By Renee Birchfield

As a blogger, I have more than one calendar that I have to keep up with, as I am sure many of you do. There was a time in my life where I didn’t believe in writing things down or planning ahead. That was not the best idea I ended up missing assignment dates, confusing work hours and generally forgetting things. Then I decided that it was time to make some sort of calendar plan, over the years I have found a way that is working for me. I manage my blog schedule, substituting schedule and our family schedule that can be a lot to deal with if I am not writing everything down.

I have come to love calendars. I enjoy playing with a couple different ones so I can figure out which is working for me at the time. I like the ease of having a calendar at my fingertips on my phone, but I forget to put all my details into it or to check it enough to stay on top of it.  Writing things down helps me to remember them better so a paper calendar is a way to go.

This Sugar Paper planner from 2014 was my favorite so far and this year I ended up going with a monthly calendar that has notes section in the back and each week I just make a list.  It has been working so far, but I do hope to get a similar new one for 2016.  

At the start of the year, I sit down and go through each month page of my calendar and write down important dates, my color code, and my monthly themes. Each area of my blog life has a different color pen and I have one for doctor appointments and other personal activities. I have just started working with an editorial calendar and making monthly themes so it is still new to me.

At the start of each month I look at my theme, important dates, and any holidays, I then go and make a topic or title for each post that I plan to write. I also go through and write in all my prescheduled work days, so I at least have an idea of how much time I have to write.

Now the fun part: getting ready for the week.

Each Sunday night I sit down and look at my month page, which is full of color-coded marks, pencil markups, and by the end of the month food stains. When I sit down I look at the things I have scheduled to do for the week. I decide if they can all be accomplished or if I have changed my mind on the recipe I want to share for the week. Once I am sure of what I plan to write and get done I turn to my week view.

In my week view, I write down any appointments or meeting times down on the day. I then go through and make a short checklist of things I need to get done for the posts. I break them down by importance and make a to-do list for each day. While I’m working on this, I go ahead and make the menu for the week as well.  

Once I am done I am ready for the week ahead.

How do you prepare your calendar for the week ahead? What calendar is everyone using or hope to get for next year?

Renee shares her favorite things in life at Married and Hungry. Hoping that her newlywed situations and thoughts will help another new wife out there, and to let them know they are not alone. Being a self-proclaimed food nerd, with a degree in Food and Culinary Science, she shares her recipes and experiments.  Her and her husband call Central Arkansas home for now. You can find her at home making the kitchen a mess, trying to cross stitch, or playing with their two dogs. Keep up with her over on Twitter, and Married and Hungry’s Facebook page.

by Julie Mayhan 

Living on the Arkansas/Oklahoma border succeeding at surviving military and police life, often requires the sanctuary of her patio, where Julie finds herself propped in a chaise lounge communing with God. A recovering “tantrum tootsie” she blogs about what it’s like to be on a journey of becoming stirred not shaken. She is a proud wife to Edgar aka “Hubs”, and mother to a son and daughter, mother in law and Meme to a lively little granddaughter. Join her on the patio at http://www.juliemahan.com or at https://instagram.com/mahanjulie/

 by Sandra Jones

Hiking is a popular hobby in the Natural State.  I got hooked on it about five years ago when my son and I spent an early summer morning hiking Mt. Nebo.  We had a fantastic time and agreed that we should explore a different trail each week. Thus the weekly tradition began, and from Mt. Magazine to Pinnacle Mountain to Petit Jean, we covered many miles that summer.

A few weeks into our adventures, my husband became interested and began planning weekend hiking trips.  We started with the basics, utilizing the wonderful, very well maintained trails of the Arkansas State Parks.  As the number of trails completed and miles trekked grew, we became more confident and decided to try more challenging trails in the Ozarks and Ouachitas.  It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to explore Arkansas.

Along the way, however, we’ve made our mistakes, mainly because of our lack of preparation.  To have a good time on the trail, one must be well equipped.  Based on my experience, there are five important items that every hiker needs.

