Dec 2, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Social Media Saturday
It’s never too soon to have an actual plan for your social media. [Says This Girl who has forgotten to write her blog posts til it’s almost bedtime.] So we’ll just call this part of our “Do I Say, Not As I Do” series, yah? #thankyouverymuch.
I recently shared ideas on daily planning. [Read: Planning is Key.] But what about those special projects like book launches or grand opening parties?
Here are a few ideas to keep you on track. [Note to self: Implement more, implement regularly. Just implement.]
- Keep a calendar available and make note of important dates:
- Make a list of what you’d like to accomplish. What is your goal for this project, and what steps can take you there? For instance, a successful book launch party includes Author Q&A, trivia with prizes, and perhaps a live reading from the new book. You should map out a time of the event, list the answers, and photograph your prizes ahead of time.
- Invite, invite, invite. Remember 3 is The Key? Here’s the same theory. Announce your shindig. Remind people. Toss out one more friendly “hey are you coming?” notice.
- Work backwards. That is, set the date and from there set up your To Do’s.
- Let’s say your Twitter Party is on July 4th. You can’t always buy red, white, and blue decor in February, so make sure you remember to look over the discount sales after Memorial Day.
- Hosting a live event? What will you serve? If you’re preparing the foods yourself, you’ll need time to buy the groceries, cook, and set things out. Make a grocery list and check it twice! You don’t want to run out of Bleu Cheese dressing for your ahh-mazing salads, right?
- Get a few eyes on the project.
- Ask a trusted friend or colleague to review your plan with you and help fill in some gaps.
- Google party plans and check for ideas to add.
If you have projects happening in the New Year, are you already planning for them? If so, how?
Share your project planning ideas in the comments!
TWEET THIS: Social Media Saturday: Plan Now to Start Later @RealMojo68 #socialmedia #planner
With an erasable pen and an open Happy Planner,
Happy scheduling!
~Molly Jo
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
Feb 18, 2015 |
Isaiah 65:24 (NIV) reads
“Before they call I will answer;
while they are still speaking I will hear.”
I’ve always believed, because God is outside of space and time, that He has already heard the prayers the future me will pray.
For quite a few months last year, I struggled with morning anxiety. Waking up was painful as I was faced with so many unknowns: the deteriorating health of loved ones, incomplete projects, financial instability, family schedules . . . the list goes on and on.
I was unable to really write or even blog. I struggled with what to share and who to share it with.
I continued to pray in moans that only the Holy Spirit could interpret for me, knowing that God had a plan and even though I may not see it, it is good.
My Life Verse ~ Jeremiah 29:11
In retrospect, I can see how everything happens for a reason. In retrospect, I understand that I was getting in my own way.
I found this reminder note in my desk drawer at work and posted it to my private Facebook page, but I want to share it here, too, because, well, quite frankly, it needs to be shared.
December 8, 2014
On the morning of December 8th, 2014…
When I was waking every morning with anxiety
When I had writers block
Before Rick finally went to his heavenly home
Before Alex asked for my blessing to marry Hannah
Before I was blessed with finances for TWO important writers conferences
Before I started grocery shopping for one
Before I had health insurance
Before I picked up a paying client for media/marketing
Before our lives were shaken, stirred, pressed but not crushed, running over …
Before all these great and glorious moments, on the morning of December 8, 2014, I had a Heavenly dream. God put His calming hand on my shoulder and spoke to my soul and said, “It’s going to be all right. I hear you, and I’m already working on it.”
I am reminded every moment that God is a personal God, that He cares about every part of my being, that He is making me whole.
He cares about you, too. He’s already heard your prayers. And He’s already working on it.
And Frankly, My Dear . . . that’s all she wrote!
You may also enjoy reading:
But I’m not good enough to attend a Christian writers conference . . .
2015: HOPE
It’s Complicated, Part Two: Christianity
More or Less: 29 Words
“As Long As You Love Me”
Jan 3, 2014 |
Baked Frittata
I’m changing how I do my meal plans. The last few months, I’ve been throwing together what I can find. Buying for one meal at a time.
With Dot’s schedule (read: college, work, boyfriend), together-at-the-table time just isn’t as frequent. But that doesn’t mean I can’t still cook well even on those evenings she’s not home.
This year, in keeping with my Word of 2014, my Better Plan for meal prep is improving:
Taking what I have and working with it. Why buy what I don’t need?
So last week I made a list of what I had and shopped only for what would compliment my stock. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had more than I realized, and needed less than anticipated.
I’ve also opted to not schedule our meals. That is, there is no calendar as to when we’ll eat what we eat. As long as I have a month’s worth of dinners on the list, I’m not planning any particular sit-down. Dot is often called to work extra hours, or go out with friends. And then there’s those days I just don’t feel like cooking.
So my improved goal for my 2014 Meal Planning includes making healthy dinners and eating the leftovers before cooking something new.
Ratatouille In the Slow Cooker
I already have more than enough to make nearly everything on this month’s dinner list:
- Slow Cooker Pork and Kraut
- Lemon-Grilled Salmon
- Ratatouille
- Turkey dinner
- Grilled chicken
- Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Soup
- Baked Frittata
- Slow Cooker Chili
- Potato Chip Casserole
I’ll need just a few more items like one can of chicken meat, and frittata ingredients. Each meal offers at least one more day of leftovers, and perhaps a tasty lunch as well. Of course my family is small. My meal plan isn’t “one size fits all”. But the idea behind it is.
