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Shared Mar 5, 2014 comment

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #3 (update)

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4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #3 (update)

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home

I’m so excited about how many of you are joining us for the 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home Challenge! If you missed today’s assignment, you can find it here.

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home

Oh how my bedroom needed today’s assignment! This pile — leftover from vacation — was greeting me and begging for my attention.

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home

So. much. better! {Never mind the carpet stain… it happened a few weeks ago and has refused to comply with my scrubbing and usual stain removal techniques!}

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home

I sort of cheated and cleaned out the freezer when I cleaned the refrigerator. It’s getting pretty bare right now since we’ve been eating down its contents in preparation for our move in April.

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home

Oh, how I love a clean kitchen!4 Weeks to a More Organized Home

The 7 things I found to get rid of — a few pieces of jewelry and a few kitchen items.

How you do on Assignment #3? I’d love to have you share your progress and success with us so we can be inspired. Either post a link to your blog post below or leave a comment with your update.

 

Money Saving Mom
Shared Mar 5, 2014 comment

12 Books I Plan to Read in March

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12 Books I Plan to Read in March

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12 Books I Plan to Read in March

As I shared in January, I’m changing the way I’m approaching my reading goals in 2014. Instead of picking books for the whole year, I’m just choosing books a month at a time.

Here’s my list for March:

12 Books I Plan to Read in March

I also am reading through the Bible using the plan in my Blessing Journal and reading one devotional from Jesus Today every day.

12 Books I Plan to Read in March

5 Books I Plan to Read Aloud to My Kids

What books are you planning to read in March? Leave a comment and let us know — and then you can come back at the end of March to tell us what you ended up reading and what you thought of the books you read!

Money Saving Mom
Shared Mar 5, 2014 comment

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #3

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4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #3

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4 Weeks to a More Organized Home

I’ve set aside the month of March to really focus on organization in my home and life. And I’d love for you to join me!

Every weekday morning at around 10 a.m. EST, I’ll be posting the day’s assignment and then every evening at around 8 p.m. EST, I’ll be posting my progress and pictures, along with a link-up for you to share your progress and pictures, too.

Day 3 Assignment

::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great {there’s something about dressing in clothes that make you feel great that just gives you more energy and zest for life!}

::Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea, refer to your list of weekly goals, and make a list of no more than 5-7 specific things you want to accomplish today.

::Complete your morning routine {if you don’t have a morning routine, take some time to create one today! Read my How to Develop a Routine That Works–And Stick With It series for step-by-step help.}

::Set the timer for 15 minutes and do a quick-clean of your bedroom: throw out any trash, put away items that are out of place, get rid of clutter, tidy up, vacuum, and make your bed.

::Clean out your freezer(s). If you need step-by-step help, read this guide on How to Clean Out Your Freezer.

::Find 7 items to get rid of today. Throw them out, stick them in a donate or garage sale box, give them to a friend who can use them, or list them on Craigslist or eBay.

Note: If you work outside the home or have a really busy week with little time for extra projects, just do the bolded project above.

Get Your Free Ebook + Printable Checklists

I put together an ebook with encouraging articles, all the daily assignments, plus printable checklists so you can know exactly what’s planned for the month and to allow you to work at your own pace, if you’d like. To grab your free ebook so you can participate in this challenge, just fill out the form below with your name and email address. You’ll need to confirm your email address and then your free ebook will be sent to you instantly.

Are you planning to join us today? If so, leave a comment below!

Money Saving Mom
Shared Mar 4, 2014 comment

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #2 (update)

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4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #2 (update)

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4 Weeks to a More Organized Home

I’m so excited about how many of you are joining us for the 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home Challenge! If you missed today’s assignment, you can find it here.

It was so, so good to get back home today after a week and a half away. We had a wonderful time with dear friends and it was such a refreshing gift to have time away after a busy few months, but it’s always good to be HOME!

Here are pictures from our kitchen-cleaning adventures…

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home

4 Weeks to a More Organized HomeCleaning in process

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home

Oh how I love a clean kitchen sink!

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home

Even though it’s not fall, I’m still slowly burning this delicious-smelling candle.

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home

Tackling the refrigerator4 Weeks to a More Organized

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home

And here were the 7 things I found to get rid of — a few clothing items and some other odds and ends.

