Catherine Ann & Co.

Hey there, friends! As we dive into the new year, let's talk about digital planning! Have you set up your digital planner for 2024 yet? Share your process and tips in the comments below! Whether it's color-coded calendars, goal-setting techniques, or favorite productivity hacks, let's inspire each other for a year of organization and achievement.

Not sure where to start? No worries head to the blog for a step by step guide

Hello December… we are already checking off some things on our bucket list (swipe to see 👀)

What are some things that you just have to do in December?
Digital planner: The Organized Mom Planner
Stickers used: Stickerdoodles winter wonderland set

It's Black Friday and guess where you'll find me? 🛍️

I don't usually get excited about Black Friday because I tried it once and felt like my every move was being watched. When I put the [last in stock] item I was holding down to contemplate my purchase - it got swiped!! I kid you not, in a matter of seconds someone made the decision for me that I wasn't going to make that purchase. I guess it was an amateur move but I just didn't like the vibe. I'm more of a low key Cyber Monday gal. So, I'm going to be at home napping off the remaining turkey in my system and making room for some sweet potato pie with a warm London Fog tea latte ☕️ 🥧

Whether you are a pro Black Friday shopper or not…this year there's another reason to get excited about Black Friday. Today is Launch Day!!!! The Organized Mom Planners will all be in our shop tonight. We'll also be revealing our free planner winners and grand prize winners.

In case you missed it, our grand prize: free planner, $25 gift card, and $100 Amazon gift card just in time for holiday shopping or to treat yourself. 💫 And guess what? You still have time to enter…but don't wait too long we'll be taking last entries at 8pm et. 💫

Entering is simple and there is still time:

1. Join our Organized Mom Planner Community of Facebook or Instagram
2. Like the post
3. Comment on the corresponding post

Want to increase your chances to win? Now you can…Tag a friends or as many as you want for extra entries in our giveaway. 2 entries per tag (only 1 tag per line)
Winners and grand prize winner announcement: We'll be announcing one lucky winner on November 24th, 2023 at 9pm et. on Facebook and Instagram.

Tell me in the comments are you a Black Friday or Cyber Monday shopper?

Stay tuned to see if you're the lucky one!

Ready to add a touch of glamour to your planning routine? 💎

Introducing Geometric Glam, a symphony of modern design and timeless elegance. Picture your planning sessions infused with a touch of sophistication, as each geometric detail invites you into a world where organization meets glam.

Want to make this beauty yours for FREE? Simply ensure you're following us on FB or IG, and let us know what you’re looking forward to eating this Thanksgiving 🦃 Every comment is an entry, and you'll get 2 entries for every friend you tag.

Keep those notifications on high alert because we're announcing the lucky winner on launch day - November 24th at 9pm est. When you participate in our daily giveaways you are automatically entered into our grand prize giveaway: Free planner, $25 Starbucks gift card, ☕️ and $100 Amazon gift card 🛍️ - just in time for the holidays🎄

Are you hosting or attending a Thanksgiving dinner?

It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is tomorrow and our launch is just one day later!!! ((Hit 👍🏼 )) if you think this year is flying by.

Now for our next cover reveal, Diamond Plaid. We wanted something that reminds you that your planning journey can be both structured and beautiful, just like a well executed masterpiece.

Diamond Plaid exudes the art of balance—balancing tradition with innovation, style with substance.

Its perfect for moms who stay up-to-date with the latest fashion trends and for the moms that value both structure and style. They know how to navigate the complexities of motherhood while maintaining their own sense of elegance. We invite you to choose Diamond Plaid for your next Organized Mom Planner.

Ready to make this beauty yours for FREE? Simply ensure you're following us on FB or IG, and let us know what you’re looking forward to eating this Thanksgiving! Every comment is an entry, and you'll get 2 entries for every friend you tag.

Keep those notifications on high alert because we're announcing the lucky winner on launch day - November 24th. When you participate in our daily giveaways you automatically are entered into our grand prize giveaway: Free planner, $25 Starbucks gift card, and $100 Amazon gift card - just in time for Christmas

Are you hosting or attending a Thanksgiving dinner?

It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is tomorrow and our launch is just one day later!!! ((Double tap 👋🏽 )) if you think this year is flying by.

Now for our next cover reveal, Diamond Plaid. We wanted something that reminds you that your planning journey can be both structured and beautiful, just like a well executed masterpiece.

Diamond Plaid exudes the art of balance—balancing tradition with innovation, style with substance.
 
