Take time to stop and smell the roses!

I have been running 100 miles an hour (well, at least I ran 13.1 miles in under 3 hours at the recent Louisville Sports Authority half marathon, my first!) and now it is time to SLOW down.  Hard to do with the holidays approaching--so it will take some planning on my part!

Here is my plan to keep me grounded:

Start each day with some quiet time and devotional reading
Add a little exercise
Prioritize my TO DO List (Must do Today, should do this week, Can wait) and try to get at least all of the MUST dos DONE!
Spend meaningful time with DH and DDs
End each day with a little quiet time
SAY NO!

Honor a Veteran

Friday, November 11th is Veterans Day.  Take a moment and give thanks for all the freedoms we take for granted, remember the sacrifice of those who have defended our country, pray for our nation and its leaders.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kX_3y3u5Uo

2012 Goals

I mentioned that it was time to begin planning our goals for 2012 and got a look of pure terror back from my husband.  He is a procrastinator and I tend need plenty of time to plan...so, since we need to do some major things like replace windows, I thought I'd better work on getting him on board now.

We'll actually commit our goals to paper around New Years... but id doesn't hurt to start theprocess now!

Follow me!

I just updated this blog to include a follow me on Pinterest button, a subscribe and a search button!  Get more information in your inbox and share my ideas on www.pinterest.com! 

Take a Drive

There are still leaves on the trees in my area so I am taking a drive to enjoy the autumn beauty before it is too late!

Create your Christmas Card list

Only 54 more shopping days...so it;s time to being addressing your card envelopes
Take a look at your address boo, the list you saved from last year or whatever means you commonly use and determine who you'll be sending to this year
Then address 5 or so envelopes a week until Thanksgiving to stay ahead of the game!

Get your BOO on

Today is Halloween so get dressed in a costume, give out candy to trick-or-treaters, eat Chili or Carmel apples, drink apple cider, carve a pumpkin and watch a scary movie!  BOO!

Clean your Gutters

The leaves are coming down at our house and the gutters are filling up.  I need DH to clean them out so they'll flow properly this winter.  If you don't have a handyman to clean out your gutters and you are unable to do them yourself, please consider hiring someone to remove the dead leave (or perhaps live plants) from your gutters to maintain the health and wellbeing of your roof and home!

Issues Caused by Clogged Gutters

1. Leaking Basements and Cracked Foundations: Clogged gutters are the number one cause of basement water problems. Roof water overflows and accumulates around the foundation. If this happens, basement leaks may be moments away, and excess water against the foundation can weaken the footings and lead to cracks.
2. Rotted Wood: When gutters have debris piled up above the flashing or shingle line, the debris can hold moisture on the fascia board. The moisture can also affect the roof sheathing and framing beyond the fascia. The debris acts like a wick and brings water in the bottom of the gutter up to the fascia. Many homeowners have spent THOUSANDS of dollars replacing rotted wood that an inexpensive professional gutter cleaning by Action Gutter could have prevented.
3. Animals and Wood Destroying Insects: Lack of cleaning will also cause water to pond in areas dammed by debris. This condition is ideal for breeding mosquitoes. Bugs love moisture. Plants, birds, insects and even mice will make a home in gutter debris.
4. Sagging Driveways: Clogged gutters and downspouts can also cause driveway and walkways to sag and crack.
5. Mold Prevention: Mold is a huge issue today and this is yet another problem that clogged gutters can pose.

Carve your Pumpkin

We always carve a pumpkin for HalloweenHere is a great site for some free down loadable patterns:  traditional, , cartoons or famous people, animals, etc.
I am sure you'll find a pattern you want to use this Halloween!  Along with the instructions for carving your best pumpkin ever!

 http://www.pumpkinpile.com/patterns.php

Happy Carving!

Save your receipts

Walmart, the world's largest retailer announced a new holiday policy price-matching strategy. They'll guarantee the lowest price of any competitor, no matter when you buy during the season.

Here is how it works
Make a purchase at Walmart November 1-December 25
Save your receipts
If you see an identical item for less at any store, bring the flyer AND your original receipt to Walmart and you'll be issued a gift card for the difference in price.
NO gift cards will be issued after December 25th!

Internet retailers are excluded from this offer.