How you do on Assignment #2? I’d love to have you share your progress and success with us so we can be inspired. Either post a link to your blog post below or leave a comment with your update.

Money Saving Mom
Shared Mar 4, 2014 comment

This Week’s Menu Plan + Freezer Cooking in an Hour Plan

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This Week’s Menu Plan + Freezer Cooking in an Hour Plan

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Homemade Pizza Dough

Breakfasts

Oatmeal, Cereal, Eggs, and/or Fruit

Lunches

Mac & cheese, fruit
Snack-y lunch {veggies, cheese, yogurt, fruit, crackers, etc.}
PB&J, carrot sticks, apples
Cheese quesadillas, carrot sticks
Leftovers x 3

Snacks

Fruit/veggies
Popcorn
Boiled eggs Homemade Pizza Dough

Freezer Cooking in an Hour Plan

Cornmeal Pancakes
Cinnamon Sugar Oven Pancake
Homemade Pizza Dough

Dinners

Homemade Pizza, veggies, fruit
Slow Cooker Southwest Soup, fruit
Breakfast for Dinner: Cornmeal Pancakes, scrambled eggs, fruit
Build Your Own Haystacks, fruit
Dinner out
Dinner with friends
Dinner with extended family

What’s on your menu this week? Tell us in the comments or leave a link to your menu plan post.

WANT TO SAVE $100 FAST?!Join the FREE 14-Day Savings Challenge!

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Money Saving Mom
Shared Mar 4, 2014 comment

Giveaways Galore

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Giveaways Galore

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Of the 1,645 entries, the winners of the Emeals breakfast, lunch, and dinner plan are:

Dana (Danapassmore@)
Megan (heymeggiebaby@)
Amy (amys85@)
Tracy (nursetracy12@)
Renee (putercloth@)

If you’re not a winner, you may still use the discount code MEALS15 for 15% off any meal plan.

Each of you should have received an email with further instructions on claiming your prize.

_____________

Are you giving something away on your blog this week? If so, post your link below and let all the readers here know so they can get in on the action! Your giveaway must be family-friendly and no-strings-attached. In addition, to make it easy to navigate, your link must go directly to your giveaway post. Links going to the homepage of your blog or any other part of your blog besides the direct link to your giveaway post will be deleted. Links left solely for the purpose of promoting an affiliate link will also be deleted.


Money Saving Mom
Shared Mar 4, 2014 comment

Sign up for the Say Goodbye to Survival Mode LIVE Chat on March 6!

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Sign up for the Say Goodbye to Survival Mode LIVE Chat on March 6!

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faithgateway

I’ll be participating in a Live Chat about my new book, Say Goodbye to Survival Mode, this Thursday, March 6, 2014, at 2 pm EST/11 am PST. I’m excited to partner with Faith Gateway for this live chat opportunity.

Say Goodbye to Survival Mode TeleseminarOn this chat, I’ll be sharing about some of the key lessons from my book, Say Goodbye to Survival Mode. Plus, we’ll open up the floor for any questions you have for me — on any topic! You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions live during the chat via Twitter with the hashtag #saygoodbyetosurvivalmode.

We’ll Be Talking About How To:

  1. Feel healthy and more energetic by setting priorities and boundaries.
  2. Eliminate stress with savvy management of your time, money and home.
  3. Get more done by setting realistic goals and embracing discipline.
  4. Rediscover your passions and the confidence to pursue them.

This chat will be packed with straightforward solutions you can use today!

How to Register

This Live Chat will be Thursday, March 6, 2014 at 2 pm EST/1 pm CST.

>>Register for FREE here now to participate in the live chat.<<

Money Saving Mom
Shared Mar 4, 2014 comment

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #2

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4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #2

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4 Weeks to a More Organized Home

I’m so sorry that this is late this morning — I didn’t have internet for a few hours this morning! Thanks for your patience! 🙁

I’ve set aside the month of March to really focus on organization in my home and life. And I’d love for you to join me!

Every weekday morning at around 10 a.m. EST, I’ll be posting the day’s assignment and then every evening at around 8 p.m. EST, I’ll be posting my progress and pictures, along with a link-up for you to share your progress and pictures, too.

