Kristen's Guide Updates

Escaping Depression: Updated

2009-07-10T08:46:00.000-07:00

I've been talking to several people who are battling depression about my experiences in overcoming it. My conversations with them helped me realize that I needed to update my Escaping Depression article to help answer some of their most common questions, which I'm sure other people have as well.

If you know somebody who is dealing with depression, or are dealing with it yourself, give it a look and let me know what you think.

Escaping Depression: How I Succeeded in Getting Out of Depression
http://www.kristensguide.com/Happiness/Managing_Emotions/escaping_depression.asp

Which Free School Printables Do You Want? Submit Your Suggestions

2009-07-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

It's time for me to put together the school-related printables for 2009-2010.

I've had many requests by teachers, students, and parents for new education related printables. The most popular request so far has been for new student schedules and homework planners, so I'll be working on those first. If you'd like to suggest changes to a current design or suggest a completely new design, please let me know. I hope to have all the new designs done by August.

To give me your suggestion go to
http://www.kristensguide.com/Contact_Me/contact_me_printable.asp

How to Start Jogging: Updated by Popular Demand

2009-07-02T10:58:00.000-07:00

By popular demand, I've updated one of my most read articles: How to Start Jogging.

I'm amazed by how many people send me emails about it. You guys have inspired me. When I first wrote it, I had no idea how many people were like me, thinking they could never be joggers or even just hating jogging because of all the pressure to go further and faster and endure exhaustion and pain. That's just not my style. If I don't enjoy it, I don't do it.

I admit, I slacked off. I stopped jogging about a year ago, but after my successful month of weight loss from walking, strength training, and healthy nutrition, I decided it was time to step things back up to the jogging level to strengthen my heart and lungs. I'm adding jogging again to my daily walks, and so far I've been pleased with the results. (Even bought myself a new pair of jogging shoes. :-)

So here's the updated article for all of you non-joggers who are thinking about getting into the jogging habit:
How to Start Jogging
http://www.kristensguide.com/Health/Exercise/how_to_start_jogging.asp

The Weight Loss Journal Is Back

2009-06-27T12:18:00.000-07:00

It has been nearly 2 years since I stopped focusing on my weight loss efforts and quit my weekly weight loss journal entries, but about a month ago I started again.

I didn't want to write about it, not another "I'm going to do it" entry then end up failing for one reason or another. It has been one month since I started and I've lost 9 lbs. so far. Since so many of my visitors are also on the same journey to better health, I decided it was time to start publicly writing about it again, time to help somebody else get motivated instead of just focusing on myself so much. So here it is, how I started dropping the pounds again. I hope it helps some of you get started again as well.

Read my latest weight loss journal entry at
http://www.kristensguide.com/Health/Weight_Loss/Weight_Loss_Journal/2009_june.asp

Should I Circumcise My Son?

2009-06-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

If you are planning on circumcising your baby boy, ask yourself one very important question: why?

I repeatedly consider this topic whenever somebody asks my opinion on the matter, and then I spend time debating the advantages and disadvantages of the circumcision procedure.

Recently one of my site visitors reminded me that I had an article about it that was in need of updating. So today, I updated it with my latest and greatest debate points in the "should we circumcise infants" argument.

Here it is...
http://www.kristensguide.com/Family/Babies/to_circumcise_or_not.asp

What Is the Meaning of Life? Here's my answer...

2009-06-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

As we go through life, we often forget why we're doing what we're doing. I've been getting lots of emails lately from people asking questions like:

What is it that we've been working toward?
Why are we putting up with things we hate?
Why try harder?
Why bother to go on?
Why isn't my religion giving me a sense of fulfillment?
What am I supposed to be doing with my life?

So I decided it was time to revise some of my articles and write some new ones to help give them (and anyone else who's interested) some answers to ponder.

Here is my first response, the meaning of life, as decided by lil' ol' me.
http://www.kristensguide.com/Happiness/meaning_of_life.asp

I hope it helps you through your day, and stay tuned for future articles on this topic. There will definitely be more.

