August Goals

It's a new month and I can hardly believe it! I say it every gosh darn month, but goodness me- July absolutely FLEW by! I've always felt that after the Fourth, Summer seems like it goes so fast. We've had quite the month- we've lived at the pool on the weekends, we've had lazy, movie watching days, and we've celebrated birthdays.

February Goals

Hey friends! It's another Monday and of course, I'm behind on sharing my monthly goals with y'all! But- HELLOOOO February! So good to see you! January went by like a whirlwind.

We had a great weekend, no set plans so we did the usual- a trip to Target, HyVee, and did a few things around the house.

Friday night we headed up to Ames to the ISU gymnastics night. They had Daddy/Daughter princess night but we all decided to go. The girls loved it and got to walk in the "Princess Parade" before the meet. I love taking the girls to Ames and sharing my love for the Cyclones with them.

Saidey kept asking "Why that bird dancing, he supposed to be angry!" She thought he looked like an angry bird from the movie!

Sophia loves Cy-cones! =)

So does Saidey!

And then on Saturday we watched the Cyclones Men's bball team take down Kansas! WOO HOO!!

Let's take a look back at my January goals and how I did:

1. Get office furniture: SEMI check! I got a couch and some cute accent chairs. I still am on a hunt for a desk, desk chair, a shelf, and of course, some decor.

I got two of these chairs and am going to create a cozy, sitting spot in my office

After sending these to the wrong address, (just to the neighbors across the street) I got my business cards in the mail! Feeling official now! =)

2. Credentialing- I have my applications sent in for the companies I want to start with. One of them has progressed to the second step so that's good news.

3. Trips- No progress. We haven't even touched this subject yet... hopefully more to come on that in February!

4. Organize: This month, I decided to tackle the girls' bathroom vanity. It was a mess of lotions, bows and headbands. I picked up a few storage containers from the Container Store and got to work. I'm super happy with how it turned out and it's functionality.

An organizers dream come true! =)

We were in really poor shape under their vanity...

A mess of pony tail holders, headbands and bows

The angels are singing!

Everything has a place!

These storage containers can be found HERE

So, now for my FEBRUARY goals!

1. Valentine's- We decided on these for the girls school... super easy and they can help me assemble! The finger lights were SUPER cheap on Amazon as well as the self sealing envelopes. I just need to get the cards printed and we're good to go!

We have 5 teacher gifts to do and I'm thinking I'm going to do this:

I think this is super simple to put together and can be reasonable on the wallet, too. 

2. Organize- I'm going to tackle another area of our home this month- I just haven't decided which one! Our basement storage area is a HUGE goal but to be honest, I'm putting it off! Check back here next month to see which area I chose! ( I know, I know, I'm letting myself off the hook by not choosing a specific spot now #donttellonme)

3. Plan Saidey's birthday party- Saidey's birthday is towards the end of March, but I'll need to start putting some ideas together. We've decided on a magical unicorn party. You can see my Pinterest inspiration here:

4. Trip- We're thinking of an adult only trip to Chicago this Spring to celebrate Will's graduate program graduation. He is SO close to being done and will have his master's degree- so proud of him. We also want to start planning a family trip for the Summer, too. 

4. Get a trim! I've been growing my hair out for about 7-9 months now and I got it trimmed FOREVER ago and so I really need to just get an appointment scheduled to get it trimmed. 

This was a picture of me at this time, last year:

woah- hello close up! But look at that SHORT hair!! 

AND NOW! I can't believe the difference! My goal is to grow it out to right above my chest, maybe longer, we'll just have to wait and see. I've been THIS close to chopping it all off again several times throughout this process.

Alright, so there's my FEBRUARY goals! 

Happy Monday- I'll be back later in the week sharing my FIVE mama must haves! 

Thanks for visiting! 

PS. I'm linking up for the first time for Mom Life Mondays! Check out all the other amazing blogs and mamas! 

xoxo

January Goals and Some EXCITING NEWS!

Well, people- it's 2017 already! We had a WONDERFUL NYE and got home in time to have a relaxing day on Monday. We got all the Christmas decor down and stored away, did laundry, watched the Iowa game, and played with all of our new stuff!

A fresh, clean start to the new year! 

It's January and of course that means it's time for January goals! This month is a little different though because several of my goals are related to my exciting news I have to share! So, that first!

Last Fall, I started looking into what it would take to start seeing therapy clients privately and ended up speaking with an old supervisor who was also looking to expand her practice. Things moved forward unexpectedly and I am so excited to announce that officially in February, I'll be moving into an office space with 5 other ladies to provide therapy services! I will continue my work at my full time job and work nights and Saturdays, or as needed. I already have started seeing clients in a temporary location. Right now, I am only accepting private pay and then once I start getting credentialed by insurance companies, will accept those insurances. So, if you know anyone in need of therapy- send them my way! =)

Here's a link to my website, you can check out!

