Happy Monday Happy Mom!
      Do you ever feel like you have so much to do and so little time to do it? I was looking at my calendar last night and couldn't believe it's the end of February already. At the end of each month, I like to reflect on my Goal Poster and either give myself scoldings or pat myself on the back. Well, let's just say I have a lot to work on.
      I'm going to pick 3 goals from my poster to focus on this week. I will 1)stick to a budget, 2)cut out carbs and sugar for 5 days, and 3)no tv on school nights for the entire family. Sometimes we are so excited about our goals at the beginning of the new year, then as time passes, life gets in the way and we forget how important the goals we wrote down are. I find that regular reflection is so necessary. 
     In my Living Well Planner, there's a Monthly Expenses page at the end of each month's section. I try to write everything I spend down here, but if not, I keep all my receipts and then log them in my planner at the end of the month. There's even a Monthly Budget section where I log my estimated expenses, spent, and difference along with notes. I see that I had some unexpected expenses in February. As for those expenses, I'm either going to add them to my monthly budget (if it's something I can't live without) or cut them out (if it was foolish spending). So I know what I need to adjust in March. Also, there will be added expenses such as tax prep fee, feeding the kids and activity costs during spring break, and purchasing my daughters' plane tickets for the summer.
     I've been feeling a little blah lately and eating lots of extra sugar. At this time last year, I was doing a weight loss challenge, which I ended up winning. I want to go back to that lifestyle and feeling. So this week I will focus on no sugar and carbs five days a week. The easiest way to do this is food prep and food journal. A daily food journal which you reflect upon each night before bedtime is an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle.
      For some reason, my kids (especially the youngest), have been turning the tv on when they get home after school. Honestly, because I've been so busy with work, caring for my mom, parent meetings, community events, and other activities, I haven't been giving my kids as much attention and that's lead to me not enforcing our no tv on school days rule. But, then I found out homework wasn't done, chores weren't done, the kids are extra tired in the morning, and I end up upset and frustrated. Consistency is key. This week I will strictly enforce the no tv rule so our home can be a calm place. 
      I would like to encourage you to take a look at your Goal Poster and pick 3 goals to intently focus on this week. Let me know on the facebook page how things are going. 
      I hope you all have a fantastic week. Put priority on yourself. Make time! Get Happy! You are worth it!!!

What's happening at Happy Moms?
Read my article on my experience as a High-Pressure parent! Also, join me for my LIVE  Coffee Chat on Friday at fb.me/happymomhappyfamilycom

What's happening in my home?

My kitchen is full of Girl Scout cookies. I will not eat any more thin mints! We are having a rummage sale fundraiser for scouts which is a great time to get rid of a lot around the house. Three more weeks until Spring Break! Woohoo! I must start planning activities with the kids.

What's on the Menu this week?                                  
MONDAY: Lettuce wrap with tuna & balsamic, tuna melts for kids
TUESDAY: Southwestern chicken salad
WEDNESDAY: GNO, individual pizzas for family
THURSDAY: Lettuce wrap with rotisserie chicken, quesadillas with chicken and cheese for kids
FRIDAY: BBQ plate (fundraiser)- BBQ chicken, hot dog, corn and rice
SATURDAY: Steak, potato, broccoli 
SUNDAY: Baked salmon, green salad

Have a Happy week! Please let me know if I can be of help in any way with making time for yourself. Feel free to email me at mahele@happymomhappyfamily.com and please post comments or suggestions on my Happy Moms Facebook page.

Happily Yours,
Mahele