Number One

A good pair of hiking shoes.  I have hiked in sandals, flip flops, running shoes and even ballet flats.  They have all left me with aching feet, and sore muscles.  Hiking shoes are made specifically to handle rough, rocky terrain, supporting the feet and ankles on every step.  The soles are covered in a rough tread because traction is almost always necessary, especially on wet rocks.  They don’t have to be expensive; prices start at $20.

Number Two

A backpack that fits.  When I first started hiking, I would take needed supplies in an old discarded school backpack.  It was fine for the first half mile or so, but then it began to get very heavy, an enormous burden on my back and shoulders.   I didn’t realize at the time that it was much too large for my short body.  I did some research and discovered the world of hikers’ backpacks.  They come in various shapes and sizes, are rated for short, long or overnight hikes, and are made with materials that are waterproof and breathable.  I also learned that, just like clothing, the hiker should always try on perspective backpacks.  Going to a store that specializes in hiking, taking the time to try on and carefully choose my backpack was one of the best hiking decisions I have ever made.  My back and shoulders thank me every time we hit the trail!

Number Three

A map.   Even when hiking on the state park trails, if trails intersect, it can be confusing.  Fortunately, each state park has maps that can be accessed online or in their respective visitor center.  They are a great tool not only for guiding hikers but also for noting specific highlights on the trail.

Number Four

Knowledge of the trail.    I will never forget the first time I hiked to Twin Devil Falls in the Richland Creek Wilderness with my son and husband.  According to the guide and map, the hike was only two miles, so I packed my backpack with a few granola bars and a couple of bottles of water.  Little did I realize that these two miles were in the extremely rugged terrain.     In fact, we traveled at a speed of less than one mile per hour.  When we reached the falls, we were ravenous, and our energy was spent.  The small supply of food and water helped a little but left me very concerned about the trek back to the car.  Finally making it back safely, we inhaled the sandwiches and gulped the extra water that were stashed in the car.  We were very lucky that day, in my opinion, and probably could have prevented any discomfort and/or injury had we done a bit more research on the area. I vowed never to make that mistake again!

Number Five

A sense of wonder.  There are so many amazing things to see in the Arkansas outdoors.  The list is endless:  towering bluffs, phenomenal overlooks, spectacular waterfalls and cascades, interesting wildlife, cool, dark caves and beautiful flowers, just to name a few.  Each trail that I have hiked in Arkansas has so much to offer, and, before I take one step, I check my attitude.  Am I ready to discover something unique, or experience something new?  Can I forgo the worries of the day to enjoy this precious time in nature?  Am I willing to find yet another reason to love Arkansas?  Can I be open to the great story that’s about to unfold?  A wholehearted yes should be answered, but, of course, I know that’s not always possible.  However, even an attitude slightly bent in that direction will be significant in a successful hike because, once the first few steps are taken, the trails of the Natural State undoubtedly has a positive effect on a person’s demeanor.

Arkansas is a great state for many reasons, among them the hundreds of miles of trails that can be explored.  It’s a hobby that, with a little preparation, can be very enjoyable.

I am a wife, mother, and co-owner/manager of Gallery B, a photo gallery in Russellville, Arkansas.  I like to write about the pictures in the gallery, my family and our adventures.  Check out our gallery at http://www.kurtjonesphotography.com  or our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/kurtjonesphotography.  My blog can be accessed at trekkermom.wordpress.com.  

by Shaye Standokes

The season of colds and germs is upon us. I actually have the sniffles as we speak. This time of year, the cooler weather rolls in and our kiddos begin to bring sicknesses home from school. It is of top importance to prepare your medicine “cabinet” for the upcoming cold season.

Nowadays, when we are sick we usually reach for the closest over the counter medicine to cover the symptoms. Am I right? There is a much better way! We can use several things that we may already have around our home, or in our gardens. This makes it much simpler to prepare your medicine “cabinet.” Not only should you add items to help fight cold symptoms, but you should also stock up on preventatives that will boost your immune system to lessen a cold’s duration and make it less likely for you to contract colds.

