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8 Tips for Clearing Your Mind & Improving Focus

/ Cami Grace / Leave a comment

I know I’m not alone when I say I have a problem focusing. I just finished my second week of work after our vacation and there are still times I feel like I have vacation brain.

Regardless of vacation brain, I’m a daydreamer by nature and I often times have problems focusing and staying on task. Since it’s something I have to work on I’m sharing my go-to tips for clearing my head and improving my focus.

1 – Make a List / Brain Dump

I make two lists each day. One is my task list; everything I need to get done that day, both big and small, goes on that list. This helps me so I don’t forget anything and also helps me see everything all at once so I can prioritize.

The second list is for those thoughts that pop up into my head that are not work related and distract me from what I’m currently working on. For example, “oh, I need to remember ‘fill in the blank’ “, or “I wonder if I can find my dog’s medication on Amazon instead of going to the store”. These thoughts go on a second list so I can take care of them on my break and not have to worry that I’ll forget about it later.

2 – Prioritize & Take One Task at a Time

Time blocking is a great way to prioritize. A lot of people use their calendar and task list on their computer. I actually prefer a notebook. After I make my list I then take each item and I start with the most important first. I Take into account how long I think a task is going to take and I create somewhat of a timeline for my day. It doesn’t have to be set in stone and you can make adjustments as needed.

Here’s an example.

  1. 8:00 – 8:45 Task One
  2. 8:45 – 9:00 Task Two
  3. 9:00 – 10:30 Task Three
  4. Break
  5. and so on

Also, finish one task at a time instead of bouncing back and forth between different items. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve jumped between projects because they were equally important and it took me twice as long to finish them. It’s easier and more efficient just to pick one and see it through until the end.

3 – Clear the Clutter

I don’t mean to go on a cleaning spree, but taking 5 minutes to clear your desk can also help clear your mind.

4 – Drink Cold Water

I actually prefer my water at room temperature (I know, I’m weird), but taking a sip of ice cold water has a way of snapping my senses and zaps my mind back into place.

5 – Sit Up Straight

There are added benefits to sitting up straight. Not only is it good for your back, but you also look more confident and professional. Sitting up straight helps with oxygen flow and increases your circulation, which in turn helps your concentration.

6 – Eat a Snack

I don’t know about you, but If I’m hungry I can’t focus. Plain and simple. Obviously the healthier the snack the better.

7 – Take a break

Sometimes it helps to get up and walk around. Having a small change of scenery and maybe a short conversation with someone in the office (or wherever you are) can do wonders.

8 – Sheer determination

Honestly, this is really what it comes down to. You can go through the whole list, but sometimes you just have to sit down, suck it up, and get it done. I even have to give myself a pep talk sometimes. Then buckle down and just do it. Simple (and sometimes difficult) as that.

Hello 2018!

/ Cami Grace / Leave a comment

Wow!  What a crazy year 2017 was!  Not only did we have a baby but we also bought our first home!  There was so much packed into the last 12 months there’s just no way I can do a full recap.  With having a baby, working full time, and moving I wasn’t able to keep up with my blog very much (as you can tell), but here we are in 2018 and I’m back!

Looking ahead I’m excited to see what’s in store for the new year.  I’m most excited to watch Gryffin grow up and see more of his personality develop.  I’m also looking forward to working on some personal goals.  I have laid out quite the task for myself.  Instead of focusing on just one goal throughout the year, I am taking on my own version of The Happiness Project and plan to work on a different goal each month.

But before I jump into my New Year’s plan, here’s what you can expect from my blog.

~ Currently posts.  I have always enjoyed writing them and I also enjoy going back to read through them too.

~ Baby Posts.  I don’t want to overload the blog with baby posts, but at the very least I would like to finish up a few.  I will have a baby shower post coming soon and also my labor and delivery story.  I have Gryffin’s monthly updates written out that I never actually posted on my blog (let me know in the comments if you enjoy reading these).  He’s already 9 months so I basically would post them until we were all caught up.  You might find a “What’s In My Diaper (or work) Bag” and a bedtime/morning routine in there as well.

~ Monthly Goals.  I would like to do a recap at the end of each month regarding my monthly goals.  I will share what I did at the end of month and if I felt like I was successful or not.