Its perfect for moms who stay up-to-date with the latest fashion trends and  for the moms that value both structure and style. They know how to navigate the complexities of motherhood while maintaining their own sense of elegance. We invite you to choose Diamond Plaid for your next Organized Mom Planner.

Ready to make this beauty yours for FREE? Simply ensure you're following us on FB or IG, and let us know what you’re looking forward to eating this Thanksgiving! Every comment is an entry, and you'll get 2 entries for every friend you tag.

Keep those notifications on high alert because we're announcing the lucky winner on launch day - November 24th. When you participate in our daily giveaways you automatically are entered into our grand prize giveaway: Free planner, $25 Starbucks gift card, and $100 Amazon gift card - just in time for Christmas

Ever played with Barbie growing up? ((tap 👋🏽 )) for yes!

Imagine a world where you could be anything. The possibilities are endless with barbie! 💫 Our Barbie Chic cover is an ode to the iconic Barbie doll who has been a symbol of beauty, style, and empowerment for generations of women.

Barbie Chic is for the moms that embrace their inner fashionista, find joy in the everyday, and pursue their dreams with grace and confidence. It's a reminder that, as moms, they can be the leading ladies of their own lives, just like Barbie has been in the world of fashion and imagination.
 
We invite you to choose Barbie Chic as your next Organized Mom Planner. She's waiting to accompany you on your journey of motherhood and organization - in style, just like Barbie has done for generations.

Ready to make this beauty yours for FREE? Simply ensure you're following us on FB or IG, and let us know what Barbie meant to you! Every comment is an entry, and you'll get 2 entries for every friend you tag.

Keep those notifications on high alert because we're announcing the lucky winner on launch day - November 24th. When you participate in our daily giveaways you automatically are entered into our grand prize giveaway: Free planner, $25 Starbucks gift card, and $100 Amazon gift card - just in time for Christmas

This one is for the bold & feminine mamas. Double tap 👋🏽 if that's you!

Day 3 of Launch Week and we are revealing our 3rd cover, Spotted Classy. We wanted something that represented the moms who are bold, confident, passionate, and still exude femininity. Spotted Classy is a perfect balance of enthusiasm, sophistication, and boldness. She is perfect for the mom who proudly embraces her unique spots, all while radiating her unapologetic feminine energy. 

This cover captures the essence of a woman who's not afraid to stand out and make a statement, all while effortlessly embodying elegance and strength.

We invite you to choose Spotted Classy as your next Organized Mom Planner. Let her be your companion as you move through motherhood with courage and determination.

Ready to make this beauty yours for FREE? Simply ensure you're following us on FB or IG, and let us know how you balance being bold and feminine! Every comment is an entry, and you'll get 2 entries for every friend you tag.

Keep those notifications on high alert because we're announcing the lucky winner on launch day - November 24th. When you participate in our daily giveaways you automatically are entered into our grand prize giveaway: Free planner, $25 Starbucks gift card, and $100 Amazon gift card - just in time for Christmas
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Say hello to our 2nd cover reveal, Twilight Bloom! 👋🏽

Inspired by the mystique of twilight. A garden that blooms under the light of the moon as fireflies dance the night away.

Twilight Bloom is perfect for moms who find magic 🪄 in the evening hours when the world sleeps. Like the night you hold dreams and possibilities.

We invite you to choose Twilight Bloom, as your next Organized Mom Planner. Let her be your companion embracing the beauty of your unique journey, even in the darkest hours. Most importantly, let her be a sweet reminder that there is so much beauty, growth, and maturing taking place, even when the world around you is asleep.

Ready to make this beauty yours for FREE? Simply ensure you're following us on FB or IG, and let us know what captivates you most about this cover! Every comment is an entry, and you'll get 2 entries for every friend you tag. Keep those notifications on high alert because we're announcing the lucky winner on launch day - November 24th.

When you participate in our daily giveaways you automatically are entered into our grand prize giveaway: Free planner, $25 Starbucks gift card, and $100 Amazon gift card - just in time for Christmas.
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Launch week is here!! Today we're revealing our first cover Kaleidoscope Garden - isn't she beautiful!

This cover is whimsical, colorful, and all about embracing the magic of everyday moments. Just like the mesmerizing patterns within a kaleidoscope, it invites you to see the beauty in the ordinary and find joy in the little details of your daily life. With a touch of flowers and all things pink, it's a celebration of the love and tenderness that moms bring to their families.