Here's my Psychology Today profile too, where appointments can be made through. 

 But February 1st is the BIG date and there is SO much to do! From creating an LLC, to office furniture, to taxes and accounting, to figuring out all the little details- do we want to pay someone to clean or clean ourselves, to working out details of the lease and business accounts. Billing and insurance is something that I've had the luxury of not having to do and that is all changing here in the next month. Oy vey. It's been a little overwhelming to say the least and I will be honest in saying that I am a little terrified. I wonder if I will be able to build a caseload- will people come? I also feel a little traitorous- you don't go into this field for the money so doing private practice feels like I'm moving to the dark side, in a sense. I know I have to get over that and I have to know the benefits that someone would get by seeing me. I have to know my worth. Again, it's definitely a work in progress. So, for the past few months- my world has been filling out insurance applications, building my website and working with the other ladies in finding a space that would work for all of us. I could not have done it without them! I am so excited to start this journey for 2017!

That also brings me to my monthly goals

The first being all about starting in February:  1.) Get office furniture (I will need everything- from a desk, to chairs, a couch and toys for kiddos) I will need to start scouring Craigslist and other furniture stores to hopefully get stuff on sale.

2.) Credentialing- I am working on filling out the MOUNDS of paperwork needed to be credentialed by insurance companies. I am starting with one and then going to go from there. I am also going to fill out the paperwork to accept state insurance but that's a total of FOUR applications. In their defense, the main one is the longest and the other three are much shorter. I could probably recite my NPI and license number by heart now for the amount of times I've had to write it down.

3.) Trips- Will and I need to sit down and figure out trips that we want to take this year. We've been meaning to schedule a trip to Florida to see my grandparents but with so much going on, it's been difficult to say the least. We also want to take a couples trip to celebrate Will's graduation this Spring.

4.) Organize- We've only lived in our new home for going on four months. And already, our junk drawer has accumulated to its max. On Monday, I finally tackled it and got it organized. I made a list of all the areas that I would like to organize. One space at a time. So, next space for January will be the girl's bathroom vanity. I've gotten a lot of inspiration from here and of course Pinterest!

Before 

After (I also moved the junk drawer to the bottom- when we moved in, I worked on the kitchen at midnight and so now I've had some time to figure out what works and what doesn't. 

I think that'll be it for January! I can't wait to keep you all updated on my adventure into private practice and be able to share some pictures of our office space.

Happy January and 2017!

June Goals

Hey June- it's so good to see you! May was a great month- full of celebrations, sun and even some goodbyes. It's a new month, new start though and so let's see how I did during the month of March. 

1) Teacher appreciation/end of year gifts:

For teacher appreciation week- we went simple because 1) time 2)forgetfulness and we went with a bag of chocolates for each teacher and a sweet note from Sophia. For end of the year gifts, I got inspiration here.

 I found these AWESOME towels at you guessed it-Target for $11! They're big and soft and 

comfy. 

I also got these cute tumblers from Nordstrom but they must be all sold out because I can't find them! =(  I am also going to get a magazine, fingernail polish and probably lip gloss/EOS chapstick and either wrap it all up and tie a ribbon on it or find a cheap, cute tote bag to put it all in. 

2.) Family Pictures

Were a success! We're so excited to see the photos!

3.) Organizing winter clothes/clothes overhaul

Ok- a little bit of slack here- I hope to complete this goal this weekend!

4.) No Spend Month

I didn't do so great guys. I was more mindful of purchases and refrained from impulse buying- Hello Nordstrom Half Year sale- I'm looking at you! But with end of year gifts, graduation gifts, I definitely didn't hit my goal of not spending anything. 

Now, onto this month's goals!

1.) Tackle one area at a time to organize

I've had "organize" on my goal list for a few months now. But I didn't exactly have a plan to really bring this goal to fruition. And we all know that a goal without a plan is just a wish. And that's what I have- a perfect wish but no way to actually make it happen. So, I've decided to make a plan people. My first plan is to organize the fridge/pantry. I found these containers at Ikea but I am also going to hit up good old Dollar General and see what storage containers they have. Next month, will be a new area. 

2.) SUMMER BUCKET LIST

Last year, we created a family summer bucket list- it's that time again! Look back here Friday for the Scholtes Family Summer of FUN list!

3.) Start a list for Italy

It's a little over a month before our big trip to Italy. It's going to be that time where I bust out my notebook and pen and start my packing list. 

