Why You Should Create a Vision Board for 2025

Posted on December 23, 2024December 19, 2024 by gigis ramblings

My personal 2025 Vision Board created with Canva

As we step into a new year, there’s something magical about imagining all that lies ahead. For me, creating a vision board has been a tradition I have been doing for about 10 years now. Whether it’s a physical board or a digital one, it’s not just an artsy activity—it’s a way to set my intentions, visualize my goals, and hold myself accountable.

If you’ve never made a vision board, 2025 might just be the perfect year to start. Here’s why it’s such a powerful practice and how it can help you achieve your goals while adding a little fun to the process.

A Tangible Reminder of Your Goals

We all have dreams, but it’s easy to lose focus in the hustle of daily life. A vision board—whether hanging in your office or saved as your phone wallpaper—keeps your goals front and center. Every time you see it, you’re reminded of what you’re working toward—like paying off that car, upgrading to that new truck, or planning those long-dreamed-of travel adventures.

Keeps You Accountable

For years, I’ve included both realistic goals and a big dream or two on my vision board. This mix keeps me motivated and grounded. For instance, I’ve added paying off my car and saving for home upgrades or moving to the country to my 2025 board, alongside aspirations for new travel destinations and my vain desire for dental implants. By having these goals visualized, I’m reminded to take steps toward them, even on days when motivation runs low.

Inspires Creativity and Positivity

Making a vision board isn’t just productive—it’s fun! You can choose to create a physical board with magazines, glue, and scissors, or go the digital route using tools like Canva. I’ve started using Canva to create my boards, and it’s a game-changer. You can quickly drag and drop images, quotes, and text to design something inspiring and personal.

If you’re not sure where to start, I even created a Canva template you can download and simply add your own pics to make the process easier. Whether physical or digital, each piece of your board reflects a unique part of your vision and serves as a daily source of inspiration.

Helps You Manifest

Call it visualization, manifestation, or just setting a clear intention—whatever term resonates with you, there’s power in focusing on your dreams. A vision board acts like a magnet for positivity, helping you align your thoughts and actions toward making your goals a reality.

How to Create Your Vision Board

Creating a vision board is simple, but the process can be deeply personal and meaningful. Here’s how to get started:

Reflect on Your Goals: Think about what you want to achieve in 2025. Be realistic, but don’t be afraid to dream big.
Decide on Physical or Digital: Choose whether you want to create a physical board, a digital one, or both.
Gather Inspiration: For a physical board, gather magazines, scissors, glue, and a poster board. For a digital board, use tools like Canva to find images and templates.
Create Your Vision Board: Arrange your images, quotes, and symbols to represent your goals. If you’re using Canva, simply drag and drop your elements into a design.
Display Your Vision Board: For physical boards, hang them where you’ll see them daily. For digital boards, set them as your phone or desktop background.

Why Not Give It a Try?

Whether you’re dreaming of personal growth, professional success, or simply more moments of joy, a vision board can be your guide. There’s no right or wrong way to create one—it’s all about what resonates with you.

For me, my 2025 board features the same staples as always: financial freedom, travel dreams, blessings over my marriage and business, and that ever-elusive Blue Ford Raptor! With both a physical board and a digital version saved on my phone, I’m ready to stay focused wherever I go.

Whatever your dreams are, seeing them on a vision board might just be the push you need to make them happen. So, grab those scissors, open Canva, and make this the year your vision truly comes to life!

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

Blogmas: What It Is and Why We Bloggers Do It

Posted on December 5, 2024December 5, 2024 by gigis ramblings

Image created with Canva Magic Studio

As the holiday season rolls around, you might hear bloggers buzzing about Blogmas. If you’re not familiar, you’re probably wondering: What is Blogmas, and why is everyone so excited about it?

Let’s dive into what Blogmas is all about, why bloggers participate, and why it’s such a beloved tradition in the online world.

What is Blogmas?

Blogmas is a holiday blogging challenge where bloggers post content every day leading up to Christmas, typically starting on December 1. Think of it as an advent calendar for blog readers—each day brings a fresh piece of holiday-themed content. Some bloggers stick with a 12-day version, starting on December 13, but the idea is the same: celebrating the festive season with consistent, engaging posts.

Why Do Bloggers Participate?