Day 2 Assignment

::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great {there’s something about dressing in clothes that make you feel great that just gives you more energy and zest for life!}

::Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea, refer to your list of weekly goals, and make a list of no more than 5-7 specific things you want to accomplish today.

::Complete your morning routine {if you don’t have a morning routine, take some time to create one today! Read my How to Develop a Routine That Works–And Stick With It series for step-by-step help.}

::Set the timer for 15 minutes and do a quick-clean of your kitchen: wash the dishes/load the dishwasher, clear off the countertops, and, if you have time, wipe down the countertops and the outside of the cupboards with wet rag or cleaning cloth.

::Clean out your refrigerator. There’s a step-by-step guide for cleaning out your refrigerator here.

::Find 7 items to get rid of today. Throw them out, stick them in a donate or garage sale box, give them to a friend who can use them, or list them on Craigslist or eBay.

Note: If you work outside the home or have a really busy week with little time for extra projects, just do the bolded project above.

Get Your Free Ebook + Printable Checklists

I put together an ebook with encouraging articles, all the daily assignments, plus printable checklists so you can know exactly what’s planned for the month and to allow you to work at your own pace, if you’d like.

To grab your free ebook so you can participate in this challenge, just fill out the form below with your name and email address. You’ll need to confirm your email address and then your free ebook will be sent to you instantly.



Are you planning to join us today? If so, leave a comment below!

Money Saving Mom
Shared Mar 3, 2014 comment

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #1 (update)

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4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #1 (update)

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home

I’m so excited about how many of you are joining us for the 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home Challenge! If you missed today’s assignment, you can find it here.

We’re on the tail end of early Spring Break/vacation right now, so I actually wasn’t home today… but I did get dressed in an outfit I love, I did make a to do list, and I made out my list of 10 goals for this week.

And then before I left for vacation, I worked ahead on today’s projects…

4 Weeks to a More Organized HomeThe contents of my purse… I put away the hat and earrings, but everything went back in.

By the way, I have fallen in LOVE with zippered pouches — I use one for my coupons/gift cards and the other for all the odds and ends I like to carry (pens, head phones, mints, chapstick, lotion, hand sanitizer, etc.) It keeps things so much more organized and helps things not get lost at the bottom of my purse.

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home

Speaking of the bottom of my purse, guess what I found there? Yikes!!

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home

And here were the 7 things I found to get rid of. Some will go in the trash and the books will either be donated or passed onto a friend.

How you do on Assignment #1? I’d love to have you share your progress and success with us so we can be inspired. Either post a link to your blog post below or leave a comment with your update.

Money Saving Mom
Shared Mar 3, 2014 comment

10 Goals For This Week

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10 Goals For This Week

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10 Weekly Goals

Last Week’s Goals:

Marriage/Mothering/Homemaking Goals

1. Read 2 chapters of A Big Year for Lily to the girls. Read 2 chapters of Jungle Doctor’s Fables. Read a few picture books with Silas.

2. Write a love note to Jesse.

Personal Goals

3. Work on memorizing & reviewing Romans 1:1-28.

4. Exercise four times.

5. Finish reading Sarah’s Key, On Every Side, and Restless.

Blog/Business Goals

6. Get everything ready for the 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home challenge starting on March 3, 2014.

This Week’s Goals:

Marriage/Mothering/Homemaking Goals

1. Read 3 chapters of A Big Year for Lily to the girls. Read 3 chapters of Jungle Doctor’s Fables. Read a few picture books with Silas.

2. Write a love note to Jesse.

3. Blog about the 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home Challenge.

4. Make Homemade Whipped Butter.

Personal Goals

5. Work on memorizing & reviewing Romans 1:1-28.

6. Exercise four times.

7. Finish reading The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages and I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t)

8. Drink 8 glasses of water every day.

Blog/Business Goals

9. Put together a special download page for an upcoming event.

10. Tweak and practice my talks for the Hearts At Home Conference.

How did you do on last week’s goals? What are your goals for this week? I’d love to have you share your progress on last week’s goals and your goals for this coming week in the comments. Of, if you’ve blogged about it, leave your direct link below. Let’s cheer each other on to live purposeful and productive lives! You can download a free customizable weekly goal-planning sheet here.