Get a Flu shot

Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine

The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year.

There are two types of vaccines:

• The “flu shot” — an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
  
  There are three different flu shots available:
  • a regular flu shot approved for people ages 6 months and older
  • a high-dose flu shot approved for people 65 and older, and
  • an intradermal flu shot approved for people 18 to 64 years of age.
• The nasal-spray flu vaccine — a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that is given as a nasal spray (sometimes called LAIV for “Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine”). The viruses in the nasal spray vaccine do not cause the flu. LAIV is approved for use in healthy* people 2 through 49 years of age who are not pregnant.

Seasonal flu vaccines protect against the three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. The viruses in the vaccine can change each year based on international surveillance and scientists’ estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year. About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against the influenza viruses in the vaccine develop in the body. Information specific to the 2011-2012 season, including the vaccine formulation, can be found at 2011-2012 Flu Season.

When to Get Vaccinated

CDC recommends that people get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as vaccine becomes available in their community. Vaccination before December is best since this timing ensures that protective antibodies are in place before flu activity is typically at its highest. CDC continues to encourage people to get vaccinated throughout the flu season, which can begin as early as October and last as late as May. Over the course of the flu season, many different influenza viruses can circulate at different times and in different places. As long as flu viruses are still spreading in the community, vaccination can provide protective benefit.

Where to Get Vaccinated

Flu vaccine shipments began in August and will continue throughout September and October until all vaccine is distributed. Doctors and nurses are encouraged to begin vaccinating their patients as soon as flu vaccine is available in their area, even as early as August. See your doctor or nurse to get the flu vaccine, or seek out other locations where vaccine is being offered. The following flu clinic locator is a useful tool for finding vaccine in your area.

Who Should Get Vaccinated

On February 24, 2010 vaccine experts voted that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year starting with the 2010-2011 influenza season. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted for “universal” flu vaccination in the U.S. to expand protection against the flu to more people.
While everyone should get a flu vaccine each flu season, it’s especially important that the following groups get vaccinated either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications:

1. Pregnant women
2. Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
3. People 50 years of age and older
4. People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
5. People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
6. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
   1. Health care workers
   2. Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
   3. Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

Top

Use of the Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine

It should be noted that vaccination with the nasal-spray flu vaccine is always an option for healthy* people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.

Who Should Not Be Vaccinated

There are some people who should not get a flu vaccine without first consulting a physician. These include:

• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
• People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.
• Children younger than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group), and
• People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)
• People with a history of Guillain–Barré Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness, also called GBS) that occurred after receiving influenza vaccine and who are not at risk for severe illness from influenza should generally not receive vaccine. Tell your doctor if you ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Your doctor will help you decide whether the vaccine is recommended for you.

Vaccine Effectiveness

The ability of a flu vaccine to protect a person depends on the age and health status of the person getting the vaccine, and the similarity or “match” between the viruses or virus in the vaccine and those in circulation. For more information about vaccine effectiveness see How Well Do Flu Vaccines Work?

Vaccine Side Effects (What to Expect)

Different side effects can be associated with the flu shot and LAIV.
The flu shot: The viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that could occur are:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
• Fever (low grade)
• Aches

If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually last 1 to 2 days. Almost all people who receive influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it. However, on rare occasions, flu vaccination can cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. As of July 1, 2005, people who think that they have been injured by the flu shot can file a claim for compensation from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
The nasal spray (also called LAIV or FluMist®): The viruses in the nasal-spray vaccine are weakened and do not cause severe symptoms often associated with influenza illness. (In clinical studies, transmission of vaccine viruses to close contacts has occurred only rarely.)
In children, side effects from LAIV (FluMist®) can include:

• runny nose
• wheezing
• headache
• vomiting
• muscle aches
• fever

In adults, side effects from LAIV (FluMist®) can include

• runny nose
• headache
• sore throat
• cough

More information about the safety of flu vaccines is available at Influenza Vaccine Safety.

