🙂
Lenetta says
I so need to work on setting up a schedule here. My discipline has been awful! The good news is that after five weeks on adrenal supplements, i am finally feeling better! Praise God! I’m not ready to conquer the world yet, but i’m getting there. 🙂
Stacy says
What supplements are you taking? I think I really need to start taking something to help my adrenals. Curious what you are doing?
Emily says
Hallelujah! It’s around 60 this morning with a high predicted of only 79!
No, no, you don’t understand. We have been suffering from a drought and highs above 103 all summer. We were excited it cooled down into the upper 90s last week!
RE schedule: I have a set schedule for my online biz – which changes if we run an errand or play with friends – but the rest of the day we basically fly by the seat of our pants.
damaged justice says
The grain lobby is firing back at cardiologist Dr. William Davis, whose just released WHEAT BELLY explores the development of wheat in agriculture at the expense of human health:
https://www.wheatbellyblog.com/2011/09/an-open-letter-to-the-grain-foods-foundation/
Who profits? Follow the money:
https://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/DietaryGuidelines/2010/Meeting2/CommentAttachments/GrainFoodsFndn-182REF.pdf