How to Organize Without Thinking About It

How to Organize Without Thinking About It - Hacks for Minimizing Clutter and Create a Full Life - Simplify - Prioritize Tasks - GrowingSpangs.com

Ever look at your home and think…where do I even start with this disaster?

I do.

If you’ve been around this blog at all, you’ve likely read about my struggle with depression over the last few years, which directly impacts the overwhelmed lens I look at everyday with.  If this is your first time here, here’s a couple of my posts that share some of my stories. Some days are just so debilitating.  M…

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The Only Resolution Goal That Will Change Your Life

The Only Resolution Goal That Will Change Your Life - for the New Year or just to set goals

Happy New Year to my fantastic readers!

But sometimes, we don’t feel so fantastic, am I right?

I rarely set new year resolutions, because I’ve learned that I will fail and that doesn’t do great things for depression or perfectionism, if you know what I mean.  For the last few years, I’ve simply thought of a word that describes my hope for the new year.

However, I was just just doing the domestic…

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One minute mom tip on how to make side money as a mom!

The Ultimate List of Mama Side Hustles

The Ultimate List of Mama Side Hustles - No Cold Calling, Direct Sales, or Surveys - Side Gigs for Moms - GrowingSpangs.com

I have always been the one to find side-gigs. I love them, and I love juggling them! Over the years, I have found some big flops, and I’ve found some worth my while.

However, when I became a mom, suddenly time was of the essence. I still longed to make side cash, but I found I really needed to find the best bang for my time-buck, not to mention I needed to find things that complimented my new,…

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Why We Need to Re-purpose & Up-cycle Our Junky Experiences, Plus A Book & Bible Study Review

Why We Need to Re-purpose & Up-cycle Our Junky Experiences, Plus A Book & Bible Study Review

*This post contains affiliate links, which means I will receive a small percentage of sales, at no extra cost to you.  Thank you supporting GrowingSpang’s mission of encouraging moms and promoting family fun that fits our busy lives!*

I didn’t really know what to expect when I picked up The Repurposed & Upcycled Lifeby Michelle Rayburn.  I started reading it, knowing a little about her.  She’s a…

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There's nothing better than fresh picked strawberries in summer. Little Miss loved picking her own and snacking on her finds in the patch at her Granny's house, and she had the stained fingers to prove it. Toddler fingers are so freaking cute. <3 Check out #ontheblog for easy ways to meet mom friends (I'm an introvert...) and 30 no-prep activities for young kids. What's your iconic summer activity or treat? Is there something your family does every summer? #summervacation #summerday #strawberries #midwestlife #pickyourown #wildandfree #adventuresofchildren #cleaneating #childhoodcaptured #delicious #funwithkids #familytime #freshfood #gardeningwithkids #happychildhood #locallygrown #our_everyday_moments #pocket_sweetness #realfood #sweettreats #toddlerapproved (at Wisconsin)

30 Easy, No-Prep Activity Ideas For Young Kids That Inspire Learning

30 No-Prep Activity Ideas For Young Kids That Inspire Learning - Easy activity ideas that can grow with your child's age and interests - Toddler and preschooler learning activity ideas - GrowingSpangs.com

Look…I love Pinterest as much as the next mom.  I’m constantly saving all of these amazing Montessori, STEM, and other brain exploding activity ideas to my boards and internet bookmarks for that someday when my act is together and I have the time to get on the floor with her to learn and play all afternoon.

Except that has yet to happen and she’s almost three.

