Thank you for watching! What good habits have you cultivated in your life that have brought you success? What habits do you wish to work on? Let us know and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog. I look forward to reading your comments! Love, Jennifer
Jennifer, WOW, we have about 90% of the same habits. Eating together as a family, is a top priority in our family. Overseeing the children’s manners and talking with them about non-school related topics is vital. We set this as a foundational habit that continues as our children graduate and work from home. Keeping their hearts and lovingly connecting with them in conversation is vital. The best conversations take place about current events and how we respond to them as Christians (especially in the workplace.). Fabulous topic shared and thank you for encouraging character building habits for a lifetime. Julie 🌷
I was born to poor, non-English speaking immigrant parents. My parents were not able to read books to me or my siblings, but Mum was an excellent story-teller. I fondly remember the stories that Mum told us kids - stories about her childhood and young adult years, Slavic folklore, her birth country and its people, her journey to a foreign country and much more. My parents instilled in my siblings and I a love of storytelling (fiction and non-fiction) and my most treasured possessions are the children's books my parents gave me as gifts for my birthday or Christmas. The oldest book in my possession is the Enid Blyton book 'Amelia Jane Again'. I was 6 years old when it was given to me by my Dad and this book has been with me for 47 years. My Dad passed away on 1 December 2020 and when I see this book, I remember him.
This made me get teary-eyed. I’ve been trying so hard to do this (reading daily) with my 3 (very young) rowdy boys and sometimes I feel like it’s pointless and that I’m failing. This is tremendously encouraging, thank you! 💛
My mother read to us while we ate breakfast. I came home for lunch for the first 6 years and she also read while we ate lunch. She rarely read to us at bedtime, but my grandmothers did when we were there.
Depends on the age group. They like funny stories. I have been retired for 15 years and what I suggest may no longer be available in your library. Unfortunately, with out my library in front of me I have a hard time recalling titles now.
My best atomic habit over the past year was finding this channel. Through the content of this channel, so beautifully and thoughtfully presented I have turned my packed closet into a capsule wardrobe and I am helping my mom do the same thing, I have finally learned how to do minimal make up so that I can "look presentable always"(before I either had on full, time consuming make up, or nothing at all) I have de cluttered my entire house and for the first time ever, am on a cleaning schedule (I will never go back!) I also have begun intermittent fasting and can't believe how much I love it, I have listened to so much beautiful music, seen so much inspiring art, read so much thought provoking poetry, and had so many lovely books recommended to me. And through this channel, I have discovered other channels I adore. This has been a real life line for me. It's been a doorway into a kinder, more gentle, civilized world my heart always longs for. I have felt so alone and here I have found my people. Thank you.
Same here Maren. The feeling of knowing something is missing but not knowing what. A whole new world adjacent to reality where we can be ourselves, true to ourselves and belong. Keep up the good work!
I wake up early as well, take vitamins, vacuum each morning, exercise 30 min on my recumbent bike and read the Bible then, do two loads of laundry daily, and tidy up thru out the day. My kitchen is clean before I go to bed. I also have a creative outflow valve in my life where I make cards and give sets of them to friends and doctors office staff when I go. Giving helps me be less centered. I am a Jesus girl so that helps. I also have a monthly tea party for friends. Women need a little beauty, scones, tea, and laughter.
I get up early to get a start on things. First is to run laundry. I put it in right away, put on my workwear, scoop the cat box, spot clean the bathroom and wash up items I left to soak overnight (stuck dishes). Then I get a snack and the kids get ready for school. By the time they're learning things the wash can go in the dryer. An hour or so later I've cleaned wherever big project I am cleaning and can fold my laundry. And I'm usually done with most things until supper messes. I'll have a nice hearty breakfast and a shower and put on my daywear and do low key things like sewing or Bible study.
Reading the Bible every morning. To me this is very important-for growing my relationship with God. Something I can work on would be getting a good cleaning schedule down.
Before you start cooking, fill the sink with hot water and soap. As you use a utensil and bowl, put it in the sink. Less mess on the counter and well-soaked dirty pieces which clean easier!
I am a retired English Lit and Creative Writing professor and a grandmother of four little girls. Those books you are reading to your children will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Well done, YOU!
I am a messy cook too! But, my aunt taught me to wash mixing bowls, measuring cups, etc. as you finish with them (as you go). That way you won't have as big a mess to clean up at the end. That was 60 years ago and I still do this. It helps a lot.
If you can't do that constantly as you're going, at least run water in them. Then get some of them once the main meal is cooking. I can't get into a groove cooking and doing dishes all at once. But, I can run water in them. Eventually you may be able to work out a way to do it constantly as you go. I just take advantage of natural starts and stops and do some as I can. And the hot dishes soak while we eat.
My husband and I have always read to the kids at night and I wouldn't have it any other way. My oldest two are now 16 and 13, and we still read together...we recently finished reading Les Miserables (1500 pages) and we consider that a big accomplishment!
So great to keep this habit when they grow up ! My oldest son is currently reading the three musketeers (he is 12). What we do is that I read (or read again) every book that he reads. And then we can discuss about it. But with my daughters aged 6 and 3, we read every night !! The French classics that we enjoy are books from "la comtesse de Ségur" ;)
There is a reason that I love watching your channel and being a part of the Chic Society. The habits I have cultivated that brings success are as follows: 1. Getting up early consistently for spending time alone with God 2. Meal planning 3. I have always shopped from a list made off of my meal plans, but since Covid I have started online grocery shopping, which I love! 4. Listen to audio books while cleaning, ironing, sewing, dishes, etc. 5. Read aloud to my children.( I can share with you some of my favorites, if you’d like.) 6. Clean as I go while preparing meals 7. Using a digital planner, and this year, a bullet journal as well 8. Be intentional to create life-giving memories for my children
Have you read the Life-giving Home by Sally Clarkson? I would recommend it if you haven't, it would inspire you for #8, it is rich in great ways to make meaningful memories with your family ♡
Reading to and with your children is huge. Don't stop. When reading to them it is good to read a book that is just beyond their reading level. When my son was in high school, more than able to read on his own and had been for a long time, we still took turns in the evening, reading a chapter a piece to one another, from a classic. It is a cherished memory for me. Today, he is a writer (and You Tuber). Also having your children see you read (or listen) lets them know this is a life-long activity. If children don't observe their parents reading, why would they think it is something one does beyond their school (home or otherwise) years? Brava on all the habits!
I totally agree with you! I read to our five children every night from Babyhood through high school (we homeschooled). We read so many wonderful books and lucky me, I got to be a part of their rich literature education! And the connections between mom and child. Priceless!
My mother was a homeschooler that used Charlotte Masons education methods. She would sit and read out loud to us all the way into my first year of high school. I'm now so thankful that she did because I have such a deep love for reading.
Better to live it rather than memorize it. We are all reading versions of scripture that have been revised over thousands of years. I have found the people who live scripture rather than quote scripture are more authentic.
There is no Habit in the world more powerful than memorizing and hiding Gods Word in your heart.😊 My first thought of the day is a intentional prayer to thank God and walk with him. 👭
@@smn_33 memorizing it helps you to live it. It doesn't make me want to quote it all the time, but throughout the day the Lord speaks to me, encourages me, convicts me, instructs me through these words.
@@smn_33 So important! It's what kept some people from giving up on life during trying times...as we might be looking at soon the way the world is spiraling. America isn't what it used to be. Not fearful here, but God is just and true to His word. When a country turns it's back on Him it usually doesn't go well for that country (or kingdom in the bible). His word on my heart gives hope and helps me cope... whatever may come.
I have to give you a BIG THANK YOU Jennifer. Me before reading your first book was a totally different person. unpresentable looks, messy home, lack of manners. Then came the real "glow up". I now have a clean home, capsule quality everything, a set of decadent recipes, classy feminine clothes, routines, manners. I truely feel like a princess! I would say that you set me up for a proper adulthood. Thank you so much! From Egypt.
One habit that everyone could adopt is to DRINK MORE WATER. First thing in the morning, drink a glass of water. Last thing before bed, drink a glass of water. Before you leave or start work, drink a glass of water. Anytime you take a break, drink a glass of water. That adds four more glasses than you wouldn’t already have. It’s beneficial for brain health, joint health, immune health....whole body health.
When I homeschooled and had just had my sixth baby 14 years ago I read all three Lord of the Rings books aloud to my children. It took three months and doing the Gollum voice wrecked my vocal chords for weeks, but the kids say that they cherish those reading times.
Some of my habits are that I exercise every morning with recorded TV 1/2 hour daily program, flossing each night, baking challah bread every Friday, read and write daily, call loved ones daily. There is a similar book (I've read both) called Tiny Habits. They offer a 5 day free coaching session. I receive nothing for suggesting this. It was fun to do.
I have started one new habit. I now use a chamois nail buffer and buffing cream on my fingernails to give them a natural shine. My nails look and feel smooth and healthy and I no longer use nail polish or polish remover. This saves me time and money. It’s a habit which can also be used by children. I suggest giving it a try for those times when you are taking a break from nail polish. Your nails will look glossy and feel smooth after only a few days. Buffing my nails takes me less than 5 minutes and has become a pleasant daily ritual. 🌸
I bought it on Amazon but I saw it first in The Vermont Country Store Catalog. The Vermont Country Store has a website. I think that the buffing increases the circulation under my nails. They look healthy now. Nail polish is not good for my brittle nails especially in the Winter.
I have been gently buffing my nails for a few weeks. I do not know if this will weaken my nails over time. I gently file the tips of my fingernails every day and I buff each nail with buffing cream very gently. I do not apply a lot of pressure to my nail bed. I have fragile, brittle nails, but they look stronger and healthier than they have in a very long time. I like that I can apply oil to my hands after buffing and washing and that the oil can cover my actual fingernails. This is a technique I’m trying for myself to try to find a way to have pretty, healthy nails without nail polish. I have not done any research on the long term risks or benefits of buffing.
The living book I have read and continue to read is the Bible. It has transformed my life. 😊 The habit I want to work on is intermittent fasting and I look forward to watching your video! Thanks for sharing!
Oh this is great we do Charlotte mason homeschooling and are encouraged to read living books to our children but we struggle with this finding one they like and one we like but we read the bible daily to them and i never thought of it as living book so now i feel we doing this 👏🏽🙏🏽
Another advantage is we order online only the things that we really need! A visit to the store means buying so many things that was not in the most needed list and then a big bill makes us feel uncomfortable and difficulty of arranging in the apartment all the extra bought too!!!🤭
I do not use online grocery shopping - except when life is chaotic - appointments etc - because I actually enjoy food shopping, and it is like a little vacation for me, but I am at a different stage of life than you are. I used to wake up early when I was younger too - amazing what you can get done. One habit I have is I like to sew/quilt - and make a lot of items for our household, and being able to safely leave that set up somewhere allows me to grab a half hour here or there and not have to set up every time. Again, amazing what you can do in short bursts of time.
