November 9, 2018
It’s the Little Things #21
Happy Friday! Here are my favorites from the week with you – it might be a quote, a print, what I’m reading, a favorite podcast, a playlist, a recipe, a helpful tip, a cleaning product, or something I added to our home. Basically if it’s something little that I feel is shareable or if it’s something I’d bring up to a friend over coffee or on the phone, I’m probably going to share it with you here. Here’s a link to all of the posts in this series.
First up? Just a little annoyance – Thanksgiving in the US comes BEFORE Christmas. I love Christmas and all things holidays but I also like to relax and enjoy fall a little bit before jumping head first into Christmas. Is it just me? Or do you want to just slow things down a little bit too? I’m not terribly extreme. I have played Christmas music and diffused a holiday scent or two but I just want to take one thing at a time. That said, let’s talk about Thanksgiving, shall we? I’m hosting (I love hosting!) and I’m going through recipes this week and thinking about the menu. I spotted this on Pinch of Yum – such a great round-up if you need some ideas.
In that same vein of slowing things down, I’ve found that there are few things that bring me more discontentment than social media. This time of the year and all year long, I want to have a sense of gratitude and contentment and the constant stream of doing more, being more, buying more, and going going going just isn’t for me. I have great goals and aspirations for myself, family, and business and lots of things coming in 2019, but I guess I’m curious if I’m the only one? Maybe it’s a movement that I’m just not on board with, or maybe I’m more retro than reality. I hope you know that every time I do a post here on the blog or on social media, I think about if it’s helpful, uplifting, and encouraging to you. I never want you to feel like you aren’t making progress or feeling accomplished just because you didn’t get to your cleaning task today. I hope you feel support and help and grace in the dailies when you come here or interact with me. I’m grateful for each and every one of you!
One of my all-time favorite quotes lettered via 1Canoe2 – perfect for cozying up for the end of the year.
When I did the new iPhone update and saw the time that was spent on my phone it gave me great pause. Granted, I do run a business online and have a social media presence, but it really caused me to reflect about how and when I use my phone. The only social media app I do have on my phone is Instagram but I’ve been hiding it on weekends but over the next couple months I will probably delete it for the weekend and then re-install it on Sunday night or Monday morning. Don’t get me wrong, social media is super fun most of the time but I think it’s equally important to put up some boundaries when necessary and my personality is one that needs them. Here’s a post I wrote awhile ago about doing a screen time detox.
I love goal-setting for the new year and if you can’t tell by the tone of this post, I’ve been doing a lot of assessing and decision-making about Clean Mama and the direction we’re going and I’m happy to report that you’ll be seeing more of me on social media but when you do see me, now you know my intentions. I’ll be doing more lives and more clean with me style videos, all with the purpose of helping you feel accomplished, fulfilled, and empowered to clean your home in the shortest amount of time possible so you can get on to more important things! Thank you for following along (if you aren’t following me on Instagram, that’s where you’ll see me!) I’m still on all the other apps, that’s just where I’ll be doing LIVES and stories – and if you have ANY feedback, please leave me a comment here or drop me an email.
What have you been enjoying this week? Any little things to share?
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Tammy Says
I am not on instagram because I also try to limit screen time. Why do you go there instead of facebook?
b r Says
Post authorI feel like it’s much more personal than FB.
Karen Says
I have reduced my screen time to only one session, in the very early mornings. The rest of the time I am busy DOING. If I don’t set a timer it’s very easy to lose track of just how long I have been using a device.
Casie Says
Your block posts are very inspirational to me keeping my home neat and organized. It all started 3 years ago when I did the 90-day Declutter. My mother in law is trying, desperately, to declutter her home, but it’s been difficult for her to part with a lot of her stuff. I keep telling her, “It’s just stuff!” She’s doing ok, but it’s going to be a long process. Thank you, so much for providing the tools to help me help her.
Fabi Says
Becky, you are not alone in feeling this way. I too have been very intentional this year about slowing down and enjoying more moments with my family. It’s hard to keep up with everything going on the outside world so I decided I do not need to. I only have Instagram and even that can be too much for me some days and I’m a millenial. I recently discovered my personality type needs a lot of downtime to just do nothing. I love to come here on your blog and look at your content! The other day I was thinking about a post you made on things you can clean up while hosting because since discovering your routine, I look forward to hosting. I look forward to reading about your Thanksgiving plans! Your blog and homekeeping routine was the beginning of my journey finding contentment in my life as a SAHM and I am grateful for it.
b r Says
Post authorFabi – thank you SO much for your feedback I am thrilled to hear that my routine has helped you in such a tangible way. xo
Betty C. Says
Hi Fabi — I’m curious, how did you find out about your personality type needing a lot of downtime? Although I’ve always been an achiever, I am also like that and feel it’s considered a negative, or feel guilty about it. I’d be interested in any links, books…
Cordelia Says
Love, love this post! Thank You! I, too, enjoy celebrating Thanksgiving – then afterward, I will focus on Christmas! I appreciate your thoughts.
Becky Says
Thank you for sharing your insights! I too have cut screen time. I’m focusing on being more present with my kids/husband and thanks to you I have streamlined laundry and cleaning so I am more of a human being, not so much a human doing. Life is much better this way!
b r Says
Post authorI love that, thank you for sharing, Becky!
Jeanette Says
I too like to take things slow and not stress out at this time of year. I really love the cleaning calendar it’s helped me to keep my house clean even though I work a full time job. Thank you so much for all your inspirations.
b r Says
Post authorThank you – glad I’m not the only one!
Dana Powell Says
You know, somehow you have become one of my favorite things about social media. Now I think I know why. I love your simplicity, beautiful posts and products, and encouraging words!
b r Says
Post authorAw, thank you Dana!
Brenda Says
I never thought of myself as being on my phone much. Instagram is the only social media app I have. I don’t do games or you tube or anything so I thought I was pretty good. I even limit my kids screen times. I always think of myself as just “so busy” and often whine that I don’t have time for mysekd. When I did the download and saw my actual screen time I was so embarrassed and disappointed! I learned that I spend as much time a week on my phone as I do at my job!!!!!!
I’m also not anti phone but gosh I know that’s not where I want to spend my life! I have followed a lot of your detox tips and I’m setting limits. A big change has been just not carrying it in my pocket. At home I sit it on a side table just like our old land line use to. When I’m driving in bad weather I do bring it for emergencies but I turn it to airplane mode and put it in my purse.
I’m trying. I’m ashamed that I wasted so much of my kids childhood with a screen in my hand but I keep reminding myself it’s not too late to do better.
I love your content, your routine and your posts. They are what I set aside screen time for as I walk away feeling better not worse. Thank you!