Make a Pot of Chili and enjoy some weekend Football

The weather has finally changed and instead of being in the 80s we are in the 60s...so I made a pot of chili and we'll enjoy (relative since we are 2-4 this season with not much hope) some Louisville Cardinal Football tonight (against Rutgers)

 Diana's Chili

Brown about 1 1/3 pounds of ground beef
Add some diced onions to the pan and cooking until translucent.
Drain grease
Add 4 cans kidney beans (I like both dark and light for the color contrast)
Add one large can petite diced tomatoes and one large can tomato sauce (28 ounce cans)
Season with salt and pepper, cayenne pepper and a liberal sprinkling of chili powder.
Allow to simmer (not boil) for a couple of hours
Enjoy with cooked spaghetti, diced onions, grated cheese and sour cream plus some oyster crackers.


GO CARDS!

Read a non-fiction book

I am currently reading Entreleadership by Dave Ramsey --it is about practical business leadership

Quote from the pages I read today

"I realized my job was to awaken the possibility in other people"

Eat a Candy Apple

When I was a girl the only candy apple that existed were those dipped in the hard red candy shell.  Now, you can have your apple any way you want it and then some.
How do you like these apples?

Cookies and Cream
use a tart apple and (like green Granny-Smith) dipped in white chocolate and topped with crushed Oreos

Toffee Coffee
Dip your apple in in traditional Carmel and top with chocolate covered Espresso beans (and/or chopped heath bars)

Cinnamon Crunch
combine 2 cups of red hot cinnamon candies and 4 tablespoons water.  Microwave for about 4 minutes , stirring every 30 seconds until melted.  Dip and then top with red sprinkles

Granola Nuts
Microwave 1 1/2 cups peanut butter flavored CHIPS and 1 tablespoon shortening for 1 minute.  Add 2 bags of unwrapped Carmel's and 3 Tablespoons water and continue microwaving until melted, about 3 minutes.  Dip and then top with chopped nuts, chopped dried fruits of your choice!

Use left over Halloween candy that you've chopped as a topping for apples, ice cream or frozen yogurt!

Give a compliment

Practice saying something nice or not at all--

Perform a self breast exam

To perform a self-breast exam follow the steps described below.

In the mirror:

1. Stand undressed from the waist up in front of a large mirror in a well-lit room. Look at your breasts. Don't be alarmed if they do not look equal in size or shape. Most women's breasts aren't. With your arms relaxed by your sides, look for any changes in size, shape, or position, or any changes to the skin of the breasts. Look for any skin puckering, dimpling, sores, or discoloration. Inspect your nipples and look for any sores, peeling, or change in the direction of the nipples.
2. Next, place your hands on your hips and press down firmly to tighten the chest muscles beneath your breasts. Turn from side to side so you can inspect the outer part of your breasts.
3. Then bend forward toward the mirror. Roll your shoulders and elbows forward to tighten your chest muscles. Your breasts will fall forward. Look for any changes in the shape or contour of your breasts.
4. Now, clasp your hands behind your head and press your hands forward. Again, turn from side to side to inspect your breasts' outer portions. Remember to inspect the border underneath your breasts. You may need to lift your breasts with your hand to see this area.
5. Check your nipples for discharge (fluid). Place your thumb and forefinger on the tissue surrounding the nipple and pull outward toward the end of the nipple. Look for any discharge. Repeat on your other breast. In the shower:
6. Now, it's time to feel for changes in the breast. It is helpful to have your hands slippery with soap and water. Check for any lumps or thickening in your underarm area. Place your left hand on your hip and reach with your right hand to feel in the left armpit. Repeat on the other side.
7. Check both sides for lumps or thickenings above and below your collarbone.
8. With hands soapy, raise one arm behind your head to spread out the breast tissue. Use the flat part of your fingers from the other hand to press gently into the breast. Follow an up-and-down pattern along the breast, moving from bra line to collarbone. Continue the pattern until you have covered the entire breast. Repeat on the other side. Lying down:
9. Next, lie down and place a small pillow or folded towel under your right shoulder. Put your right hand behind your head. Place your left hand on the upper portion of your right breast with fingers together and flat. Body lotion may help to make this part of the exam easier.
10. Think of your breast as a face on a clock. Start at 12 o'clock and move toward 1 o'clock in small circular motions. Continue around the entire circle until you reach 12 o'clock again. Keep your fingers flat and in constant contact with your breast. When the circle is complete, move in one inch toward the nipple and complete another circle around the clock. Continue in this pattern until you've felt the entire breast. Make sure to feel the upper outer areas that extend into your armpit.
11. Place your fingers flat and directly on top of your nipple. Feel beneath the nipple for any changes. Gently press your nipple inward. It should move easily.