I've been reading the Winnie the Pooh series to my boys and we are laughing together so much! I never realized how funny those books were with that classic British humor. Great bonding and a wonderful habit.
We loved reading chapter books aloud at night when the children were young. I love the ones you are reading. We also enjoyed Pollyanna and Pollyanna Grows Up.
When the boys are around 8-12, I highly recommend The Wilderking Trilogy by Jonathan Rogers. Winnie the Pooh was a cherished read for me, too. Nice choice.
A habit that has changed my life recently is what I call rolling planning. It has saved me so much time. I have a blank month or two out in the meal planner and whenever a meal went well and the people liked it I just write in in on about the same date one month out. As I do this I start to realize that the planning is done! It takes me moments rather than minutes to plan the week's meals. It means we have the non perishable ingredients mainly on hand etc and I use that bag of wild rice or what have you. Same thing with homeschooling. If something went especially well into the blank planner it goes. It has made weekly planning a tiny task when it used to take forever. Loved your video! You've been an inspiration for good habits. Thank you!
Attachment parenting and cosleeping make it so I can’t get up early before my kiddos. I know this is just a season of life for us. However, I do notice that I get much more sleep than lots of adults I know. I am often surprised at how little sleep some people give themselves. Lovely video! Thank you.
My daughter has never forgotten me reading to her: Theatre Shoes, An Old-fashioned Girl, and Pride and Prejudice. All greats and hugely influential, as it turned out!
I’ll never forget my mom reading you us every afternoon before nap time! And to the comment about how young to read Pride and Prejudice? I think it would just depend if she was interested yet? I think I would let my 9 year old niece watch it, but I do remember the great anticipation of coming back to our book every day so it would depend if she likes those stories. Lamplighter Theatre has excellent old books and they list them by recommended age groups.
I do miss our early homeschooling days. My kids are in college now, one nearing the altar. Those days of reading aloud to your kids will bear so much fruit!! By high school, they are teaching themselves independently, but if they let you, keep reading aloud through high school. Mine did not go for it, but I wish we could have.
Completely agree about reading classics with your kids. Not only is it fun, but it pays off later for their intellectual development and academic success.
I started this with my child when he was very young .I loved that phase of life Now he is 16 years old and has read more books than me and has a library of his own.
“If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.” -Mark Twain
Good habits: I am very consistent with making my bed and getting my morning going. Habit I am working on is going to bed with a clean sink (flylady method), so far I am doing well. Wishing everyone else the best of luck this February as they accomplish their little habits.💗
We have very similar habits - Walmart grocery delivery has improved my life and saved us money. I joined a great Bible study group, and I’m now at my three year anniversary of attending barre classes three days per week. I’ve been intermittent fasting for nine months, and this is one of the most seismic shifts in my life. I’m free. I have energy and health. I never have to diet again. My mind is so much more nimble and it is helping me let go of no longer needed possessions also, and clearing space in my home. Thank-you so much. So glad I found you.
Jennifer, I would like to say that watching your videos has inspired me so much especially in the cleaning area. I have been cleaning my house unlike I've ever cleaned it before. It is a wonderful habit I picked up from you and I simply just add one item of deep cleaning that I didn't do before and work on that for a small amount of time each day until the room is just spotless from head to toe. I would love to listen to audiobooks while doing this but I've never been able to because my mind wanders too much and then suddenly I'm lost in the book and I keep having to rewind to find out what's going on, LOL.
A good habit that I have is cooking from scratch. That is something I can thank my family for because it was simply the way I was raised and to this day, though the daily cooking of adulthood can feel like a burden on some days, it is still the most effortless habit of mine. I also used serious meal planning for a couple years to achieve a financial goal and it was succesfull ! One habit I'm working on, and your content helps me a lot with that, is to be more regular with my chores. I am great with big seasonal cleanings, those that take a full day, to a full week-end, but I don't allow enough time to maintain it the way I want as I pack my day with "more important" tasks. Rediscovering homemaking as a joy and a pleasant interior as a priority, rather than second thoughts, is life-changing. Thank you for that !
I wouldn’t have called myself a bad housekeeper before, but the book “The Joy of Housekeeping” by Ella Miller (you can find used copies on Amazon) has changed and helped my perspective so much!!
I just loved this! Thanks to an earlier vid of yours, I've decided to break the bad habit of multitasking at luncheon. I used to process mail, read snippets of things, do a crossword puzzle, write lists, but I barely tasted my food and felt tired and not rested or refreshed afterwards. So, these days, I'm trying to develop the habit of paying attention to my meal and really savoring it, perhaps looking out the window and admiring the sky or the trees. That's tough for me, but I'm working on it. Thanks for another wonderfully inspiring video!
I completely relate to being a messy cook. My husband used to always be baffled by how quickly I could make such a mess. I have now learned to clean as I go. Putting dirty dishes in the sink, putting away spices I no longer need. I’m honestly a lot less stressed when I cook now. Certainly not perfect in this area but I have improved greatly.
My habits have been to fit in exercise. Sometimes its going to gym, or walking on my lunch hour and on bad weather days, I walk the stairwell, I work in a tall office bldg 🙂. To-Do Lists have been essential since my high school years. Also, every Monday I pay bills, make apptmts, restock bathrooms, make and mail greeting cards. Once a week, I take a disabled family member out to dinner and shopping (takes my mind off my own problems). Before Covid, attended church every time the doors were open and taught classes or help with childrens dept (feeds my spiritual and improves my coping skills). Always put back up, hang up, put away, after I use something. Listen to videos or UA-cams while cleaning house and working in yard, and in the car alone. Birthday and Christmas gifts are oftentimes results of my hobbies, knitting and photography. Before going to bed, kitchen is cleaned using my e-cloth, tidied up, sinks scrubbed and dried. I plan menus, use crock pot and insta pot often. Donate to thrift stores often. That's all I can think of!!
The way I got my kitchen messed under control when I was cooking, is every time I need it to wash my hands I washed it washing whatever dirty dishes were in the sink. My best habit is waking up at 5:00 am, its like a domino effect for the rest of my day.
Thank you for being a positive role model for me. One of the things I do on your list that has made my life so happy is reading living books with my children every day. I feel like they have such rich happy childhoods because of this. I am continually working on doing all the other things you list here.
I love ordering my groceries online, however I have them bring them out to the car. I try and plan that day also for post office, gasoline, carwash, and other errands.
I LOVE your meal plan (what's for dinner) videos. You make the most delicious, reasonably easy, but still classy, meals. I love your variety. Please keep doing your what's for dinner videos! 😊 I have been ordering groceries for a few years now. It makes my mom life so much easier. We also homeschool and I can't drag my kids along. It's a life saver. Thank you for your amazing channel, Jennifer. You help us keep motherhood classy! We appreciate all you do! 😘
Agree about your meal planning videos! I liked your recent one about what you make when you don't feel like cooking - nice to see you sometimes rely on frozen convenience foods like the rest of us lol, but give them a bit of an upgrade!
So sorry I hit the wrong button- Regarding being a messy meal planner - I have a few tips that may be helpful... 1. Never set the dirty utensils, bowls, pots/pans etc in the sink... either rinse and place in dishwasher or hand wash them in between steps and leave them to air dry- for oven safe items set the oven to 200* (especially if your recipe will requires baking), they will dry quickly this way and be ready to use again - this will limit the amount of dishes being potentially being dirtied. 2. Delegate the task of ‘assistants’ to children who are old enough . 3. For recipes that require ‘pre-steps’ (browning meet, mincing garlic/onions etc. as often as possible prepare enough of these ingredients for at least 2 more meals at one time, label and store so they are quickly assessable, making meal prep quicker. 4. Like one day to do big cleaning jobs... scheduling an entire afternoon to prepare the meals for the week that can be pre-prepared- ultimately saves time and resources- all hands on deck for the children and hubby if he’s available is a great way to teach new skills, bond, and create memories and traditions... not to mention - I learned as a child, ‘many hands make light work’ ~ ‘when you love what you do, it’s not work’. These mottos if you will, passed down to me and from me to my children. It always tickles my funny bone to hear my daughters share these mottos with their peers, friend and recently our newlywed daughter was encouraging her husband with these mottos - who would have thought:) Hope these help!!
I don't have children yet, but reading "living books" was one of the best things my own mother did for me as a child. It fostered a lifelong love of reading and exploring through literature. By the time I was in 6th grade and first took a reading level assessment, I was at college level comprehension. Thanks, Momma!
The habit I need to work on is exercise. I never thought this would be something i would have to work on because I used to love to be active. I walked everywhere and would think of reasons to be active. After an injury things changed. I want to get back to my old ways
Thank you so much for recommending this book, the way it’s written makes it so easy to read and understand! A habit I’m working on is doing something right away that needs to be done instead of waiting and putting it on my to-do list which then gets pushed to the next day and then the next, etc. one habit that has changed my life is waking up early to help my Grumpy each day. It sets into motion a series of good habits that have changed my life and so many wonderful things have come from it. I look forward to your one year checkup🌹
We started ordering groceries online because of the pandemic, and it does save time, and even with a service fee, money as well. I also have begun losing some weight from intermittent fasting.
Amen to reading to and with kids. I don't have any children yet, but some of my happiest memories from childhood involve snuggling up with my mom and little brother while she read all of the Narnia books to us ❤️
A recent habit that I have found super helpful is to have three meals a day and no snacking. I tried intermittent fasting but I found it wasn't great for me, so I went back to eating breakfast and got really strict with myself about not eating between meals. It is the easiest thing in the world and it was the one thing I tried that finally helped me stop obsessing about food constantly. I don't crave junk food anymore and I never feel deprived. I also find that I have more energy, better sleep and the dark circles under my eyes lightened up a lot.
Thanks for sharing your experience! No snacking is my goal. 😶 I am trying to heal from discovering I can’t do gluten anymore, and they recommend eating small, frequent meals and after a week and a half I already realized I can’t live like this!
Yes for me it's starting my day meditating, drinking my vitamins, having hot lemon water, and having a nutritious breakfast. Other habits is getting in 30 minutes of exercise, enough sleep, reading, and prioritizing my time.
