anti-procrastination Archives • New Nostalgia

Anti-Procrastination and Life Update {3.23.19}

*This post contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

In this space of Anti-Procrastination Updates, I will periodically share with you all the things–things that are important to me, things I want to get to, and all the things that add up to help make life purposeful and meaningful.

UPDATE ON THIS ONE LIFE I GET TO LIVE

It has been over a month since I posted about my debilitating vertigo, and I am so pleased to tell you that it is completely gone! I had 2 of the best physical therapist that specializes in vertigo treatment, and after just 3 sessions with them, my vertigo was completely gone.

If you suffer from vertigo, there are maneuvers that you must try! Yes, you can find some YouTube videos that show these maneuvers, but I highly recommend finding a physical therapist that is trained. The maneuvers that worked on me were the Epply Maneuver and the Brandt-Daroff Maneuver.

My pt put me through some tests that help rule out more scary, central nervous system type symptoms. This was so reassuring to me.

I was able to skip what would have been a very expensive scheduled brain scan thanks to their expertise. I am so grateful to have my health back. This was a great reminder of just what a gift health is!

Another gift? Our home. We live in Nebraska where there has been devastating flooding. We are safe but have seen devastation all around us.

Our city had some water restrictions for about a week, but that is it. We are so thankful but are heartbroken for all of those affected by this historic awful flooding.

I especially think of the farmers who not only have lost their homes but also their livelihood, whose fields are now rivers. There are many ways you can help, listed here.

ONE BOOK I AM READING

Born Survivors

A book about 3 outstanding women who not only survived the Holocaust but gave birth during that awful time and a 3 of their babies survived. This book tells their unbelievable stories.

ONE SONG I AM LOVING

Peace Be Still (feat. Lauren Daigle) The Belonging Co

“Peace be still
Say the word and I will
Set my feet upon the sea
Till I’m dancing in the deep
Peace be still
You are here so it is well
Even when my eyes can’t see
I will trust the voice that speaks
Peace peace over me”

ONE THING I AM LISTENING TO

Don’t Drink Another Glass of Wine Until You Listen To This Podcast

The Chalene Show Podcast…this episode was super interesting. Makes me happy that Trader Joes offers so many organic wines. I don’t drink wine often, but when I do, I will now reach for organic!

ONE PURCHASE I MADE

Full Circle Dust Whisperer

Clean Mama recommends this duster so I had to try it. I was using the Swiffer duster but got very tired of buying refills. This one is great! It makes dusting so fast! I love the length of it and is easy to clean. Simple throw the removable microfiber in the washer.

Speaking of Clean Mama, did you see her new book “Clean Mama’s Guide to a Healthy Home” just came out?

ONE RECIPE I WANT TO TRY

Moroccan Quinoa Salad

I think this salad sounds so amazing. Bits of sweet dates in the savory dressing has to taste delicious! I love a filling, healthy salad like this one that I can quick scoop and eat for lunch.

ONE RECIPE I MADE RECENTLY AND LOVED

15 Minute Meal Prep Cilantro Lime Chicken and Lentils

This recipe was so easy to make, well received by my whole family, and tasted delicious!

ONE ITEM I’M THINKING ABOUT BUYING

Purism Plant Mister

I just drool every time I see this plant mister. Spring is coming and I’ve been getting my sunroom all ready and plants out. Now I want a cute mister!

ANTI-PROCRASTINATION HOMEMAKING

The things I do every day that keep my home running smoothly (and that I try very hard not to procrastinate on) are all laid out for you in this post:

Everyday Home Chore Systems That I Use

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM

See behind the scenes of my day on my Instagram Stories.

Use these hashtags on Instagram or Facebook and tag me to show me how YOU are living intentionally or what you are thankful for.

#NNLiveWell #NNThankful

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

What are you wanting to get done this week?

What book are you reading–song you are loving–or podcast are you are listening to? How about a recipe you are loving?

Share with me in the comments!

ANTI-PROCRASTINATION

Anti-Procrastination Update 10-29-18

*This post contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

In this space of Anti-Procrastination Updates, I will periodically share with you all the things–things that are important to me, things I want to get to, and things that help make life purposeful and meaningful.

BIG NEWS!

It FINALLY happened! I launched my long-time talked about New Nostalgia The Shop! Did you see it?

New Nostalgia shop offers printable tools printable tools to help you pursue slow, simple, purposeful living in all areas of life. I would love for you to take a minute and see what I’ve been up to. This post will tell you all about it

UPDATE ON THIS ONE LIFE I GET TO LIVE

Lately, life has been all shop shop shop! And not shopping mall shop but launching my own shop. It has been so much fun and I can’t wait to continue to build it up an get more card sets out of my brain (it is swimming with them!) and into the shop.

I’ve also been sooo enjoying the fall season. I just can’t get over the beauty of the trees and freshly fallen leaves. The colors this year are beautiful here in Nebraska.

ONE BOOK I AM READING

The Ragged Edge of Night

I’ve been finding time to read right before I go to bed each night. I don’t allow myself to watch Netflix before reading a bit of a book…both are on my Kindle Fire so it is quite easy to read a quick chapter or two, then enjoy a show.