Schedule your Mammogram

It's breast Cancer awareness month.  Time to schedule your mammogram if you haven't already had one done this year!

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Doctors use a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer.

Why should I get a mammogram?

Regular mammograms are the best tests doctors have to find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt. When their breast cancer is found early, many women go on to live long and healthy lives.

When should I get a mammogram?

Women should have mammograms every two years from age 50 to 74 years. Talk to your health professional if you have any symptoms or changes in your breast, or if breast cancer runs in your family. He or she may recommend that you have mammograms before age 50 or more often than usual.

How is a mammogram done?

You will stand in front of a special X-ray machine. A technologist will place your breast on a clear plastic plate. Another plate will firmly press your breast from above. The plates will flatten the breast, holding it still while the X-ray is being taken. You will feel some pressure. The other breast will be X-rayed in the same way. The steps are then repeated to make a side view of each breast. You will then wait while the technologist checks the four X-rays to make sure the pictures do not need to be re-done. Keep in mind that the technologist cannot tell you the results of your mammogram.

What does having a mammogram feel like?

Having a mammogram is uncomfortable for most women. Some women find it painful. A mammogram takes only a few moments, though, and the discomfort is over soon. What you feel depends on the skill of the technologist, the size of your breasts, and how much they need to be pressed. Your breasts may be more sensitive if you are about to get or have your period.

Before you get a mammogram, you may want to ask the following questions—

• What will happen? How long will I be there?
• Do you have my previous mammograms?
• When will my doctor get the results?
• When and how will I learn about the results?
• When will I need to have my next mammogram?

What does a mammogram look like?

An example of a normal mammogram is shown here. Each woman's mammogram may look a little different because all breasts are a little different. A doctor with special training, called a radiologist, will read the mammogram. He or she will look at the X-ray for early signs of breast cancer or other problems.

When will I get the results of my mammogram?

You will usually get the results within a few weeks, although it depends on the facility. A radiologist reads your mammogram and then reports the results to you or your doctor. If there is a concern, you will hear from the mammography facility earlier. Contact your health professional or the mammography facility if you do not receive a report of your results within 30 days.

Tips for getting a mammogram—

• Try not to have your mammogram the week before you get your period or during your period. Your breasts may be tender or swollen then.
• On the day of your mammogram, don't wear deodorant, perfume, or powder. These products can show up as white spots on the X-ray.
• Some women prefer to wear a top with a skirt or pants, instead of a dress. You will need to undress from your waist up for the mammogram.

What happens if my mammogram is normal?

Continue to get regular mammograms. Mammograms work best when they can be compared with previous ones. This allows your doctor to compare them to look for changes in your breasts.

What happens if my mammogram is abnormal?

If it is abnormal, do not panic. An abnormal mammogram does not always mean that there is cancer. But you will need to have additional mammograms, tests, or exams before the doctor can tell for sure. You may also be referred to a breast specialist or a surgeon. It does not necessarily mean you have cancer or need surgery. These doctors are experts in diagnosing breast problems.

Where can I get a mammogram and who can I talk to if I have questions?

• If you have a regular doctor, talk to him or her.
• Call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service (CIS) at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237). For TTY: 1-800-332-8615.
• For Medicare information, you can call 1-800 MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a program called the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which works with health departments and other groups to provide low-cost or free mammogramslow-cost or free mammograms to women who qualify. Find out if you qualify

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/mammograms.htm

Try a new recipe for dinner tonight

I love to read cooking magazines and cookbooks and often clip recipes out , which I place in a file to try at a later date.  Now that the weather is changing I sorted through a pile of recipes and selected a few that I will create over the coming cooler months.  For some easy but delicious recipe ideas check out my other blog
http://dining-with-diana.blogspot.com/
Bon appetite!