4.) Father's Day gifts

Unfortunately for Will, he is getting stuff for Italy for Father's Day. He needs some new shoes and needs a bag for Italy that is light, easy to squish into small spaces (small cars, people) and that is also big enough, but not too big. I plan to bring my Vera Bradley duffel which is the perfect size, but Will isn't too keen on the bright prints. So, we're on a hunt for something similar for him, minus the patterns. =).

5.) Start planning for girls 

I'm sure most of my stress surrounding leaving for Italy would be lessened if I wasn't so anxious about leaving the girls for 10 days. We went to Jamaica two years ago and I created lists of meal ideas, activities they could do while we were gone and of course, the important stuff like doctor's numbers and insurance information. I'm sure that since we're leaving for longer and going further, my list making will be on overdrive. 

So, there you have it! Let's see how I do! I will try to remember to post updates once I have the pantry all organized for you all!

Also, don't forget- follow me here on Instagram and Snapchat- Sscholtes. I tend to post more (daily) than I do Facebook but be sure to check out that page too! 

May Goals

April?? Hello? April? Where did you go April? 

This is what I'm feeling right now. I'm not sure where April went. Last I knew we were in February and now we have a month of school left and I'm going to have a 1st grader and how can this be?! WAAAH. Ok, sorry, went off on a tangent there. 

If you've been following this blog for any time, you'll know that this year I've taken a few weeks off the blog here and there. I haven't done a monthly goals post in a LONG TIME. So, new month, new start. Here goes.

geniusquotes.com

1.) Teacher appreciation gifts and end of the year gifts

Did you know it's Teacher Appreciation week this week? Don't forget your teachers this week guys, they do amazing work that I can't even begin to understand. Sophia's teacher this year- hands down- amazing. She was an amazing teacher for Sophia's Kindergarten year- so calm, caring, and nurturing but also encouraging  and firm and we've seen Sophia's confidence both socially and academically SKYROCKET. I am confident in saying a lot of this has to do with her teacher. 

Check out my Pinterest board- Teacher Gifts for ideas 

2.) Family picture ready

I love family pictures and I actually love coordinating outfits for everyone. But this year, we're adding my sister, mom and step dad, too which brings outfit planning onto a new level. At least I have two other ladies to help me out! I can't wait for Jennifer Reding to take some pics later this month!

3.) Organizing winter clothes/clothes overhaul

I have the girls' Winter stuff mostly sorted out and their closet is mostly transitioned to Spring/Summer clothes. Now, the task is sorting those out and organizing them either to donate, sell or put in storage. I also would like to go through my closet and pull out things that haven't seen daylight in a while to give away. 

4.) No spend month

It's time for another no spend month. If you remember, I did this last year, around this time. I tried (tried being the operative word) for 30 days to not spend money on anything extra (clothes, shoes, jewelry, nail polish, Target One Spot). It simply made me more mindful of my purchases and question if it was a need vs. want. Also, I was held accountable by my husband when I tried to talk a want into a need. 

Ok, so there are my MAY goals. Thanks for joining me today! 

Have a good one! 

March Goals

Ummmmm.. February?? Where did you go?! Seriously. I feel like I was JUST writing a post about February goals! Anywho... it's time to share my monthly goals. And also share some completely unrelated pictures because melt my heart, they're just too precious not to share. =)

Let's recap last month's goals:

1) Make an OB appointment- CHECK, completed, DONE. NOW, I remember why I stalled on getting this done. No fun. But I feel better knowing it's done. Until next year! 

2.) Valentine's for school and daycare- CHECK! I felt like I was back in school but it was fun to help Sophia write out her Valentine's and sort through her bag of goodies after her party.

Teacher gifts 

 I know, it's tilted. Just go with it

3.) Organize- Semi Check

This goal will be on my list for a few months probably as it's a big task. I have the pantry, linen closet, entry closet, and basement storage area I want to tackle. I did sort through clothes for Saidey for Spring/Summer and started to make a list of things we need- so that felt good. But the other areas? No progression. 

4.) Plan for Italy- Semi Check

We've made progress, let's just say. There are still things that need to be worked out but at least we have a very GENERAL plan. And can I say, that NOW I am starting to get REALLY excited for this trip?! But also, a little nervous leaving the girls for 10 days... 

5.) Haircut- FAIL 

Hopefully, in the next two weeks, I will get in for a cut!

She asked me everyday this week, "When are we going back to Grandma's to see Bella?"

Meeting Bella, safe to say they're in LOVE 

Now, for MARCH goals

It's a super busy month. It feels like each month is just getting busier and busier. Such is life when Spring/Summer comes around. Wait- who am I kidding? This is our life.