So here’s my outline for 2018.  In addition to the list below I plan to also choose one book each month regarding the topic for that month.  This is just a rough draft, but I think it’s a good start!

~ January: Be – Rooted 

  1. Go through a devotional
  2. Start a prayer journal
  3. Go to church/listen to sermons every Sunday

~ February: Be – Loving 

  1. Celebrate Valentines Day & our (10 year!) anniversary
  2. Reestablish date night

~ March: Be – Organized

  1. Pick it up, put it back
  2. Set up guest room
  3. Organize laundry room
  4. Set up rec room

~ April: Be – Prepared

  1. Go to bed at 10:30 every night (at the latest!)
  2. Bedtime Routine
  3. Morning Routine

~ May: Be – Mindful 

  1. Live in the moment

~ June: Be – Fun  

  1. Laugh every day
  2. Find fun things to do

~ July: Be – Chic 

  1. Update Wardrobe
  2. Always look presentable (based on the Madame Chic books)
  3. Look in the mirror before leaving the house

~ August: Be – Me 

  1. Read for fun
  2. Enjoy a pamper day
  3. 30 day photography project (if I’m feeling up for this)

~ September: Be – Healthy 

  1. Healthy Recipes
  2. 30 days of Yoga

~ October: Be – Thoughtful 

  1. Go out of my way to help others

~ November: Be – Thankful 

  1. List of things I’m thankful for every day

~ December:  Be – Generous 

  1. Give of my time
  2. Donate

I do plan on giving myself extra grace because I am so busy and I need to make sure my priorities are straight, but it’s nice to have a variety of goals and something to look forward to.

I hope your year is off to a great start!  Feel free to share your goals and/or what you’re looking forward to this year!

Much love,

Cami

Deep Cleaning for the Holidays – And a Free Printable!

/ Cami Grace / Leave a comment

As I mention in a previous post (here), we just recently moved, so between getting our apartment ready for the inspection and with the  holiday season in full swing, there has been A LOT of cleaning going on!  So, in honor of the holidays and because I love lists and can’t live without them, I wanted to share my deep cleaning list with you.  I’m also including a link to a more detailed deep cleaning list that includes just about everything.

First, my Apartment Deep Cleaning List.  This is my go-to list for every time we have moved out of an apartment. This list has not failed me and I’ve been able to get our deposit back every time.

Apt Deep Cleaning List

You can download and print the Apartment Deep Cleaning List here.

**Side note: one thing that is not on the list is the laundry room.  Basically, I sprayed down the washer/dryer with windex wiped it clean, made sure to wipe out the insides as well, then wiped down the walls and shelving, and cleaned the floor.

For the Home

I haven’t made a full deep cleaning list for the home yet, but if you’re looking for something more detailed and includes just about everything, here is a link to a great website that has a list you can download.

The nice thing about these long lists is that you can cross off items that don’t apply to you and it makes you feel like you’r already accomplishing something before you even start.  :)

Cleaning Products

Here is a small list of cleaning products I like to use.  I don’t have links, but if you really want links, just let me know in the comments below.

  1. Clorox or Lysol Wipes – these are antibacterial and can be used on multiple surfaces.  The best part is that you can just throw them away when you’re done.
  2. Dawn Dish Soap – I use Dawn and water for a multi-purpose cleaner as well, especially for wiping down walls, counters, cupboards, you name it.  It goes a long way!
  3. Windex – I also use this to wipe down our washer and dryer, it makes it look squeeky clean!
  4.  Comet – I use this on the sinks and tub.  Soft Scrub also works.
  5. Lysol Toilet Cleaner – works great
  6. Sponge, rags, toothbrush – the toothbrush really helps you get in the crevices and nooks and cranny’s.

Well, my dears, that all I have for now.  I hope someone can find these lists useful.  Happy Cleaning!

Post Thanksgiving Thankfulness

/ Cami Grace / Leave a comment

images

Thanksgiving is the one holiday that seems to change for us.  With family being spread out all over the country and with our schedules being a little tricky to work around, we never seem to know what we’re going to do, but something always works out and we’ve been blessed to be able to spend Thanksgiving with family and/or friends.

