1. Monitor time sucks and stop using the excuse "I don't have time". Those 4 words are one of my biggest pet peeves- of course I fall victim to using that phrase (probably more than I even realize) but more often than not, I do have time... the more likely reason for not doing something is that it isn't a priority right now, or there is something else I would rather be doing. I think it is important for me to monitor time sucks (which can be tv, the internet, a fun organizational project, anything really...). The girls go to bed by 6:30 pm (I like to be in bed by 10) which means that I have 3.5 blissful hours of me time. I like to devote 15 minutes to a quick tidying session, and 15-30 minutes to working out (longer on the occasion that I actually do make it to the gym) which still leaves me with quite a bit of free time in the evening. I used to watch a lot of tv- nowadays the tv is usually on (probably a bad habit, but I like the company) but there are only a few shows that I actually sit down and watch (thank heavens for the dvr). Anyways, the point of this goal is to prioritize and use time wisely (and yes, sometimes hanging out on Pinterest is a priority).
2. Continue to get rid of ten items per day. Originally the plan was to do this for 40 days, but perhaps I can do it indefinitely? The ten items can be anything really- paper clutter, expired make up, hair products that missed the mark- getting rid of a few small things can make a big difference. I think that your home needs room to breathe and areas free of clutter (just don't go looking in the spare bedroom aka baby storage room or under the steps... the garage either for that matter). Also- don't keep something just because it was a gift- we have all given gifts the recipient wasn't crazy about (true story, I thought I was giving my cousin (and also one of my very best friends) an awesome gift with the new Spice Girls cd- apparently I missed the memo that the Spice Girls were so 1996... at any rate, because she was honest with me about my less than stellar gift she was able to exchange it for something better... maybe the Hanson cd?). And while I'm on this don't keep it just because tangent, don't keep something just because it belonged to a relative (no, I'm not telling you to throw out your family heirlooms...). Lets say you received Great Aunt Edna's knitting needles. You would rather gouge your eyes out with those suckers than try learn how to knit. But maybe your cousin/aunt/etc is super crafty? Or just likes to hoard things? See if you can pass it on to someone who appreciates the item and can actually put it to good use.
3. Be judicious about the items I bring into our home. Long before Tim Gunn was telling us to make it work, depression era women were telling us to make do. Before buying some highly specific solution to an issue, see if something you already have around the house. The only special baby proofing supplies we got were outlet covers (we already had the gate because of our dogs). Things were going pretty well, until Audrey and Claire decided that they would like to play in our cupboards. And they would crawl over to said cupboards about 3,237 times per day. Fearing that my hair would turn prematurely grey, I had to come up with a solutions. Much to my surprise, a pony tail holder did the trick. I would also love to buy all of the super awesome specialized organizers, but I'm finding that some things we already have around the house work great- for example, an empty formula container houses my nail polish collection.
I am also a major sucker for a deal- especially clothes! But I've found that ending up with something that is purchased just for the sake of the bargain that isn't flattering/lifestyle appropriate, etc is a huge waste. A few of my rules for successful clothing purchases: a. Only buy things I love. This seems obvious, but sometimes I'll buy things that I'm just "meh" about and end up never wanting to wear them, hoarding them away in my closet until the appropriate time has passed, and donating them. This situation can be avoided by purchasing things I love, even if I have to spend a few more dollars up front. b. Only buy things that look good on me. Again, this seems obvious, but at times I have bought things that were less than flattering. c. Be able to wear it at least 2 different ways. d. Not already own something similar- you should be able to wear all of your outfits two days in a row without your coworkers doing a double take wondering if you wore the same top twice in a row.
4. Establish a cleaning schedule. I love organizing, but loathe cleaning. As a result, things like dusting and washing the floor go sorely neglected. I'm a major routine person, so I think coming up with some guidelines such as "on Fridays we wash sheets" will help.
5. Keep on making freezer meals. These have been a life saver- Justin and I made a huge batch about 2 months ago and have been enjoying them ever since! It took us about 2 hours to assemble everything, but was actually kind of fun, and really a couple of hours for about 20 meals is an excellent return on investment. I also want to keep on finding quick and easy recipes- today I made a chicken parm that was pretty tastey- it was a little bit of oil and italian seasonings, chicken, pasta sauce, cheese, and home made croutons (sooo easy to make and much more delicious than any of the store bought stuff I've tried).
Claire and Audrey are also working on a few goals for the new year. Here is their list:
1. Ditch the middle of the night bottle
2. Master using sippy cups
3. Sleep all the way through the night 6 out of 7 nights (because you know, the best goals are specific and measurable).
4. Get rid of the pacifier (Audrey uses her paci at naptime and bedtime. During the day she'll plop it in her mouth if available, but doesn't protest if I remove it).
5. Learn how to walk (although Justin and I would not be sad if they waited until they were a year old before they crossed this milestone off the list... they move quick enough already!).
6. Say "mama" and "dada". The girls babble constantly, and have made a few noises that sound like mama/dada, but I don't think they have connected the meaning yet.
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