Can you make a video about “living books” or just books worth reading for children. Also do you read one book for all your children? Are they all interested (age-wise)?
My mom read old classics to ages 2-8 and we loved it! We got to gather in one room before nap time and if you were quiet, you could listen and didn’t have to go to sleep as soon. It challenged our comprehension and strengthened our reading skills.
Making my bed as soon as I get up every morning! It's a small thing, but somehow it makes me feel as if I've taken an important and early-in-the-day step toward getting control of the chaos in my life. Loved this video. Thank you, Jennifer.
1) reading scripture first thing in the morning 2) singing to my babies while breastfeeding (calming for both of us, bonding, and good for language development) 3) Sending my toddlers out of the room when they tantrum-- everyone says just ignore it but I feel it really creates a negative atmosphere in the whole home, so our rule is that they have to stay in their rooms as long as they're crying and I will listen to requests only when they calm down
Loved this video. We just had our fourth child and are homeschooling for the first time this year. Definitely in survival mode at the moment. This brought be so much encouragement and a few good ideas.
I read to my daughter all her childhood... our fun thing was to go to library on weekend and get 10 books every 2 weeks...she loved the process of picking them out...it’s vital to make them good writers, readers, student, etc. she’s now 32 and awesome
Jennifer. I loved your inspirational list of good habits. May I suggest something that helps me. A friend suggested this to me years ago and it has helped me enjoy cooking more. When I bein to prepare a meal I prepare a sink or large bowl of hot soapy water. As I cook. I put dirty pans and bowls in the water and wash up as I have time. I have always stressed out when having large family dinners. This really helps at those times
In the kitchen, as in the rest of your life, planning and preparing is 3/4 of the battle to a clean cooks kitchen. If you gather and prepare ALL of your ingredients then clean up after the preparation is done the you move on to the cooking phase. If you're prepping while you're cooking there's no time to clean up in between all of the cooking actions. So while you're cooking you can then clean up any dishes or any cooking related messes as you go. I know this because we used to call me hurricane Melissa in the kitchen. I realized a lot of the time I was cooking in a hurry and I was n't doing it at a nice slow pace. So just take your time and enjoy the process and go in prepared like everything else you do. Happy cooking!
Yes! I've had to learn to slow down in the kitchen, too. The meal gets done cleanly and I am not stressed out. Before: feverish pace/messy at the end/too tired to clean it up. Now: deliberate pace/clean and put away as I go/ no cleaning to do when I'm done. Life changer!
My kids are grown, but what I miss the most is read great books to them everyday. We homeschooled for 16 years. We read many years worth of Sonlights recommended books and so many others.
My warmest memories as a mother of four children are of reading living books and poetry together as a family. Sometimes we would sit around the woodstove at night and my husband would read to us. Sometimes my children and I would snuggle together on the sofa and read together. Sometimes the kids would spread out and do something with their hands, like constructing leggo creations while I read. These are the best of memories.
When i do routine chores, i try to get what i call scientific method. That is i plan each. & every move i make. So that i can to it by rote. No thinking involved of what to do when. Chores go very fast that way. And sometimes an idea will pop into my head of a way i can even improve on my scientific method.
As a former homeschooled child I concur with your advice regarding living books. The memories I have of my mother reading classics to me are amongst my most cherished. It sparked good conversations and inspired a love of reading in my own life.
I am rebuilding habits after a stressful season. I’m rebuilding my exercise habit (4x weekly), networking (3x weekly), and reading more. I am aiming for 1 chapter a night. I also switched from a paper planner to wunderlist (now Microsoft To-Do). I am loving the digital format for this season of life.
I have been working on building self-discipline this month, and one area I’ve needed to be more disciplined in is my sleeping habits. I set my goal at waking up before my children (again- somehow I fell out of the habit??), and I decomposed that goal into several measurable, small habits! (What you’re calling ‘atomic habits,’ it sounds like.) For me, it all begins the night before! I’ve created a lovely and relaxing (screen free!) bedtime routine that includes leisurely caring for my hygiene/skin, exercising, journaling, and reading before bed. (I just finished ‘An Old Fashioned Girl’ by L. Alcott again because it’s just so insightful and wholesome. This time, I wrote down quotes that were ‘life changing’ for me, inspired by your ‘life changing secrets from [book]’ series.) But it’s not just about me! Before my night time routine ever begins, I have started establishing a similar bedtime routine with my children- their hygiene, reading wholesome literature and poems before bed, and lots of cuddles, singing Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-6), etc. It’s been really wonderful!!
I homeschooled my kid with Sonlight. We had daily read aloud books. I absolutely loved it. You know I learned more homeschooling my kids than I did in college. My kids are grown up but I still remember reading to them and how much fun we had!
I am really wanting to wake up earlier. It's one of my goals for 2021. Grocery shopping really relaxes me, but I have friends, who say the same thing about delivery. 😊
i suddenly realized my mother had sent my daughter one of your books when she got her first job with microsoft...i raised my beautiful alaskan native daughter in a remote cabin in alaska with no running water or electricity for the first couple of years and once again my mother sent me many beautiful childrens books. I built a bed platform four feet high and made selves at the end of the bed for five shelves of books which i read to her by the propane light (pat the bunny being her first) we played alot by the ocean (my front door) and as far as getting up early as you know having children is a sure fire alarm clock!!!now shes extremely successful (kind of shocks me since i was an artist but very organized) AND HAVING A DOG WAKES YOU UP TOO!!! i enjoy your videos even though my lifestyle very different PLANNERS all my life since high school and my daughter does those bullet list journals with amazing handwriting ...guess i miss her now that shes out of the nest and just announced SHES GETTING MARRIED...OK HOW DOES THE DAILEY CONNOISSEUR plan a wedding for next summer in ALASKA OMG and she wants the bells and whistles OMG? and i live 3,000 miles away
This was such an interesting video. You have several habits that I absolutely love....reading, reading, and more reading. For me and for my children. I taught them to enjoy reading. As for writing,I haven’t been as engaged with that lately but when I was, I rose early. I needed the quiet time before the phone rang or others started moving around. I’m really trying to work on the bedtime routine and meal planning. I’m so tired at bedtime that I fall into bed and don’t always take the time to remove my makeup and take care of my skin. I want to get into a pampering routine to ready myself for bed...to relax and just be. One thing I used to do was read every night before sleep. Now, I find myself looking at UA-cam on my tablet. Im going to work on that. Reading relaxes my mind in a way that video does not. This video certainly generated a lot of thought. Thank you.
I have piggy-backed my bedtime routine to be right after my dinner clean up routine so that I get my bed turned down, a book on top of the quilt, and my make-up washed off before I get too tired to make wise decisions.
@@happypace9414 I like that idea. I tried putting my pjs on early last night and it was better. I wasn't so tired when it came to actually getting into bed. I still need to work on the video thing. Thank you for your suggestions. I'm going to continue to do that and write it in the tracking section on my planner.
Oh my goodness-First of all, I have you on while I’m cleaning my kitchen (sort of like you and audible!) Secondly, my daughters and I are also reading Little Women right now! It is such a sweet book to bond over. My youngest, who has thought she was too old for dolls, now wants to get her dolls back out like Beth and treat them with tenderness! I second your recommendation of living books. Lastly, you would love the Literary Life podcast-many wonderful discussions about books and living books for children.
Your hair and makeup are especially gorgeous in this video ! Meal planning is one habit that has sooo many benefits (less food and money wasted, better eating, no dread about what to cook for dinner, yummy leftovers, better use of my time, etc). I fall apart when this habit falls by the wayside. Stay safe and best wishes from Australia 🤗
This was a really helpful video Jennifer and has arrived on a day when I’m busy trying to re-set after some very depressed days. Getting up early is my biggest problem though...I was putting my alarm in a different room and that helped because I’d be listening out for it so that it didn’t wake my son. The trouble is that then I’m very tired mid-afternoon which I’m not sure there’s a solution for! X
I had to cut out sugar- it makes me really tired around 3pm. I try to have a little snack around then and maybe a cup of coffee. If all else fails I do some burpees or some pushups because I know that will wake me up!
I experienced extrem tiredness because of low iron. Have you gotten your iron and b12 checked? Just a suggestion. I feel like a new person after getting an iron infusion!
I have dealt with anemia for over 15 years (and just found out I have Celiac Disease), but I find it so helpful just to sit down for 15-60 minutes and get off my feet for a bit in the afternoon or when I get very tired. Then I’m back to running around and can finish my next responsibilities!
Love James Clear! One of my favorite habits is waking up before the sun comes up, going outside to watch the sunrise as I pray and read my Bible. It’s my special time with God and starts my day beautifully. We moved from Southern California to Texas in November, and its been too cold to do that here. I really miss it though. So happy Spring is approaching!
As a teacher... yes please read to your kids as often as possible! Teachers can see the huge difference in Kids who are read to v.s. Kids who are not read to. You don't have to be perfect but even just a few nights a week will help your child grow tremendously!
I am working on the habit of telling myself I need to leave 10 minutes earlier than I really do, to overcome always leaving late. 😳 It works when I do it! For example: I have to be at the church at 4:00, so I tell myself to leave at 3:40 for a less than 10 minute drive. It’s so relaxing to not worry about rushing because I left late!
My neighbor started Walmart pick-up because of the pandemic. She says she loves it and will never stop using that service. I haven't tried it yet but am seriously thinking of trying it.
Same!! Just tried it for the first time about 4 weeks ago & I'll never go back to the long & exhausting trips to the grocery store with kids in tow...😁😁
I read books to my children every night also. My oldest was being read to in high school! Oh my, how I miss those times. I have read them thousands of books through the years. I can attest to the closeness we all felt AND the knowledge that comes from that habit. My kids are now 25, 22, and 20. If I could go back to anything in the world it would be to nursing, cuddling, hand holding and reading. ❤️ I paid it forward. My oldest just graduated from law school (full ride) my middle received an amazing fellowship for his PhD, and my baby has a full ride for undergrad. Not that those are the most important things in life-they certainly are not-but they are foundational for their particular futures. Read parents, read!
I think this was lovely. For me I love shopping locally. I love supporting my neighbors and townspeople. The farmers market is heaven with its colors and smells and joy, and veggies picked the night before.....
I have dreamt of being a writer for years. At almost 40, I’m afraid the ship has sailed. Watching this is reminding me... just do a little everyday. Then maybe hopefully I can say that I have published 5 books one day!