Isn’t it so depressing to realize…

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Her obsession over the last month has been bugs. She can't get enough of them - crawling around to look at ants outside, letting beetles crawl on her fingers, reading about them, etc. The @dollartree had these little bug catcher kits with a net, tweezers, and necklace observer, so she's been wearing bugs around her neck every day for a couple of weeks. We lost a worm somewhere in Walmart, whoops. Yesterday I went to the library and a librarian pulled every junior bug book they had, so she's been pouring over those 11 books today. She also watched the Kratt Brothers on @pbskids , one of her favorite shows, and they were talking about 'research' and 'observing', so she's been going around saying those. Today, we went to #comoconservatory just to see their butterfly exhibit (where they're flying around in an enclosed tent). She was jumping up and down the whole time, and one of the zoo interns saw that she really wanted to see one up close. She took one out that had recently died of old age (they only live about 2 weeks!) and let her touch it. Other kids came over, and the keeper explained about the scales on their wings and why we can't touch living butterflies. So thankful for places like @comozooconservatory that makes learning so fun for families. <3 Hey...all in the name of #science. ;) They also currently have an exhibit going on through the end of October - animal sculptures made from trash washed up on beaches. It's beautiful, disturbing, and definitely worth checking out. What are your kids obsessed with currently? Have you stopped by a library looking for something specific recently? Do you have a local go-to place that is learning centered and fun? #comozoo #dollartree #dollartreefinds #let_there_be_delight #insect #bugs #toddlerlearning #toddlerplay #adventuresofchildren #funwithkids #kidfriendly #learning #lovethiskid #letthekids #littleadventures #momentsoverposes #butterflies #learnedsomethingnew #nature #qualityoverquantity #runwildmychild #notsponsored (at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory)

Her obsession over the last month has been bugs. She can't get enough of them - crawling around to look at ants outside, letting beetles crawl on her fingers, reading about them, etc. The @dollartree had these little bug catcher kits with a net, tweezers, and necklace observer, so she's been wearing bugs around her neck every day for a couple of weeks. We lost a worm somewhere in Walmart, whoops. Yesterday I went to the library and a librarian pulled every junior bug book they had, so she's been pouring over those 11 books today. She also watched the Kratt Brothers on @pbskids , one of her favorite shows, and they were talking about 'research' and 'observing', so she's been going around saying those. Today, we went to #comoconservatory just to see their butterfly exhibit (where they're flying around in an enclosed tent). She was jumping up and down the whole time, and one of the zoo interns saw that she really wanted to see one up close. She took one out that had recently died of old age (they only live about 2 weeks!) and let her touch it. Other kids came over, and the keeper explained about the scales on their wings and why we can't touch living butterflies. So thankful for places like @comozooconservatory that makes learning so fun for families. <3 Hey...all in the name of #science. ;) They also currently have an exhibit going on through the end of October - animal sculptures made from trash washed up on beaches. It's beautiful, disturbing, and definitely worth checking out. What are your kids obsessed with currently? Have you stopped by a library looking for something specific recently? Do you have a local go-to place that is learning centered and fun? #comozoo #dollartree #dollartreefinds #let_there_be_delight #insect #bugs #toddlerlearning #toddlerplay #adventuresofchildren #funwithkids #kidfriendly #learning #lovethiskid #letthekids #littleadventures #momentsoverposes #butterflies #learnedsomethingnew #nature #qualityoverquantity #runwildmychild #notsponsored (at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory)

Her obsession over the last month has been bugs. She can't get enough of them - crawling around to look at ants outside, letting beetles crawl on her fingers, reading about them, etc. The @dollartree had these little bug catcher kits with a net, tweezers, and necklace observer, so she's been wearing bugs around her neck every day for a couple of weeks. We lost a worm somewhere in Walmart, whoops. Yesterday I went to the library and a librarian pulled every junior bug book they had, so she's been pouring over those 11 books today. She also watched the Kratt Brothers on @pbskids , one of her favorite shows, and they were talking about 'research' and 'observing', so she's been going around saying those. Today, we went to #comoconservatory just to see their butterfly exhibit (where they're flying around in an enclosed tent). She was jumping up and down the whole time, and one of the zoo interns saw that she really wanted to see one up close. She took one out that had recently died of old age (they only live about 2 weeks!) and let her touch it. Other kids came over, and the keeper explained about the scales on their wings and why we can't touch living butterflies. So thankful for places like @comozooconservatory that makes learning so fun for families. <3 Hey...all in the name of #science. ;) They also currently have an exhibit going on through the end of October - animal sculptures made from trash washed up on beaches. It's beautiful, disturbing, and definitely worth checking out. What are your kids obsessed with currently? Have you stopped by a library looking for something specific recently? Do you have a local go-to place that is learning centered and fun? #comozoo #dollartree #dollartreefinds #let_there_be_delight #insect #bugs #toddlerlearning #toddlerplay #adventuresofchildren #funwithkids #kidfriendly #learning #lovethiskid #letthekids #littleadventures #momentsoverposes #butterflies #learnedsomethingnew #nature #qualityoverquantity #runwildmychild #notsponsored (at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory)

