How to Beat Overwhelm and Get Back to Your Goals

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more likely than not that you’ve been dealing with sky-high levels of stress and anxiety. If you’ve managed to keep your anxiety in check, maybe you can relate to feeling a major shortage in your motivation. Whatever you’ve been dealing with this past year, don’t be too hard on yourself—and remember that it’s never too late to dive back into your personal health and wellness goals. 

click on the photo above for a free wellness wheel printable

If the thought of revisiting your pre-pandemic habits and routines makes you want to crawl into bed and hide, don’t worry—you’re not the only one! Luckily, with the right tools you can reduce the overwhelm and make the process far more manageable. 

Similar to how journaling is a helpful tool to gain some control over your self improvement ambitions, visual goal tracking is another method that can help you do the same. Using a visual system to track your wellness goals provides clarity and structure, along with a source of accountability to keep you focused each step of the way. 

To help you get back on the path to a happier, healthier and more balanced lifestyle, these printable wellness habit trackers are a perfect place to start. 

Spread Love and Positivity With Gratitude + Printables

Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for something or someone no matter how big or small it might be. It’s a simple concept, but sometimes it’s easy to forget just how fortunate we are. However, even when times are hard, there is always something to be grateful for. 

It could also be something as important as your health or as small as the warm cup of coffee you drank this morning. Whether you're grateful for something that is big or small, acknowledging your gratitude is a form of self-care that sparks positivity within ourselves.

Expressing gratitude to yourself and sharing it with others offers a variety of benefits including improving your self-esteem and your mental health. If you are trying to incorporate more gratitude in your life to show your appreciation, check out some of these simple ways to start today.

Gratitude Journal Worksheet

The importance of self-gratitude is often overlooked, as we tend to feel insecure or are constantly putting others needs before our own. However, learning how to practice self-gratitude will not only help you on a journey to self-love and confidence, but it will also inspire you to make necessary changes in your life for a healthier lifestyle.

You can start by being more mindful of the positives in your life whether it be for others, your health or the roof over your head. Journaling is a great way to take an active step toward taking control over your life as well as improving yourself. To help you get started on your journey to a happier and healthier lifestyle, use this gratitude challenge worksheet to take note of the positives in your life.

Send a Gratitude Card to Someone You Appreciate

Another great way to show your gratitude is by surprising people you appreciate with a gratitude card. It’s the perfect quarantine-friendly way to share gratitude, especially since COVID-19 continues to keep loved ones apart. Whether it’s a significant other, a friend or neighbor, sending a simple card full of appreciation and gratitude goes a long way.  Try this printable gratitude card to send to a loved one to let them know you’ll always have their back just like they have yours.

Learning how to practice gratitude not only spreads positivity and love to those around you, but to yourself as well. Whether you want to express gratitude to someone special in your life or are looking for new ways to practice self-care, a gratitude journal worksheet will serve you well.

DIY Mother’s Day Gift Tags

As many of us are spending more time at home, it’s the perfect time for a DIY project. With Mother’s Day approaching, we wanted to share these free and elevated DIY gift tags perfect for wrapping.  

These free gift tags from our friends at Zola are perfect for other special occasions such
as birthdays, weddings, baby showers, and more. Check out our four unique designs
that you can download and print at home. 

Whether you are gifting something wellness focused or sentimental, these gift tags are
the perfect way to dress up your present. You can download the blank gift tags here. 

Materials needed:

A printer 

Cardstock

A pair of scissors

Ribbon

A hole puncher 

Printable Seashell Flashcards & Scavenger Hunt

Summer is rapidly approaching — and with it, the promise of getting outside again to enjoy some salty air and sandy toes. If your family is planning a future beach vacation — whether in Florida, California, or a tropical island somewhere — you’re probably on the lookout for fun and affordable activities that everyone can enjoy. So what better way to spend a beach day than hunting for seashells?

There are hundreds of thousands of sea creatures that make shells, and each one is unique. Learning about seashells is a great way to get kids curious about marine life and basic biology. To make learning fun, try these printable seashell identification flashcards. They’re a great way to practice identifying seashells if you’re not able to get to the beach right away.

Click here to download the printable flashcards.