Here are a few things that you can use to prepare your medicine “cabinet”:
(these are generally considered safe for adults and children)

*Honey: Honey has long been revered for its antibacterial and soothing properties. Not only can it help to boost your immune system, but you can add it to your hot teas for the relief of that dry itchy throat that is common with colds. It is also known for its expectorant properties.  

*Lemons: Lemons are anti-bacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting. Add lemon juice to that hot cup of tea that I just mentioned for added relief of your sore throat. It can also be added to your morning glass of water for a daily immunity boost.

*Garlic: Most of us usually have Garlic in our homes. If you are like me, I use garlic in just about everything that I cook! Garlic is anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial. It can reduce the frequency of colds that occur, treat throat irritations, and the severity of the symptoms. Make a delicious brothy soup with lots of garlic for an excellent boost in your immune system and relief of cold symptoms.

*Onions: This is another vegetable that I know most everyone has in their homes or gardens. Onions, as well as garlic, contain the sulfur-containing amino-acids. You can enjoy the onions raw or in your brothy soup. Chop up a raw onion and cover it with honey as well as other healing herbs, such as thyme and rosemary. Let it stand for four or five hours (or until liquid gathers at the bottom). This concoction makes an excellent cough syrup and is great for soothing an irritated throat.

Capsaicin (Chili Peppers): This one is for those that can handle the heat! Capsaicin is an excellent decongestant, expectorant, and pain reliever. We all know the feelings that are sinuses go through after eating spicy peppers. This will help to clear up your congestion and speed up the recovery process. (This past week I have been finding every reason to use hot sauce!)

Apple Cider Vinegar: It is best to use organic, unfiltered, unprocessed Apple Cider Vinegar. ACV has long been praised for its many uses. I particularly like the expectorant effect. When my chest is tight, and it is hard to breathe, ACV helps to clear things up. You can also use it to create salad dressings that help you to absorb more nutrients from your leafy greens. Use ACV in moderation as it can cause stomach upset.

*Echinacea: This is an excellent immune booster. Many of you have this growing in your flower beds. You can simply use the flowers and leaves in tea to boost your immune system, or the quickest and most common way that people prefer echinacea is in the form of capsules. You can make your own or find them at your local health food store. Take at the first sign of a cold.

*Peppermint: Stuffy Nose? Instead of your usual Vicks rub, try using peppermint oil! Peppermint can be used in a diffuser for natural relief of congestion, and you can add a few drops to boiling water and inhale the steam. I also like to add it to Epsom salt for bathing to relieve the aches and pains associated with colds. Peppermint tea (made with the plant) is also an excellent choice for congestion and an upset stomach.

*Elderberry: This is one of my go-tos for the cold and flu season. You can find these Elders growing all over Arkansas. Now is the time to harvest your elderberries. I like to freeze them, and then use when needed. You can create an elderberry syrup that will shorten your cold so that you can get to feeling perky quicker. Cook the berries for at least 30-45 minutes. Allow to cool and squeeze all of the juice out. Simmer this in a pan with a large amount of honey or sugar to create a syrup. Walla! You have an immune boosting, cold fighting, and symptom-relieving syrup! (Jellies and Pies are also a unique way to use these berries)

It is super simple to prepare your medicine “cabinet.” Keep from getting sick or get to feeling better faster using those simple remedies. Stay healthy this season!

*Disclaimer: Be sure to visit your health provider if you develop symptoms that are more severe than a common cold. It is important for proper identification and treatment of the illness from which you may be suffering.

Shaye Standokes is a lifelong learner and Graduate of UACCH. When she is not working on a new project or typing away at the computer, you can find her with her nose in a book and a dog on her lap or perhaps whipping up an herbal concoction in the kitchen. She has an intense yearning for knowledge through life and the hope to inspire others to find their passions.

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www.skillfulexplorations.com

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