Our Kaleidoscope cover isn't just a cover; it's a reflection of the kaleidoscope of emotions and experiences that moms navigate each day. The Organized Mom Planner is a tool for turning the chaos of family life into a beautiful, harmonious symphony.

Ready to make this beauty yours for FREE? Simply ensure you're following us on FB or IG, and let us know what captivates you most about this dazzling cover! 🎉 Every comment is an entry, and if you tag a friend, you'll get 2 entries per tag.

Keep those notifications on high alert because we're announcing the lucky winner on Launch Day! 🏆

Get ready to embark on a journey of organization, joy, and the delightful chaos of family life with the Kaleidoscope Garden cover. 🌟 ✨

Do you love or hate surprises? Does a mystery box 📦 sitting in your living room drive you absolutely bananas 🍌 with curiosity?

The other day, I ordered something from Amazon expecting it to arrive 1 day before or 1 day after my husband's birthday. I thought either way, it would be perfect. But Amazon and its magical powers had it delivered ahead of time. Two days later, the box was in our living room. The giant mysterious box was sitting for ONLY 4 hours before my husband Googled the contents of the box - surprise blown!

So, if you're like my husband or just want to join in the fun…follow us on FB and IG for sneak peeks of our Organized Mom Planner covers all week long. There will be giveaways all week long for our followers with a grand Launch Day giveaway just in time for Christmas. Grand prize: Free Organized Mom Planner, $25 Starbucks gift card, and $100 Amazon gift card.

Let the countdown begin!

And I wanna know, would you let your husband open the box or wait until his birthday? (Each comment = 1 entry)

I’m loving the new Portrait style Organized Mom Planner and these new stickers from

What are you mamas loving right now?

📢 Save the Date: November 24th! 🗓️

We're thrilled to announce the much-anticipated launch of the digital 2024 Organized Mom Planner just 30 days from today! In the week leading up to launch day, we'll reveal one cover a day. There are 7 covers and we can't wait to see which one resonates with you. But that's not all!

🎁 GIVEAWAYS: Join us during launch week for a chance to win a FREE Organized Mom Planner. Yes, you read it right! Get ready for daily surprises and opportunities to bring a touch of organization and style to your mom-life.

🏆 GRAND PRIZE DRAWING: And on the big day, November 24, we're ending launch week with an even bigger prize that will have you fa-la-la-ing into Christmas. For more details on what and how you could win our fantastic grand prize - stay tuned!

Don't miss out on this exciting journey of planning, organization, and fun. It's time to make mom life a breeze with a touch of personality and style. Stay with us, share the love, and let the countdown to November 24th begin! 🚀💐

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Sometimes self care means making time to do what you love. I use to love reading - actually I still do….but never had time for it until I made the time.

This summer I promised myself to read more. I’m on my third book. So far I’ve read: 1) The Guest List by Lucy Foley
2) Bring Me Back by BA Paris
3) The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett (in progress)

These are all great books. Bring Me Back is kinda like Secret Window. You will find yourself going in circles thinking you know who did it and second guessing yourself. Then once you find out you’ll find yourself thinking about the whole book and saying what-the-what several times over.

The Guest List (a wedding list you’d murder to be on) was also good. The storyline is about life coming full circle but I wonder if the author didn’t have to overplay it to get the message across. It made for good drama but in retrospect it was a bit overkill. Read it and decide for yourself.

The Vanishing Half is about two identical black sisters that ran away at age 16. Now they are all grown up and one sister finds herself back in the town she ran away from with her black daughter. The other sister is living across country and is secretly passing for white. And her white husband knows nothing of her past. But somehow their daughters’ storylines will intersect and bring the two sisters face to face….crazy right?!

Anyways I would love book suggestions if you have any.

Snag your FREE Summer Planner & Bucket List

Summer just got easier - plan your days and build a list of ideas to do after all the big activities have been done and the kids start feeling “bored”.

I encourage you to ask your family for ideas. But if you need some inspiration here are five things on our bucket list:

1 - make a geyser with diet soda and mentos ( 🤷🏽‍♀️)
2 - have a balloon fight
3 - go to the beach
4 - make s’mores
5 - family game/movie night

Want your FREE SUMMER PLANNER?

Head on over to the 16 Free Summer Activities for Kids post and download your free summer planner there.

https://catherineannco.com/16-free-and-fun-summer-activities-for-kids/

Summer has a vibe of its own that brings on a lot of excitement. The sun is out, days are longer and our schedules are more chill. On the flip side summer can also feel a bit challenging. After the big attractions or vacations have been done summer boredom tends to strike. Filling in the gaps of summer with free activities can combat boredom. However, finding free activities can be an entirely different challenge. Today I’m sharing 16 free activities to do this summer that are worth adding to your summer planner or bucket list.