Lots of writers didn’t start till late in life. One bit of advice I’ve gotten about writing is that if you aren’t getting rejected then you aren’t writing enough. I only did freelance garbage for blogs on the side occasionally when I was in my twenties. I’m 37 now and am 300 pages into my first novel. It’s uneven at best. That’s what rewrites are for. If you want to do fiction I highly recommend Atwood and Patterson in MasterClass. I have an M.A. in literature and have found their advice to be helpful whether or not you have a background in literature.
I love the beautiful videos you included, especially the one of the mother reading to her children. I am also a messy cook, what has helped me is having a large bowl with sudsy hot water in the sink. As I finish using spatulas, forks, knives etc I drop them in that bowl and I try to keep an all natural surface cleaner nearby with paper towels so that I can wipe as soon as I’m done. I quickly rinse off the items in the bowl and put into the dishwasher before I even sit down. I also quickly spray the counters and stovetop immediately after I cook. It’s never perfect but it really makes a huge difference . When I’m done with a meal I have a clean kitchen. I might have a pan to wipe up but that’s usually it. Hope this tip helps! Xx
I think I already have some of the habits you mentioned. What I need to work on is to consistently sit in my prayer space every morning and listen to my Bible in a Year podcast or continue with my own bible study. Lent is beginning, the perfect time. I had this book on video and haven't listened to it, but I see it's only 5 hours. I'm starting today.
Taking vitamins, I am doing this from the day I got my first baby( 17 years ago ). I can't do it without. Now I am 41 in perimenopause and I added colagen and perimenopause vitamins. I feel fantastic. I am also teaching at home and I agree with weaking up early( I am a morning person) and prepare the lesson before children will be in the setting.. I follow most of this atomic habits , about fasting absolutely agree. Thank you for this.
Thank you very much for all this tips. Writing is on my list I was a jurnalist but I stopped writing( I don't have much time ) but I will do my best to restart writing. I am a bad cook as well🫣 but again we live to learn and improve our life🤗
I'm in a different place in life. Retired now, I've been a full-time caretaker for my elderly invalid mother. As her health has declined, I began having groceries (and everything else!) delivered so that I wouldn't have to leave her alone in the house. I also have whole-house sound (speakers in every room) and thoroughly enjoy doing my chores with either an Audible book or a news program. Much to my delight, when my mother could no longer enjoy reading, we discovered that she really liked listening to short stories. They took her away to places in her mind that her body could no longer visit. There are all kinds of tools available for almost every situation. We just need to look around for them.
I just made a list of 10 things -some I do already, some I need to improve, but all are important. thank you for getting us thinking about this. Each day - bible study. I do this now thru Bible Study Fellowship...truly amazing. What I need to get better at: MOVE each day. At over 50, the struggle is real with muscle and metabolism loss.
I’ve had my groceries delivered for over 14 years now. I hate shopping for anything. My neighbor and I outsource everything we can afford and split the delivery charge if one applies. I order for my mom and take it to her so she doesn’t need to do a thing ❤️
I meal prep each week. I tend to do the same 1-2 things for lunch each day and then switch up the dinners. I double each dinner so it makes leftovers so I only need to cook about 3 dinners , then the other 3 dinners are leftovers of those meals, and then 1 dinner is either take out or perhaps a frozen meal like pizza or fish. I intermittent fast and don’t eat breakfast but I prep smoothies for each day and I drink this since I get out of my fast to tide me until my lunch meal. It is so simple and saves me time and money and I love that I’m not wondering every day what we will eat for dinner. I’ve even lost weight doing this without even trying too much.
I order online groceries since covid and I will never look back!!! Amazing time saver and I also do meal planning since covid. I plan my day, week and month, journal every single day and do daily devotions so I have my time with God every day and I also have an attitude of gratitude daily. Great video. Thanks! 😊
Well, I am disabled with arthritis now. But I get up about 6:30, get dressed. go outside. I get my landlords newspaper and put at her door, and open mail box. I go in back yard and pick up stray leaves or if a lot, I sweep. its about 10 minutes. By that time I am hurting, so I go in and make coffee. I read or do diamond painting or or a puzzles. One of my favorite books is Ann Morrow Lindbergh-A gift from the sea. meditations on youth and age, love and marriage, peace, solitude, and contentment during a brief vacation by the sea.
My Mom's friends used to ask her why her kitchen wasn't a disaster area when she was done preparing meal. Her solution was to put items back when you're finished with them and wash the prep dishes and pans as you finish with them. When your meal is over, all you have to do is wash the dishes that were on the table. I've always used her plan in my own kitchen and it works!
I ordered groceries online during quarantine but now I am back to shopping in person. I leave the house by myself on Saturdays, spend an hour with a treat, a coffee and my journal and Bible, then shop at Aldi alone. It is the highlight of my week. Shopping at Aldi has saved me $200/month vs Walmart.
My son.wanted to lose weight and his friend told him to eat slowly. He watched several UA-cam videos, and continues to eat very slowly. His stomach bloating has totally gone away. He loves eating that way. This is an awesome video. You always inspire me.
Well, I'm a neat and tidy cook because of two little habits that I adopted years ago--Put things away as soon as I use them. I take the salt out, measure it and put the container back (or oil or whatever ingredient). And clean as I go, wiping up spills, etc. rather than waiting until the end when it's a huge mess. I've given up working on the getting up early thing. I struggle with S.A.D and winters in MN are so dark and cold that I can't do it. And now that my family is raised and gone I don't have to, so I sleep until the light wakes me up. I am working on the "Snacking is so not chic" and the intermittent fasting thing. I hope they work for me as well as they have worked for you. Keep up the chic encouragement and good work! I love the Victoria magazine profile of you!
YES YES YES to reading living books with our children! It was something that I started with them prior to deciding that I wanted to homeschool them this year. They are still young 7, 4, and 2, but we have already read SO many wonderful classic/living books together. Because I’m so passionate about it, I ended up choosing Sonlight for our curriculum and have been introduced to even MORE wonderful living books within their History/Bible/Literature portion! We are all loving this literature based curriculum. Aside from the Bible, we typically read our “living” books together in the afternoon during the 2 year old’s nap time! You’re absolutely right about it being life-changing! I’ve always loved life-giving books and it’s something I’m so grateful to share with my children! Homeschooling has been SUCH an incredible blessing for our family! Certainly the silver lining of the pandemic. I don’t know that my husband and I would have chosen this route for our family if it weren’t for the trial run we had last school year March-June when my son was in kindergarten at a private Christian school! ☺️ Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful habits Jennifer! This was a really fun video to listen to!
I find that ordering online is helpful but at the same time for me in particular I wasn’t saving money and I would get some items spoiled. Like fruits. All the money not overspent on groceries was spent on delivery fees. So now I try to plan my grocery shopping while my son is at school. I only have 2 children so that helps. Definitely if I had 4 I would probably just pay the delivery fee. 😆 I do want to start waking up early, i get so much done if I do that. Also I want to do the fasting. You look great!!! I want to lose my belly fat which I gained while pregnant with both my kids. When I stopped breastfeeding my eldest I gained all the weight I had lost. So I know this is a big possibility with my second. He is still breastfeeding, but soon I’ll go back to work and will have to stop.
I've been watching your channel for a little while and just realized you home school! I'm encouraged to see more home schoolers out there! We are on our 9th year home schooling.
I found a Precious Moments Bible and read it to my girls every night.. we also pray together every evening. On top of daily habits, we have weekly habits. Some of these include family devotions, financial deliberation and church.. just to name a few. :) God bless your journey!!
As a retiree I started to lose my energy and drive. I was feeling overwhelmed with our projects to get things in order. I started a couple of new habits: (1) taking a brief walk first thing. I call it my energy walk. After a couple of blocks I return, have breakfast and coffee, get ready for the day. While on my walk I listen to a meditation app. So far it is helping me. I'm able to focus on tasks, my love to study French and improve my cooking.
Thank you for watching! What good habits have you cultivated in your life that have brought you success? What habits do you wish to work on? Let us know and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog. I look forward to reading your comments! Love, Jennifer
Jennifer, Do you have a Goodreads account where you post the books you’ve read or are interested in reading?
Jennifer, WOW, we have about 90% of the same habits. Eating together as a family, is a top priority in our family. Overseeing the children’s manners and talking with them about non-school related topics is vital. We set this as a foundational habit that continues as our children graduate and work from home. Keeping their hearts and lovingly connecting with them in conversation is vital. The best conversations take place about current events and how we respond to them as Christians (especially in the workplace.). Fabulous topic shared and thank you for encouraging character building habits for a lifetime. Julie 🌷
I was born to poor, non-English speaking immigrant parents. My parents were not able to read books to me or my siblings, but Mum was an excellent story-teller. I fondly remember the stories that Mum told us kids - stories about her childhood and young adult years, Slavic folklore, her birth country and its people, her journey to a foreign country and much more. My parents instilled in my siblings and I a love of storytelling (fiction and non-fiction) and my most treasured possessions are the children's books my parents gave me as gifts for my birthday or Christmas. The oldest book in my possession is the Enid Blyton book 'Amelia Jane Again'. I was 6 years old when it was given to me by my Dad and this book has been with me for 47 years. My Dad passed away on 1 December 2020 and when I see this book, I remember him.
How old were your daughters when you started reading to them living books?
Most get the book Atomic Habits.
As a children’s librarian for 32 years, reading to your children is one of the most important things you can do for their future success.
This made me get teary-eyed. I’ve been trying so hard to do this (reading daily) with my 3 (very young) rowdy boys and sometimes I feel like it’s pointless and that I’m failing. This is tremendously encouraging, thank you! 💛
This is one of the best reasons why I homeschooled my children. Reading aloud to them was our bonding time and learning with them at the same time.
My mother read to us while we ate breakfast. I came home for lunch for the first 6 years and she also read while we ate lunch. She rarely read to us at bedtime, but my grandmothers did when we were there.
I was just hired on as a library aide at our Elementary. Any gripping reads that you consider a MUST read for larger groups of children?
Depends on the age group. They like funny stories. I have been retired for 15 years and what I suggest may no longer be available in your library. Unfortunately, with out my library in front of me I have a hard time recalling titles now.
My best atomic habit over the past year was finding this channel. Through the content of this channel, so beautifully and thoughtfully presented I have turned my packed closet into a capsule wardrobe and I am helping my mom do the same thing, I have finally learned how to do minimal make up so that I can "look presentable always"(before I either had on full, time consuming make up, or nothing at all) I have de cluttered my entire house and for the first time ever, am on a cleaning schedule (I will never go back!) I also have begun intermittent fasting and can't believe how much I love it, I have listened to so much beautiful music, seen so much inspiring art, read so much thought provoking poetry, and had so many lovely books recommended to me. And through this channel, I have discovered other channels I adore. This has been a real life line for me. It's been a doorway into a kinder, more gentle, civilized world my heart always longs for. I have felt so alone and here I have found my people. Thank you.
