Best of 2016!

With 2016 coming to an end, I did a look back to see what my most popular videos made in 2016 were.  Interestingly enough, 8 out of my top 10 viewed videos this year were videos made in 2013-2015.  The top being my Meal Prep/Freezer Meals video from 2015.  This year had so many great moments, and I am so happy I was able to share them all with you!

#10... Weekly Vlog #6

The Weekly Vlog was a new addition to my channel this year, and I am so happy I took the risk to try it.  I love vlogging a bit of each day, and then sharing it with you on Monday mornings.  The weekly vlogs will all be back in 2017, starting Monday January 2nd @7am EST.

#9... Weekly Vlog #3

#8... I Am Never This Productive
This particular DITL did very well.  I am guessing it is because the title is attracting.  Click Bait is something I avoid, however having an enticing title always helps videos keep a lasting impression.



#7... Breakfast Freezer Meals
From any feedback I get, recipe videos/cooking videos are something viewers are REALLY interested in.  I enjoy making them, but they take a TON of work.  Also I always get negative feedback about not having precise measuring or instructions.  That's just not my style of cooking and I always warn people of that at the start of cooking videos.



#6... Time Management For A Stay At Home Mom
Sharing tips I've learned along the way is something I LOVE doing.  Connecting with other moms like me is one of the best parts of doing Youtube.  This video was also a collab with Cas, one of my favorite Youtubers.

#5... Making Hard Decisions
Let me tell you.... opening up and really sharing emotional things is not easy.  Especially online where you are open to criticism, and you never know who is watching.  This year I made a really hard decision to leave a GREAT work from home opportunity to focus my time back on family.  It was not easy.  When I say it was a great work from home position, I mean PERFECT.  It turned out to be the right decision, and my family is better for it.

#4... A5 VS Personal Planner | Which is Better
Planner videos are always a big hit.  The foundation of my channel started with planner videos back in 2013, (A look back at my planner from 2012) planner videos are still a favorite for me as well!

#3... How To Meal Plan | Strategies and Tips
This may be one of my favorite videos of this year.  It was one that was on my "to film" list for months.  I felt so accomplished when it posted.

#2... How To Prep Freezer Meals | With Easy Recipes
The thing that sticks out for me is the thumbnail photos from this video.  Photographing food is not easy!  Creating a thumbnail that will attract people to click to see more is very important when going through the upload process on Youtube.  I love the entire process of Youtube from brainstorming the idea, to filming, editing, adding music, doing the description, creating a thumbnail, promoting on social media, I really do LOVE IT!

#1... Planner Set-Up 2016
It's funny that I am starting 2017 back in the planner I started 2016 in.  I LOVE showing you all what works for me, what doesn't, and all the in between of my planner process.

There it is my top 10 of 2016!  Let me know in the comments below which was your favorite video of the year!

I also recently did a video on my Top 10 Favorite Youtubers and IG accounts!

I got the idea for this post from Diana, be sure to check out her top ten post as well!

Wishing you all the best in 2017...

2015 Holiday Cards

I am so excited to share our Christmas cards with you all today.   I know what you are thinking, it's only mid-November, but getting Christmas photos and Holiday cards made early is KEY in keeping my December as stress free as possible.

This year I used Minted for my cards, and I am blown away at how easy the site was to navigate and how stunning my cards turned out.  

To see more and to hear all my tips for taking photos for Holiday cards please watch the video below.  ALSO click {HERE} to enter my giveaway for a chance to win $125 credit to Minted!  

Lastly, I will leave you with some of my unedited "real life" photos from our shoot!  

They just have to get in at least 1 silly face photo!

The big kids convincing JD that he would get ice cream if he behaved.

If you are interested in seeing our DITL from the day we took photos, you can watch that below as well!

I would love to see your holiday card creations this year!  Let's all #housewifecardexchange on IG and Twitter to have a virtual Holiday Card Exchange!

{This is NOT a sponsored video.  I was not paid to share this content.  The links above are affiliate links.  Special Thank You to Minted for providing my family with our Holiday cards this year, and for hosting a giveaway for my viewers!}

Boys Bedroom Organization

Since we have moved into our home, almost a year ago now, we have been slowing working through getting the kids rooms painted, decorated and organized to their liking.   All of the rooms were in great condition, the paint colors were just not what we wanted, and they each had ideas about the decor to go on the walls.

Matthew wanted a baseball room from the moment we moved in.  

We started by taking items we already had to incorporate them into the decor.  Lucky for us, he already has a jersey, bat, game ball, and a growing trophy collection.  We purchased some shadow boxes and shelves from Michaels, and the baseball theme was started.  The other wall decor we found was from Hobby Lobby, they have a great selection of sports room decor.

The bedding we chose was from Target.  (Found Here)

The paint color on the walls is  Valspar 4006-3C Blue Skylights

To see Matthew's entire room and how I keep is all organized watch below!

Lily Jade Diaper Bag Review

When looking for a diaper bag, I struggle with 2 things, finding a bag that efficiently utilizes the space and finding a bag that looks stylish.  