This year I slept in, spent some quality time with God reading my Bible and in prayer, talked on the phone with my parents in Chicago, and sister in L.A., then we did some more unpacking and organizing (for those of you who don’t know, we just moved into a new house!), then we headed over to my brother’s house to spend the afternoon/evening with him and his little family.  It was definitely a great way to celebrate the holiday.

With thanksgiving in mind I am grateful to God for so much.  Here is just a list of a few things I’m thankful for.

  1. God and his unconditional love, faithfulness, mercy, grace, and forgiveness
  2. My husband
  3. Fresh beginnings daily
  4. A new home for our little family (huge blessing)
  5. Kahlua, our lab, and the goof ball that she is
  6. A small yard for Kahlua to be able to run around in
  7. Our kitty, even though she has given us a ton of grief, she’s still my little baby
  8. That I was born into a Godly family
  9. For deep, meaningful friendships
  10. God’s constant provision
  11. the blessing of my job
  12. for my husband’s job
  13. Turkey’s being 50% off the day after Thanksgiving (woohoo!!)
  14. Food – I love food
  15. Health
  16. Safety and protection
  17. For our cute little car that has been reliable ever since we bought it about 7 years ago
  18. For the people that inspire me
  19. For awesome technology to be able to stay in touch with long distance family (yay Skype!)
  20. For rest and relaxation
  21. Books and blankets – and how well they go together (along with hot chocolate)
  22. Electricity – being without makes you appreciate it sooo much more
  23. For the things we get to look forward to (Christmas, a new year, vacation…)
  24. Laughter
  25. For this blog – it’s been a fun little journey on here, but I’m also thankful for blogs in general, because it’s fun being able to look into other people’s lives and receive inspiration and encouragement.  So thanks to you guys out there too! :)

I hope and pray you all will continue the rest of the year with many blessings and continue to give thanks through it all.

Much love xoxo

Currently – November Edition

/ Cami Grace / 1 Comment

November 2

Oooh boy.  So this month is rather crazy (I know, I say that every month!).  It turns out we’re moving from our apartment into a house – Yay!  We are going to be renting a 3 bedroom house and we couldn’t be more excited about it.  It’s honestly been difficult to think of much else.  I  mean talk about nuts, it looks like we will be moving the week of Thanksgiving.  So while everyone will be thinking of their Turkey dinner and making sure the house is ready for guests, we will be living out of boxes and deep cleaning our apartment.  But hey, we’re THANKFUL we get to live in a house!  :)

So with that bit of exciting news, I’ll jump right in to my November currently’s.

Currently Watching

“Bones”.  Oooh my goodness, Mikey and I have been binge watching it and I have fallen completely in love with this show all over again.  We’ve been watching it so much that I’ve even had dreams of Booth, Bones, and Cam telling me how to do my job…um, yeah.  I’m not sure what we’re going to do with ourselves when we’re all caught up.

Currently Reading

“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” by J.K. Rowling,  “A Woman’s Walk with God – Growing in the Fruit of the Spirit” by Elizabeth George, and “Better than Before” by Gretchen Rubin.  Yes, this is the same list as last month.  Needless to say, I haven’t done much reading this month.

Currently Making/Baking

Apple Crisp!  The original plan was to make Apple Butter, but Mikey and I were craving something sweet, so we spontaneously made apple crisp instead.  It was delicious!

We’re also still working on eating our leftover Halloween candy.  Last year we ended up running out of candy and we felt completely horrible when the knocks came and we had absolutely nothing left.  This year we definitely weren’t going to make that mistake again, so we got 2 extra bags.  So naturally we got zero trick-or-treaters!  Not-a-single-one.  So we’ve had the candy all to ourselves…darn.  Honestly, in the back of my mind I was wondering if this would happen, so I specifically got everything chocolate just in case.  ;)

Current Obsession

I guess I would have to say Amazon.  Thanks to our vacation coming up in February (haha, guess who’s counting down the days?) and getting ready for our move, I have been visiting Amazon almost daily to look for things to add to my wish list, both for the house and for our vacation.  Our budget won’t allow for us to get many things, but it’s nice to dream anyway. :)

Anyway, I hope you all are having a wonderful November!