Her obsession over the last month has been bugs. She can't get enough of them - crawling around to look at ants outside, letting beetles crawl on her fingers, reading about them, etc. The @dollartree had these little bug catcher kits with a net, tweezers, and necklace observer, so she's been wearing bugs around her neck every day for a couple of weeks. We lost a worm somewhere in Walmart, whoops. Yesterday I went to the library and a librarian pulled every junior bug book they had, so she's been pouring over those 11 books today. She also watched the Kratt Brothers on @pbskids , one of her favorite shows, and they were talking about 'research' and 'observing', so she's been going around saying those. Today, we went to #comoconservatory just to see their butterfly exhibit (where they're flying around in an enclosed tent). She was jumping up and down the whole time, and one of the zoo interns saw that she really wanted to see one up close. She took one out that had recently died of old age (they only live about 2 weeks!) and let her touch it. Other kids came over, and the keeper explained about the scales on their wings and why we can't touch living butterflies. So thankful for places like @comozooconservatory that makes learning so fun for families. <3 Hey...all in the name of #science. ;) They also currently have an exhibit going on through the end of October - animal sculptures made from trash washed up on beaches. It's beautiful, disturbing, and definitely worth checking out. What are your kids obsessed with currently? Have you stopped by a library looking for something specific recently? Do you have a local go-to place that is learning centered and fun? #comozoo #dollartree #dollartreefinds #let_there_be_delight #insect #bugs #toddlerlearning #toddlerplay #adventuresofchildren #funwithkids #kidfriendly #learning #lovethiskid #letthekids #littleadventures #momentsoverposes #butterflies #learnedsomethingnew #nature #qualityoverquantity #runwildmychild #notsponsored (at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory)

Her obsession over the last month has been bugs. She can't get enough of them - crawling around to look at ants outside, letting beetles crawl on her fingers, reading about them, etc. The @dollartree had these little bug catcher kits with a net, tweezers, and necklace observer, so she's been wearing bugs around her neck every day for a couple of weeks. We lost a worm somewhere in Walmart, whoops. Yesterday I went to the library and a librarian pulled every junior bug book they had, so she's been pouring over those 11 books today. She also watched the Kratt Brothers on @pbskids , one of her favorite shows, and they were talking about 'research' and 'observing', so she's been going around saying those. Today, we went to #comoconservatory just to see their butterfly exhibit (where they're flying around in an enclosed tent). She was jumping up and down the whole time, and one of the zoo interns saw that she really wanted to see one up close. She took one out that had recently died of old age (they only live about 2 weeks!) and let her touch it. Other kids came over, and the keeper explained about the scales on their wings and why we can't touch living butterflies. So thankful for places like @comozooconservatory that makes learning so fun for families. <3 Hey...all in the name of #science. ;) They also currently have an exhibit going on through the end of October - animal sculptures made from trash washed up on beaches. It's beautiful, disturbing, and definitely worth checking out. What are your kids obsessed with currently? Have you stopped by a library looking for something specific recently? Do you have a local go-to place that is learning centered and fun? #comozoo #dollartree #dollartreefinds #let_there_be_delight #insect #bugs #toddlerlearning #toddlerplay #adventuresofchildren #funwithkids #kidfriendly #learning #lovethiskid #letthekids #littleadventures #momentsoverposes #butterflies #learnedsomethingnew #nature #qualityoverquantity #runwildmychild #notsponsored (at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory)