Blogmas isn’t just about cranking out content—it’s about creativity, community, and celebration. Here are some of the reasons bloggers love this tradition:

Spreading Holiday Cheer: Blogmas is the perfect opportunity to share festive ideas, recipes, DIYs, and stories. It helps readers get into the holiday spirit.
Boosting Engagement: With frequent, seasonal content, bloggers often see a spike in traffic and interaction. Readers love checking in daily for something new!
Connecting with the Community: Many bloggers see Blogmas as a way to connect with others in their niche. Sharing ideas and linking to fellow bloggers’ posts fosters a sense of camaraderie.
Challenging Creativity: Posting daily content isn’t easy, but it pushes bloggers to think outside the box and try new things. It’s a chance to explore topics and ideas they might not usually cover.

What Do Bloggers Write About During Blogmas?

Blogmas posts typically revolve around all things festive and cozy. Here are a few popular content ideas:

Holiday Gift Guides: Bloggers share thoughtful gift ideas for every type of person in your life.
Recipes: From Christmas cookies to festive cocktails, food-related content is always a hit.
DIY Decorations: Readers love simple, creative ways to make their homes feel merry and bright.
Personal Stories: Reflecting on holiday traditions or sharing childhood memories brings a personal touch.
Self-Care Tips: The holidays can be stressful, so posts about staying grounded and enjoying the season are always appreciated.

The beauty of Blogmas is that it’s highly customizable. Bloggers can tailor their content to their unique voice and audience.

Image created with Canva Magic Studio

Why Is Blogmas Worth It?

Blogmas might sound like a lot of work (and it is!), but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Bloggers often find that the experience reignites their passion for writing and reminds them why they started in the first place. The daily posting schedule can feel intense, but it’s a fun challenge that helps bloggers hone their skills.

For readers, Blogmas feels like a gift. They get to enjoy fresh, festive content every day, which keeps them coming back for more. It’s a win-win for both creators and their audience.

Tips for a Successful Blogmas

If you’re a blogger considering Blogmas, here are a few tips to make it manageable:

Plan Ahead: Create a content calendar and brainstorm ideas before December begins. Prewriting posts can save you stress later.
Keep It Simple: Not every post needs to be a masterpiece. Short, lighthearted content is perfect for the holiday season.
Have Fun: Blogmas is about celebrating the holidays, so don’t let it become a chore. Enjoy the process and share what makes you happy!

Image created with Canva Magic Studio

The Magic of Blogmas

At its core, Blogmas is about embracing the magic of the holiday season and sharing it with the world. It’s a chance to connect, inspire, and celebrate in a way that’s uniquely yours. Whether you’re a seasoned blogger or thinking about participating for the first time, Blogmas is a tradition worth trying.

So grab a mug of hot cocoa, crank up the holiday tunes, and start brainstorming your Blogmas ideas. The season of creativity and cheer is here, and your readers will love every festive moment!

How I’m Setting Intentions for 2025 (and You Can Too!)

Posted on December 4, 2024December 4, 2024 by gigis ramblings

Image created with Canva Magic Studio

As the calendar flips to a new year, there’s always this buzzing energy to start fresh. While I love the idea of resolutions, they can feel a little rigid. Instead, I’m focusing on setting intentions for 2025. Intentions feel lighter, more flexible, and much kinder than strict resolutions. They’re about aligning with what matters most to you, not just checking things off a list.

Here’s how I’m approaching it and how you can, too!

Reflecting on the Past Year

Before jumping into 2025, I’m taking a moment to reflect on 2024. What worked? What didn’t? Were there any moments that felt especially fulfilling or joyful? Reflecting helps me understand what I want to carry forward and what I’d rather leave behind.

If you’re setting intentions, start by asking yourself: What brought me joy this year? What drained my energy? These questions can give you a solid foundation for moving forward.

Choosing a Word (or Two) for the Year

One of my favorite ways to set intentions is by choosing a word (or phrase) for the year. This word acts as a guiding light for everything I do. In 2025, I’m leaning toward words like balance and connection. Balance reminds me to take time for myself and not overcommit, while connection encourages me to nurture my relationships and meet new people.

Your word doesn’t have to be profound. It could be adventure, growth, or even calm. The goal is to pick something that resonates deeply with you.

Breaking Down the Big Picture

Once I have my word, I start breaking it into smaller, actionable intentions. For instance, if my word is connection, my intentions might include:

Scheduling monthly meet-ups with friends.
Calling family members more regularly.
Volunteering in my community to meet new people.

This process keeps my intentions meaningful but manageable. It’s not about big, life-altering goals—it’s about small, consistent actions that feel good.

Keeping It Flexible

One reason resolutions can feel so overwhelming is their rigidity. You either succeed or fail, and that pressure can feel defeating. Intentions, on the other hand, are more fluid. If something isn’t working, you can adjust it.

For example, if an intention to exercise three times a week feels too ambitious, scale it back to twice a week. The point is to keep moving toward your goals without beating yourself up over small setbacks.