As a mom of 3, I have had multiple diaper bags in my 8 years as a mom.  And I promise you while I never had a bag with Winnie The Pooh on it, I did have my fair share of "What was I thinking" bags.  

I had bags that were functional, yet screamed MOMMMY, I tried using my nicer handbags only to end up with cheerios crushed in the bottom.  Especially now that I am out of the newborn phase, I want a bag that is more of a handbag, less of a mini suitcase for all things baby.

Lily Jade bags are just that.  The design with the Diaper Bag Organizer is amazing!  I love that it is removable, so you can just use this bag as a regular handbag, or pop in the organizer to efficiently use the bag for all those baby must haves.

I mean just look at how much stuff I fit into this bag with lots of pocket space to spare!

For More Information On Lily Jade visit:  www.lily-jade.com

Now Here is your chance to win!!!  Enter Below for your change to win a Lily Jade Diaper Bag.

This Giveaway is Open To the US and Canada Only.

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Want to see how I pack my Lily Jade Caroline Bag for summer, WATCH BELOW!

** A BIG thanks to Lily Jade for sending me a Lily Jade Bag to review, and also for giving a bag away to one of you!  This video is not sponsored and my love for any product I share is truly my own opinion.  When I find something that works for me, I want to share it with you!

Weeknight Meal | Taco Bake

In our house, taco night is basically a weekly staple on our meal plan.  It is FAST, easy and inexpensive.  However, eating the same meal, no matter what it is, can get a bit boring.  This week I changed our taco night up a bit with a very simple alternative.  This taco bake, really is just a method and can be changed in so many different ways.  You can load it up with lots of veggies on top, add refried beans into the mix, include a layer of sour cream or salsa.  Whatever your family will love!

To see how I assemble and make the Taco Bake, Watch the video below.  The recipe starts at 5:11 into the video.

Hope you enjoy, and I can't wait to see how you make the taco bake recipe, so please tag me on social media if you try it out!

Kid Friendly Hall Closet Organization

I think I have FINALLY found a solution to our entry way closet organizational dilemma.  This closet made me cry inside each time it was opened, it was so messy, and trying to find matching shoes was harder than finding any Waldo.  Something had to be done.  I decided to re-use a system from our old home and use the over the door shoe organizer for the kids most worn shoes.  While not the most appealing, it gets the job done, and even my 2 year old can put his shoes away correctly.  

We also moved an Ikea Kallax Shelving Unit into the closet.  With 4 spaces for bins, we use one for each child, and the extra is for any shoes my husband or I may have downstairs.  I really like the constraint of only having the space within your bin, once it's full, it's time to clean it up.  I decided to go with the Ikea Lekman Boxes in white.  I liked the clean color, but also the durability of the plastic bins over a fabric counterpart.

To see more of how I am using this closet, and how I am keeping it organized, please watch the video below!

Using Stamps In Your Planner

I have a new planner decorating passion....STAMPS!  

While I had seen a few great planner layouts with stamps over on IG, I was hesitant to start, as I knew NOTHING about stamping.  Even when scrapbooking in the past, I never really got into stamping.  One day I did a youtube search on stamping in your planner, and....game over.  I was hooked.

One of my favorite Stamping videos is by Planner Friend and her entire channel is now a favorite of mine.

I made my first stamp order from Sweet Stamp Shop.  When I placed my order, the stamps were in stock, shipped and arrived on my door quickly.  I am unsure of their current in stock items/shipping times.  Below I listed the stamp sets that I purchased, ones that were most applicable to my life.

Plan Home

Plan To Work

Plan To Clean

Plan Everyday

Here is a sneak peak of my first week using my stamps in my planner.  I am starting with only a few, and see myself adding more as I become more comfortable.

As far as ink goes, the VersaMagic Dew Drop Inkpad  were recommended to me to be the best for no shadowing or bleed through, and it works great for my pages.

I am also loving my storage solution for my stamps and stamping supplies.  In my Desk Organization, you will see this 2 drawer organizer from the container store, I am using the top drawer for all stamping supplies and the bottom to store washi tape.

I am hoping to keep in control of my stamp and ink buying, and this drawer space being all the room I will need to store the items.

To see more about how I stamp in my planner, check out the video below:

How To Organize Stickers

As I have developed my paper planning into more of a creative outlet/hobby I have collected a large amount of stickers.  From functional planning stickers, to seasonal decorative stickers, they all need a place to "live"  My friend Kim from Living The Wife Life gave me the idea to use a Jonathan Adler Presentation Book (mine was found at Barnes and Noble) to store stickers.  I have loved that system, but have also added in using a simple accordion file folder to use my most reached for stickers.

Most stickers I tend to use in my planner are from Etsy.  This unfortunately like most hobbies is not cheap, but it's my thing, and I love it!  I almost always am waiting on a package to arrive, and lets face it, Mail makes me happy!

The thing with most sticker Etsy shops, the processing time before shipment can be a long wait.  It can be frustrating, but just be sure you order in advance of when you will need a certain sticker.

