You Can Do Anything 5 Minutes at a Time

*Originally posted March 10, 2010 when my kids were ages 8, 6, 4, 2 and baby.

Here's how I'm cleaning today ...

I'm spending 5 minutes on the Internet at a time because otherwise I spend way too long on there while the kids are sleeping, playing or watching TV.

Then I'm spending 5 minutes doing dishes or accomplishing some other task like putting away laundry or picking crap up or whatever.

It makes life exciting, I'm tellin' ya. It's like a little relay race with myself. You have to keep things fresh when you're a stay-at-home chick like me. And it makes for some thrilling blogging!

How the heck do you get it all done while caring for kids and spending time on the Internet?

Updated September 2, 2019 and I still pretty much do this because I still have these lovely (I don't want to use the word interruptions because that seems negative and I love having my kids around all the time) … kidlets around the house much of the time. So I do what I can when I can little bits at a time only now they help me :-) We chat while we fold towels. Chat while we do dishes, pull weeds in the garden and around the pool out here in the country.

No more do I pop the youngest in a sling and mow the yard when my husband goes out of town while giving the other kids treats to stay inside no matter what (lawnmowers are dangerous!). These days my two oldest do a huge hunk of the mowing on the riding mower … acres of mowing all by themselves. Then they get in their cars and go to work!

So these days a lot of things get done with 5 minutes at a time: ordering groceries, teaching a math concept, reading a book, giving a bath, grabbing a bath for myself, sending a Marco Polo, scheduling a mammogram. Life changes and you just keep rolling with it and praying about it and loving it and appreciating it!

Oh, and I have also, over the years, been able to write books and articles and do proofreading projects just a few minutes at a time. It all adds up.

Here's to a happy life!

(72 post views in 9+ years!)

7 Ways To Motivate Yourself To Go To The Gym

Pixabay - CCO Licensed

Can’t seem to find the motivation to go to the gym? These 7 tips could help to give you the incentive that you need.

Choose the right gym

First, you need to be certain that you’ve chosen the right gym. A lot of gyms have free tasters or tour options that can allow you to tell if a gym’s facilities and clientele are right for you. There are gyms catered to young people and gyms catered to older people, gyms dedicated to serious gym-goers and those that are more basic. Only by trying different ones can you decide which one is best for you.

Stick to a schedule

It’s good to establish a weekly training schedule in which you train on certain days at certain times. Without this, you may find that you’re more likely to put off going to the gym. Choose days and times that suit your lifestyle and that motivate you (some people find it much easier to work out in the evenings, whilst others are more motivated in the morning).

Wear the right clothes

It’s important to feel comfortable as you exercise. For some people, this can involve looking good, as well as feeling good. Consider buying some sportswear to help motivate you. Having the right sports bra and footwear could also be important for keeping comfortable.  

Find an exercise buddy

Some people feel more motivated when training with someone else. It can be a chance to socialise, plus you could feel that you’re letting your buddy down by not going. Try to find someone of a similar fitness level as you.

Consider hiring a personal trainer

A personal trainer can also help to provide motivation. They may also be able to put variety into workouts whilst still helping you work towards your fitness goal. Most gyms have personal trainers working there who you can talk to. Every trainer is likely to set different rates and some may specialise in certain areas of fitness such as weight loss, strength training or endurance running.

Record your progress

Recording your progress allows you to see how far you’ve come, whilst also helping you to set micro-goals each week. Apps are a convenient tool for recording progress and may even allow you to time workouts and measure steps (using wearable tech you can also measure your heart rate). Alternatively, you can keep a written personal diary or blog. Some gyms may even have machines that record your progress for you.

Reward yourself after exercise

Giving yourself something to look forward to after the gym could also spur you to go. Some gyms have spa facilities such as a sauna or pool – you could treat yourself to this after your workout. Alternatively, you could allow yourself a foody treat (providing it doesn’t contain so many calories that it undoes your workout). 

Gem Rocks Slot

Gem Rocks is an amazing 6-reel video slot that offers an astonishing 4,096 possible winning combinations. The slot is optimised so you can play on your smartphone, tablet or computer, meaning you can literally hit the jackpot anywhere - click to play here.

Features

Gem Rocks Slot features six reels, with four symbols each. The symbols include gems of all different sizes, shapes, and colours embedded into colourful rocks. One of the features that help you create more winning combinations is Monster Rocks. Monster Rocks can occur in sizes 2x2, 3x3 and even 4x4, extending over multiple reels and symbol slots.

Instead of your typical spinning reels, the reels in this slot falls down and settles into place with a satisfying click. A winning combination is formed when matching symbols appear on reels that are connected from left to right. The payout depends on the number of symbols that appear on one line. If a winning combination is formed, all symbols that formed part of that winning combination disappear and new ones take their place.

Gem Rocks feature no wilds, scatters or free spins, which is quite rare for a slot in this day and age.

Cash Prizes

A minimum three of a kind combination pays out. This means that combinations of four or more will automatically increase the amount won. In addition, your prize is also multiplied when any of the reels have two of the symbols that form part of that winning combination. The multipliers themselves are also multiplied, which means bigger rewards.