This is so awesome, Maren! Thank you so much!
I agree with this too- it’s lovely to know there are other people who understand 😌
Oh I love this♥️ what lovely things you’ve accomplished! ♥️
That's really lovely to read all the benefits you've found here Maren .. I'm so glad I just pressed play I'm subscribing 🌹
Same here Maren. The feeling of knowing something is missing but not knowing what. A whole new world adjacent to reality where we can be ourselves, true to ourselves and belong. Keep up the good work!
I wake up early as well, take vitamins, vacuum each morning, exercise 30 min on my recumbent bike and read the Bible then, do two loads of laundry daily, and tidy up thru out the day. My kitchen is clean before I go to bed. I also have a creative outflow valve in my life where I make cards and give sets of them to friends and doctors office staff when I go. Giving helps me be less centered. I am a Jesus girl so that helps. I also have a monthly tea party for friends. Women need a little beauty, scones, tea, and laughter.
I get up early to get a start on things. First is to run laundry. I put it in right away, put on my workwear, scoop the cat box, spot clean the bathroom and wash up items I left to soak overnight (stuck dishes). Then I get a snack and the kids get ready for school. By the time they're learning things the wash can go in the dryer. An hour or so later I've cleaned wherever big project I am cleaning and can fold my laundry. And I'm usually done with most things until supper messes. I'll have a nice hearty breakfast and a shower and put on my daywear and do low key things like sewing or Bible study.
Especially the scones!
🤢😵💫
Trying Walmart pick up for the first time. Do I tip?
I like the idea 💡 of a monthly get together with friends. The tea ☕️ party is a super idea.
Reading the Bible every morning. To me this is very important-for growing my relationship with God.
Something I can work on would be getting a good cleaning schedule down.
Same Erin! Happy Monday!
@@s.velarde1811 happy Monday!
Agree totally . I do a daily Bible Time with Mark and Cori here on You Tube and it just sets up my day right
@@grwakehouse8929 I’ll look that up!
Very awesome (:
Before you start cooking, fill the sink with hot water and soap. As you use a utensil and bowl, put it in the sink. Less mess on the counter and well-soaked dirty pieces which clean easier!
That's just superb idea ..its like putting it in the dishwasher
Never thoght about this, but sounds like a good thing to do. Thanks
We do this all the time.
Great idea!
I am a retired English Lit and Creative Writing professor and a grandmother of four little girls. Those books you are reading to your children will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Well done, YOU!
My new habit is to wash my face and do my nightly skin routine before dinner while I am not too tired.
Yes, I need to do this too.
After we have dinner and unwind in front of the tv, I quite often feel too tired and sleepy to do my nightly skin routine.
I always want to wash my face after I cook. Food and oil steam hit your face while you are cooking.
That's a great one!
Great idea!
I am a messy cook too! But, my aunt taught me to wash mixing bowls, measuring cups, etc. as you finish with them (as you go). That way you won't have as big a mess to clean up at the end. That was 60 years ago and I still do this. It helps a lot.
If you can't do that constantly as you're going, at least run water in them. Then get some of them once the main meal is cooking. I can't get into a groove cooking and doing dishes all at once. But, I can run water in them. Eventually you may be able to work out a way to do it constantly as you go. I just take advantage of natural starts and stops and do some as I can. And the hot dishes soak while we eat.
My husband and I have always read to the kids at night and I wouldn't have it any other way. My oldest two are now 16 and 13, and we still read together...we recently finished reading Les Miserables (1500 pages) and we consider that a big accomplishment!
Wow! That's awesome.
So great to keep this habit when they grow up ! My oldest son is currently reading the three musketeers (he is 12). What we do is that I read (or read again) every book that he reads. And then we can discuss about it. But with my daughters aged 6 and 3, we read every night !! The French classics that we enjoy are books from "la comtesse de Ségur" ;)
I'll have to check her out, I've never heard of her!
@@sabinenoucha2119 She's the writter of my childhood!!!
There is a reason that I love watching your channel and being a part of the Chic Society.
The habits I have cultivated that brings success are as follows:
1. Getting up early consistently for spending time alone with God
2. Meal planning
3. I have always shopped from a list made off of my meal plans, but since Covid I have started online grocery shopping, which I love!
4. Listen to audio books while cleaning, ironing, sewing, dishes, etc.
5. Read aloud to my children.( I can share with you some of my favorites, if you’d like.)
6. Clean as I go while preparing meals
7. Using a digital planner, and this year, a bullet journal as well
8. Be intentional to create life-giving memories for my children
Have you read the Life-giving Home by Sally Clarkson? I would recommend it if you haven't, it would inspire you for #8, it is rich in great ways to make meaningful memories with your family ♡
I have read Sally Clarkson The Life-Giving Home book and its the one book that has most inspired my homemaking.
Reading to and with your children is huge. Don't stop. When reading to them it is good to read a book that is just beyond their reading level. When my son was in high school, more than able to read on his own and had been for a long time, we still took turns in the evening, reading a chapter a piece to one another, from a classic. It is a cherished memory for me. Today, he is a writer (and You Tuber). Also having your children see you read (or listen) lets them know this is a life-long activity. If children don't observe their parents reading, why would they think it is something one does beyond their school (home or otherwise) years? Brava on all the habits!
I love this so much!
I totally agree with you! I read to our five children every night from Babyhood through high school (we homeschooled). We read so many wonderful books and lucky me, I got to be a part of their rich literature education! And the connections between mom and child. Priceless!
YES! We still read to our teens as well and when our young adult comes home, she loves to join in. Such wonderful memories!
@@jodycourt can you share some of the good books that your kids love. I promised to read to my kids but sometimes I don’t know what to read 🤣
My mother was a homeschooler that used Charlotte Masons education methods. She would sit and read out loud to us all the way into my first year of high school. I'm now so thankful that she did because I have such a deep love for reading.
Hoping to memorize scripture this year as one of my best habits 🙏
Better to live it rather than memorize it. We are all reading versions of scripture that have been revised over thousands of years. I have found the people who live scripture rather than quote scripture are more authentic.
There is no Habit in the world more powerful than memorizing and hiding Gods Word in your heart.😊
My first thought of the day is a intentional prayer to thank God and walk with him. 👭
@@smn_33 memorizing them are super good and necessary!
I've just copied one atomic habit though not sure when I'm starting it
@@smn_33 memorizing it helps you to live it. It doesn't make me want to quote it all the time, but throughout the day the Lord speaks to me, encourages me, convicts me, instructs me through these words.
@@smn_33 So important! It's what kept some people from giving up on life during trying times...as we might be looking at soon the way the world is spiraling. America isn't what it used to be. Not fearful here, but God is just and true to His word. When a country turns it's back on Him it usually doesn't go well for that country (or kingdom in the bible). His word on my heart gives hope and helps me cope... whatever may come.
I have to give you a BIG THANK YOU Jennifer. Me before reading your first book was a totally different person. unpresentable looks, messy home, lack of manners. Then came the real "glow up". I now have a clean home, capsule quality everything, a set of decadent recipes, classy feminine clothes, routines, manners. I truely feel like a princess! I would say that you set me up for a proper adulthood. Thank you so much! From Egypt.
One habit that everyone could adopt is to DRINK MORE WATER. First thing in the morning, drink a glass of water. Last thing before bed, drink a glass of water. Before you leave or start work, drink a glass of water. Anytime you take a break, drink a glass of water. That adds four more glasses than you wouldn’t already have. It’s beneficial for brain health, joint health, immune health....whole body health.
Working on it
Love it!
@Ann G. R. Recently read that if you drink a glass of water a half hour before a meal, it helps with digestion! I did not know.
adding a tablespoon of lemon juice with it will help clean system
When I homeschooled and had just had my sixth baby 14 years ago I read all three Lord of the Rings books aloud to my children. It took three months and doing the Gollum voice wrecked my vocal chords for weeks, but the kids say that they cherish those reading times.
It sounds so funny to be able to do this woth your kids ! Each book of the saga in one month , congratulations for the discipline
Some of my habits are that I exercise every morning with recorded TV 1/2 hour daily program, flossing each night, baking challah bread every Friday, read and write daily, call loved ones daily.
There is a similar book (I've read both) called Tiny Habits. They offer a 5 day free coaching session. I receive nothing for suggesting this. It was fun to do.
Baking challah on Friday .. yes, and having the house clean and special family dinner with candles to start the weekly Sabbath rest :)
I have started one new habit. I now use a chamois nail buffer and buffing cream on my fingernails to give them a natural shine. My nails look and feel smooth and healthy and I no longer use nail polish or polish remover. This saves me time and money. It’s a habit which can also be used by children. I suggest giving it a try for those times when you are taking a break from nail polish. Your nails will look glossy and feel smooth after only a few days. Buffing my nails takes me less than 5 minutes and has become a pleasant daily ritual. 🌸
Toni, where did you get your nail buffer and cream? Looking for a recommendation. Thanks!
I bought it on Amazon but I saw it first in The Vermont Country Store Catalog. The Vermont Country Store has a website. I think that the buffing increases the circulation under my nails. They look healthy now. Nail polish is not good for my brittle nails especially in the Winter.
Thank you!
I have been gently buffing my nails for a few weeks. I do not know if this will weaken my nails over time. I gently file the tips of my fingernails every day and I buff each nail with buffing cream very gently. I do not apply a lot of pressure to my nail bed. I have fragile, brittle nails, but they look stronger and healthier than they have in a very long time. I like that I can apply oil to my hands after buffing and washing and that the oil can cover my actual fingernails. This is a technique I’m trying for myself to try to find a way to have pretty, healthy nails without nail polish. I have not done any research on the long term risks or benefits of buffing.
Perhaps I should limit the buffing to once per week.
The living book I have read and continue to read is the Bible. It has transformed my life. 😊 The habit I want to work on is intermittent fasting and I look forward to watching your video! Thanks for sharing!
Amen, Lisa!
Oh this is great we do Charlotte mason homeschooling and are encouraged to read living books to our children but we struggle with this finding one they like and one we like but we read the bible daily to them and i never thought of it as living book so now i feel we doing this 👏🏽🙏🏽
Same with me. Jesus transformed my life. Recently I’m following Heather Baxter’s Bible study on you tube. It has revitalized my Bible study. Blessings
I just started ordering my groceries online . I was resistant too, but now I can't BELIEVE I waited so long to do it. Never going back!
