Searching for Inspiration

Back when Instagram was super cool, but before it was available Android, I didn't understand the point of it. Today when looking for inspiration to blog, Instagram had it for me. More specifically, my own feed was my inspiration.

I use Instagram for a large variety of photo posts. And no matter what the topic is, how I'm feeling that day, or who I'm with, I have a collection of beautiful photos to revisit when I'm needing a pick me up.

Things I find beautiful...

Things that make me happy...

Kids & a career that make my world go 'round for 9 months a year...

Memories with my family that I love dearly and miss terribly...

Thankful times when a friend was there when I needed her most...

Reminders to refocus life every now and then...

Life will never be perfect, and I'm completely okay with that. I'm blessed to have family and friends in my life who are there for me no matter what. I'm blessed for the opportunities life has handed me, thus far. I'm blessed to be alive, changing the lives of my 27 ten year olds, and experiencing the beauty that nature gives us.

Have an amazing Tuesday! :)

Tech Tuesday: Spring Clean Your PC #WindowsChampions

 

Just like spring cleaning your home is a necessity, so is spring cleaning your PC. Here are some quick tips to keep your PC running smoothly!

• Setup a backup schedule - Auto back up with OneDrive if you have a Windows 8 PC or manually back up your PC {both are links to previous posts}
• Uninstall programs/apps you don't use - Computers tend to come with "bloatware" installed or we install software that we end up no longer using...uninstall it. Unused software takes up valuable space that allows your computer to run faster.
• Run the Windows Disk Cleanup tool - You can use this tool to reduce the number of unnecessary files on your drives, which can help your PC run faster. It can delete temporary files and system files, empty the Recycle Bin, and remove a variety of other items that you might no longer need. For more details on this process and how to access the tool with your version of Windows, visit this Microsoft article.
• Software tools to recover performance - Using a tool like CCleaner or System Mechanic can help keep your computer in tip-top shape with the click of a button. I use both tools on my computer. CCleaner is great for a quick clean up, while System Mechanic does a really great thorough job of cleaning up all sorts of junk.
• Frequently run Windows updates - It's smart to keep your PC updated with Windows updates. Most computers are set to automatically update, unless your settings are tweaked to manual updates. For more details on how to check your Windows updates settings with your version of Windows, visit this Microsoft article.
• Anti-virus software - Make sure you have a quality anti-virus software program installed on your PC. I use Norton 360 Premier and love it. Norton used to be a big system hog and make computers run slow, but a few years ago they upped their game and fixed the issues. The license that I purchased for my subscription allows me to install the software on up to 3 PCs. Looking for a free anti-virus software program? Avast is highly rated and recommended by CNET.

Tech Tuesday: Windows Apps for Finance Management #WindowsChampions

Are finances on top of your mind this month? With taxes due April 15^th, there’s no better time to catch the budget bug!

Whether you’re interested in maximizing your refund or streamlining your finances for the year ahead, apps from Windows and Windows Phone have your back.

1.       Check Your Status

Everyone has the same question as they’re filing their taxes – what’s my refund going to be?! Apps on Windows and Windows Phone remove the guesswork. Try TaxCaster on Windows Phone, utilizing the same calculator found in TurboTax, to quickly enter some basic information and watch your refund amount add up. Once you’ve filed, MyTaxRefund on Windows will allow you to quickly check the status of your return and give you an immediate estimate of when you can expect your refund.

2.       Make the Most of Your Refund

Sure, you’ve probably already made plans for how you want to spend some of your refund once you get it. What about the rest? Invest and maximize your refund with Bing Finance on Windows Phone and Windows, which helps you stay on top of fast-changing market conditions so you can make the most informed financial decisions. Keep an eye on all of your investments with SigFig, and sync all of your accounts in one place to track all of your stocks, funds, 401ks and IRAs in real time, available on Windows and Windows Phone.

3.       Budget Tips

Get in the mood to save more money for next tax season. On both Windows and Windows Phone, Mint helps you understand where you’re spending your money with helpful charts and graphs that make saving easy. Use Billminder on your Windows Phone or laptop to keep an eye on all of your monthly bills so you never miss a payment (and know how much you have left to spend!). Save for the next step of your life with MoBu Financial Management on Windows Phone and Windows. MoBu allows you to view your current financial assets as well as the opportunity to simulate your future savings with how much you can save in 5, 10, or 20 years!

Disclosure: I am a Windows Champions blogger and I received loan of a laptop and tablet, and may receive other equipment from Microsoft to assist me in evaluating Microsoft products and services for my blogging activity.

Get It Together: Snap Photos of This Information...

Get It Together is a series of small tasks you can do to help get your home and life back in order. Each task is meant to only take 15 minutes or less to complete. Get ready, get set, get it together!

Snap Photos of This Information...

• There are some things in my life that I just have a hard time remembering. For those things that I don't remember but may need to know while I'm not at home or at work, I snap photos with my phone so I have the info at my fingertips at all times.
• I use the Google Keep app on my phone to organize the information.
• Ink Cartridges: I have two printers - one in my classroom and one at home. They are both different brands and therefore take different cartridges.
• Clothing Sizes: Now I don't have photos of this one, but I do have a note in my app for each of my family members with their clothing sizes. It's not much of a surprise when you call every time you are going to buy something for them to ask for their size.
• Recipes: I take a picture of a recipe I'm going to make before I go grocery shopping. That way I don't have to take the time to write down all of the ingredients and I make sure that I get the right amount of everything I need.
• Travel Info: Confirmation numbers, flight info, etc. - all easily accessible without having to search through my emails.
• Current Prescriptions: When I visit the doctor and they ask about current prescriptions, of course I know what I take, but I cannot for the life of me pronounce them or remember the dosage.
• Access Codes: Okay, so you might be thinking that this isn't smart. But I have a few in my phone and they're not labeled. I just know which is which, but I don't use them frequently enough to have them memorized.
• Things I Want to Price Check Online: I don't like spending full price on things that could potentially be cheaper somewhere online like Amazon. I take pictures of these things and then look into them when I get home to see if I can get a better deal.

Get It Together: Organize Electronics Cords

Get It Together is a series of small tasks you can do to help get your home and life back in order. Each task is meant to only take 15 minutes or less to complete. Get ready, get set, get it together!

Organize Electronics Cords

• These days everything takes a cord of some sort - whether to charge, download, or power. Having these cords organized and easily accessible will save you time and frustration later.
• There are lots of ways organize and label your cords. I've compiled some ways from Pinterest. PLEASE visit the websites by clicking through the links. Please do not pin any of these from this post because they are not my photos/work.