Photo created with Canva Magic Studio

Writing It Down

There’s something powerful about writing down your intentions. It makes them feel real. I like to jot mine in a journal or even on sticky notes that I place around the house. Seeing those reminders every day keeps me focused.

You could also create a vision board. Gather pictures, quotes, or items that represent your intentions and display them somewhere you’ll see often. It’s a fun, creative way to stay inspired.

Checking In Regularly

Intentions aren’t something you set once and forget. I try to check in with mine at least monthly. I ask myself: Am I still aligned with my word? Are my intentions working for me?

This is also a great time to celebrate small wins. Maybe you stuck to a new habit for a few weeks or reached out to an old friend. Recognizing these moments helps you stay motivated.

Giving Yourself Grace

Life doesn’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. Some months will feel more productive than others, and sometimes you’ll veer off track. Setting intentions is about progress, not perfection.

I remind myself that it’s okay to pivot or take a break. Giving yourself grace is just as important as the intentions themselves.

Let’s Do This Together!

Setting intentions doesn’t have to be complicated. Reflect, choose a word, break it into smaller steps, and give yourself room to grow. It’s a gentle way to approach the new year while staying true to what matters most to you.

As we step into 2025, let’s focus on what feels good and let go of the rest. Whether your intentions are big, small, or somewhere in between, they’re yours to shape. Here’s to a year filled with growth, joy, and a whole lot of grace!

Hybrid Workplace Technologies: Bridging Office and Remote Work

Posted on November 30, 2024November 30, 2024 by gigis ramblings

Image created with Canva Magic Studio

Remote work has been a defining part of my life since 2012, long before it became mainstream. Back then, I joined a platform called Elance, diving into a work style that offered freedom and flexibility for a major introvert like myself. Over the years, I’ve worked from anywhere I pleased—the car, the beach, or my home—setting my own hours, caring for my grandkids when needed, and even enjoying lunch dates with Santiago. I can work sitting, standing, or even lying down. My experience has given me a deep appreciation for hybrid workplace technologies, which are reshaping the way we work by blending traditional office setups with remote work solutions.

What Are Hybrid Workplace Technologies?

Hybrid workplace technologies refer to tools, platforms, and systems designed to enable seamless collaboration between remote and in-office employees. From advanced communication platforms to AI-driven scheduling tools, these technologies aim to create a unified work environment, ensuring everyone has access to the same resources, regardless of location.

Advantages of Hybrid Workplace Technologies

Enhanced Flexibility
Hybrid technologies empower employees to choose where and how they work. For those like me who cherish flexibility, this means balancing professional and personal commitments without compromising productivity.
Improved Collaboration
Tools like video conferencing, project management software, and real-time document sharing allow teams to collaborate effectively, whether they’re across the hall or across the globe.
Broader Talent Pool
Businesses can hire talent from diverse locations, no longer restricted by geographical boundaries. This not only enriches company culture but also increases access to specialized skills.
Cost Savings
Hybrid workplaces reduce the need for large office spaces and associated costs, such as utilities and maintenance. Employees also save on commuting expenses.
Employee Satisfaction
Offering a hybrid work option enhances work-life balance, leading to happier, more engaged employees. For someone like me, it’s the freedom to adjust my schedule that makes all the difference.

Image created with Canva Magic Studio

Challenges of Hybrid Workplace Technologies

Communication Barriers
While hybrid technologies facilitate interaction, they require effort to maintain clear communication between remote and in-office teams. Misunderstandings or feelings of isolation can arise if not managed effectively.
Technology Dependence
Hybrid setups rely heavily on stable internet connections and functioning tools. Any tech disruptions can quickly derail workflows.
Inequity in Resources
Ensuring remote employees have access to the same tools and opportunities as their in-office counterparts is crucial but can be a logistical challenge for organizations.
Security Risks
With employees accessing sensitive data from various locations, businesses must prioritize cybersecurity to protect against breaches.

Key Technologies Driving Hybrid Workplaces

Video Conferencing Tools: Platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams keep teams connected.
Cloud-Based Solutions: Tools like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 enable real-time collaboration.
Project Management Software: Apps like Asana, Trello, and Monday.com help streamline tasks and deadlines.
Virtual Office Platforms: Solutions like Gather or Meta’s Workrooms simulate an in-office experience.
Cybersecurity Tools: VPNs and encryption software ensure secure communication and data handling.

The Future of Hybrid Workplaces

Hybrid workplace technologies have permanently altered how we view work. For those like me, who have already experienced the freedom of remote work, these advancements promise even greater flexibility and inclusivity. Companies that embrace hybrid models and invest in the right technologies can expect increased productivity, employee satisfaction, and resilience in an ever-changing world.