What show? I’ve been watching The Crown series on Netflix.

ANTI-PROCRASTINATION/ Counting Gifts/ Emotional Health

5 Things To Do To Thrive #Last90Days

Rachel Hollis and her #Last90Days 5 Things To Do To Thrive challenge started today and Instagram was lit with people using the hashtag.

It was inspiring to follow along and see so many people wanting to live their lives in a purposeful way.

5 Things To Do To Thrive #last90days is a challenge that is meant to motivate and keep you accountable for finishing the last 90 days of the year strong.

Why wait for the new year to start? I love the do-it-now approach of this challenge.

{Image via Moms & Beyond}

HERE ARE THE 5 TO THRIVE

Get up an hour earlier than you normally do and use the time for yourself.
Workout at least 30 minutes a day.
Drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day.
Give up one food category you know you shouldn’t be eating.
Write down 10 things that you are grateful for each day.

When my sister shared the challenge with me, I told her I was pretty much already doing those 5 things. I didn’t mean to be arrogant or boastful, but last June I started getting up 1 hour early.

Honestly the other 5 things just kinda fell into place, just by being purposeful with getting my bum out of bed! A snowball-type effect.

It is fun to have a challenge that will help solidify and zero in on these simple, already life-changing things that help me in my pursuit to live new, live well and live with purpose!

Want to do it too?

MY THOUGHTS ON 5 THINGS TO DO TO THRIVE

1. Wake Up An Hour Early

Rachel Hollis is quick to add that this does NOT apply to new Mama’s, or those in seasons of life where extra sleep IS caring for yourself.

BUT… if you find yourself saying, “I don’t have time to read” or “I can’t find time to work out” or if you know that things like prayer, journaling or meditation would benefit you more than sleep right now…then get on up!

I started doing this thanks to advice from The Miracle Morning, and after hearing it over and over from people like Brendon Burchard, Lewis Howe and Tony Robbins, it has been a goal on my mind that I wanted to pursue.

I have been doing it regularly since early June and it has been life-changing.

I’VE BEEN WAKING UP EARLY IN ORDER TO LIVE SLOW. A PURPOSEFUL SLOW.

I spend the early morning time doing things I already was doing on a regular basis, but now I am not rushed and have a head start…it has become my favorite time of day!

I get coffee, light a candle, journal, pray, use my Bible app and meditate. By doing these habits an hour early, the rest of my day is so much more calm, focused and productive.

I am getting up regularly at 6, and there was even one week in August that I got up at 5:30 to do some extra writing for a project, and goodness was THAT ever a productive experience!

I had no idea my brain could be so clear and focused that early in the morning, but it was and is. I will write more about this discovery in another post.

Not a morning person? My advice is to try it anyway…you may be surprised and find out (like I did) that maybe you are a morning person after all. It takes time to create a habit, 20 days they say…so try it.

Wake up to do something that you REALLY, really look forward to! This is key for me.

2. Workout At Least 30 Minutes a Day

By getting up an hour early, I found myself being able to fit workouts in and quite motivated to do so. The challenge to myself was to simply move my body every day.

I took a break from some cancer medication that I have been on, and my joints felt so much better, so I was extra motivated and thankful to be able to move!

I walk daily for at least 30 minutes, with a goal of seeing my Fitbit reach 10,000 steps by the end of the day. These walks are so enjoyable thanks to nature and podcasts and my favorite Voxer app.

I decided not to put pressure on myself to jog or run, simply because I don’t enjoy it. Because of this I actually looked forward to my daily walk and it became a habit.

I also have added yoga to my ‘move everyday goal’ as it is so good for my joints and learning how to breathe is so good for anxiety. This simple 10 Minute Morning Routine is a fav, and I am on day 6 of this 30 Day Yoga Revolution series on Youtube.

I am going to use the 5 to Thrive Challenge to go from 5 days a week to 7 days a week. Eek! Good thing I really love walking and yoga. Wish me luck!

3. Drink Half Your Body Weight in Ounces of Water Each Day.

This is easy for me. Whoo-hoo! So nice to have something in the challenge that does not feel like a challenge. I drink black coffee, matcha or herbal tea, and then it is water the rest of the day.

The key for me has been my inexpensive Bubba waterbottle because it keeps my ice from melting and has a huge straw which makes getting water in a breeze. Easy to gulp gulp gulp!

It is 24 ounces, so if I refill it 4 times a day I’m pretty much there…especially if I count my herbal tea for hydration.

4. Give Up One Food Catagory You Know You Shouldn’t Be Eating

The food category I have been working on is all the white things. White sugar, white carbs –white pasta, white flour, white bread etc. I am great with this until the weekend.

I’ve made exceptions for pizza on Friday family nights (although we have been trying out cauliflower crust pizza the last few weeks) and date nights or social outings.

I’m trying to decide if I am going to give this up completely. I think if I commit to this, I will fail…just being real and honest.