Her obsession over the last month has been bugs. She can't get enough of them - crawling around to look at ants outside, letting beetles crawl on her fingers, reading about them, etc. The @dollartree had these little bug catcher kits with a net, tweezers, and necklace observer, so she's been wearing bugs around her neck every day for a couple of weeks. We lost a worm somewhere in Walmart, whoops. Yesterday I went to the library and a librarian pulled every junior bug book they had, so she's been pouring over those 11 books today. She also watched the Kratt Brothers on @pbskids , one of her favorite shows, and they were talking about 'research' and 'observing', so she's been going around saying those. Today, we went to #comoconservatory just to see their butterfly exhibit (where they're flying around in an enclosed tent). She was jumping up and down the whole time, and one of the zoo interns saw that she really wanted to see one up close. She took one out that had recently died of old age (they only live about 2 weeks!) and let her touch it. Other kids came over, and the keeper explained about the scales on their wings and why we can't touch living butterflies. So thankful for places like @comozooconservatory that makes learning so fun for families. <3 Hey...all in the name of #science. ;) (at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory)

How to Overcome the Impossible Task of Making Mom Friends: Written by an Introvert

How to Overcome the Impossible Task of Making Mom Friends: Written by an Introvert - GrowingSpangs.com

Two years ago, we moved to the small town we call home.  Before becoming a mother, I found my identity in my work, and I found friends at each workplace.  Fresh out of postpartum depression, we moved to a Minnesotan small town, where it seems everyone grew up with each other and I’m an outsider.  Trying to desperately grasp a new identity in motherhoodwith so many questions and no one local to…

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It's dance recital season! This is our first one...nerve-wracking, keeping the littles entertained backstage for three hours at a time. But when they were so scattered all year, suddenly they can stand in a reasonable straight line on stage and watch for prompts. So cute!! Little miss loves being on stage and asks every time when she can next. I'm a big time introvert, so it's crazy to me that she loves it so much - but I'm glad! Watching her learn how to interact with her teammates while they end up sharing all of their busy materials in their wait times is so neat to see. Last performance tomorrow night! @studio55dance How about you? Have you or one of your kids tried something new recently? How did it go, and did you/they end up liking it? For those of us with littles, what's the way they interact with others their age most often? (Looking for ideas here ;) ) #littledancer #littleandfierce #littlepiecesofchildhood #ballet #toddlerlearning #toddlerfriendly #toddlerlife #makingfriends #toddlerdance #adventuresofchildren #happychildhood #kidstyle #lovethiskid #momtogs #momentsoverposes #pocket_sweetness #trysomethingnew (at Rockford, Minnesota)

It's dance recital season! This is our first one...nerve-wracking, keeping the littles entertained backstage for three hours at a time. But when they were so scattered all year, suddenly they can stand in a reasonable straight line on stage and watch for prompts. So cute!! Little miss loves being on stage and asks every time when she can next. I'm a big time introvert, so it's crazy to me that she loves it so much - but I'm glad! Watching her learn how to interact with her teammates while they end up sharing all of their busy materials in their wait times is so neat to see. Last performance tomorrow night! @studio55dance How about you? Have you or one of your kids tried something new recently? How did it go, and did you/they end up liking it? For those of us with littles, what's the way they interact with others their age most often? (Looking for ideas here ;) ) #littledancer #littleandfierce #littlepiecesofchildhood #ballet #toddlerlearning #toddlerfriendly #toddlerlife #makingfriends #toddlerdance #adventuresofchildren #happychildhood #kidstyle #lovethiskid #momtogs #momentsoverposes #pocket_sweetness #trysomethingnew (at Rockford, Minnesota)

It's dance recital season! This is our first one...nerve-wracking, keeping the littles entertained backstage for three hours at a time. But when they were so scattered all year, suddenly they can stand in a reasonable straight line on stage and watch for prompts. So cute!! Little miss loves being on stage and asks every time when she can next. I'm a big time introvert, so it's crazy to me that she loves it so much - but I'm glad! Watching her learn how to interact with her teammates while they end up sharing all of their busy materials in their wait times is so neat to see. Last performance tomorrow night! @studio55dance How about you? Have you or one of your kids tried something new recently? How did it go, and did you/they end up liking it? For those of us with littles, what's the way they interact with others their age most often? (Looking for ideas here ;) ) #littledancer #littleandfierce #littlepiecesofchildhood #ballet #toddlerlearning #toddlerfriendly #toddlerlife #makingfriends #toddlerdance #adventuresofchildren #happychildhood #kidstyle #lovethiskid #momtogs #momentsoverposes #pocket_sweetness #trysomethingnew (at Rockford, Minnesota)