1) Organize- I should probably aim to tackle just ONE area, otherwise it's just too overwhelming. 

2) HAIRCUT- TRISH, I'm coming at you in the next two weeks! Promise!

3)Saidey's birthday- order invites, figure out cake, food? See- so much to figure out

4) Easter plans- Saidey's birthday is RIGHT on Easter weekend- not ideal at all. But I need to start getting Easter basket stuff ready and figure out what we're doing Easter Sunday.

5) Focus on my blog- I'm failing, I used to do at least 2-3 posts a week and lately, nada. Zip. I get down on myself for not posting but know that I'm doing the best I can. But this month, I'm going to make an agenda and stick to it (hopefully).

So, BRING ON MARCH! 

Join me back here Friday for Friday Favorites- Birthday Parties, where I will recap all the parties we've done for the kiddos.

February Goals

It's been a few months since I've shared my monthly goals with you all. It's a new month, though and a fresh start! Is anyone else having a hard time believing it's already February?! I mean, January- where did you go?! February is an awesome month for us as we have a lot to celebrate! My sister's birthday (2/2), my mom's birthday (2/15), and of course, Valentine's Day!

But, as we enter February, I am reminded once again, that time is not really my friend. I wrote this post last year, on my birthday. I've realized that the time is ticking away and I still have 29 things on my list of TO DO's. OY VEY, overwhelming, much?!

So, without causing a mini heart attack, these are my February goals

1) Make an OB appointment. Guys! For some reason, it hit me the other week that since I had Saidey, I haven't been into my OB for a check up?! No bueno. So, that is at the top of my goal list for the month!

2.) Valentine's for school and daycare. Guys, I stress myself out but I love, love Valentine's and coming up with creative ideas for non candy Valentine's. These were the Valentine's from last year

and yes. this took for.ever.

 For the teachers!

Check out my Pinterest board for more Valentine's Day inspiration!

3.) Organize
Currently, I have our hall closet, linen closet, pantry, and storage area in the basement that I want to completely redo and organize. This is a big one and will probably be on the list of goals for a few months but I hope to tackle one area at a time.

4.) Plan for Italy
Ok, guys, we leave for Italy in July and I've done ZERO planning. I've been getting emails from other family members about their hour to hour itinerary and I'm over here thinking it's still December. Major fail. So, I hope to carve out a weekend night to hit my tour books and do a little research. Anyone been to Italy? Any recommendations?? And GO!

5.) Haircut
I'm probably the most indecisive person I've ever met in regards to my hair. Do I want it short? Long? Highlighted? Purple? Heck- let's just shave it and call it good! In all seriousness, I do need a trim even if I haven't decided if I want to keep it short or grow it out. #firstworldproblems, I know!

Ok, guys, those are my February goals. Let's see how I do! Happy Friday!

Fall Bucket List

Happy hump day, all! It's October 7th already and I'm late on getting my October goals set. September seemed to fly by and October was here before I knew it.

Let's see how I did in September before we get started...

Remember, guys? Your not being able to read it was all part of the plan! (insert winky emoji here). BUT truly and honestly, I did really good in September! I finished TWO books, found a pair of boots, figured out Halloween costumes (now to get them put together), and ordered books. The ONLY thing I did not accomplish was make an eye appointment. That's going on the October to do list now... All in all, a great month! 

October brings so much nostalgia and for a while I couldn't quite figure out why. Of course, Fall is my favorite time of the year but I think for me, October and Fall brings back so many memories, that makes it an absolute favorite.When I was younger, my grandparents owned an apple orchard, Cumming Orchard in Cumming, Iowa. I grew up spending time at the orchard- I remember helping sort apples, make apple cider and then the fall festivals- that's what it was all about! Face painting, feeding animals, hay rack rides, eating apple crisp, helping scoop ice cream. I can just smell and taste the memories. I'm sad that I don't seem to have any pics of this time, so any family members reading this- if you have any of the apple orchard, send them my way please!! 

When I had kids, I knew I wanted to create holiday traditions and make Fall just as meaningful for them as it was for me. When October rolls around, the fun traditions begin! Check out out our Fall Bucket List- we try to hit as many of these activities as possible each year!

The pumpkin patch

Night Eyes
Our local zoo, Blank Park Zoo, has an annual event called Night Eyes where you get to trick and treat your way through the zoo. Super fun that our whole family enjoys!

Trick or Treating around the neighborhood/Halloween Costumes

Carving pumpkins
Ok, so in our house, we paint pumpkins too. This year, I think we'll throw in some glitter too! :)

 

There you have it! Our Fall bucket list! Tell me, what are YOUR favorite Fall traditions?! Share in the comments below!