Living life with a new Pet

At the beginning of March, my grandpa decided that he could no longer take care of himself alone. He needed to be around people and start a new routine as he was getting to weak to do it all himself. He moved in with us shortly after and he brought his dog, Honey.

Honey is a rescue dog we picked up for him at the Rochester Humane Society about two years back. At the time she was probably already 5 years old but such a sweet dog. He wanted a companion as he had just lost his other dog a few months prior to getting Honey.

The only issue with having Honey in our house as well was that we have a 15 year old Rat Terrier, named Marbles. Marbles is use to being the only pet in the house and we often joke about how much of a princess she can be as she is spoiled. We were nervous to bring Honey into Marbles environment because she can be territorial and the last thing we want is to stress out a 15 year old dog.

At First, there was an adjustment period. Marbles would run after Honey trying to bite her and tell her off, but after some adjusting she eventually got use to Honey and now they get along fine. It was hard for all of us because we had to make this work no matter what and we didn't want Marbles to get herself worked up in the process. In time they got along and now they're always looking out for each other.

-Holly

Balancing Life

Trying to determine what to work on first can be a hard thing to do when you're trying to balance a great deal of tasks. Lately I have struggled with making the right decisions when it comes to setting aside the right time to get something done. 

I currently work 3 days a week at a Semi- Truck supplier in Troy in sales as well as balancing five classes, 4 at Walsh College and my last 4 credits at Macomb Community. I plan to graduate in December as i am going to take my final capstone alone in the fall semester. 

Trying to schedule family time, school time and work along with the occasional travel for work can be a daunting task. Its hard to find the motivation to complete school work when the weather is breaking and all i want to do is spend time outside with family and friends. 

Here are some tips in which i like to follow when trying to manage life and work: 

1. Making a schedule. Listing the things i have to complete for the week and the due dates, even putting due dates on non homework assignments so that i can complete them in a timely manner. 

2. Avoid spending time doing things that are not contributing to myself. If there is something i know i shouldn't waste my time on, i simply don't. I have so many things going on and its important to realize that its ok to say no. you cant do everything and some things you have to decline.

3. Staying motivated. Things i like to do to help me stay motivated include taking half hour breaks during homework days and going for a walk. Its a good activity to clear the mind and i get to enjoy a little sunshine and fresh air which cant be beat. 

What different things do you do to help keep you on task and get things done when you have a busy schedule? I know that no matter what is going on in your life, we all have these days or weeks. 

Stony Creek Park

As spring approaches there's nothing I want more than to be outside. With such great neighborhoods and beautiful parks in the area one of my favorite things to do is explore. There's two places I particularly like, first being the Macomb Orchard Trail. I like this trail because its close to home and can be picked up almost anywhere. There's a small stop on 33 Mile where we typically like to pick up the trail. its quiet and quaint and a great place for family and friends to enjoy nature. My favorite time to walk this trail is in the fall as you get a better view of the woods surrounding the trail and tend to see a lot of deer.

My second favorite place to walk is at Stony Creek Metro park. The trails that we typically choose to walk are by the nature center, where they have set routes with stops and historical comments along the trail. This trail has many perks all year round as things change, which is pointed out on the comment boards along the trails. This is a great trail for families with kids as it has lessons along the way.

This spring we set a new goal, to explore other trails at Stony Creek which are all over the park and not just near the nature center. There is so much to explore there that I don't even think we would be able to search all of the land in one year. It is so amazing to have nature like this in the middle of the suburbs, it is a great place to relax and forget the stresses in life for a day.

Have you been to the Macomb Orchard Trails or Stony Creek Park lately? What is your favorite part?

*Photo of me near one of the lookout stations on the Stony Creek Trails

Meal Prep

 Trying to balance a healthy life along with work and school can become a challenge. At first, many of us can build a strategy that we think will work for us, but come Friday, dinner plans involving cocktails and appetizers can wreck the plan. Finding a plan that works for you is most important, if you know you cant keep up the healthy eating on the weekend, try to incorporate a cheat day or meal.

Recently my boyfriend and I have been on the meal prepping train. At first what seemed like a waste of time became the best use of time for us. During the work week we typically didn't have time to make a lunch that was healthy so we opted for buying lunch at the work cafeteria or going out. We soon began to see the toll this was taking on our bodies, and our bank account.

Our meal preps are simple, we pick two recipes and we make enough for Mon- Thurs for lunch and dinner. We typically pick chicken and a beef, which we pair with various veggies and salads. Here is a Chicken Salad Recipe  which we love, give it a try! Even if you aren't on the health band wagon, you can simply meal prep to save you some time and money which can go a long way!

-Holly




Sources: Café Delite meal ideas