Steady Mom

What Makes You a Steady Mom :: Gretchen Rubin of The Happiness Project

I've really been enjoying our interview series here this month, and I hope you've appreciated the glimpses into how other mothers make life work in their homes.

This week we are in for another treat--Gretchen Rubin of the New York Times bestselling book and popular blog The Happiness Project is sharing with us how she keeps life steady.

I found Gretchen's book both delightful to read and helpful on a practical level, and I'm so thrilled that she took the time to join in with us here.

1. What is one important, practical step you take that helps you maintain a steady rhythm in your home and how does it make a difference to your days?

I go to bed as soon as I’m sleepy. I’ve really become a sleep nut.

And I wake up at 6:00 am, so I have an hour to get myself organized for the day before my family wakes up.

That way, I don’t have to race around to take care of myself, but can focus on getting everyone out the door.

2. What is a personality weakness that motherhood has made more obvious to you and how have you tried to overcome that weakness for the sake of your children?

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, join in over at SouleMama.

If you enjoyed this post, I hope you'll subscribe to Steady Mom--it's free!


Jamie is founder of this spot called Steady Mom, editor of the blog Simple Homeschool, mama to three cute kids born on three different continents, and author of Steady Days: A Journey Toward Intentional, Professional Motherhood.

* Are you looking for an inspiring, practical read this summer?
Check out Steady Days: A Journey Toward Intentional, Professional Motherhood.
- Order your copy.
- Read an excerpt.
- Watch the book trailer.
- Download the free accompanying documents.

5 Simple Ways to Create Amazingly Memorable Traditions

Photo by Shanna

The following post is written by Steady Mom's monthly contributor, Kat.

Traditions are a powerful resource in the memory making toolkit of any parent. They give children a sense of belonging, security, and comfort. They foster a feeling of solidarity and unity within a family.

And they're just plain fun.

Here are some simple ways to create memorable traditions in your home.

1. Give an extraordinary name to something ordinary.

Every Saturday night, my parents ordered pizza. It's just what we did. But when we gave a name to it, it became a really fun family tradition. And that was how National Pizza Night was born.

Is there something you do regularly? Maybe you watch a movie every Friday or go camping every fall. Give it a fun name, "The Smith Family Movie Extravaganza‚" or "The Smith Family vs. The Wild Camping Adventure‚" and turn it into a fantastic family tradition.

No Spend Month :: A Peek Inside My Cupboards (Moms' 30-Minute Blog Challenge)

We're in the midst of week three of our no spend month, and things are beginning to look a little bare around here:

This is supposed to be our snack shelf!!



 

But wait! Look what I discovered in the very back of this freezer--originally bought for dinner guests who had to cancel months ago:



Now if that isn't something to be grateful for, I don't know what is! I'll be saving these for when we need a little pick me up towards the end of the month.

Three weeks in, $280 spent--$70 left for the rest of the month. (Yikes!)

**How are your budget (& your cupboards!) faring this month?**

If you enjoyed this post, I hope you'll subscribe to Steady Mom--it's free!


Jamie is founder of this spot called Steady Mom, editor of the blog Simple Homeschool, mama to three cute kids born on three different continents, and author of Steady Days: A Journey Toward Intentional, Professional Motherhood.

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