I am good with committing to 90% giving this up, but leaving space and grace on certain family nights and social outings or date nights.

Those really only come on Friday and Saturday evenings, and an occasional extended family get together on Sundays (once a month), so 90% it is!

This is doable and already something I have been putting into place, although saying no to a fun Pumpkin Spice Latte during the week will take some discipline for sure!

5. Write Down 10 Things That You’re Grateful For Each Day

I started writing what I call lists of ‘gifts’ in 2010 when I was diagnosed with cancer. It changed me and made the fight bearable. I listed them in an ongoing fashion on this blog and surpassed 1,000!

I have been listing 3/day on a daily docket I use each day and gather them at the end of the week into my journal and reflect on all the amazing things I have to be thankful for.

I can up my game on this…but it bugs me that I only left 3 lines on the daily docket I made…now I wish there were 10! Guess I will need to re-design it.

By the way, I will be sharing this docket with you in the coming weeks. It is another simple tool that creates habits that bring about purpose.

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So there it is. My thoughts on the 5 to Thrive Challenge. I’m 90% in for 90Days. 🙂

How about you?

Let me know if you are participating.

I will share my progress with you and give glimpses of what I do on my Instagram stories. Find me @Amy_NewNostalgia

ANTI-PROCRASTINATION

Anti-Procrastination Update {8-21-18}

Did you see what my awesome kids did for me? Our living room walls were the golden yellow (similar to the hue of that chair in the above picture) and I have been wanting to change it for a few years now.

My Teagan and her guy gifted me with new walls, for no special reason other than to show love to me.

I chose Repose Gray by Sherwin Williams and just love how light reflects off of it.

Did you know that paint has an LRV (light reflective value) level? LRV is defined on a scale from one to 100…the higher the number the more light it reflects.

FAMILY/ HOME/ Homemaking/ Kids/Family

Anti-Procrastination With First Alert: Protect Your Home & Family From Carbon Monoxide

Thank you First Alert for sponsoring this post. Don’t let the beep steal your sleep.

I talk a lot about procrastination here on the blog, and something I have procrastinated on that could be life or death, is installing carbon monoxide detectors in our home.

You all know my 3 teen girls mean the world to me, but as much as I hate to admit it, I have not been proactive when it comes to fire and carbon monoxide poison safety.

We recently had our air conditioning and heater replaced, and I was delighted to see that they left a carbon monoxide detector plugged into an outlet in our basement family room by the heater.

I instantly felt relief knowing it brought safety, and I was also very intrigued that there were CO detectors that you could simply plug into an outlet!

ANTI-PROCRASTINATION

Anti-Procrastination Weekly Update and Goals {6.4.18}

Weekly Update

I’m slowly but surely getting into a summer routine. It is a very flexible one, but that is just fine during the summer. I love routine because a bit of structure helps to make sure the things that are important get done, but I am also enjoying the freedom that a summer schedule brings.

My Avery has soccer conditioning at her school 3 mornings a week, so I find myself unexpectledly driving to her high school even though it is summer break! It is a great workout for her, a chance to see her teammates, and it gives our week some structure, so it is a positive thing and I am taking advantage of it.

Those 3 days I am waking early to write and do admin work from 6-9, then while she is at soccer conditioning I have been going to the gym, to take advantage of the forced structure of our week. It is working well, and 2 of the 3 days I take a yoga class that my gym offers.

ANTI-PROCRASTINATION/ FAMILY/ Holidays/Parties/ Kids/Family

Graduation Open House Party + Anti-Procrastination Weekly Update

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Last AP Weekly update I was talking about prom. Now I’m sharing about our graduation open house party!

This life of teenagers is a full one, and we are experiencing so many milestones all at once. It is crazy busy, but I’m finding pockets of time to slow, inhale and recognize how precious all of these moments are.

We celebrated our Teagan’s upcoming graduation and along with her 2 cousins who are also seniors this year. I had such a great time planning this party! It was a joint effort with my amazing sisters-in-law’s! We made a great team.

My wonderful Mother-in-Law opened up their home and hosted the party for us, which was no small gesture as we planned for 200-300 people to come.

There was much planning to do, from figuring out parking (my 2 nephews on scooters did the job beautifully and made me smile while watching them) to seating, tables, tablecloths, flowers, grad tables desserts, food & decor.

It was so much fun but I must be honest and say I’m relieved it is over and needed a slow Mother’s Day to recover, which thankfully I got!

My favorite part of the day was watching our Teagan welcome her guests so graciously and with poise. I could go on and on about the emotions I felt throughout the day, and may just write another post about how felt that day and also how we planned the party. Let me know in the comments if you are interested in this!

Weekly Update

#NNThankful Challenge

I am going to keep the #nnthankful challenge going because it changes me!

It forces me to stay present, see all the beauty in the busy, have a slow mindset and notice all there is to be thankful for. It also gives the best mood boost!

Join me? Use the #nnthankful anytime you post something you are thankful for on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. I will see your posts and it will let me know I’m in good company with finding my thankful in the busy seasons of life! I will also feature some of my favorites on my Instagram stories.