Amen Michele!! Me toooooo since covid! I love it!!
Another advantage is we order online only the things that we really need! A visit to the store means buying so many things that was not in the most needed list and then a big bill makes us feel uncomfortable and difficulty of arranging in the apartment all the extra bought too!!!🤭
I do not use online grocery shopping - except when life is chaotic - appointments etc - because I actually enjoy food shopping, and it is like a little vacation for me, but I am at a different stage of life than you are. I used to wake up early when I was younger too - amazing what you can get done. One habit I have is I like to sew/quilt - and make a lot of items for our household, and being able to safely leave that set up somewhere allows me to grab a half hour here or there and not have to set up every time. Again, amazing what you can do in short bursts of time.
I like to go shopping for my groceries too, my outing
Same I look forward to grocery shopping
Reading out loud to my older children has been the number 1 most effective thing I started in my homeschool 4 years ago.
I've been reading the Winnie the Pooh series to my boys and we are laughing together so much! I never realized how funny those books were with that classic British humor. Great bonding and a wonderful habit.
I love Winnie the Pooh!
Don’t forget Paddington the bear! He has hysterical adventures
We loved reading chapter books aloud at night when the children were young. I love the ones you are reading. We also enjoyed Pollyanna and Pollyanna Grows Up.
When the boys are around 8-12, I highly recommend The Wilderking Trilogy by Jonathan Rogers.
Winnie the Pooh was a cherished read for me, too. Nice choice.
My daughter is 20 and still fond of those books.
A habit that has changed my life recently is what I call rolling planning. It has saved me so much time. I have a blank month or two out in the meal planner and whenever a meal went well and the people liked it I just write in in on about the same date one month out. As I do this I start to realize that the planning is done! It takes me moments rather than minutes to plan the week's meals. It means we have the non perishable ingredients mainly on hand etc and I use that bag of wild rice or what have you. Same thing with homeschooling. If something went especially well into the blank planner it goes. It has made weekly planning a tiny task when it used to take forever. Loved your video! You've been an inspiration for good habits. Thank you!
I love that! What a great idea!
Attachment parenting and cosleeping make it so I can’t get up early before my kiddos. I know this is just a season of life for us. However, I do notice that I get much more sleep than lots of adults I know. I am often surprised at how little sleep some people give themselves. Lovely video! Thank you.
My daughter has never forgotten me reading to her: Theatre Shoes, An Old-fashioned Girl, and Pride and Prejudice. All greats and hugely influential, as it turned out!
At what age, do you think, can we start them on Pride and Prejudice? :-) I have a 10yo. :-)
I’ll never forget my mom reading you us every afternoon before nap time! And to the comment about how young to read Pride and Prejudice? I think it would just depend if she was interested yet? I think I would let my 9 year old niece watch it, but I do remember the great anticipation of coming back to our book every day so it would depend if she likes those stories. Lamplighter Theatre has excellent old books and they list them by recommended age groups.
I do miss our early homeschooling days. My kids are in college now, one nearing the altar. Those days of reading aloud to your kids will bear so much fruit!! By high school, they are teaching themselves independently, but if they let you, keep reading aloud through high school. Mine did not go for it, but I wish we could have.
So sweet
Completely agree about reading classics with your kids. Not only is it fun, but it pays off later for their intellectual development and academic success.
I started this with my child when he was very young .I loved that phase of life Now he is 16 years old and has read more books than me and has a library of his own.
I find a good habit for me is to do my least favorite task first to get it over and done with. Gives me a good feeling to know it’s off my list.
“If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.”
-Mark Twain
Good habits: I am very consistent with making my bed and getting my morning going. Habit I am working on is going to bed with a clean sink (flylady method), so far I am doing well. Wishing everyone else the best of luck this February as they accomplish their little habits.💗
We have very similar habits - Walmart grocery delivery has improved my life and saved us money. I joined a great Bible study group, and I’m now at my three year anniversary of attending barre classes three days per week. I’ve been intermittent fasting for nine months, and this is one of the most seismic shifts in my life. I’m free. I have energy and health. I never have to diet again. My mind is so much more nimble and it is helping me let go of no longer needed possessions also, and clearing space in my home. Thank-you so much. So glad I found you.
When my daughter was a young girl we would read together before bed. Our favorite books were the Anne of Green Gables series! Wonderful memories!
I have a T-shirt that says “Grocery Pickup is my Jam.” With 8 kids and 2 pickup orders a week; enough said. 😄
Jennifer, I would like to say that watching your videos has inspired me so much especially in the cleaning area. I have been cleaning my house unlike I've ever cleaned it before. It is a wonderful habit I picked up from you and I simply just add one item of deep cleaning that I didn't do before and work on that for a small amount of time each day until the room is just spotless from head to toe. I would love to listen to audiobooks while doing this but I've never been able to because my mind wanders too much and then suddenly I'm lost in the book and I keep having to rewind to find out what's going on, LOL.
That's wonderful, Leslie!
A good habit that I have is cooking from scratch. That is something I can thank my family for because it was simply the way I was raised and to this day, though the daily cooking of adulthood can feel like a burden on some days, it is still the most effortless habit of mine. I also used serious meal planning for a couple years to achieve a financial goal and it was succesfull !
One habit I'm working on, and your content helps me a lot with that, is to be more regular with my chores. I am great with big seasonal cleanings, those that take a full day, to a full week-end, but I don't allow enough time to maintain it the way I want as I pack my day with "more important" tasks. Rediscovering homemaking as a joy and a pleasant interior as a priority, rather than second thoughts, is life-changing. Thank you for that !
I wouldn’t have called myself a bad housekeeper before, but the book “The Joy of Housekeeping” by Ella Miller (you can find used copies on Amazon) has changed and helped my perspective so much!!
@@Rosie_C Thanks for the recommendation, I put it on my To Read List !
I just loved this! Thanks to an earlier vid of yours, I've decided to break the bad habit of multitasking at luncheon. I used to process mail, read snippets of things, do a crossword puzzle, write lists, but I barely tasted my food and felt tired and not rested or refreshed afterwards. So, these days, I'm trying to develop the habit of paying attention to my meal and really savoring it, perhaps looking out the window and admiring the sky or the trees. That's tough for me, but I'm working on it. Thanks for another wonderfully inspiring video!
I completely relate to being a messy cook. My husband used to always be baffled by how quickly I could make such a mess. I have now learned to clean as I go. Putting dirty dishes in the sink, putting away spices I no longer need. I’m honestly a lot less stressed when I cook now. Certainly not perfect in this area but I have improved greatly.
Me, too! Way less stress!
My habits have been to fit in exercise. Sometimes its going to gym, or walking on my lunch hour and on bad weather days, I walk the stairwell, I work in a tall office bldg 🙂. To-Do Lists have been essential since my high school years. Also, every Monday I pay bills, make apptmts, restock bathrooms, make and mail greeting cards. Once a week, I take a disabled family member out to dinner and shopping (takes my mind off my own problems). Before Covid, attended church every time the doors were open and taught classes or help with childrens dept (feeds my spiritual and improves my coping skills). Always put back up, hang up, put away, after I use something. Listen to videos or UA-cams while cleaning house and working in yard, and in the car alone. Birthday and Christmas gifts are oftentimes results of my hobbies, knitting and photography. Before going to bed, kitchen is cleaned using my e-cloth, tidied up, sinks scrubbed and dried. I plan menus, use crock pot and insta pot often. Donate to thrift stores often. That's all I can think of!!
The way I got my kitchen messed under control when I was cooking, is every time I need it to wash my hands I washed it washing whatever dirty dishes were in the sink. My best habit is waking up at 5:00 am, its like a domino effect for the rest of my day.
Thank you for being a positive role model for me. One of the things I do on your list that has made my life so happy is reading living books with my children every day. I feel like they have such rich happy childhoods because of this. I am continually working on doing all the other things you list here.
I love ordering my groceries online, however I have them bring them out to the car. I try and plan that day also for post office, gasoline, carwash, and other errands.
I LOVE your meal plan (what's for dinner) videos. You make the most delicious, reasonably easy, but still classy, meals. I love your variety. Please keep doing your what's for dinner videos! 😊
I have been ordering groceries for a few years now. It makes my mom life so much easier. We also homeschool and I can't drag my kids along. It's a life saver.
Thank you for your amazing channel, Jennifer. You help us keep motherhood classy! We appreciate all you do! 😘
Thank you so much!
Agree about your meal planning videos! I liked your recent one about what you make when you don't feel like cooking - nice to see you sometimes rely on frozen convenience foods like the rest of us lol, but give them a bit of an upgrade!
I resisted at first due to fees and having to tip, but relented during chemo and hubby working 60 hour weeks and I don't drive. Lifesaver!
So sorry I hit the wrong button-
Regarding being a messy meal planner - I have a few tips that may be helpful...
1. Never set the dirty utensils, bowls, pots/pans etc in the sink... either rinse and place in dishwasher or hand wash them in between steps and leave them to air dry- for oven safe items set the oven to 200* (especially if your recipe will requires baking), they will dry quickly this way and be ready to use again - this will limit the amount of dishes being potentially being dirtied.
2. Delegate the task of ‘assistants’ to children who are old enough .
3. For recipes that require ‘pre-steps’ (browning meet, mincing garlic/onions etc. as often as possible prepare enough of these ingredients for at least 2 more meals at one time, label and store so they are quickly assessable, making meal prep quicker.
4. Like one day to do big cleaning jobs... scheduling an entire afternoon to prepare the meals for the week that can be pre-prepared- ultimately saves time and resources- all hands on deck for the children and hubby if he’s available is a great way to teach new skills, bond, and create memories and traditions... not to mention - I learned as a child, ‘many hands make light work’ ~ ‘when you love what you do, it’s not work’. These mottos if you will, passed down to me and from me to my children. It always tickles my funny bone to hear my daughters share these mottos with their peers, friend and recently our newlywed daughter was encouraging her husband with these mottos - who would have thought:)
Hope these help!!
I don't have children yet, but reading "living books" was one of the best things my own mother did for me as a child. It fostered a lifelong love of reading and exploring through literature. By the time I was in 6th grade and first took a reading level assessment, I was at college level comprehension. Thanks, Momma!
The habit I need to work on is exercise. I never thought this would be something i would have to work on because I used to love to be active. I walked everywhere and would think of reasons to be active. After an injury things changed. I want to get back to my old ways
Me too
C s Lewis Narnia Books are Great for children
I write my prayers to God and talk to Him about my devotional, verses I’m learning & what’s going on in my life.
