Walking for a Cause

I am so excited that the weather has warmed up enough for me to take lots of long walks. I find them refreshing. During my walks, I listen to podcasts, take pictures of sights that appeal to me (I love the trees when they are covered with flowers - see below), and spend time thinking. 

 

One of the benefits of my walk is done through an app I use called Charity Miles. This is a free app for users. When you walk, run, or ride your bike, you let it run in the background. It tracks your mileage and the sponsor of your walk (usually a big name like Johnson and Johnson) donates to the charity of your choice. They have a bunch to choose from. My current favorite in Pencils of Promise. I feel even better when I walk because even though it is a small way, I am helping others. 

I used to spend a lot of time and effort with various charities until life happened. Now I don't get to volunteer like I would like, but this feels like I am still making a difference.

What are some small ways you can help your favorite cause?

Book Picks - The Royal Treatment

The royal wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle is fast approaching. I am a little excited about it. Although I must subconsciously be super excited because I found myself buying  a bunch of Kindle books with a royal theme. My absolute favorite of all of them is The Royal Treatment by Melanie Summers.

Disclaimer: I have links to Amazon in here that will cost nothing for you to click on but will earn me a few cents.

The book focuses on Tessa Sharpe. She starts a blog that's anti-monarchy. Prince Arthur needs some positive publicity. He gives Tessa the keys to the palace. While living in the palace, her views on the monarchy begin to change. It doesn't help that the prince is incredible!

I love books that are considered romantic comedies. This one definitely had me laughing out loud numerous times. I appreciate authors that can mix the two genres together so seamlessly. A nice bonus for me was how each chapter was told in the point of view of either Tessa or Prince Arthur. It's nice to get into the heads of multiple characters.

This book reminds me of the Shop-a-holic series. The protagonist in both is a down on her luck girl with a string of bad luck. Everything always turns out well in the end, and you get your happy ever after. Now if only real life went the same way...

Like this book or hate it. What's your verdict?

What books would you recommend?

Time Management - Sunday Planning

I have a lot of different time consuming areas in my life. I teach, am on various committees at school, blog, write lessons that I sell, and actually try to have a personal life. For awhile I was feeling overwhelmed with everything. I was exhausted and my to do list seemed never ending. I was honestly having trouble getting it all done.  Then I started planning out my weeks on Sundays. 

Why This Helps:

I heard the statistic that 15 minutes of planning can save hours of work. I thought this was ridiculous. How could this be possible? I already had everything mentally thought about while this just involved writing everything down. 

One Sunday I began thinking about all the things I needed to get done in the week. I placed these items in the different days along with places I needed to be that day (usually no more than 5 activities in a day, all depending on the time needed for each one). These became my must complete activities for the day, anything I else I get down is now a bonus. 

A while earlier, I had established a Morning Routine and now had a set time I could check off some daily to do list items. Checking off the items on my to do list in my calendar has become a ritual that makes me so happy. I am able to get so much more done because I now plan time to complete longer items when I actually have more time to do them. I don't have to cram everything in on the weekend anymore!

Here's How to Create Your Own:

1. I recommend finding a planner that works for you. This was my most difficult job and I ended up going through 5 different calendars before finding my favorite one. (The one listed below is an Amazon Affiliate link. The cover on my calendar is pink but I couldn't find that one. The inside looks exactly the same.)

This one was my favorite one because I was able to leave it open to the page I needed. It was also roomy enough to write all my to do list items. 

2. Set aside time once a month to fill out all the important events for the month and write them in your calendar. This is a lot easier to do this once a month rather than try to remember them all on Sundays.

3. Pick a time on Sundays, and start filling in your planner strategically. This means think about the time each item will take you. For example, I had a huge event on Wednesday this week. Therefore, I only had one to do list item that I was able to get done in the morning. Being realistic about things will definitely make sure you are able to stick to this routine.

4. Make adjustments as needed. I keep this calendar for my personal to do list. I have a separate calendar/to do list for work which I leave at work. This keeps my to do list from feeling overwhelming.

That's it. It seems like a lot of steps for something that is simple to maintain. The important thing is to reference this calendar each day so you know what you need to get done.

How do you manage your time?

5 Original Series to Watch on Netflix

I am hooked on Netflix, so much so that I don't even watch regular television anymore. At least it's a lot cheaper than cable! While Netflix has a lot of movies and television shows they share, they are also making a lot of original shows as well. Here are five original series I think you should see (in no particular order).

1 - Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life 

I loved the Gilmore Girls and was super excited when Netflix brought it back! While this is only four episodes, it does a pretty good job (with a few weird exceptions) of sticking to the story line/original characters. I really hope they bring back more episodes, because the ending has a bit of a cliffhanger.

2 - Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt 

The premise of the show is that some women are released from a bunker after years inside due to a cult leader. It's pretty funny. The first season made me laugh so hard I had tears. After that, it hasn't been as good, but I still find it entertaining. 

3 - 13 Reasons Why

I honestly didn't even know this was based on a book. This series is definitely dark, depressing, and emotional, but very well done! I was hooked on it from the beginning. I am counting down the days until the new season. I must admit, while I was a fan from the beginning, I am extra excited about the second season since it will have a former student of mine that I taught preschool to years ago!

4 - Santa Clarita Diet

It took me a while to get into this show even with the big name stars. I am definitely not into zombie shows and that is the premise of this show. It is, however, very entertaining the more the season goes on. I am looking forward to the next season.

5 - The Crown

I am super curious about the Queen and the entire royal family. Watching this series, makes me want to know even more. This series really takes an in depth look at the royals. Sometimes it moves slow, but it keeps me fascinated.

You've probably noticed that I missed some large series like Orange is the New Black and Stranger Things. I figured that those series already had everyone watching. I was hoping to share a couple that may not be as popular.

What's your favorite Netflix series?