My Five New Habits

I’ve added five new habits into my life and I’m never going back. Ever. I’d love to say I’m cool as a cucumber + that I’m a go with the flow kinda gal, but I’m definitely a creature of habit. And as I am continually trying to find new ways to stay motivated + organized, these habits have significantly helped boost my productivity, helped me stay focused/sane (ha!), and have just made me downright happy.

I’ve touched on this in the past, but I make the beds first thing in the morning. As soon as George + I are awake, we feed the monster kitty his treats, start brewing the coffee (because, priorities!), and then together we make the beds. George has really become the biggest helper and although he has not perfected his bed-making skills yet, I am thrilled he enjoys helping with chores. Hubs and I feel very strongly about having George help around the house + we make it fun to work as a team and contribute to the family. GBB is also incredible at throwing clothes in the hamper…and then out again…and then back in…and out… ;)

Hubs bought me a sleek diffuser from Saje for Valentine’s Day (best.gift.ever!) and as soon as my coffee is brewed, George has his cheerios + sesame street, I put on the diffuser (which resides in our living room) to help set the tone for the day. I was in a serious winter funk the last few weeks so Saje’s Liquid Sunshine diffuser blend was my go-to. It is a really cheerful blend and I’m pretty dang obsessed with citrus scents; they just put me in the best mood. I am in no means an essential oil professional so, if you are…pretty please let me know what your favourites are in the comments below!

Now this is a very new habit I have started but the results are mind blowing. I don’t know about you but I have been told over + over again that meal planning is the bomb dot com. Why I waited this long, I have no clue. So. I meal plan our weekly meals and it has totally changed my life. I can honestly say I am significantly less stressed about what to make for breakfast/lunches for little dude + I and when it comes time to prep dinner, I am not wishing I could drown in a bottle of wine + hide in a cupboard. And get this. I actually realized how much I enjoy cooking. Like, I really really like cooking! And now that it is organized (and truthfully, sometimes I will have to switch meals mid-week if I realized I didn’t remember to buy a specific ingredient), I feel much happier in the kitchen–and weirdly, it stays cleaner too. I don’t know how that works, but I’m into it. This is the PDF I created to help me plan out our meals, feel free to use it if you like!

One of our goals for this year was to simplify + minimize the things in our home that we do not find helpful or that we don’t absolutely adore. I’m sure a lot of you can relate but I feel as though I am constantly doing laundry. Like, all the freaking time. And I realized that I am washing the same articles of clothing over and over again + the three of us have closets full of clothes that don’t get worn! So. I have made a habit to go through our closets every week (well, George and my closet…I let Hubs deal with his own clothing disaster with a bit of nagging gentle reminding from me on the side) and place the articles in our donation bags. We actually just dropped off two massive garbage bags a few weekends ago + it felt amazing. I am constantly purging–I want to create more space for new clothes + home decor. I also really enjoy not feeling overwhelmed by stuff AND George has actually started to play with his toys more. The less toys that are out, the more he plays! And the more he plays independently, the more I can sit + drink hot coffee. WIN WIN WIN!

If you’re following me on Instagram (@hollybowmanxo), you’ve probably noticed that I’ve been posting a photo on my IG of my fresh flowers every Friday (#hbxofreshflowerfriday). Yep, I buy fresh flowers every Friday. I wish I could tell you that I go to little boutique floral shops weekly and fill my home with beautifully arranged blooms, but no, I go to the grocery store, ha. Currently, I’m all about tulips so the grocery store is a quick place to grab a bunch + it immediately elevates my living room and makes me so dang happy. This habit is so simple but it boosts my mood instantaneously (andddd I love looking forward to new blooms at the end of my week). Oh, and Botany is the most beautiful flower shop in Toronto…just sayin’.

Do you have any tried + true habits that make your life complete?! Hollerrrr atcha gurl (aka please let me know in the comments below!).