As with all slot games, some symbols are more valuable than others. For example, while the brown cross and purple diamonds each pay out 5, 10, 15, or 20 coins when forming 3, 4, 5, or 6 of a kind winning combinations, the blue, white, green and aquamarine gems are worth a little more each. Three, four, five or six of a kind crescent moon combinations pay out10, 15, 25, or 35 coins respectively. However, the highest value symbol in this slot is the red star, which is worth 20, 40, 60, and 200 coins for three to six of a kind combinations.

If one win follows directly after another a 2x2 Monster Rock will appear. This could in turn help to complete another winning combination. If it does lead to another win, a 3x3 Monster Rock appears after the fifth consecutive win. After your ninth consecutive win a 4x4 Monster Rock follows. If this Monster Rock just so happens to contain a high paying symbol, your payout could be substantial.

Betting range

Gem Rocks features no paylines. You do, however, have the option of changing the value of your coins. To calculate your total bet per spin, your coin value is multiplied by 50. Coin values start from 0.01 ranging all the way up to 1.00, which results in total bets from 0.50 to 50.00.

The low stakes are perfect for those on a budget. Give it a test spin!

Tips for a Happy Home on a Budget

On television and in the movies, happy families always seem to have huge homes with lavish possessions and plenty of money. Although it’s undeniable that more money makes life run a little smoother, that doesn’t mean it is essential to living a happy life. Since your home is the place to unwind after a tough day, it’s important that you are able to make it your personal sanctuary of fun and comfort. Even if money is tight, there are ways you can transform your home life into your own version of paradise. Here are a few tips to help you out.



Eat Well



Sometimes it feels as if the easiest way to feed yourself and your family after a tiring day is to simply order food for delivery or takeout. While this can be a fun treat when done in moderation, having takeout every evening of the week is not only unhealthy for your body but also for your mind. Teach your family the importance of a healthy diet by showing them how to cook using different recipes and methods that spark their creativity. Making the evening meal doesn’t need to be a lonely chore; invite your kids to help out and let them feel the sense of achievement in contributing to the happy household. Here are a few basic ideas on what to cook with children:

·        Homemade pizzas – fun and messy, very tactile

·        Pasta sauce – simple and quick

·        Soup – great for getting fussy eaters to take their vegetables

Keep Clean



Being a parent is tough. Tougher still is the attempt to relax in an untidy or dirty environment. Children are not known for their habitual cleanliness and having toys strewn about the floor or tables covered in paint and food makes it difficult to unwind. Teach your kids that it is fine to make messes as long as they clean up after themselves when they’re done playing. Not only is this a valuable life lesson about taking responsibility, it is also a great way for you to sit back and let someone else tidy up for a change.



Comfort



Depending on your local weather and the type of building you live in, changing seasons can negatively affect how much you are able to feel comfortable in your own home. Being too hot or too cold can make people irritable and less productive, meaning they are more likely to decide against doing tasks they know they should. If you want your home life to be happy and run smoothly, keeping the rooms well ventilated and at the right temperature is surprisingly important. You might find that your home’s HVAC system is old and in need of a tune up – if this is the case, you can search for "HVAC repair near me" on Google that will ensure the workings of your home are much more comfortable for you and your family.



Décor



When you first move into a new house, there are a few weeks of excitement and a sense of potential when it comes to decorating. After a little while, however, you begin to settle in and the urge to revamp your living space dies down. If you’re feeling bored with the way your home currently looks and feels, here are a few things you can change to bring life back to each room without spending lots of money:

·        Choose fun new colors for the walls and let kids have their say when it comes to their bedrooms

·        Replace old towels and bedding with fresh new ones

·        Find new tiles for the kitchen and bathroom

·        Update a single piece of furniture such as a sofa or dining table to create a big impact with only a small change

Outdoors



Especially for those with young children, having somewhere outdoors to enjoy is a huge bonus to a happy home. When the weather is good, it means that the expected mess that comes with having kids can be contained to the back yard. For adults, having a place to sit and enjoy the sunshine can be surprisingly therapeutic. If you don’t have an outdoor space, you can find window boxes to install and have your family plant flowers and vegetables that give a similar sense of engaging with nature.



Organize and Play



By concentrating on keeping your home organized, you will ultimately have more freedom to relax. When everything has a designated place of storage, you won’t have stressful mornings trying to locate car keys or school bags. Just make sure to strike a balance that allows for moments of spontaneous play and fun. Living in a tidy environment lets you appreciate the little messes instead of worrying about them.





Making your home a happy place to be doesn’t have to be an expensive task. In fact, as detailed in this article, you can start making these changes on a budget that will make a positive impact on your living environment straight away.

Draw from Inspiration and Spice up Your Home

There’s just so much you can do with the rooms of your home, and so many different things that you can put in them to make your home look great. But picking something and knowing where to put it might not be your forte. So we’re going to show you some ideas for the three main rooms in your home. Your bedroom, living room, and bathroom. Hopefully, we will be able to inspire you with some great ideas, and also show you where else you might be able to draw inspiration from. Most of you reading this will be very house-proud, so finding new ways to spice it up and look great is essential. So, keep on reading, and we’ll give you a room-by-room guide that we just know will work!

Image Source

The Bedroom

The bedroom is the one room in your home that you want to be able to associate with comfort, and it’s so easy to do that. The first thing that we think you need to do, is get that relaxing vibe going on. There are so many great candle holders that look like great accessories, and indoor plants which give the room a natural feel.