As someone who values the ability to work from anywhere, I’m excited to see how hybrid technologies continue to shape the workplace of tomorrow. The possibilities for balancing work and life have never been greater.

Cure the Rainy Day Blues

Posted on May 3, 2019March 30, 2020 by gigis ramblings

We have all found ourselves stuck in the house for days at a time with nothing to do, thanks to Mother Nature. If you’re an introvert, like me, you love these days. It is calming to my nerves and soothes my soul. Unfortunately, most kids don’t share this sentiment. I have compiled a list of activities you can do to keep your children and grandchildren occupied during these lovely days.

Build a fort. When I was a child, all I needed was a few sheets and I could transform anything into my own amazing space. I have many fond memories of my young architectural days. Imaginative play is vital to the normal development of children. Give them a couple of blankets and a small space, then sit back and watch what creative little creatures they are.

Have a scavenger hunt. Scavenger hunts are perfect if you have a house full of children. You can virtually use anything around the house to hide. Give the kids their list and a pillowcase, then send the little foragers on their way. There are many ideas online for age-appropriate hunts.

Play an old-fashioned game of hide and seek. Children of all ages love hide and seek. The thrill of the hunt and anticipation of waiting to be found has delighted young’ uns since the beginning of time.

Pretend play. This allows kids to be anything they want to be. Dress-up and tea parties are always fun for little girls. Cowboys and Indians is an age-old hit with boys. They can be the superhero that saves the day or a doctor saving lives. You will be amazed at the imagination little ones have.

Try a Fun Science Experiment. Pinterest is full of age-appropriate ideas for experiments. Many of these are simple, but mind-blowing to children. Some of my favorites are the disappearing egg shell, tornado in a jar, growing a bean sprout, rock candy, and 2-ingredient slime. Check out my personal Pinterest Board for ideas.

The perfect time to do arts n crafts. This is the perfect time to make priceless memories with your kids. I still have a collection of things my kids made over 20 years ago; something I wouldn’t trade for the world. Again, Pinterest has thousands of age-appropriate craft ideas.

Popcorn and movies. Grab the blankets, pillows & sleeping bags, a bowl of popcorn and your favorite movie for a relaxing way to spend a gloomy day. This is a beloved tradition for many families. Lots of hugs and cuddles included.

Regardless of how you choose to spend your rainy day, make memories and love your kiddos!

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a travel writer and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

Staying Fit While Working From Home

Posted on February 15, 2018March 15, 2020 by gigis ramblings

Obesity is a serious epidemic in this country and with more and more people opting to work from home the number of overweight individuals is only going to increase.

Obesity brings on a myriad of health issues, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, bone and joint issues, circulatory problems, not to mention serious psychological effects. It is imperative that those of us who choose to work from home incorporate movement into our daily routine.

There are new studies surfacing everywhere that show even if you get regular exercise sitting too much is just bad for you. Scary news for those who work from a desk!

Hell, I work from my desk, recliner, bed and anywhere else I may find some peace and quiet. I personally never realized just how detrimental it was to your health. I just assumed if you eat healthy and exercise regularly that resting and not working your body too hard was good for you- boy was I wrong!

It has been proven that sitting three or more hours per day can shave two years off your life. WOW! I have been sitting more than that for many years now.

Lately, I have been more proactive about moving around throughout the day. Babysitting my two toddler grandbabies definitely makes that feat easier. I’m always chasing one of them away from something!

I have always LOVED vacuuming (just one of my many compulsive disorders), so I have made sure to increase my daily vacuum time to at least 15 minutes.

Along with my other daily chores, I easily spend an hour doing housework. Another good thing for me is my bedroom is upstairs. I usually make several trips up and down throughout the day.

Doctors can’t seem to agree on an exact time frame, but most agree that you should not sit for more than 30 minutes at a time. Even with all the things I have listed above I still need tons of improvement and I’m sure most readers are in the same boat.

I have compiled a list of tips to get you up off your tush more often. I hope you find something on the list to get that blood pumping!

Standing desks are becoming the new thing, but my feet are hurting just thinking about it
Normal people take breaks to sit, but we need to take standing breaks
If you watch TV while working, use each commercial break as a time to get up, stretch and walk around
Take a brisk walk around the block on your lunch break
If you are able to +work outside whenever possible, the fresh air is just good for the body in general
Make a trip to the mailbox
Move things like staples, paper clips, trash cans, etc. to the other side of the room so you must get up when needed
Use a smaller coffee cup or glass so it will need to be refilled more often
Drink more water throughout the day. Water makes the blood flow better and the frequent trips to the bathroom are good exercise
Get an exercise ball chair – I had no idea these even existed, but the results are supposed to be amazing
If you listen to the radio while working don’t be afraid to jump up and shake that booty when your favorite song comes on

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a travel writer and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and L&S Freelance Writers. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family that consists of six children and eight grandchildren.