Now, for some favorite Etsy Shops.

1. Krissyannedesigns  - This is by far my favorite shop, and where I have most of my stickers from.  From the quality to Customer Service, and everything in between Kristen has nailed it.  Unfortunately you will see her shop is on a short break.  I may be going through withdrawal already, but I will be sure to let you all know when she is back (after making my first LARGE order of course!).

2.  lilliehenry  - Another very popular, and well reviewed shop, her stickers do not disappoint.  The quality is outstanding!

3. SribblePrintsCo  - I love how functional these stickers are.  With a glossy texture, these are a bit different than my other favorites.  I love the monthly themed sticker sheets.  

4. stickerswashiandmore - I think my very first sticker purchase off Etsy was from this shop.  I love her simple designs, and have always had great customer service from her shop as well.

Other places I find stickers for my planner are, Target, Container Store, Paper Source, Michaels, Hobby Lobby.

I hope the video below helps show how I categorize and organize my growing sticker collection.

**I am in no way sponsored or given products from Erin Condren's website. I do receive credits for purchases made through my referral link (anyone can gain referrals!) which I use to purchase new products. Any Etsy shops mentioned or stickers have all been purchased with my own money.

January Recap and February Goals 2015

January started of with Joshua Turning 2.  He really loved the show Paw Patrol, so I attempted to create his cake to match.  It was a struggle, but making the kids cakes myself is something I try to do each birthday.

This month has been a bit chaotic in our routine and schedule.  The "snow" has caused so many delays and school cancellations.  As you can see, the amount of actual snow has been minimal, but any chance of precipitation turns our area upside down.

January has been a bit tiring as well.  My husband has been traveling for work, and it's been just me and the kiddos with no real breaks.  Let's just say that McD's sweet tea has saved my sanity a few times.

 I am excited that February is here, for no real reason in particular, other than it is one month closer to nice weather!

So for February, here are a few things I hope to accomplish.

1.  I have a few household management things I need to tie up loose ends with.  Getting everything in order after the move was put on hold during the holidays.  I have been making great progress, but still have a few things that need finished.

2.  TAXES.  Everyone hates to do them, I am no exception to that.  I am waiting on one form and then we should be able to finish them for this year!!

3.  I really want to get the kids clothing organized.  I usually wait to do this during a time when the seasons are changing, however it is too out of control.  I need to go through drawers and purge things that are not being worn or do not fit.

4.  Be consistent online.  While I don't need to post each and everyday, I do want to keep up with posting on all forms of social media.  It is hard to balance, but I have found It is easier to stick with it if I am posting regularly.

What are some of your goals for the month?  I would love to hear them in the comments below!

Also you can watch my full recap and goals video below!

Pantry Organization That's Kid Friendly

Keeping my pantry organized, functional and kid friends is something I have struggled with in the past.  I have tried different methods of organization in the space before (see my previous organization here) and it was not working.

When re-organizing the space, I really kept the kids in mind.  Placing items they commonly reach for toward the bottom shelves, things I wanted to keep away from them toward the top.  I also kept in mind that I needed to save space on the floor of the pantry for any bulk items I may purchase.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

To see a full look into my pantry, this video will walk you through the entire space and show how I store my Pantry items.

Lunch Packing Essentials

I don't know about you, but for me the most stressful part of back to school, is getting back into the routine of making packed lunches each day.  Keeping my supplies as organized and as handy as possible is a big help.  

The video below shows how I use a kitchen cabinet to organize all of my lunch making supplies.  

I also thought I would take the time to share the exact materials I use when packing lunches.  Throughout the year I hope to share some of our packed lunches through either FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, or PINTEREST, so be sure to follow along there.

1 / 2 /  3 / 4 / 5 (similar) / 6 / 7 (currently unavailable, I would check Target) / 8

Above you can see the items I use to pack lunches 90% of the time.  I use ziplock sandwich bags occasionally as well.  Below is a full video showing the products.

What are your favorite things to use for packing lunches?  I think mine would be the Lands End lunch bags which I did a full Review of HERE.

**Affiliate Links have been used in this post**

Lilly Pulitzer Agenda Review and Giveaway

When traveling in SC, one of my favorite shops to visit is a small boutique that sells Lilly Pulitzer clothing and accessories.   As soon as I spotted the new 2014-2015 Agenda books I knew I wanted to review it.  Unfortunately, about a second later, I realized that the book layout wasn't something that would work for me.  Then I thought about you.... all of you who watch and read because you love planners as much as I do.  I figured one of you would be ecstatic to have one of these pretties.

Be sure to check out the video for the complete review:

Now Giveaway Time!  I am excited to be able to give a planner to one of you.  This giveaway will end on August 1st 2014.  It is USA only.  Those entering must be 18 years of age. GOOD LUCK!


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Summer Essentials For Moms

Today I thought I would share some of my "Mom" Essential Items for Summer!  

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12

Be sure to check out the video below for my Mom Summer Essentials and check back tomorrow for my Kid version!!

**This Post Contains Affiliate Links**