Evil Redirect Ads

2009-05-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

A sneaky way that some browser hogs get you to look at their site is by putting redirect code in the ads or comments. The redirect code automatically redirects you to another website, something totally unaffiliated with the one you're looking at.

This is what I recently discovered was happening with one of the ads on Kristen's Guide. I'm doing my best to get rid of the bugger, but it doesn't happen every time, so it's difficult to troubleshoot. To fix this, I need you, my subscribers, to help me.

All I need you to do is visit KristensGuide.com. After the page finishes loading you should be looking at the Kristen's Guide home page. If you suddenly find yourself redirected to another website, please let me know. Just send an email to me at feedback@kristensguide.com (since the contact forms on the site may not be working because of the annoying browser hogging spam bug).

Thanks so much to all of you who help me out. I truly appreciate it.

(I know. I know. The easiest way to get rid of the problem is to get rid of all ads on the site, but hey, if I did that, I couldn't pay the bills.)

Get Outside and Play

2009-05-12T10:48:00.000-07:00

So your kids are have decided to stay inside playing video games, watching TV, and chatting online all day instead of running around outdoors and getting some healthy exercise and fresh air. Maybe they just need to be inspired to get out. Maybe they just need some ideas to help spark their creativity and sense of adventure (in the real world, not the digital one). And maybe, just maybe, it can be a fun bonding experience for the whole family.

(And if you don't have kids, no problem, take your inner-child outside to play.)

Need some ideas to help you get started? Here they are...

Outdoor Places to Go with Kids & Getting Kids to Play Outside
http://www.kristensguide.com/Family/Fun_Kid_Stuff/outdoor_activities.asp

Garden Therapy: It helps everything! (almost)

2009-04-07T12:36:00.000-07:00

So you're wishing there was a magic wand that can give you better health, more energy, more money, the dream home you're always wanted, and better relationships. Plus, you want it to help your kids to get a better education and grow up in a clean environment with a green future. And on top of all of that, you want to get rid (or at least reduce) of your depression and anxiety.

No problem!

Go start a garden. It's the wonder drug, the magic spell, the quick fix to help you have a happier life. And it's right outside your window. Whether you have your own yard outside your front door, a community garden down the street, a small dirt patch in front of your apartment complex, or just a window box, getting in touch with your inner gardener can change your life.

Learn all about why you need to get out and start a garden today. Check out
Why You Should Grow a Garden: The Benefits of Gardening
http://www.kristensguide.com/Gardening/benefits_of_gardening.asp

More Motivation to Lose Weight

2009-03-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

The weather is getting nice and you're losing those winter excuses to avoid exercising, but maybe you still need a little extra motivation to get started.

If you're thinking about losing weight or wondering if you should really worry so much about being overweight, here's something to help push you into a health-conscious-fitness-loving mode: the desire to live a longer, better life.

What's the alternative? Bad stuff, and none of it pretty. I've put together a list of all that bad stuff for you. Prepared to be scared (and motivated to get to a healthy weight). See the list at...

Complications of Obesity: Why It's Bad to Be Obese
http://kristensguide.com/Health/Weight_Loss/complications_obesity.asp

How to Write a Resume

2009-03-12T11:39:00.000-07:00

I've been working hard on compiling the most useful information for the job seeker's section of Kristen's Guide and for anyone putting together a resume.

Here's what's available so far...

Part 1: What is a Resume and Why Do I Need One?
http://www.kristensguide.com/Business/Employment/resume1.asp

Part 2: Gathering Your Information
http://www.kristensguide.com/Business/Employment/resume2.asp

Part 3: Figuring Out the Best Structure for Your Resume
http://www.kristensguide.com/Business/Employment/resume3.asp

Part 4: Getting the Words Right
http://www.kristensguide.com/Business/Employment/resume4.asp

Still to come...

Making your resume look good
Sample resumes
Cover letter tips
Reference letter tips
How to handle the interview

Good luck job seekers!