How to Juggle Toddlers When Working From Home

Posted on January 28, 2018March 7, 2020 by gigis ramblings

Toddlers and work- whew!! Toddlers ARE work! Lucky for me, my most creative hours are after 1 am, but this is definitely not practical for everyone. The toddlers in my house are my grandbabies, so I only have them a set number of hours each day. For those mothers that have little ones around the clock finding time to breathe can be challenging enough, finding time to work can seem impossible. It is imperative to find a balance between giving your little ones the attention they need and being productive in your work.

Here are a few tips for all you work-from-home mommies:

1. Schedule, Schedule, Schedule.

Easier said than done, I know. There needs to be a clear, concise time that is set aside for you to devote to your business. Even if it is only an hour, make sure you clear that space and utilize your time wisely. You will feel like you have accomplished something, trust me. You also need to get the kiddos on a schedule. Make sure you have breakfast at the same time, naps at the same time, activities at the same time and so on. I know some days this will be about as possible as winning the lottery, but for the most part, children adapt to schedules relatively well. Whenever you can sneak in a little work time take advantage of that!

2. Minimize distractions.

Easier said than done, I know. When you have your scheduled work time, make sure you are completely zoned in on the task at hand. Turn off your phone, TV and any other devices that may take away your focus.

3. Have a designated workspace.

You want a place where you can go that is neat, organized, and efficient for your needs. You don’t want to waste whatever time you have managed to set aside looking for a lost file.

4. Delegate tasks.

If your business is booming and you have more work than you can handle, hiring a virtual assistant may be an option for you. There are several online platforms, like Upwork.com, which makes it easy to find a reputable freelancer.

5. Meal Prep.

Meal prepping has become very popular with busy moms. There are countless step-by-step instructions on the internet to walk you through this. It will shave off a significant amount of time you spend in the kitchen preparing meals each day. It also encourages healthy eating…a win-win situation!

6. Share chores.

Everyone knows running a household is more than a full-time job! If there is someone else who lives in the home with you (husband, roommate, older child, etc.) get them to lend you a hand getting the clothes in the dryer or washing that stack of dirty dishes.

7. Get plenty of rest.

When there’s not enough time in the day many people, myself included, find themselves burning the midnight oil. This is not good for your health, your family or your business. Many nights I have found myself up well after 3 am just to be unproductive the entire next day due to moodiness, brain fog, and exhaustion. You have to fuel yourself with rest to be at your full potential.

8. Enjoy the time with your child.

This is the most important tip I can give you. I mean, after all, this is why we do it. Quality time with your baby makes all of the sacrifices worth it! When my kids were growing up I didn’t have the option to work at home. Take it from me, you miss so many things! The daycare center was essentially raising my children. I am so grateful now to be able to spend my days with the grandkids. And I know their parents are grateful to be able to have someone to nurture and love them, rather than sharing a teacher with 20 other children. Make the time you have with them special, it goes way too fast!!

10 Companies That Allow You To Work From Home

Posted on March 14, 2016March 15, 2020 by gigis ramblings

With today’s cutting edge technology the dream of being able to work from home has become a reality for 1 in 5 Americans, and that number continues to rise. There has been a 105% increase in telecommuters since 2005.

I must warn readers to beware of scams, there are a plethora of them out there. If it seems too good to be true…it is! Do not fall prey to the get rich quick schemes. A legitimate job offer will not require paying any money upfront.

The companies covered in this article are well-known companies, many have been around for decades. Most people are not even aware that working from home is even an option for these businesses. When compiling this list I wanted to provide job-seekers with a selection of trusted companies that have integrated telecommuting opportunities into their hiring practices.

Apple– offers a great opportunity for At-Home Advisors.
3M– offers many different telecommuting positions.
Dell– offers many remote positions around the nation.
Xerox– currently employs more than 8,000 in-home employees.
IBM– offers select opportunities to work from home.
Convergys– offers thousands of work from home positions throughout the U.S.
TeleTech– looking for educated and driven individuals to join our team of associates working from their homes located across the U.S.
Salesforce– offers tons of remote employment opportunities around the globe.
K12– offers various remote positions in education.
American Express– offers a variety of virtual home-based positions across the U.S.

If you are considering a career working from home, these are all legitimate companies looking for people like yourself.