Working on becoming more organized.
Thank you so much for recommending this book, the way it’s written makes it so easy to read and understand! A habit I’m working on is doing something right away that needs to be done instead of waiting and putting it on my to-do list which then gets pushed to the next day and then the next, etc. one habit that has changed my life is waking up early to help my Grumpy each day. It sets into motion a series of good habits that have changed my life and so many wonderful things have come from it. I look forward to your one year checkup🌹
Thank you, Nikki! I'm glad you're enjoying the book!
We started ordering groceries online because of the pandemic, and it does save time, and even with a service fee, money as well. I also have begun losing some weight from intermittent fasting.
That's so great, Becky!
Becky how long did it take you to notice weight loss?
It took about a month or so. I started to notice my clothes were looser after two weeks.
@@beckyunderwood4220
Thank you! I’ve only been on it about a week and I’m going to keep going :)
Amen to reading to and with kids. I don't have any children yet, but some of my happiest memories from childhood involve snuggling up with my mom and little brother while she read all of the Narnia books to us ❤️
A recent habit that I have found super helpful is to have three meals a day and no snacking. I tried intermittent fasting but I found it wasn't great for me, so I went back to eating breakfast and got really strict with myself about not eating between meals. It is the easiest thing in the world and it was the one thing I tried that finally helped me stop obsessing about food constantly. I don't crave junk food anymore and I never feel deprived. I also find that I have more energy, better sleep and the dark circles under my eyes lightened up a lot.
Thanks for sharing your experience! No snacking is my goal. 😶 I am trying to heal from discovering I can’t do gluten anymore, and they recommend eating small, frequent meals and after a week and a half I already realized I can’t live like this!
Yes for me it's starting my day meditating, drinking my vitamins, having hot lemon water, and having a nutritious breakfast. Other habits is getting in 30 minutes of exercise, enough sleep, reading, and prioritizing my time.
Can you make a video about “living books” or just books worth reading for children. Also do you read one book for all your children? Are they all interested (age-wise)?
Yes please!
Ditto
Yes!!!!
great idea
My mom read old classics to ages 2-8 and we loved it! We got to gather in one room before nap time and if you were quiet, you could listen and didn’t have to go to sleep as soon. It challenged our comprehension and strengthened our reading skills.
Making my bed as soon as I get up every morning! It's a small thing, but somehow it makes me feel as if I've taken an important and early-in-the-day step toward getting control of the chaos in my life. Loved this video. Thank you, Jennifer.
Online ordering: same here! Swore I would never do it. Due to Covid I tried it, and now we have weekly deliveries. It gives so much peace.
1) reading scripture first thing in the morning
2) singing to my babies while breastfeeding (calming for both of us, bonding, and good for language development)
3) Sending my toddlers out of the room when they tantrum-- everyone says just ignore it but I feel it really creates a negative atmosphere in the whole home, so our rule is that they have to stay in their rooms as long as they're crying and I will listen to requests only when they calm down
Loved this video. We just had our fourth child and are homeschooling for the first time this year. Definitely in survival mode at the moment. This brought be so much encouragement and a few good ideas.
It’s worth it! :) Someday, you won’t regret it!!
I read to my daughter all her childhood... our fun thing was to go to library on weekend and get 10 books every 2 weeks...she loved the process of picking them out...it’s vital to make them good writers, readers, student, etc. she’s now 32 and awesome
Jennifer. I loved your inspirational list of good habits. May I suggest something that helps me. A friend suggested this to me years ago and it has helped me enjoy cooking more. When I bein to prepare a meal I prepare a sink or large bowl of hot soapy water. As I cook. I put dirty pans and bowls in the water and wash up as I have time. I have always stressed out when having large family dinners. This really helps at those times
In the kitchen, as in the rest of your life, planning and preparing is 3/4 of the battle to a clean cooks kitchen.
If you gather and prepare ALL of your ingredients then clean up after the preparation is done the you move on to the cooking phase. If you're prepping while you're cooking there's no time to clean up in between all of the cooking actions. So while you're cooking you can then clean up any dishes or any cooking related messes as you go. I know this because we used to call me hurricane Melissa in the kitchen. I realized a lot of the time I was cooking in a hurry and I was n't doing it at a nice slow pace. So just take your time and enjoy the process and go in prepared like everything else you do. Happy cooking!
Yes! I've had to learn to slow down in the kitchen, too. The meal gets done cleanly and I am not stressed out. Before: feverish pace/messy at the end/too tired to clean it up. Now: deliberate pace/clean and put away as I go/ no cleaning to do when I'm done. Life changer!
Thank you, Jennifer. for all the life coaching you've provided over the year.
My kids are grown, but what I miss the most is read great books to them everyday. We homeschooled for 16 years. We read many years worth of Sonlights recommended books and so many others.
My warmest memories as a mother of four children are of reading living books and poetry together as a family. Sometimes we would sit around the woodstove at night and my husband would read to us. Sometimes my children and I would snuggle together on the sofa and read together. Sometimes the kids would spread out and do something with their hands, like constructing leggo creations while I read. These are the best of memories.
When i do routine chores, i try to get what i call scientific method. That is i plan each. & every move i make. So that i can to it by rote. No thinking involved of what to do when. Chores go very fast that way. And sometimes an idea will pop into my head of a way i can even improve on my scientific method.
As a former homeschooled child I concur with your advice regarding living books. The memories I have of my mother reading classics to me are amongst my most cherished. It sparked good conversations and inspired a love of reading in my own life.
I am rebuilding habits after a stressful season. I’m rebuilding my exercise habit (4x weekly), networking (3x weekly), and reading more. I am aiming for 1 chapter a night. I also switched from a paper planner to wunderlist (now Microsoft To-Do). I am loving the digital format for this season of life.
I have been working on building self-discipline this month, and one area I’ve needed to be more disciplined in is my sleeping habits. I set my goal at waking up before my children (again- somehow I fell out of the habit??), and I decomposed that goal into several measurable, small habits! (What you’re calling ‘atomic habits,’ it sounds like.) For me, it all begins the night before! I’ve created a lovely and relaxing (screen free!) bedtime routine that includes leisurely caring for my hygiene/skin, exercising, journaling, and reading before bed.
(I just finished ‘An Old Fashioned Girl’ by L. Alcott again because it’s just so insightful and wholesome. This time, I wrote down quotes that were ‘life changing’ for me, inspired by your ‘life changing secrets from [book]’ series.)
But it’s not just about me! Before my night time routine ever begins, I have started establishing a similar bedtime routine with my children- their hygiene, reading wholesome literature and poems before bed, and lots of cuddles, singing Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-6), etc. It’s been really wonderful!!
I homeschooled my kid with Sonlight. We had daily read aloud books. I absolutely loved it. You know I learned more homeschooling my kids than I did in college. My kids are grown up but I still remember reading to them and how much fun we had!
I am really wanting to wake up earlier. It's one of my goals for 2021. Grocery shopping really relaxes me, but I have friends, who say the same thing about delivery. 😊
i suddenly realized my mother had sent my daughter one of your books when she got her first job with microsoft...i raised my beautiful alaskan native daughter in a remote cabin in alaska with no running water or electricity for the first couple of years and once again my mother sent me many beautiful childrens books. I built a bed platform four feet high and made selves at the end of the bed for five shelves of books which i read to her by the propane light (pat the bunny being her first) we played alot by the ocean (my front door) and as far as getting up early as you know having children is a sure fire alarm clock!!!now shes extremely successful (kind of shocks me since i was an artist but very organized) AND HAVING A DOG WAKES YOU UP TOO!!! i enjoy your videos even though my lifestyle very different PLANNERS all my life since high school and my daughter does those bullet list journals with amazing handwriting ...guess i miss her now that shes out of the nest and just announced SHES GETTING MARRIED...OK HOW DOES THE DAILEY CONNOISSEUR plan a wedding for next summer in ALASKA OMG and she wants the bells and whistles OMG? and i live 3,000 miles away
This was such an interesting video. You have several habits that I absolutely love....reading, reading, and more reading. For me and for my children. I taught them to enjoy reading. As for writing,I haven’t been as engaged with that lately but when I was, I rose early. I needed the quiet time before the phone rang or others started moving around. I’m really trying to work on the bedtime routine and meal planning. I’m so tired at bedtime that I fall into bed and don’t always take the time to remove my makeup and take care of my skin. I want to get into a pampering routine to ready myself for bed...to relax and just be. One thing I used to do was read every night before sleep. Now, I find myself looking at UA-cam on my tablet. Im going to work on that. Reading relaxes my mind in a way that video does not. This video certainly generated a lot of thought. Thank you.
Thanks, Denise! I sent you an email this morning xx
I have piggy-backed my bedtime routine to be right after my dinner clean up routine so that I get my bed turned down, a book on top of the quilt, and my make-up washed off before I get too tired to make wise decisions.
@@happypace9414 I like that idea. I tried putting my pjs on early last night and it was better. I wasn't so tired when it came to actually getting into bed. I still need to work on the video thing. Thank you for your suggestions. I'm going to continue to do that and write it in the tracking section on my planner.
Oh my goodness-First of all, I have you on while I’m cleaning my kitchen (sort of like you and audible!) Secondly, my daughters and I are also reading Little Women right now! It is such a sweet book to bond over. My youngest, who has thought she was too old for dolls, now wants to get her dolls back out like Beth and treat them with tenderness! I second your recommendation of living books. Lastly, you would love the Literary Life podcast-many wonderful discussions about books and living books for children.
Your hair and makeup are especially gorgeous in this video ! Meal planning is one habit that has sooo many benefits (less food and money wasted, better eating, no dread about what to cook for dinner, yummy leftovers, better use of my time, etc). I fall apart when this habit falls by the wayside. Stay safe and best wishes from Australia 🤗
This was a really helpful video Jennifer and has arrived on a day when I’m busy trying to re-set after some very depressed days. Getting up early is my biggest problem though...I was putting my alarm in a different room and that helped because I’d be listening out for it so that it didn’t wake my son. The trouble is that then I’m very tired mid-afternoon which I’m not sure there’s a solution for! X
I had to cut out sugar- it makes me really tired around 3pm. I try to have a little snack around then and maybe a cup of coffee. If all else fails I do some burpees or some pushups because I know that will wake me up!
I experienced extrem tiredness because of low iron. Have you gotten your iron and b12 checked? Just a suggestion. I feel like a new person after getting an iron infusion!
