Stress Less about Birthdays and Anniversaries in the New Year!!

So here is something I do every January that is kind of fun, and makes life a lot easier throughout the year!! I have a plastic recipe-like box that is large enough to fit greeting cards.

I have tabs for each month (I made them out of cardstock paper) and for each month I write down all the birthdays, anniversaries or other events for which I might send a card. Then, I go to a stationary store or a store like Target and go card shopping for the whole year!! The good thing about stationary stores is that you can usually get a frequent buyer card so that you can buy 5 cards and then get one free.

I buy all my cards and then put them in the box by month. That way, at the beginning of each month - when I do my bills - I reach into the card box and fill out all my cards for the month. I send them out that week and don't have to worry about cards until next month!!

One quick tip - If you have an event in the first few days of a month, you might think about putting that card in the month before to make sure you get it out on time!!

I hope this makes your home a little less stressed! Until next time, I wish you a happy healthy new year with a lot less stress or at least a blog that helps you giggle at some of your stress and gives you a few helpful tips!

Frazzled - Let's Be Honest

Okay, so it is time to come clean. I have been very stressed out!!! Frazzled to no end actually. I read one of my posts and felt like it didn't truly represent what I am going through and what many of my friends go through. So, the zen cloak I have worn while writing is off!!! Here I am, frazzled like the rest of the world. After dealing with my newborn's croup, fighting off a nasty cold (for three weeks and it still isn't getting better), begging my husband to fix our dental insurance so I can fix the crown that fell off, oh maybe 2 months ago (back tooth - not visible to anyone!), cleaning up after the two hairiest dogs in the planet, working full time, writing and writing away so I can publish another book, baking for the holidays, and then trying to do day to day stuff, I have been a wee bit stressed.

So what did I do to relieve my own stress? I didn't sleep more like I should because the little man has decided that nursing every 90 minutes all night is what he likes best. I didn't take a walk because I can't really breath with this nasty cold. I didn't take time for myself because I really can't find any. So, Miss stress less, what did you do? I burst into tears while trying to empty the dishwasher.

How did that work out for you?

Amazingly well! My husband came to my aid, emptied the dishwasher and then even ordered take-out for dinner. After that he looked at me and said, "You are trying to do too much. You need to relax. Why don't I take the little man to day care tomorrow and you can sleep for a bit before heading off to work?"

Oh my Knight in Shining Armor!!! And so, here I am, tear free, better rested, accepting of the dog hair in my house, and all set for my dentist appointment next week. I guess I could have avoided the meltdown if I had just asked for some help, but in all honesty sometimes it takes a few tears for others to understand just how stressed one may feel.

So, cry away if you are at that point. The release of tears was also helpful. And ask someone for help. Really. It works!

Until next time, take care of yourself for five minutes each day. Hide in the bathroom and power nap. Take the long way home and listen to your favorite tunes on the radio. Take some time for you!