life Archives - Page 3 of 22 - Oh, Hello Living

What You Should Plan to Do in January

With 2022 right around the corner, it’s time to start preparing to start the new year off right. With new planners kicking off, here are a few thing to plan for in January.

Schedule health and wellness appointments for the entire year

Usually the next dentist appointment is scheduled at the end of the last one, but just in case they haven’t been, now is a good time to book appointments. You’ll be ahead of the curve and get more available dates and times. Schedule your yearly physical and any other check-ups you may need in the coming year.

Plan out vacations and time off

After you’ve booked all your health and wellness appointments you’ll be set to plan out upcoming time off and vacations. It’s so important to have something to look forward to throughout the year, so add some time off and trips to keep things exciting. Even if you just have a staycation.

Finish holiday gifts

Make sure you’re wrapping up your gift giving in January to say thanks to anyone you want to acknowledge from the past year. We usually send gifts to our clients and partners who have helped us be successful in the previous year.

Review your financial plan for the year

Have a big trip coming up or renovating your place? Review your financial plans for the upcoming year so your funds will be where you need them just in case you have an unexpected car payment or pet medical bill. Set up an auto deposit into your savings account every month to help you save more this upcoming year.

Plan out benchmarks and smaller items for yearly goals

It’s great to have plans and goals for the upcoming year, but save yourself the heartache by scheduling out benchmarks and break down your goals into actionable steps. Want to read 12 books next year? Write down reminders each month to help keep you on track. That way November doesn’t roll around and you’ve completely forgotten all the goals you made at the start of the year.

Check expirations dates on passports, licenses, etc.

Nothing is worse than getting ready for a trip to find out your passport is expired. Check all your major documents to see if anything needs to be renewed this year and write it down in your planner. That way you’ll have plenty of time to prepare and won’t be caught off guard.

Schedule meeting for taxes

Now is a good time to get on top of next year’s tax season. I know it sucks, but you’ll thank me later.

Clean out your fridge and pantry

With all the holiday parties over and the leftovers piled up, now is a great time to go through your fridge and pantry to get rid of expired, old food. Check expiration dates, clean the shelves of crumbs and stains, and reorganize.

Make reservations for important holidays and occasions

Book hotels, restaurants, and other important occasions now so they’re all set and out of the way. Alex and I eat at the same restaurant on our anniversary every year, so might as well book the reservation now rather than waiting until the event gets too close and we can’t get a good time. If it’s too far in advance to book at some places, write down a reminder in your planner when you’re able to book.

Doing a few of these things now before the start of the year will help clear your mind and set 2022 up for success.

5 Things I Bought in October

Let’s be accountability buddies, shall we? Now I haven’t been a big spender in many, many years. Gone are the days of wandering the mall on a free afternoon and leaving with arm-fulls of currently trendy clothing. I’ve curbed my shopping addiction and would consider myself a pretty minimalist purchaser. When I do decide to purchase something, I try to put a lot of thought behind it, reduce impulse buying, and get things I’ll use for a long time. Here all the five things I purchased in October.

1. Cozy Sweater

I’ve been having a love affair with Amazon fashion and my most recent purchase is this super cozy sweater. I prefer buying clothes online these days because I just can’t be bothered to go to the store and try things on. Plus I find that Amazon prices just can’t be beat. I get a lot of my recommendations from various fashion Tiktoks I follow.

2. ThirdLove Bras

This girl has some boobs. Like we’re talking in the G sized range and I have had trouble finding good bras for years. I discovered ThirdLove bras about two years ago now and they’re the only place I shop at now. They’re high-quality, comfortable, and have my size in actually somewhat cute designs. I find myself enjoying wearing a bra rather than flinging it off at the first opportunity. A shock to me too. I picked up two simple bras to round out my collection.

3. High Rise Jeans

Screw what the Zennials are saying, I cannot get enough of my high-rise skinny jeans. I’m pretty sure I own every single color option in these and in various sizes depending on what my body feels like doing. I recently dropped down a pant size so it was time to expand my collection with a few new pairs.

4. Kindle Paperwhite

During the last few days of our month-long Hawaii trip we decided to pick up a Kindle Paperwhite since I had been lusting after one for ages. I’ve since read a good 15 books on the thing in October and honestly prefer it over tangible books (*gasp*) because it’s so much easier to read at night without annoying Alex. It’s lightweight, easy to travel with, and has quickly become a must-have in my life.