@@star_sailor6446 I haven’t had it checked...maybe I should. Thanks🙂
I have dealt with anemia for over 15 years (and just found out I have Celiac Disease), but I find it so helpful just to sit down for 15-60 minutes and get off my feet for a bit in the afternoon or when I get very tired. Then I’m back to running around and can finish my next responsibilities!
Love James Clear! One of my favorite habits is waking up before the sun comes up, going outside to watch the sunrise as I pray and read my Bible.
It’s my special time with God and starts my day beautifully.
We moved from Southern California to Texas in November, and its been too cold to do that here. I really miss it though. So happy Spring is approaching!
As a teacher... yes please read to your kids as often as possible! Teachers can see the huge difference in Kids who are read to v.s. Kids who are not read to.
You don't have to be perfect but even just a few nights a week will help your child grow tremendously!
I am working on the habit of telling myself I need to leave 10 minutes earlier than I really do, to overcome always leaving late. 😳 It works when I do it! For example: I have to be at the church at 4:00, so I tell myself to leave at 3:40 for a less than 10 minute drive. It’s so relaxing to not worry about rushing because I left late!
Walmart pick up has changed my life!
Me too! It seriously has changed how I plan my week.
My neighbor started Walmart pick-up because of the pandemic. She says she loves it and will never stop using that service. I haven't tried it yet but am seriously thinking of trying it.
Yes!! 100%
Same!! Just tried it for the first time about 4 weeks ago & I'll never go back to the long & exhausting trips to the grocery store with kids in tow...😁😁
I do Walmart delivery! 99% happy with it! $12 a month is so worth it.
I read books to my children every night also. My oldest was being read to in high school! Oh my, how I miss those times. I have read them thousands of books through the years. I can attest to the closeness we all felt AND the knowledge that comes from that habit. My kids are now 25, 22, and 20. If I could go back to anything in the world it would be to nursing, cuddling, hand holding and reading. ❤️ I paid it forward. My oldest just graduated from law school (full ride) my middle received an amazing fellowship for his PhD, and my baby has a full ride for undergrad. Not that those are the most important things in life-they certainly are not-but they are foundational for their particular futures. Read parents, read!
I think this was lovely. For me I love shopping locally. I love supporting my neighbors and townspeople. The farmers market is heaven with its colors and smells and joy, and veggies picked the night before.....
I have dreamt of being a writer for years. At almost 40, I’m afraid the ship has sailed. Watching this is reminding me... just do a little everyday. Then maybe hopefully I can say that I have published 5 books one day!
It has not sailed! 40 is young! :)
Lots of writers didn’t start till late in life. One bit of advice I’ve gotten about writing is that if you aren’t getting rejected then you aren’t writing enough. I only did freelance garbage for blogs on the side occasionally when I was in my twenties. I’m 37 now and am 300 pages into my first novel. It’s uneven at best. That’s what rewrites are for. If you want to do fiction I highly recommend Atwood and Patterson in MasterClass. I have an M.A. in literature and have found their advice to be helpful whether or not you have a background in literature.
I love the beautiful videos you included, especially the one of the mother reading to her children. I am also a messy cook, what has helped me is having a large bowl with sudsy hot water in the sink. As I finish using spatulas, forks, knives etc I drop them in that bowl and I try to keep an all natural surface cleaner nearby with paper towels so that I can wipe as soon as I’m done. I quickly rinse off the items in the bowl and put into the dishwasher before I even sit down. I also quickly spray the counters and stovetop immediately after I cook. It’s never perfect but it really makes a huge difference . When I’m done with a meal I have a clean kitchen. I might have a pan to wipe up but that’s usually it. Hope this tip helps! Xx
Almost forty? Oh, girlfriend, please. You've got plenty of time.
I think I already have some of the habits you mentioned. What I need to work on is to consistently sit in my prayer space every morning and listen to my Bible in a Year podcast or continue with my own bible study. Lent is beginning, the perfect time. I had this book on video and haven't listened to it, but I see it's only 5 hours. I'm starting today.
Ordering groceries has been a game changer for me!
Taking vitamins, I am doing this from the day I got my first baby( 17 years ago ). I can't do it without. Now I am 41 in perimenopause and I added colagen and perimenopause vitamins. I feel fantastic. I am also teaching at home and I agree with weaking up early( I am a morning person) and prepare the lesson before children will be in the setting.. I follow most of this atomic habits , about fasting absolutely agree. Thank you for this.
Thank you very much for all this tips. Writing is on my list I was a jurnalist but I stopped writing( I don't have much time ) but I will do my best to restart writing. I am a bad cook as well🫣 but again we live to learn and improve our life🤗
I'm in a different place in life. Retired now, I've been a full-time caretaker for my elderly invalid mother. As her health has declined, I began having groceries (and everything else!) delivered so that I wouldn't have to leave her alone in the house. I also have whole-house sound (speakers in every room) and thoroughly enjoy doing my chores with either an Audible book or a news program. Much to my delight, when my mother could no longer enjoy reading, we discovered that she really liked listening to short stories. They took her away to places in her mind that her body could no longer visit. There are all kinds of tools available for almost every situation. We just need to look around for them.
I just made a list of 10 things -some I do already, some I need to improve, but all are important. thank you for getting us thinking about this. Each day - bible study. I do this now thru Bible Study Fellowship...truly amazing. What I need to get better at: MOVE each day. At over 50, the struggle is real with muscle and metabolism loss.
I’ve had my groceries delivered for over 14 years now. I hate shopping for anything. My neighbor and I outsource everything we can afford and split the delivery charge if one applies. I order for my mom and take it to her so she doesn’t need to do a thing ❤️
I meal prep each week. I tend to do the same 1-2 things for lunch each day and then switch up the dinners. I double each dinner so it makes leftovers so I only need to cook about 3 dinners , then the other 3 dinners are leftovers of those meals, and then 1 dinner is either take out or perhaps a frozen meal like pizza or fish. I intermittent fast and don’t eat breakfast but I prep smoothies for each day and I drink this since I get out of my fast to tide me until my lunch meal. It is so simple and saves me time and money and I love that I’m not wondering every day what we will eat for dinner. I’ve even lost weight doing this without even trying too much.
I order online groceries since covid and I will never look back!!! Amazing time saver and I also do meal planning since covid. I plan my day, week and month, journal every single day and do daily devotions so I have my time with God every day and I also have an attitude of gratitude daily. Great video. Thanks! 😊
Well, I am disabled with arthritis now. But I get up about 6:30, get dressed. go outside. I get my landlords newspaper and put at her door, and open mail box. I go in back yard and pick up stray leaves or if a lot, I sweep. its about 10 minutes. By that time I am hurting, so I go in and make coffee. I read or do diamond painting or or a puzzles. One of my favorite books is Ann Morrow Lindbergh-A gift from the sea. meditations on youth and age, love and marriage, peace, solitude, and contentment during a brief vacation by the sea.
My Mom's friends used to ask her why her kitchen wasn't a disaster area when she was done preparing meal. Her solution was to put items back when you're finished with them and wash the prep dishes and pans as you finish with them. When your meal is over, all you have to do is wash the dishes that were on the table. I've always used her plan in my own kitchen and it works!
I ordered groceries online during quarantine but now I am back to shopping in person. I leave the house by myself on Saturdays, spend an hour with a treat, a coffee and my journal and Bible, then shop at Aldi alone. It is the highlight of my week. Shopping at Aldi has saved me $200/month vs Walmart.
My son.wanted to lose weight and his friend told him to eat slowly. He watched several UA-cam videos, and continues to eat very slowly. His stomach bloating has totally gone away. He loves eating that way. This is an awesome video. You always inspire me.
Well, I'm a neat and tidy cook because of two little habits that I adopted years ago--Put things away as soon as I use them. I take the salt out, measure it and put the container back (or oil or whatever ingredient). And clean as I go, wiping up spills, etc. rather than waiting until the end when it's a huge mess. I've given up working on the getting up early thing. I struggle with S.A.D and winters in MN are so dark and cold that I can't do it. And now that my family is raised and gone I don't have to, so I sleep until the light wakes me up. I am working on the "Snacking is so not chic" and the intermittent fasting thing. I hope they work for me as well as they have worked for you. Keep up the chic encouragement and good work! I love the Victoria magazine profile of you!
YES YES YES to reading living books with our children! It was something that I started with them prior to deciding that I wanted to homeschool them this year. They are still young 7, 4, and 2, but we have already read SO many wonderful classic/living books together. Because I’m so passionate about it, I ended up choosing Sonlight for our curriculum and have been introduced to even MORE wonderful living books within their History/Bible/Literature portion! We are all loving this literature based curriculum. Aside from the Bible, we typically read our “living” books together in the afternoon during the 2 year old’s nap time! You’re absolutely right about it being life-changing! I’ve always loved life-giving books and it’s something I’m so grateful to share with my children! Homeschooling has been SUCH an incredible blessing for our family! Certainly the silver lining of the pandemic. I don’t know that my husband and I would have chosen this route for our family if it weren’t for the trial run we had last school year March-June when my son was in kindergarten at a private Christian school! ☺️
Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful habits Jennifer! This was a really fun video to listen to!
Have you ever heard of Lamplighter Theatre? I bet you would like it. :) Love all of their books and audio dramas!
I find that ordering online is helpful but at the same time for me in particular I wasn’t saving money and I would get some items spoiled. Like fruits. All the money not overspent on groceries was spent on delivery fees. So now I try to plan my grocery shopping while my son is at school. I only have 2 children so that helps. Definitely if I had 4 I would probably just pay the delivery fee. 😆
I do want to start waking up early, i get so much done if I do that. Also I want to do the fasting. You look great!!! I want to lose my belly fat which I gained while pregnant with both my kids. When I stopped breastfeeding my eldest I gained all the weight I had lost. So I know this is a big possibility with my second. He is still breastfeeding, but soon I’ll go back to work and will have to stop.
I've been watching your channel for a little while and just realized you home school! I'm encouraged to see more home schoolers out there! We are on our 9th year home schooling.
I found a Precious Moments Bible and read it to my girls every night.. we also pray together every evening. On top of daily habits, we have weekly habits. Some of these include family devotions, financial deliberation and church.. just to name a few. :) God bless your journey!!
As a retiree I started to lose my energy and drive. I was feeling overwhelmed with our projects to get things in order. I started a couple of new habits: (1) taking a brief walk first thing. I call it my energy walk. After a couple of blocks I return, have breakfast and coffee, get ready for the day. While on my walk I listen to a meditation app. So far it is helping me. I'm able to focus on tasks, my love to study French and improve my cooking.