New KG Section: How to Get a New Job

2009-02-12T08:26:00.000-08:00

My heart goes out to so many people who are losing their jobs and facing financial crisis. I wish I could hire them all, so they can continue to support their families, but, of course, I can't. No single person can.

However, I may still be able to help.

I've applied for jobs, so I know what it's like to do it.
I've worked in management positions and had the duties of sorting through resumes of potential employees, conducting interviews, and ultimately deciding who would get the job.
I used to be a professional resume writer (i.e. people paid me to write their resumes).

So I'm putting together a new section, a free guide to getting employed. What's going to be in it? Here's what I'm putting together for starters:

How to write a resume
Resume writing worksheets
Sample resumes
How to ace an interview
How to find a new job (e.g. where to look, how to get your name mentioned to employers, etc.)
A handy-dandy job search tool

Yup, that's right, even a job search tool. I'm partnering up with Simply Hired to help you find a job right in your own neighborhood. You can even find a work-from-home job and telecommute.

Check out the new Employment Section at
http://www.kristensguide.com/Business/Employment/

New Look for Estimates/Quotes Worksheet (and Better for Notebooks too)

2009-02-02T11:45:00.000-08:00

The next time you're calling around to get estimates/quotes for your latest project, try using the new and improved Estimates/Quotes Worksheet & Log. You can keep all of your quote information on one handy organized sheet of paper instead of dozens of Post-Its and scraps.

I've replaced the color with a soft gray (to ease your colored ink budget and reduce strain on your eyes). I've also switched it from landscape orientation to portrait, so it will be easier to read and write on it when it's tucked away in your household notebook.

Print it today, put it in your notebook, and it'll be at your fingertips when you need it.

Get it at
http://www.kristensguide.com/Printables/phone.asp

New 1 Year Calendar Grid Printable Is Ready

2009-02-02T11:16:00.000-08:00

If you like tracking your accomplishments, you should definitely try out the new one year calendar grid printable. There's one square for every day of the year, and there's just enough space to enter short information (e.g. distance traveled, weight, allowance earned, etc.) or for checking off days when you complete your goals.

You can also use it for planning key events for upcoming projects, meeting times for groups, or anything else your heart desires. If you want to get fancy, you can even use colored pencils or little star stickers to color code your entries (go wild).

It has 1001 uses all on one page.

Get it at
http://www.kristensguide.com/Printables/calendars.asp

Essential Safety Skills Every Child Should Know

2009-01-26T09:47:00.000-08:00

It is job of parents to protect their children, but since we can't lock our kids in a padded fortress and keep them from using pencils out of fear that they'll poke their eyes out, it's up to us to teach them how to protect themselves.

There are basic skills that every kid needs to know. What surprises me is how many parents I talk to who insist that their children have these basic skills, but in reality, when tested, their kids only have a fraction of them, and in an emergency, this lack of knowledge and skill can have dire consequences.

Don't just assume that you're children know how to get out of a burning building through the window. Have a fire drill, and find out if they can really do it. Don't assume that you're children know that they shouldn't talk to strangers. Try having a trusted friend approach your kids while you're lurking from the shadows, and see what they do.

It's better to find out now what skills your kids already know and what they need to learn rather than finding out what skills they lack when they really need them.

See the list essential safety skills for kids at
http://www.kristensguide.com/Family/Parenting/Empower_Children/essential_safety_skills.asp

2009 Year on One Page Calendar is Ready

2009-01-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

You can quickly look at all the dates for the year on one easy-to-read printable page that fits perfectly in your household notebook or on your bulletin board with the 2009 Year Calendar.

Get it at
http://www.kristensguide.com/Printables/calendars.asp

Where are the new 2009 Calendars and Planners?

2009-01-21T17:29:00.000-08:00

The beginning of the year... What a terrible time for a calendar designer (that would be me) to develop a mystery illness.