Once you’re able to get to the beach, put your kids’ seashell knowledge to the test by going on a seashell scavenger hunt! The first one to check off five from this printable checklist wins.

Click here to download the printable scavenger hunt.

Seashell collecting is a great way to build lasting family memories. Plus, any treasures you find are free souvenirs! Happy treasure hunting!

1 Month No-Spend Challenge Tracker - Free Printable

Whether you had a month splurging on birthday gifts or shopping trips, or just want to work on balancing your finances better, it's no secret that tackling these challenges can be tricky. With social media tempting both us and our kiddos constantly to splurge the temptation can be all too real. That's why taking on a no-spend challenge for a weekend, week, or even a month is a great way to fix your budget. Before you freak out, a no spend challenge isn't as drastic as it sounds. It doesn't mean you won't be spending anything, but instead that you'll be spending only on necessities like groceries, bills, etc. AKA, all the less fun stuff.

But just because you're monitoring your spending, doesn't mean it doesn't need to be fun! Credit.com created these helpful (and cute!) no spend printables to make saving easy. The best part about these challenges (and challenges in general_ is that you can share them on your social profiles with friends to help motivate both you and others! In this workbook, you'll run through a series of questions on how to prep for the challenge, then from there begin! We've included a wish list where you can add any temptations/things you almost bought, so that at the end you can calculate how money you would have saved. There's also a calendar to check off each day you achieve your no-spend challenge, and a worksheet on reflection so you can make long term changes!

4 Budgeting Tips for Couples to Build their Relationship

Whether you’re still in the honeymoon phase or have been together for ten years, all couples can
benefit from communication. Being together means spending a lot of time together, which can also
mean spending money together. The truth is that money issues can cause a lot of conflict in any
relationship, whether it’s a family member, friend or spouse. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to
build a strong relationship together that can help you avoid money problems. 

Like with anything, being open and honest is always the best policy. If you try to avoid discussing
bills or money with your partner, it’s time to sit down and have a “money talk” together. There are
some fabulous free printable budget templates (created by Self Lender) to help ease into the
conversation and set your relationship up for success. Make it a date night and have fun with the
questions about childhood, memories, goals, and aspirations. You might be surprised to find that
digging deeper can help grow you closer. 

1. Have a ‘Money Talk’ Together

These money conversation starters are meant to give you a better understanding of the role
finances will play in your relationship and future. You don’t necessarily have to agree on every
stance, but knowing your partner’s view will help you work together. 

• What’s more important: liking your job or making a lot of money?
• Do you want kids someday?
• When would you like to buy a house (or not)?
• What’s the next big purchase you want to make?

2. Set Some Financial Goals Together

Goal planning is a common practice but have you ever sat down to list out financial goals? These
sleek templates can help inspire you to save more, make more, spend less, or grow your credit to
increase your financial stability. These could be anything related to your lifestyle or budget. Are you
saving up for a vacation? Do you want to reach a certain amount of savings? Are you working
toward a promotion? 

3. Budget As A Couple

Even if you have separate personal budgets, taking time to sit down together and make a habit
of accountability and responsible spending. If you split expenses, budgeting together is the best
way to make sure your beliefs align. 

4. Stick to Your Budget

Budgets can be flexible, believe it or not. There will be times that unexpected expenses that come
along. The best way to react is with flexibility. Work with each other and learn what helps and what
doesn’t. Use a calendar to help keep track of expenses and income to always be on top of your
finances. 

No one said budgeting is easy and it definitely gets more complicated with two people in the
picture. Be open, trust each other, and communicate with each other to build a financial foundation
that sets you up for a happy future together.

New Home Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Moving to a new home, no matter how close or far away, can put a strain on the entire family. And while studies have shown that children 6 and under adapt the best to moving homes in comparison with older children, there are still steps parents should take when moving homes to make sure their children are as comfortable as possible. 

Over at The Zebra, they have put together expert tips for parents to follow before, during and after the move to keep communication open within the family and focus on the excitement a new home can bring rather than anxiety that can occur during the moving process. They also created new home scavenger hunts to help kids of all ages get more comfortable in their new home.

