Last time I wrote I didn’t realize how long we’d be staying in or how limited our outdoor activities would be — our local parks and walking trails are closed. And I was only mothering one little person — we added another at the end of March! Mixing quarantine and postpartum hormones is really not recommended (just ask my husband). I haven’t been coping super well and I’m really leaning into my go-to shutdown tactic for dealing with my rollercoaster-ing emotions. My word of the year for 2020 is FLEX and boy oh boy am I feeling the need to be flexible. Nothing exacerbates a two-year-old's disinterest in sleeping through the night on his own like not getting enough physical activity during the day coupled with jealousy toward a newborn. Just writing this sentence forces me to repeat FLEX, FLEX, FLEX in my head.

I have been telling myself that we will look back on this time with so many different feelings and I do want to remember my headspace as well as the few good practices that are keeping me going. So my Just 3 Things this month may seem odd, but hopefully they help me recall this time with some semblance of fondness and give you some things to try for yourself.

1. Complete a Passive Cleaning Activity - Few things feel better than getting something done/clean without any effort. So, if you have a washing machine or dishwasher, throw a cup of vinegar in and run a cleaning/rinse cycle to freshen up your appliance. I just did this to our washing machine and it eliminated a lurking funky smell. Big win for the day!
2. Bake a 1-Bowl Recipe - Instagram is loaded up with stories about intensive baking operations (I’m looking at you sourdough-starting friends, jk, just jealous). My brain and kitchen capacities are not there, but my kiddo throws a daily tantrum about wanting something to go into the KitchenAid. “Mix, mix, MIX” is the refrain, so much so that yesterday we made whipped potatoes for dinner in the mixer just to stop the madness. If you want to lower the stakes and skill levels, I recommend these Banana Chocolate Chip Cupcakes (ahem) Muffins and Peanut Butter Bread (topped with jelly or chocolate syrup).
3. Find Easy Ways to Generate Accountability - I’ve adjusted our menu whiteboard (mentioned in Just 3 Things No. 5) to include things we need to get done too. This really plays into my love of checking things off a list and adds the perk that this list lives in front of my face all day! Plus, I’ve made a Quarantine 2020 photo album in Google Photos. I’m just sliding photos into it that capture what is actually happening in our house right now — imagine lots of pictures of Luke watching crazy amounts of tv in funny sitting positions.

NOTE: This is not a sponsored post and all pricing shown is accurate as of March 2020.

Not to get too down on everyone right now with the uneasiness of our world’s current pandemic, but let’s talk emergency and end of life organization. Yep, I’m serious — if not now, when? If you have extra time at home over the next few weeks, this may be a good time to tackle getting yourself or your family’s information organized. 

Part of my 19 for 2019 was to get our wills completed and to organize our personal information in the event of an emergency. We want our families to know our desired plans and have the resources to take care of our kids [and our stuff] without having to figure everything out for themselves. This includes making sure that our kids’ designated guardians and the executor of our wills have easy access to our housing, auto, financial, and insurance information digitally, as well as know where to find physical copies of documents in our home. We call our collective our "ICE Instructions" for “In Case of Emergency Instructions”.

This post will start to draw a map of how to get yourself organized and explain the tools I use to maintain records for our family. Of course, my tools do not make for a one size fits all solution and it is important that your family is on board with your organizational plan.

Part of my inspiration for buckling down and pulling this post together was hearing Episode 185 of Happier with Gretchen Rubin (and again in 188). They talk about making a Facts of Life book with all important documents, in their case for their aging parents. I’m not into having a physical book because it seems it would be hard to maintain and limiting for those who may need access. So, we went digital and decided to use LastPass as our main home for information, teamed up with Google One and Evernote. I mentioned LastPass and Evernote in Just 3 Things No. 2 last year and really recommend them for anyone trying to manage passwords and other personal information. NOTE: The post is NOT sponsored and includes my opinions regarding working with LastPass and Evernote for the last several years.

What is LastPass?
First and foremost, LastPass is a password manager. It can help you to create random passwords and store them for all your apps, websites, and more — meaning you can have different passwords for everything and not have to worry about remembering them. But LastPass can do so much more, like: store credit cards for autofill, manage passport and id information, as well as house notes for personal information (that’s what we are using for our emergency instructions).  

All of this information can be shared securely to multiple users (like for my husband and me). Plus, you can create a “digital contingency plan” by designating others to have “emergency access" (more about this later).

