Every year, I start out with a list of things I hope to accomplish and it somewhat stresses me out (how, when, why?). So this year I will instead start it with a list of 2023 memories and things that make me happy.
Some of the images I took with my phone, some with my real camera, and some where thankfully captured by other people and shared with me.
I know that not everyone will be interested – its ok. This post is more for me and my memories. But if it inspires others to look back and separate some favorite photos of their own from 2023, that is a plus.
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There was a time in my life when people asked me how I managed to keep everything together from planning to completing and get it all done. From my day job to my photography side business, to my four kids in sports to managing the household – yes I did do it all.
Now that I’m doing a bit less as my kids are getting older and I stopped taking photography clients even I’m baffled as to how I got through some of those years!
Though my current responsibilities and goals moving forward have changed somewhat, I feel even busier sometimes as I set my sights on new goals.
Thankfully the same tools I have used for many years have not let me down yet. Some of the tools I just started using this year and I’m excited about!
Ready to get your sh*t together? Below are the Top 5 Tools I use
Google Calendar (iOS / Android) – Yes, yes I know. Everyone already knows about this. But I have to mention it because it is key to me keeping my sh*t together.
Everyone in my family has a separate Google account, and we all have access to each other’s calendars. This is extremely helpful especially since my daughter in college puts her classes and basketball schedule on hers. It makes it so much easier for planning.
gTask Pro (iOS / Android) – I have tried several “To Do” list type Apps and this was the one that I finally stayed with forever.
You can separate tasks by Groups/categories, which can be colored. I have mine separated by Habits, Top 3, Online, Household, Errands, Projects.
You can create tasks with sub tasks (and subtasks under the first subtask). You can set tasks to repeat, alert (or not) and it can also sync with your google calendar if you want it to. It is a one time $5.99 purchase.
Checklist+ (iOS) – Ok, why would I need two check list apps you ask? Because even with the categories in gTask Pro, I was getting overwhelmed and distracted when I saw blogging stuff and home stuff together.
So I decided to use one app for my home life and one for my Blog.
I had a really hard time finding another app that I liked enough to actually use but this one did fit the bill for my blogging lists. It has many of the same features as gTasks. Groups/Categories that can be colored, tasks with subtasks, set to repeat, etc.
It does sync to iCloud data and I keep the list on both my phone and iPad. This is a great place not only for my blogging “To Do’s” but I have a list for ideas that randomly pop into my head too.
Structured (iOS) – I have a love/hate relationship with this app. I love that it keeps me on track by reminding me when I should be starting and ending each activity every day. I hate when it reminds me that I’ve failed to do what I should have.
For us Type A folks out there though – this is a good one. It allows you to “structure” your days and stay on track to complete your goals.
For parts of your routine that are repeated daily/weekly/monthly you can add it to structured on a repeated schedule.
It allows you to see how much of your day is being used with for example a morning routine, breakfast, work, lunch, work, errands, etc. And as long as you add a wake up/bed time it tells you how much time you have left to schedule for productive things.
You know, instead of watching True Crime TV or something. Not that I do that.
The best part? It syncs with Google Calendar (the calendars I tell it to) so I don’t need to add scheduled items to two apps and it sends you reminders to keep you on track.
You can also edit and delete as necessary. I have added my work schedule, a blogging schedule and an exercise schedule so far – go me!
Simple Mind Pro (iOS / Android) – I’ve told you a lot about how I keep going, but what about pre-planning and brainstorming? For that the best app I’ve found is Mind Maps.
I love the different formats of maps it allows you to create. So far I have used it for creating my website, starting my content calendar, and goal setting for 2023 and forward. It is perfect for either solo or group brainstorming. Yes this app requires a one time purchase, but it is well worth it in my opinion.
I was getting so overwhelmed trying to keep track of everything digitally and wanted a way to see my entire year at a glance. For brainstorming, pre-planning, or even just a reminder of the fun things I have coming my way as I slug my way through a work day.
There are many choices out there, but I wanted one that was a size that would fit well in my she shed and look cute so I went with this one. It is colorful and a perfect 24”x36”. My only complaint is that it came folded in an envelope instead of rolled in a tube, which is why you see the creases. But for what I am using it for it is still perfect for me.
It has a dry erase surface, so I bought these Dry Erase Markers. And to really make things stand out on the calendar I also ordered these Adorable Planner Stickers that will show things like Dentist Appointments, Vacations, “Do Not Disturb”, Night Out, Night In and more.
I know I will never stay 100% on top of things. Is there anyone who does? But here’s to all of us achieving at least a few of our goals this year.
If you have some favorite ways you keep your sh*t together that I haven’t mentioned here, please let me know in the comments!