By following these tips while moving, putting the children's questions first, playing games in the new home and establishing new family rituals, parents can be set up for a successful transition into their new life. Of course, no home is complete without new home insurance, so make sure to get the best quote possible to protect the home your family will create brand new memories in for years to come.

Money Management for Kids

It’s never a bad idea to introduce your child to the concept of money, as the younger that you instill basic concepts like saving and the value of work and managing their finances the more you can ensure lifelong financial success and stability.

There are a few important things to remember when it comes to teaching your children. It’s a good idea to start with the basics, like recognizing each coin and their value. Focus on teaching your young child how to recognize coin and bill denominations, and the basics of purchasing.

To help your child understand the concept of earning money, give them an allowance for the chores they complete and keep track of what they earn on a sheet of paper. But don’t forget to teach them about how to save and decide on what to purchase with this money. The most important financial lesson they can learn will be to prioritize their purchases and practice patience.

Check out these printables created by Self Lender to help you teach your child the skills they need for financial success. The printable money games like the “coin game” will make it simple to teach your children about coin denominations and making purchases.

Back to School: Printables for the Morning Commute

Now that summer has come to a close, we feel a little sad to say goodbye to the season of travel — that is until the Holidays, which are much closer than we might realize. If you and your family had a chance to take a road trip this summer, you might know how important preparation is for a successful drive. Even those with the most enthusiastic little travelers know that an extensive time spent on the open road can wear on one’s patience. Which is why we love printables for those times when there’s no service or your kids simply need to take a break from the screens.

In fact, printable activities aren’t just for the family road trip when there’s hundreds of miles ahead of you. They’re especially great for the morning commute to school or an evening traffic jam. It’s true that you can never have too many tricks up your sleeve when it comes to keeping your kids entertained on the road.

Add this list of free road trip printables to your kids in the car activities, so whether you’re making the morning commute to school or planning for your next family road trip, all you’ll need to do is print them out!

Fun and Free Kitchen Printables

These 28 free kitchen printables from Kitchen Cabinet Kings are great if you need to add a quick

decorative pop to your kitchen and/or dining area. There are many different design types to fit all
styles of kitchen, whether it’s modern, family-friendly, or rustic farmhouse.

I personally love the “Family Makes This House a Home” printable, it’s perfect for my family dining area.
Check out the other printables, download the ones you like and print them out at home or at your local
print shop. Frame them and hang them anywhere you have empty wall space.

Family Makes This House a Home

Easter Egg Hunt Clue Printables

Spring has sprung!

I love Easter time, as it usually brings warmer weather and gorgeous flowers. Although this year, winter decided it just wasn't done sharing it's chilly white blanket with the rest of the world. No matter where you are rain or shine, may you enjoy Easter Sunday with your family.

After attending a celebration of CHrist's resurrection, you can go home and reiterate Jesus' promise - "I've come to give you new life and give it abundantly" - with an Easter egg hunt. Eggs represent new life and so do baby bunnies! 

Hiding Easter eggs around the yard or inside your home while keeping peeking eyes away is always a blast. My kids beg me to hide the eggs again after they've already found them all. Seeing their laughing eyes and smiles gets this Mama's heart every year. Whether you prefer to host your Easter egg hunt inside or outdoors, consider incorporating these adorable printables from Personal Creations into your Easter Sunday activities.

 

(please click on each individual Easter Egg clue photo to open printable links)

My favorite printable is the fill-in the blank clues, as you can really get creative with your hiding places! What’s your favorite Easter tradition?

Valentine Printable Tag

Always on the search for cool teacher gifts, I came across some monogrammed koozies a few months ago and added them to my teacher gift crate of great! Now what to do for Valentine's Day?...

It's always hard to bypass all the sweets during Valentine's Day and every holiday, who am I kidding. As I was thinking of putting together a little something for my kiddos teachers, I remembered said koozies and ran to the store for a few bottles of sweet iced tea. 

A gift wouldn't be complete without a tag, so I've taken the guess work out of it all and added one you can print out and use as well! I'm sure your teachers will enjoy a sweet token of love and it's always nice to have something tasty to drink too! This would be sweet on a bottle of honey too, buzz, buzz!

(click on the image above to pull up printable version)