It does have an annual fee, but I use it daily and feel the cost is certainly justified. 

What are Evernote and Google One?
Evernote is a digital note taking app and Google One is an online storage engine that works with the G Suite of programs including Documents and Sheets (similar to Microsoft Word and Excel). In all honesty, for the purposes of this discussion, just using Google One (and G Suite) will certainly suffice, but I’ve been a loyal Evernote user for so long that I can’t pry myself away.

Google One is free until you hit a certain document storage threshold (I pay ~$20 per year for my storage) and Evernote is also free for basic use (I pay the discounted annual rate of ~$70 for Premium). 

How to get started with your ICE Instructions?

1. Copy and paste the following template into your word processor or use this Google Doc or Evernote template. Start plugging in everything you know to fill in any { }. Don’t sweat it if you don’t have everything!
2. Try creating your own Account Overview and Vehicle Maintenance Records with the templates provided in the ICE Instructions Template.
3. Decide where to store digital documents (copies of insurance policies, leases, vehicle registrations, etc.). I recommend Google One. And check out the instructions below for creating sharing links to plug into the template.
4. Set up LastPass account and begin entering login information for all the accounts listed in your Account Overview. I recommend downloading the app and the browser extensions. And as you use the internet for shopping and everything else in your daily life, LastPass will prompt you to save additional passwords.
5. Designate Emergency Access Contacts and confirm with your friends and family that they understand how to request LastPass access in the case of an emergency. Scroll down for more info on this.
6. Mark your calendar for a 6-month-review, particularly to make sure your Account Overview is up to date and links to any new policies have been added to your templates.

If you are comfortable organizing your information digitally, but haven’t decided if you are ready to commit to LastPass, it may be best to create a document with this template and store it securely when you are ready. You can fill out what you know and use anything blank as your checklist for info to gather. Don’t get overwhelmed! Just pull together what you can to start. It is much easier to work from something than nothing! The highlighted areas include Google or Evernote Templates to work from — check out the notes below.

ICE Instructions Template

(Copy and paste this section for each family member)
FULL NAME:
DOB:
SSN:
MOBILE PHONE:
ALLERGIES:
ORGAN DONOR: (Y/N)
HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANY:
HEALTH INSURANCE ID:
HEALTH INSURANCE GROUP #:
INSURED PARTY:
CURRENT MAILING ADDRESS:

HOME PHONE NUMBER:
PHYSICAL DOCUMENTS LOCATION (ie. birth certificates, passports, etc.):

LINKS TO INSURANCE POLICIES:
LIFE INSURANCE {Person 1} Policy #:{} Company: {}
{LINK}
LIFE INSURANCE {Person 2} Policy #:{} Company: {}
{LINK}
DISABILITY INSURANCE {Person 1} Policy #:{} Company: {}
{LINK}
DISABILITY INSURANCE {Person 2} Policy #:{} Company: {}
{LINK}
RENTERS’/HOME INSURANCE Policy #:{} Company: {}
{LINK}
AUTO INSURANCE Policy #:{} Company: {}
{LINK}
UMBRELLA INSURANCE Policy #:{} Company: {}
{LINK}

LINK TO OVERVIEW OF BANKING, OPEN LINES OF CREDIT, AND ONGOING PAYMENT INFORMATION: 
*Click here for template (open and make a copy to use)
LINKS TO CURRENT WILLS:
{Person 1} {Link}
{Person 2} {Link}
LINKS TO CURRENT VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS:
{Year} {Make} {Model} {Link}

LINKS TO VEHICLE MAINTENANCE RECORDS:
**Click here for template 
{Year} {Make} {Model} {Link}
{Year} {Make} {Model} {Link}
LINK TO CURRENT LEASE:
{Link}

*Here’s what you will find in this template... 

**Here’s what you will find in this template…
This template is based on the table that my Dad used to keep posted in our garage for each of the cars. He did a lot of oil changes at home and would mark the date, mileage, and whether or not the filter was changed. We don’t do oil changes at home, but continue to keep records of all service on both of our family cars. You can also add fees like registration renewals if you want to keep records for projections for future car purchases. 

     3.  Drag and drop files from your computer into the new folders you’ve created.
     4.  Right click on the document you want to start with and select “Get Shareable Link”. 