I started having problems in December. I was just feeling tired all the time and was easily exhausted. And then I started having muscle weakness. I couldn't even type on the computer or use a mouse for more than a five minutes without my hand, finger, and arm muscles shaking and aching with fatigue, and then finally they would go limp. (I started learning how to use a voice recognition program to control my computer, so my hands wouldn't have to work so much, but it takes a long time to train it to follow directions correctly.) And the muscles in the rest of my body weren't doing much better, so normal daily tasks became extraordinary efforts. (Fortunately I had my family to help take care of the house and each other.) Then I started having sudden blurriness in right eye, ringing in my ears, and weird muscle twitches. On top of that, I have migraines that cause numbness on the left side of my body and stabbing icepick headaches, and those typically happen only a couple times per month but are now acting up on a daily basis. Something is wrong with me, but I don't know what.

I had blood tests, endocrine tests, neurological tests, and an MRI. Results? Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. So I still don't know what's wrong with me. My doctor thinks it may be a combination of viruses, migraines, and stress (although I must say I don't feel stressed at all, other than the stress of being mysteriously ill).

I've slowed down a bit, so my body can recover (and I am slowly getting better). But since I'm a one-woman-show, that means my free 2009 dated calendars will be a bit late. Sorry for that. I will certainly do my best to get them up and ready for printing ASAP.

Meanwhile, blank calendars are still available in the printables section, and I'll let you know when those fancy dated 2009 calendars will be ready.

Coming Up in 2009

2009-01-12T14:20:00.000-08:00

2009 has already been here for nearly two weeks, and I've been making my New Year's resolutions for Kristen's Guide. (Yes, I'm a bit behind most others, but I've got a long list of good excuses.)

Of course, on Kristen's Guide there will always be printable calendars, worksheets, organizers, tools, and I'll be expanding the selection throughout the year. (I'm especially excited to work on a variety of planners for students.) There will also be improvements made to the articles already on the site (such as in weight loss, health, organizing, and happiness).

I'm also adding a few new sections this year:

Keeping Kids Safe
Tips on how to reduce the chances of having something unthinkable happen children and how to empower kids to protect themselves.

Pioneering Skills
Learn the basics of old fashioned crafting skills that can save you money, improve your resourcefulness, and start you on the path to become a master artisan.

Gardening Tips
Learn how to start a garden (even if you life in an apartment) and grow fresh foods year-round.

Happy New Year!
Make sure you stay updated to find out when these things become available.

Basic Weekly Calendars / Planner

2008-12-12T13:29:00.000-08:00

I was asked if I could put together some basic weekly planner, seven rows (one for each day of the week), no fancy boxes to divide up the days (e.g. no chore or menu sections), and a place for some notes for the week.

Well here ya go. I made:
Blank Weekly Planner
2009 Weekly Planner (dated)
2009 Weekly Planner with Holidays (remember all those USA, Canadian, Mexican, and UN holidays when you're planning stuff)

Go get them at
http://www.kristensguide.com/Printables/calendars.asp
under the weekly calendars section

New Free Printable Emergency Information Section for Household Notebook

2008-12-08T12:11:00.000-08:00

I'm creating a new group of printables to make life a little easier (and safer): printables to help you during an emergency.

Today, I'm starting things off by giving away printable emergency information forms for the emergency section of your household notebook. This is where you would keep all of the "I need to know right now!" information, like important phone numbers, where the gas shut-off is located, and how to get to the hospital. It's a must-have if you have kids, babysitters, housesitters, etc.

Get the emergency printables at
http://www.kristensguide.com/Printables/emergencies.asp

(More emergency printables will be coming soon.)

Lost Your Job? Start a Business!

2008-12-04T11:55:00.000-08:00

With the economy in a slump and employment rates looking grim, you might want to look at unexpected job loss as an opportunity to start the career you've always dreamed of.

True, some business do require money and special licenses to get going, but there are many that don't. If you don't have enough money to start the business you really want to have, you could always earn money with some no/low-start-up-costs businesses while you work toward starting the business of your dreams. (And maybe you'll discover some unexpected opportunities along the way.)