I’m also giving two days a month over to Dot. She’ll plan, buy, and make at least two dinners that each over another day of leftovers. She gets to develop more Home-Ec skills (do they still call it that?). I get a day off.
It’s a sigh of relief to not be burdened with a cooking schedule. This frees up time and allows for those unexpected interruptions. If Dot’s not home to eat, she knows it will be waiting for her return.
I am looking forward to having a better kitchen relationship this year, as Santa blessed me with a Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler. Hence, the multiple “grilled” dinners suggested above.
It’s also a delight to find myself once more in love with WinCo. When I need to, of course, I shop elsewhere. It’s been months since I’ve had the joy of shopping that most wonderful WinCo, and I’m eager to regain my monthly excursions. Who knew grocery buying would be on par with Nirvana? And yet that’s how I see it. A plethora of inexpensive, brand name choices. Coupons. Discounts. It’s definitely my bliss.
Slow Cooker Pork and ‘Kraut. Twenty dollars. Five ingredients. Eight hours. Ten dinners.
Would you like to start your own Meal Plan pantry? Download my STOCK THAT checklist to begin. (You may also want to check out my emergency supply STOCK THAT 2 checklist, too.)
How do you plan meals around your family’s size, schedule, and wallet? Let me know your ideas on feeding families for less!
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
You may also enjoy reading:
WinCo Wins
WinCo Wins: Lunch for a Dollar!
Too Hot to Cook (June’s Meal Plan)
Poverty: My Story
Stocking up the Pantry
Stocking up the Cabinet
Oct 29, 2013 |
Consider this your nudge.
It’s time to get moving.
One way or another, it’s time to get moving.
Get out of your own way, and just step. Just once. And then once more.
Do it. Do it and you’ll be amazed.
Do it.
Take that first step.
This is your nudge.
Know how I know? I’ve been nudged myself lately.
I’m familiar with the comfortable. Comfortable with the familiar. But it’s time to get moving.
Whatever it is, take that first step.
Success stories don’t just happen. Those scars are earned. These badges are claimed. People don’t just hand them to you. Failures aren’t failures. They’re the successful attempts of finding out what doesn’t work.
I’ve a few projects in the works, and one I’m not sure how to start.
What if it really is just that simple?
What if starting this project means just doing it?
Putting aside my doubts, insecurities, preparations and pre-planning. What if doing what I’m supposed to do means just doing it?
What would I be doing if this project were ready to go? I’d be working it. Not thinking about it. Not scheduling it. Planning it. Contemplating it. Worrying about it. Structuring it.
I’d be working it. Not letting it work me over.
It really is just that simple.
Take the first step.
I’m on a path that I can’t see the end of. Maybe I’m not supposed to. Maybe this is part of stepping out in faith. Maybe an unforeseen part of this project is that some of it is still unforeseen. Maybe I just need to stop saying “maybe…” and instead say
“Yes!”
And everywhere I look, I’m being nudged onto the path. Pushed to participate.
I’m no longer on the sidelines, waiting for direction.
I’m doing it.
One baby step at a time.
Do Something
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
You may also enjoy reading:
Doing Something. Good.
TGIF: A-P-P-R-E-C-I-A-T-I-V-E-L-Y
FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: Everything Old is NEW Again
Jan 10, 2012 |
I love my stability. I love my schedule. I love every so often letting loose and being spontaneous, because I know that I can return to my daughter, my recliner, my laptop, my cat, and my coffee. And I can count on those five things to be consistent.
I love having a routine. I love knowing what I can count on.
This is not news.
But this year, I’m daring to be a little more bold, a little more go-with-the-unknown. That’s so not the same as go-with-the-flow. The flow ebbs and tides, rises with the moon and sets with the sun. The unknown has no schedule for the moon or sun.
Today was my daughter’s first day back at school after over two weeks off for the holidays. She had a blast. She got to see her friends, her boyfriend, and was her typical social butterfly. She does great in school. I’m one proud Momma.
During her break, we took it easy and took each day as it came. Some were planned (holidays and friendly get-togethers), but overall we just woke up and decided to stay here or go there (lunch at Grandma’s, catch a movie). It was really a unique experience for me to be inconsistent for more than three days in a row.
I learned a few things about myself during the last few days. The first is, I like being laid back and semi-carefree. But I also like having the important things in order. I’ve learned what doesn’t cause me to lose sleep… and what does.
I’ve also discovered that having a plan and not following it can cause as much anxiety as not having a plan at all. ISN’T THERE A HAPPY MEDIUM SOMEWHERE?!
I feel better when I have a plan, a goal, a routine. Knowing what needs to get done, and planning for it gives me great satisfaction. Knowing what needs to get done, and ignoring it, pretty much cancels any need for caffeine. I hate being anxious over To-Do Lists.
So here is my happy little solution: Less To-Do Lists. More Unknown. Living in the Moment. Trusting God that as long as I’m doing what needs to be done, the rest doesn’t have to be scheduled, plotted out, planned for, or routinized.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a Not-To-Do List to write out.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