5. Acrylic Desk Stand

In an effort to help my neck and posture while working at my desk all day, I picked up this acrylic desk stand. It took a couple days to get used to looking straight at my computer screen, but I am so much happier. I have a fairly small desk so the storage on both sides is super convenient and has helped eliminate a lot of the things I’ve kept on my desk. I haven’t figured out what to put under the stand as my keyboard is about the same width as it, so let me know if you have any suggestions.

What did you pick up in October? My goal is to not purchase anything that’s not essential for the rest of the year since the holidays are right around the corner.

21 Things to Do in 2021 | 6 Month Check-In

Six months into 2021 and it felt time to check in on how progress is going on my 21 Things to Do in 2021 List. If you want to see the reasoning behind these 21 things, go check out that post first.

Create an embroidery design from my own pattern

The photo of the embroidery project farther down in this post is in fact my own creation! I still very much love doing kits, but it was fun to try something on my own.

Do a pull-up

So I’m definitely not there yet, but I’m WAY closer than I was at the start of 2021. With rock climbing a couple of times a week I see a lot of progress and I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to do this by the end of the year.

Visit my best friend in Washington or her here

My best friend Lauren came to visit for a number of days in February and it was completely glorious. Days of Stardew Valley, junk food, and staying in our pjs all day.

Create more than five board game videos

I’ve done two board game videos so far and think I can definitely hit five by the end of the year!

Read 12 books

Done and dusted. This one was actually way easier than I expected. I plowed through a ton of books in the first few months of the year. Of course now I’m back to not reading at all…

Go for a hike

Now what exactly counts as a hike? I feel like I’ve been on quite a few walks and adventures, but don’t know if they count as a “hike.”

Housewarming for my sister

My older sister and her husband are building a house that will be hopefully finished sometime in November. I’d love to help them throw a party to celebrate.

Keep up with Powersheets

This one is marked in a different color because I completely abandoned Powersheets just a few short weeks after 2021 started. I just don’t like structuring my goals this way and it put a lot of pressure on me for no reason. So off the 21 things list…

30 day yoga challenge

With all the rock climbing we’ve been doing I just haven’t felt the urge to do yoga, but with the heat of the summer making rock climbing too hot, this may be my summer activity after all.

Bake macarons

I have legitimately everything I need to make macarons, but the fear of failure and constant warnings from the internet about their difficulty have put me off of the idea. I still haven’t mustered the energy to give them a go.

Climb the hardest wall at the rock climbing gym

Now that I know more about rock climbing, this to do had good intentions, but is a bit off base. I’ve climbed some seriously difficult routes for myself, but the “hardest rock wall” is probably out of the question.

Play all unplayed board games

Alex and I are slowly making our way through our unplayed collection now that we can have a few friends over.

Mulch flower beds

We bought WAY too much mulch and it took ages, but our flowerbeds have never looked better. Plus I added a few new peony bushes this year.

Take a week off work

When Lauren came to town I took a week off work and it was amazing. Alex and I are making an effort to take more time off work this year and I think it’s been hugely beneficial to our mental health.

Finish the master bedroom

Well, there’s a dresser now but no headboard…but I feel like this room makes me content as it is…so does that mean it’s done?

Propagate plants

I tried my hand at propagation this year and I’m loving it. I’ve propagated around five different plants now and it’s way easier that I thought.

Solar system embroidery

I’m still deeply into embroidery, but this is a project I just haven’t felt inspired to do.

Organize pins by theme

One procrastinating day earlier this year found me organizing all of our pins and I love being able to see them based on theme now.

Miniature coffee shop model

Another project I haven’t felt the motivation to do. It seems like it will be a really great winter activity.

Declutter house of unnecessary things

I’m on a lifelong journey of ridding myself of unnecessary fluff in my life. Our house is more decluttered than ever before, but is it ever really DONE?

Celebrate my husband’s 30th birthday

Alex’s 30th birthday wasn’t as big as I had hoped it would be (here’s looking at you COVID), but I still think he had a great time celebrating with our “pod” of friends we hung out with to keep sane.

So overall I’m still really happy with these 21 things and it’s fun to try and accomplish these rather than goals. Even though technically that’s exactly what these are. Just without the pressure…

Embracing Life’s Natural Flow

Maybe it’s because I’m approaching 30 or maybe it’s because I’ve spent 99% of my time this past year in my home, but I’m embracing life’s natural flow these days. There is a time and season for everything it seems whether we willingly enter into it or not. This past year has been a year of reflection, self-exploration, and understanding of needs.

Over the years I’ve fought against life’s natural flow. Which I feel like most people naturally do. We feel this sense of obligation to our profession, to our hobbies, etc. that we don’t stop to really embrace the natural flow of things. We know deep down what’s right for us at what time. I truly believe that.