To help you get started, I've updated my list of home-based business ideas (lot of them) at
http://www.kristensguide.com/Business/business_ideas.asp

2009 Weekly Planners to Help You Focus on Your Values

2008-11-03T17:58:00.000-08:00

I often find myself wondering if I'm devoting time to the things that are more important to me (e.g. family, health, home, work, learning, delicious food, weekly goals that help me become the person I want to be, and activities like volunteering). I hate going to bed and regretting not spending more time focusing on my kids, spending time with my husband, or not doing something to achieve my dreams.

So I wanted to make a calendar that would help me plan my to-do lists and schedule around those things that are most important to me. I spent a month trying variations until I found a layout that worked for me. I call it my Weekly Planner for Value Focused Tasks (a very plain name I know, but descriptive).

You can get your own to help you keep your values in focus at:
http://www.kristensguide.com/Printables/calendars.asp

New Free Printable 2008/2009 Monthly Calendars with Weekly Routine Schedules

2008-10-09T10:49:00.000-07:00

The 2009 monthly calendars are here (or at least the first two are). And these ones also include the months of October, November, and December for 2008.

They're perfect for people who typically follow a routine but may need to make note of special events and appointments once in awhile. Or you can use them as a supplement to weekly planners or daily schedules. Monthly calendars on top. Weekly routine schedules for each month on the bottom. One without holidays. One with national holidays, special days, and fun days as celebrated by the UN, USA, Canada, and Mexico. And, of course, one that's completely blank, so you can fill in your own dates if you wish.

Go check them out at:
http://www.kristensguide.com/Printables/calendars.asp

Oh! and more calendars are on the way. I'm working hard this year on creating a variety of calendar styles, dated and blank, all for free. So stay subscribed to the KG Updates to find out when they're available.

New Weekly Routine Planning Printables

2008-09-15T12:33:00.000-07:00

If you're trying to figure out how to juggle all the new autumn schedules, but don't want to set up or print out complicated daily calendars that repeat the same routine tasks over and over again or hope that your PDA battery doesn't die right when you need it, try using a printable weekly routine planner (or two). They're perfect for people who tend to have the same routine every week.

Print out a weekly routine planner for each group or family member you need to keep track of. (If you're lucky enough to have a everyone on a similar schedule, then you might only need to print out one.) Fill them out, post them on your bulletin board for everyone to see, and refer to them whenever you need to add something new to your schedule to avoid schedule conflicts.

Now you'll be sure that your new weekly class won't interfere with your spouse's weekly meeting, and with a quick glance you schedule your 4:30 doctor appointment, knowing that it won't overlap with picking up your children from their afternoon chess club.

To get the new free Weekly Routine Planning worksheets, go to
http://www.kristensguide.com/Printables/calendars.asp

ALL Printables Are Now Free!

2008-09-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the best thing you can do to help the world is to do something little, something to help people take a little more control of their lives, so they can work toward achieving their dreams and in turn help somebody else achieve theirs. During the last few months, I've been wondering how I can make more of a difference in the world, and I came up with a small idea.

Kristen's Guide is well known for all the free printables, but I've also offered higher quality printable and hard copy organizers, calendars, workbooks, planners, forms, and customized documents for sale. To ensure that people on a budget could afford such items, I've always set low prices, and even with those low prices I still made a respectable amount of money from those sales. Then I started thinking about people who couldn't even afford to buy those low priced items: kids, people without bank accounts, people who were counting their pennies.

I grew up poor, so I know what it's like to be limited to only free items offered by libraries, schools, government programs, and non-profit organizations while my more financially secure friends got to go shopping for high quality products whenever they wanted. But that was before electronic media. Of course we needed to pay for paper, printing, the overhead for the store that sold it, transportation, materials to produce tapes or CDs, storage space, etc. Those kinds of resources are limited. But in today's electronic age, it just doesn't seem right to keep an electronic document, a bunch of binary code that can be reproduced and distributed infinitely and easily, from financially challenged people.

So I'm no longer going to sell electronic printables. I'm giving them all away for free.

Go to
http://www.kristensguide.com/Printables/index.asp to find out more.