#1 Kids Bowl Free

The Kids Bowl Free program is available at more than 1,500 bowling centers around the world. This program is designed to give back to the community and provide a safe and fun activity for kids of all ages. Register for Kids Bowl Free today. It’s super simple find a participating bowling center near you and register with an email you actually check. You’ll start receiving coupons via email each week for your kids to bowl 2 free games every day. You can’t strike out with this deal but you can probably get a lucky strike during a game of bowling.

#2 Kids Skate Free

The Kids Skate Free (KSF) program is sponsored by the Roller Skating Association International (RSA) and it’s all managed through a platform called Hownd/MyHownd. Before you head over to the MyHownd app check to see if the program is offered near you by using the search feature on the KSF website. Once you located a rink near you, register your kids. The process is really simple. You can signup online or by downloading the app. Once you register and you’ll receive 2 free skating coupons each week.

#3 Go to the Museum for Free

Most states offer Museum free days you just have to Google it here. Admission to Museums are free to all Massachusetts residents on the following days:

Monday, January 16, 2023 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
Monday, May 29, 2023 (Memorial Day)
Monday, June 19, 2023 (Juneteenth)
Monday, October 9, 2023 (Indigenous Peoples’ Day)

Bank of America card holders:

can utilize their Free Museums on Us program. Check out the Museums On Us Map to find participating museums. They have eligible weekends so make sure to check in advance to make sure you’re going on the right day. Their next eligible weekend is July 1st-2nd.

#4 Explore a National Park

The National Park Foundation’s Every Kid Outdoors program commonly known as the 4th Grader National Park Pass grants a free pass to national parks across the country for kids in the fourth grade and their families. To be valid, the pass needs to be printed out. The FindYourPark website is a helpful resource to choose a location for your next kids’ summer activity.

And if you don’t have a fourth grader but live near a National Park, you can find free park admission days in 2023. The next predicted free admission day is August 4, 2023, to celebrate the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act.

#5 Movie in the Park

Many towns host free movies in the park you just have to look for it on Google or even Facebook events. If you are a local you can take the family to watch a movie that was actually filmed in Worcester. This one surprised me – can you guess the movie that was filmed in Worcester, MA? Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. It will also feature a behind the scenes talk on scenes filmed in Worcester. Want to attend? The movie will play at the Worcester Commons on August 17th at 6:30 p.m. Downtown Worcester will host monthly movies from June through September.

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For more free activities and links to the ones mentioned check out the full blog post:

https://catherineannco.com/16-free-and-fun-summer-activities-for-kids/

What activities will you be doing with your kids this summer?

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

3 lbs pork shoulder or butt
1 cup barbecue sauce (homemade or store bought)
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbs brown sugar
1 tbs Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Hamburger buns
Coleslaw for serving
Corn on the cob for serving

Directions

1. Place the pork shoulder or butt in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Pour the sauce over the pork, covering it evenly.
4. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
6. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir it in the sauce.
7. Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns.

Like this recipe? You can find more like it in our Fork & Spoon Menu Planner. It has 3 weeks of dinner ideas and desserts along with recipe cards and grocery lists that are quick and easy to make AND delicious. So you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family and friends. Meal planning just got simplified.

https://catherineannco.com/product/fork-and-spoon-menu-planner/

We couldn’t be more excited - can you guess why?

Our Fork & Spoon menu planner summer edition week 1 is LIVE - whew, that was a mouthful 😋 Click the link: https://catherineannco.com/product/fork-spoon-simplifying-mealtime-one-bite-at-a-time/

It’s a small step in our project but I think it deserves a little celebration in the form of a no-bake strawberry cheesecake parfait (the recipe is in week 1) 😋 😋

And if you don’t already know - Fork & Spoon is our digital menu planner that gives a week of dinner ideas, recipes with easy to follow instructions along with a grocery list of everything you’ll need to execute a delicious meal for your family. The recipes are simple but flavorful. Did I also mention quick and easy to make!!!! So less time in the kitchen and more time spent with the people you love.

And it gets better when you purchase a Fork & Spoon menu planner you are not just supporting me but also helping to end child hunger in the United States because a portion of the proceeds will go to No Kid Hungry - an organization with a goal to end child hunger in the US by ensuring that all children get the healthy food they need every day to thrive. Now there’s something to feel good about 😊
🍴

Twinning with my mini!