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Shared Mar 3, 2014 comment

How I’m Cutting My Gift Budget By 75%

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How I’m Cutting My Gift Budget By 75%

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gift budget

Guest post from Rachael of Thriving on Thrifty

Every month, I designate a specific amount of our budget for various gifts (i.e. birthdays, Christmas, etc.). While I think it’s great that we have the money saved, I decided that we were spending too much of our budget on this particular area.

Therefore, this year I gave myself a challenge that I hope will inspire some of you as well. I cut my monthly budget by 75% and have found other creative ways to come up with the money.

Here is my strategy to cut my gift budget and put more money to other needed areas:

1. Lower the Amount Spent By Shopping Early with Deals. 

I actually started shopping for Christmas as soon as last Christmas was over. I already have over half of my Christmas shopping complete and probably spent less than half of what I would have normally spent on these items by shopping clearance items and deals.

2. Use Money-Making Apps and Websites to Earn Gift Cards.

Here are a few that I have been using so far this year to help pay for my gift budget:

  • Swagbucks: I have been a member for at least a year but just recently found a way for me to make Swagbucks without spending a lot of time. I downloaded the SBTV app and try to hit my daily goal of 50 swagbucks by watching videos. I also do some Virool videos on the Swagbucks App as they become available and do the daily poll each day.
  • PerkTV App:  I just recently started using this app. I am able to run continuous videos and earn points which can then be redeemed for various gift cards.
  • ChatAbout: I just signed up for this site and really like it so far. It doesn’t take me too much time to reach my daily goal of 55 points by chatting about various topics and taking their daily poll. I have already redeemed twice for a Paypal redemption, and I just got started a couple of weeks ago!
  • Viewpoints: This site allows you to review various products in exchange for points. These points can then be redeemed for gift cards.
  • ExpoTV: This site offers points in exchange for video reviews. I have redeemed several times off of this site since I started using it last year.
  • SavingStar: I use the cash back that I get through shopping with the SavingStar App to cash in for my gift fund.
  • Rakuten (formerly Ebates): I use Rakuten when I shop at various stores online to get a percentage of my purchase back. When I get my rebate check each quarter, I plan to put this in my gift fund.

Creatively Use Freebies and Rewards Programs.

Each time I find a freebie deal either online or in the store, I try to think about how I could creatively use these items as presents.

Also, many stores have rewards programs for purchases or occasionally offer free credits. Even if they aren’t huge credits, you can usually shop in the clearance section to find great deals.

How do you stretch your gift budget? I’d love to hear!

Rachael Lachniet is a stay at home mom who enjoys learning ways to save money for her family and tries to share these ideas with others on her blog, Thriving on Thrifty.

photo source

Money Saving Mom
Shared Mar 3, 2014 comment

12 Books I Read in February

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12 Books I Read in February

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12 Books I Plan to Read in February

I didn’t quite get my whole list of books read in February, but I did read 12 books.

12 Books I Read in February:

My Two Favorites:

Undaunted— I loved this book! Christine’s message on not settling for the status quo and not letting our limitations and fears hold us back from being all the God wants us to be, resonated with me in a deep way. I would highly recommend this book to every Christian woman who wants to live a life sold out to God.

Samson — I’ve always been fascinated with World War II and have read many books and biographies over the years on the subject, so I was surprised at how much information was new in this well-researched novel. It’s a heart-wrenching story of the atrocities committed against innocent humans in the name of “medical experimentation” at Nazi concentration camps. It was unimaginable and heinous, and a book I wouldn’t recommend to someone who is faint at heart. However, personally, I think it’s important for us to know and understand what truly happened in history and, as such, this book was an eye-opening and well-written read.

What did you read in February? What were your favorite reads?

Money Saving Mom
Shared Mar 3, 2014 comment

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #1

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4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #1

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home

I’ve set aside the month of March to really focus on organization in my home and life. And I’d love for you to join me!

Every weekday morning at around 10 a.m. EST, I’ll be posting the day’s assignment and then every evening at around 8 p.m. EST, I’ll be posting my progress and pictures, along with a link-up for you to share your progress and pictures, too.

Day 1 Assignment

::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great {there’s something about dressing in clothes that make you feel great that just gives you more energy and zest for life!}

::Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea and make a list of 5-10 goals for this week.