There is nothing better than spending a one on one trip alone with one of my kids – getting to know them as an individual, bonding, making memories. Over the years I have noticed that the most memorable mother daughter trips have a few things in common…
1. A common goal or project
The easiest way to ensure that you spend your time together bonding and making memories, is to plan the trip with a common goal or project in mind. This common goal can be as simple as a puzzle that is worked on in a rural cabin after peaceful days of hiking, a location scavenger hunt or a photo challenge like the “11 photos you should take if you want to” that Riley and I created to rebel against an article indicating that you should not take these photos. The best thing about photo challenges is that the end result is a collection of photo memories. Google “photo challenge” for a premade list, or inspiration to create your own!
The requisite “jumping” photo for our annual photo challenge
2. Plan for rainy days/changes in plan
Even the best laid plans can be derailed by weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Always be prepared with a backup plan. When visiting Hocking Hills, our backup plan in case of rain was the same as our common goal – working on the puzzle in the cabin. We lucked out and it didn’t rain, but it was nice to know that no matter what happened we had something to do, together.
3. Try/learn something new together
Riley and I went rock climbing for the first time one our mother daughter trip to Hocking Hills, Ohio. Alex and I went paddle boarding in Santa Rosa, California. Be brave, be adventurous. Zip lines, haunted houses, cross country skiing – there are so many things to try! It doesn’t matter if you fail, or whether you ever do it again. What matters is that you experience something new, together. These are the life moments that you will never forget. Next up – a Segway tour. I have no idea where, but it’s on the bucket list!
Rock climbing in Hocking Hills, OH
4. Make time for familiar activities that you already enjoy
One of our “try something new” activities on a family vacation years ago was geocaching. It has now become an activity we do nearly every time we travel. Whether finding the physical “treasures” of a traditional cache or discovering the beauty of our travel location with an earth cache, geocaching is usually a can’t miss activity for a mother daughter trip. Whether it’s hiking, an Escape Room or mini golf, be sure to make time for familiar activities.
Geocaching in Hocking Hills, Ohio
5. Create traditions
Make your mother daughter trip an annual tradition. Make it a priority to spend at least a weekend together, with no responsibilities or distractions other than the plans you have made with each other. If you find an activity that you both enjoy that can be done anywhere, make it a tradition to do that (or a variation of it) each year during your scheduled trip. Or even as a small getaway for the two of you from a larger family trip. For example, always follow the same photo challenge list, or always try a famous restaurant or new food. Riley and I intend to do our “11 photos you should take if you want to” challenge during each new mother daughter vacation. 11 identical but different photos of our adventures, each with it’s own story or private joke.
Do sunsets look the same, wherever you travel?
6. Visit the same place every year…or make it a point to explore a new place each year
So far, my daughters and I have primarily visited new places each year for our mother daughter trips. Alex and I have had the places chosen for us by default, as her figure skating schedule dictates dates and locations (I am NOT complaining, as Portland, Oregon and Santa Rosa, California were gorgeous and so much fun!), while Riley and I have stayed driving distance but with more freedom to choose the final destination (Hocking Hills, OH; Silver Lake Sand Dunes, MI). When traveling to more familiar places with the whole family, we do have favorite places to “get away” to – one we would recommend is Ding Darling on Sanibel Island, our must see when vacationing at Nana’s house in Fort Myers, Florida. Whether you hike or drive, Ding Darling is well worth the visit.
A Ding Darling Sunrise, Sanibel Island, FL
7. Find unique/cool places to eat
Whether it’s VooDoo Donuts in Portland, or the best hamburgers in Michigan, be sure to check out the food recommended by locals. We have had ice cream for dinner, searched out food trucks, and eaten at festivals. Make it a point to seek out food that you cannot get at home. (And seriously, if you are in West Michigan, go to Brown Bear in Pentwater and get a burger)
Lunch with the Coliseum Comets at the block of Food Trucks in Portland Oregon. All that variety and Alex chose pizza – go figure.
8. Make time for nature/quiet time
This one is tough for me. I tend to feel like I always have to be planning something, going somewhere or “accomplishing” something, – when the whole point of the mother daughter trip is the person with me. All of the goals, projects and adventure are secondary to the relationship that those activities are intended to foster. So take a nature break. Hike. Make time for quiet togetherness. Walk together, sit together, talk, listen. Enjoy the beautiful person and relationship that your mother daughter trip is intended to celebrate.
Do you take annual trips with someone special? I would love to hear your stories, tips and suggestions – comment below!
We all have regrets
Forgive yourself
Offer Grace to others
Every day make an effort to be a better version of yourself
Pay it forward
Tell someone how much you appreciate them
Let the past go
Breathe