I haven’t written a blog post in a few months. That’s ok. Maybe I’m no longer interested in blogging regularly. Maybe this period of my life has passed. And so what if that’s true? I think one of the biggest keys to living a more simple life is to embrace our natural sense of timing. I decided that two of my goals this year don’t suit me like I thought they were. I’m not quitting or giving up on them, but rather making an adjustment based on where I am in my life and what my needs are at this point and time.

There’s value in taking the time to sit inside of yourself to really feel where your mind and body want to take you. Turn your phone to silent, reduce the noise in your space, and really look inside yourself. Are you pursuing a goal that doesn’t suit you anymore? Are you following a dream that you no longer have? Is there something you’ve always wanted to do or try and it finally feels like the right time?

We change our minds. We change our interests. We’re human after all and cannot remain the same static creature every single day of our lives. So be kind to yourself, legitimately listen to your inner thoughts and feelings, and do something about them.

I honestly don’t know what compelled me to write this post, but I’m happy I did. Maybe it sounds like the crazy talk of someone who spends too much time alone. Or maybe it’s exactly what you needed to hear. Because it’s definitely what I needed to write.

5 Ways to Increase Productivity at Your Desk

To all the still somewhat new people working from home, I see you. I’ve been self-employed for six years now and it’s still a struggle to be productive at my desk when there are so many more entertaining things just outside my office door. Over the years I’ve found a few ways to increase productivity.

Keep Your Space Clean

This is one of those that people SAY it, but it’s easier said then done. At the end of every day I pick up my space, put any papers I need to look at later in a specific bin, and clear out any coffee mugs and plates that might have accumulated throughout the day. That way the next morning my space is inviting and I’m ready to get to work.

Try Different Setups

For the longest time working in bed was my JAM until suddenly it wasn’t. Then I had a desk in our bedroom but didn’t like how I couldn’t look outside. My current situation with my filming space and desk in one room is the best setup I’ve found. So if you’re not feeling overly productive where you’re currently working, try switching it up. Move your desk to face a window. If that’s distracting have your desk face a wall with a mood/inspiration board on it. Try different configurations until you find one that feels just right, goldilocks style.

Add Nice Things to Look At

Now don’t go crazy with nick knacks and items because that’ll defeat the first tip, but a few plants, cute art pieces, or candles can really help motivate you. I have this gorgeous crinkle fern off the side of my desk and it brightens even the most grey Michigan days. Add a few photos of your family, friends, or kids to keep you motivated to get your work done so you can spend time with them.

Have a Good Chair

Trust me on this one. I was so stubborn for years that some crappy chair we basically pulled out of a dumpster was working just fine. It wasn’t. This chair I now own might not be the cutest, but it’s damn good and I highly recommend it. I find myself able to stay working longer without having a sore back at the end of a long day of video meetings. Plus anything is better than a dumpster chair. So invest the money, your body and productivity will thank you in spades.

Take Frequent Breaks

But if you’re working from home, make sure you give yourself a set time to come back. It’s so easy to get distracted when you’re on a break and find yourself suddenly re-watching Bridgerton on Netflix for the third time during the work day. To stay productive, give yourself short breaks every hour and take time away for your desk for lunch, even if it’s just for fifteen minutes. You’ll feel recharged and focused when you get back.

If you’re working from home, what is the hardest part about the experience for you?

The Digital Detox Anyone Can Do

A digital detox doesn’t mean you have to leave your phone somewhere for days on end. There are ways to digital detox while still using technology. My version of a digital detox anyone can do without going phoneless.

We usually feel like we need a detox because what we’re viewing online isn’t making us feel good or providing us with anything positive. So the detox really is quite simple. Go into all of your social accounts and unfollow anything that makes you feel bad about your self worth. And I mean all of them. Scroll through your feed and anything that makes you feel negatively towards yourself, unfollow.

Mute people on Facebook, unfollow Instagram accounts that make you feel less than, and clean out anything that doesn’t positively inspire you. Now this doesn’t mean you get rid of every opinion that you don’t agree with, but get rid of accounts that make you feel like you aren’t good enough. They aren’t doing you any favors.

Then head to the explore section on Instagram to discover things that inspire you. Follow creators, body positive accounts, and anything that brings you joy. Remove the toxic and add the positive.

If the unfollowing of accounts still doesn’t seem to curb the toxic feelings, try turning off all notifications to social apps. Turn off the banners, numbers in the corner of the app, and any sounds associated. You’ll find yourself much less attached to your phone if you don’t allow it to constantly get your attention.

If you just can’t seem to stop the scrolling but still want to try a digital detox, give this simple tip a try.