We’re whipping up something special for all the busy families out there. Can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on 🤗

Fun fact: These aprons remind me of my grandma. She use to make boxed confetti cake on Sunday and let me do the frosting. It always felt like such a treat.

Looking back - it was so simple and inexpensive but I loved it as a little girl. There were also our arguments of the proper way to eat Neapolitan ice cream 🍦 Chocolate first, then strawberry and THEN vanilla.

I think sometimes we over complicate making memories with our kids. We think we need to spend a lot of money and do over the top things. But, in all honesty kids just want you to show up for them. Whether it’s making a dollar store boxed cake together or buying matching aprons from to wear while cooking. It’s the little things that eventually take up the most space in their hearts.

Happy Sunday ❤️

Give a kid a box 📦…

So far it’s turned into a hiding spot, crib for baby dolls, treasure box, race car, Photo Booth and a turtle shell. We ❤️ cardboard boxes.

Hey there mama, are you tired of feeling frazzled and rushed in the morning? Do you wish you had a better start to your day?

1 of the 3 essential routines that every mama needs and needs serving them well is a morning routine. Our FREE morning routine worksheet can help! Create a personalized routine that fits your unique needs and schedule. With step-by-step guidance, you'll prioritize activities, establish habits to stick to your routine, and track your progress. But first, start with our short, fun and free Morning routine personality quiz.

Get ready to start your day off on the right foot! Download the worksheet here: https://catherineannco.com/product/morning-routine-worksheet/

But first start by taking our Morning Routine Personality Quiz https://www.opinionstage.com/page/0f8ac6f9-1ddf-4869-b67d-d42ffcb17176

What's Your Morning Routine Personality Discover your morning routine personality and create a plan that sets you up for a successful and stress-free day! Take our fun quiz to find out which routine style suits you best.

We all have routines, even when we think we don’t - we usually do. The real question is are they serving us well?

There are 3 routines that every mom needs to have serving them well. Starting with a morning routine that sets the tone for the day ahead, followed by meal planning to keep your family fed and healthy, and ending with a peaceful bedtime routine to wind down and recharge for tomorrow.

It's not always easy to stick to these routines, but the rewards are worth it - more energy, less stress, and a happier home.

Action step for the week: Write down your morning routine, meal planning routine, and bedtime routine. Take time to make sure each routine is realistic, achievable, and enjoyable. Start practicing your routines this week and observe how they make your life better.

This week, let's commit to prioritizing our routines, staying focused, and showing up for ourselves and our families. 💪🏼

Yesterday was our anniversary and we celebrated 15 years of marriage with the Biggest. Fight. Ever.

Things I wish I could tell my younger self:

You aren’t the dragon 🐉 marriage isn’t a fairy tale. Happily ever after isn’t forever - they’ll be days when you feel hurt. Your ego gets bruised and reality isn’t math-ing to your expectations.

Marriage isn’t just about the highs or even the lows. It isn’t about adding all the perfect days or subtracting all the imperfect ones. It’s not about multiplying the sunny days and making the long raining nights a zero.

It’s what is created in the shadows of light and dark - Marriage is the sum of it all beautifully intertwined.

You’re not the dragon 🐉
~XO

Are you tired of stressing about mealtime? Meal planning can be a game-changer!

Here are 5 reasons why:

1. It saves time and money
2. You can eat healthier and stay on track with your goals
3. It reduces stress and decision fatigue
4. It allows for more family time and less time in the kitchen
5. You can enjoy a variety of delicious meals without the hassle!

Grab my free meal planning template and get started on simplifying your life today.

https://catherineannco.com/product/meal-planner-template/

Congratulations, you made it to Day 14 of our first annual 14-day home declutter challenge! Today is all about finishing any remaining decluttering tasks and treating yourself to something special as a reward for your hard work.

Whether you still have a closet to tackle or a pile of paperwork to sort through, take the time today to complete any unfinished tasks from the past two weeks. And when you're done, treat yourself to something that brings you joy and helps you relax, whether that's a bubble bath, a cup of tea, or a good book.

Remember, decluttering isn't just about getting rid of things. It's also about creating a space that allows you to focus on what's important and brings you happiness. So take some time today to appreciate your hard work and enjoy your newly organized space!

Thank you for joining me on this journey to create clean and organized homes that bring us joy and peace. I hope this challenge has inspired you to continue decluttering and organizing throughout the year. Stay tuned for more challenges and tips to keep your home and life organized and clutter-free!