::Complete your morning routine {if you don’t have a morning routine, take some time to create one today! Read my How to Develop a Routine That Works–And Stick With It series for step-by-step help.}

::Set the timer for 15 minutes and quickly pick up the main living areas of your home.

::Clean out your purse and/or diaper bag.

::Find 7 items to get rid of today. Throw them out, stick them in a donate or garage sale box, give them to a friend who can use them, or list them on Craigslist or eBay.

Note: If you work outside the home or have a really busy week with little time for extra projects, just do the bolded project above.

Get Your Free Ebook + Printable Checklists

I put together an ebook with encouraging articles, all the daily assignments, plus printable checklists so you can know exactly what’s planned for the month and to allow you to work at your own pace, if you’d like.

To grab your free ebook so you can participate in this challenge, just fill out the form below with your name and email address. You’ll need to confirm your email address and then your free ebook will be sent to you instantly.



Are you planning to join us today? If so, leave a comment below!

Shared Mar 2, 2014 comment

Join us for the 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home Challenge!

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Join us for the 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home Challenge!

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home

Who wants to get their home and life more in order?

I’ve set aside the month of March to really focus on organization in my home and life. We’re getting ready to move to Tennessee in April and this is the perfect time for me to clean the house from top to bottom and clear out clutter. And I’d love for you to join me!

Want to Follow Along?

Starting Monday, March 3, every weekday morning at around 10 a.m. EST, I’ll be posting the day’s assignment and then every evening at around 8 p.m. EST, I’ll be posting my progress and pictures, along with a link-up for you to share your progress and pictures, too.

Get Your Free Ebook + Printable Checklists

I put together an ebook with encouraging articles, all the daily assignments, plus printable checklists so you can know exactly what’s planned for the month and to allow you to work at your own pace, if you’d like.

To grab your free ebook so you can participate in this challenge, just fill out the form below with your name and email address. You’ll need to confirm your email address and then your free ebook will be sent to you instantly.



Leave a comment and let us know if you’re planning to join us!

Money Saving Mom
Shared Mar 2, 2014 comment

12 Months to a Healthier You: March Challenge

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12 Months to a Healthier You: March Challenge

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12-Months-to-a-Healthier-You

One of my goals for 2014 is to focus on my health. It’s easy to let our health take a back burner to everything else on our to-do list. But as I share in my new book, Say Goodbye to Survival Mode, I’ve experienced what happens when you put your health last… and it’s not pretty!

With this in mind, I’m committed to making my health even more of a priority this year. And I’d love to have you join me for the 12 Months to a Healthier You Challenge.

We’re be focusing on one challenge area each month — all with the goal of being in a healthier place as a person by the end of next year. My hope is that as we work on instilling one new healthy habit each month, they won’t just be month-long challenges, but lifelong changes.

12 Months to a Healthier You Focus Areas for 2014

Here are the focus areas I’ve planned out for 2014:

January: Exercise Regularly
February: Eat More Fresh Fruits & Veggies
March: Drink More Water
April: Cut Back on Sugar
May: Get More Rest
June: Create a Morning Routine
July: Read More
August: Go to Bed Earlier
September: Declutter Your Home
October: Cut Back on Caffeine
November: Keep a Gratitude Journal
December: Simplify & Say No

How This Challenge Works:

At the beginning of the month, I’ll introduce the focus area and encourage you to set a small goal for that specific area and I’ll share my goals.

Then, every Friday, I’ll have a check-in post where I’ll encourage you to share your progress & struggles and I’ll share mine, as well. If you want to blog about your progress, I’ll include a link-up at the end of the post so you can share your blog posts on this challenge.

In addition to the Friday check-ins, I’ll also probably share a few posts and guest posts on the monthly topics each month, along with sharing about related books, resources, or websites that I’ve found helpful.

Are you on social media? You can also share your progress on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter by using hashtag #12MonthstoaHealthierYou.

My Water Intake Goal for March

My goal for March is to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. I’m also hoping to keep up with January’s habit of exercising at least 4-5 times every week and February’s goal of eating a big salad at least six times a week.

Will you be joining me for this March Challenge? If so, leave a comment letting us know you’re planning to join and what your water intake goals are for March. Remember to keep them simple and doable!