     5.  A window will popup with the sharing settings, make sure to select the default
​          “Anyone with link can view”. Then click “Copy link”.

     6.  Paste link into the ICE Instructions template accordingly.

     2.  Name the note, select a location for it, and paste your information from your ICE
​          Instructions Template in the main field.

     3.  Click “Save” to update and close the window.  ​

What about Emergency Access in LastPass?

Emergency Access is set up such that you invite a person or persons in advance to be able to gain access to your LastPass account in the event of an emergency (or death). You designate the contact and the amount of time they have to wait to gain access. For example, our kids’ guardian and will executor both can request access and if I don’t reject it within 3 hours, then they will be able to see everything. You can set access up for immediate use or with a delay of up to 30 days depending upon your situation. 

Whew, that’s a lot and more serious than my usual posts. So, again, I hope I’m not bringing you down! But, if you are feeling the pull to be productive while stuck at home this weekend, this may be a great time to get things organized. Make it fun:

• Set up a control center on the dining room table 
• Clear clutter by throwing away unnecessary physical documents you come across in your organization
• Connect with your parents or siblings on video chat or screen share to pull extended family information together

Do those things only sound fun to me?

Please stay safe, healthy, and home as much as possible. And thanks to everyone who is working out of the home to stop the spread of COVID-19. I’m looking forward to looking back on this time! 

Part of my 20 for 2020 is to minimize food waste and keep our refrigerator organized. Things are going well so far! I showed off my preliminary fridge organization in a previous post. I’ve since added some labels to help my husband follow along with my crazy plan. But there are are some other tools we are using to really cut down on food storage waste and to make sure we actually eat our leftovers.

The other end of this goal is rooted in meal planning. I use the term meal planning rather than meal prep because I don’t do a lot of prepping, but instead just try to make sure we are shopping to our actual meal needs. And even meal planning can be an exhausting balance of trying to keep variety in the menu and aligning meals to what is on sale (particularly meat in my opinion).

So, here are just three things that are helping to achieve #1 on my 20 for 2020 List. 

1. Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags
The one thing I do prep-wise is cutting up some fruit and vegetables, mostly for my 1 year old. These bags are great because they are easier to store in the fridge than a million containers of different sizes. I’m happy to not be throwing away thin plastic bags and they are really not hard to clean. The only drawback I’ve seen so far is that they do take up some space to properly dry. I still don’t have a great way of storing the bags either, but I’m getting there. I’m excited to get some larger ones and try them in the freezer. Note, these are not the exact bags I’m using — I’ve been able to find them at Homegoods at a good price.

 2. Beeswrap
There are few things more frustrating in the kitchen than wrestling with plastic wrap or finding that my dear husband has mangled the box in a way that the roll/blade is no longer usable, hmmm. Is this just our household? Anyway, beeswrap has eliminated this challenge for me. I’ve been using these wraps from Uncommon Goods, but there are lots of options on Etsy and Amazon. They are great for covering dishes as well as wrapping produce or cheese and clean very easily with a warm rinse with dish soap.

3. Fridge Whiteboard
​In our old house we painted a blackboard wall to display our weekly menu. We are renting again, so it is more practical for us to use a fridge whiteboard for this very purpose. We’ve been using this one for a year and half and it does the trick at a great price. I organize the our menu Monday to Monday because I do our grocery shopping on Tuesdays. For nights I plan on having leftovers or eating separately, it is still noted on the whiteboard as “Leftovers” or “On Your Own” to set expectations accordingly.  

As I mentioned, one of the things I find most annoying about meal planning is coming up with what we are going to eat. I’m really trying to balance new meals with household favorites. I’ve been inspired by The Lazy Genius and her approach to Brainless Crowd Pleasers. The idea here is to have a list of meals that you know are good for your family, aren’t too complicated to prepare, and that you maintain the inventory of ingredients for. I don’t focus too much on the last part of this, but rather just have a running list of things I can pull over to my weekly meal plan before I head to the grocery store. I keep a running list of meals in Evernote and I’m hoping to make a list of our Brainless Crowd Pleasers for our hallway bulletin board to remind my husband of easy options when I ask him “what do you want for dinner this week?” But, to help myself, I’ve done something really wacky — I made an online spinner that can choose for me. Silly, but helpful. 

What’s next? That’s where you come in! I’m looking to create a Google Doc of recipes with friends and family to help us get more creative in our meal planning. I’m thinking it will be catalogued a few different ways by meal type and ease to make. Let me know if you want to get involved by leaving a comment or messaging me.

I really enjoyed working on my 19 for 2019 list this past year (click here if you don't know what I'm talking about) and I am pumped to be crossing things off my 20 for 2020 list already. Surely, my energy will level off or be refocused on other things soon (you know like having baby number 2). Until that time comes, I hope you will join me and revel in the hope that the New Year brings. Just like last year, I've prepared a template for you to fill in with your 20 for 2020 and post somewhere you're going to see it and feel inspired. This is a great year to start the tradition -- such a clean slate -- at the beginning of a new decade. I am daydreaming about making an album of my annual lists and our family's holiday cards to enjoy year after year. Like I mentioned before, I am really getting into the new decade inspo the world is handing me through Instagram and Pinterest 🙂 Please please please send me your lists as additional inspiration and motivation!

Let's jump in -- here's my list!

1. Improve on minimizing food waste by simplifying food storage and refrigerator organization
2. Improve pancake making abilities
3. Make cardamom bread
4. Make recipe index with friends
5. Make graphic lists for kitchen and family inspiration (brainless crowd pleasers / boredom solvers)
6. Make a postpartum family exercise plan
7. Complete a scripture journal
8. Take new family portrait
9. Make travel-ready toiletry kits
10. Toilet train Luke
11. Organize baby gear for consignment, donation, family, and visitors as Baby Y outgrows
12. Go to the hot air balloon festival
13. Make 20 new meals
14. Host 3 playgroups or meetups
15. Print new photos quarterly
16. Make a seasonal bulletin board and update quarterly
17. Post to blog monthly
18. Play boards games twice per month
19. Keep dresser top clean daily
20. Read for 20 minutes daily

$15 Teleties Hair Ties
These are in my list this year and I haven't tried them yet. I am guilty of being a 30 year old with a hair tie around my wrist a lot of the time. I think these will help me look a little more put together than usual.
How to class it up
Just in case your giftee still has the itch to put a plain elastic hair tie around their wrist, pair the Teleties with the Uncommon Goods Hair Tie Bracelet.

$25 Card Game Organizer
Do you know a mom who is trying to wrangle all her kids' card games or a grown-up gamer trying to wrangle her own? Problem solved.
How to class it up
Stock it with a few new card games like Blink or Sushi Go.

$25 PackIt Freezable Bag
This particular brand was recommended on Young House Love Has a Podcast as a picnic tote for the beach. I'm eyeing it up for car tripping with snacks (and ahem breastmilk).
How to class it up
This is a great time of year to buy personalized beach towels from Lands End. Think initials or family names on vibrant stripes neatly rolled up in the PackIt bag.

$10-15 Barrel Shaped Toiletry Bag
These are great particularly for moms who are packing family loads of toiletries. You can stand full size products up or secure travel size products in the elastic bands. Two come in a package, so feel free to get two gifts in one out of this purchase.
How to class it up
Pick out a few beauty or personal care items to bundle with the bag or add a gift card to Glossier or Sephora.

$20 Crossbody Bag
I swiped this from Oprah's 2018 list for my Christmas list this year. I love a little bag that I can carry on its own or stick into my big bag as a wallet.
How to class it up
I think this one could stand alone, but stock it with a gift card or pair it with personalized Lands End tech touchable gloves.

$20-40 Packing Cubes
The packing cubes we own are no longer available on Amazon, but there are lots of great options out there. They are great for all travelers, but especially those with multi-legged trips to keep things organized and compressed to maintain room from souvenir add-ons throughout an adventure.
How to class it up
Step up this travel gift with a personalized toiletry kit from LLBean or luggage tags from Shutterfly.

Free to $$$ Grown-Up Coupon Book
I’m not thinking adult, I am thinking grown-up. Make coupons like: Pay Your Netflix Bill This Month, Make or Bring You Dinner, Assemble Furniture or Set Up New Device, Make Spotify Playlist, Grab Your Groceries for the Week, Book You a Massage or Facial, etc. You decide how much money you are willing to contribute to the coupon values or come up with purely free ideas.
How to class it up
Think of this gift as a timesaver or self-care opportunity; so, try pairing it with a puzzle or adult coloring book. 

And remember, the most practical gifts come with a receipt for return when possible and with no follow up questions ;)