Exercise

I just signed up to participate in a half marathon--now before you stop reading let me remind you that I've never RUN more than a 5 K (3.2 miles) so this is a huge undertaking for me.  Nor do I plan on running 13.1 miles-I only plan on FINISHING 13.1 miles (using a combination of running and walking).  As my pals have encouraged me "It's not about the LENGTH of TIME it takes to finish...and you can't finish what you don't start!"  SO...on 11-12 I will do a 13.1 (get it...11.12.13.1)

If you'd like to add exercise to your day here are some suggestions

Needless to say, don't begin any exercise plan with out the express consent of your health care professional

 

Make a list of activities you enjoy doing-

Walking, dancing, an exercise class, mowing the lawn, walking the dog, swimming, ballet, gardening etc.

Any activity that gets you off the couch is likely to be some form of exercise.

Sustainable activity must be enjoyable.

 

Get exercise by doing the things you are already doing-

Be more active during the day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Park in the back of the parking lot

Carry in your own groceries

Ask a friend to exercise with you or join an exercise class. This will  help to keep you accountable-

We'd jump in the pool at the end of a hot day
Eat a cold, sweet (low calorie) Popsicle
Take a warm (not hot) bubble bath and pamper your muscles 
I also sleep better on the days I was active

Good Luck, Get Going!  Exercise leads to weight loss, but don’t reward yourself after a good workout with food-

We invite other parents to walk with us at practice and even maintained summer sessions.  We remained active during the heat of the summer, when we didn't feel like it, because we knew people were depending on us to be there! 

We jumped in the pool to cool off or rewarded ourselves with a Popsicle (sweet, refreshing and low calorie)

Want to walk?

But unable to walk continuously for 30 minutes, try 15 minutes of walking in the morning and 15 minutes on your lunch break. Start slowly and work yourself up to your goal.

Want to Run?

Set your eye on a goal (mine is the half marathon in October.  I doubt I'll be ready to run 13.1 miles...but I practice each week with that goal in mind.

Invest in some good shoes, you'll be glad you did!

Aim to exercise at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week-
Put it on the calendar
Incorporate it with other activities, such as your child's sports practice.
But don't beat yourself up when family obligations prevent you from getting in a workout

See you at the finish line!

Have a Safe Halloween Celebration

Keeping Kids Safe

• make sure children can walk easily in costumes
• be careful of flowing costumes that could catch fire if they come in contact with a glowing pumpkin
• avoid masks, use face paint instead
• accompany children on their rounds
• stay on the road and sidewalks to avoid an unwanted fall, doggie doo-doo, etc.
• only approach homes that have "left the light on"
• don't eat any candy until you get home
• don't eat unwrapped candy, candy that is discolored or has tears in the wrappers or has been hand wrapped
• remove small items that could pose a choking hazard from small children
• feed your children before trick-or-treating so they won't be tempted to snack on their loot
• have kids brush their teeth after consuming Halloween candy

Throwing a party

• Keep food refrigerated until serving time
• throw food away that has been out of the refrigerator for 2 hours or more
• don't serve raw cookie dough or cake batter
• if bobbing for apples, wash the apples before consuming
• make sure apple cider has been pasteurized to remove bacteria

Plan your Halloween Costume

I love costume parties, but it can be a challenge coming up with an inexpensive costume that will weather the weather!
Here are some ideas I've used in the past

Dice--paint a large box white, attach dots, cut out arm and head holes, wear black pants/turtleneck
Bubble bath--large tub, attached with suspenders, filled with balloons, don a shower cap and Viola!
Spaghetti--wear red, use a colander as a hat, mop hair to which you've attached LARGE brown pom-pom "meatballs)
Artist and still life--Artist wears a beret and a fake mustache, carries an artist palate and paintbrush and speaks in a french accent.  Still life holds a picture frame in front of their face. 
Turn a hooded sweatsuit and a dismantled umbrella into a bat costume
Skeleton-black sweatsuit to which you've affixed bones cut from white fabric (time consuming but worth it)

Headbands make a great accessory for animal ears (cat, dog, devil), paried with a painted sweatshirt-quick, easy and cheap!

Organizing the Linen Closet

I cleaned the DDs linen closet (and bathroom) last week because I just couldn't take the mess any longer.
My linen closet is small so it is easily cluttered.
I first removed the items from the shelves and removed those items that were too work or frayed and placed them in the rag bag
Then, I refolded everything.  Bath towels, hand towels and washcloths were arranged neatly on shelves.
Sheets were folded and placed inside the corresponding pillow case to keep them neat and together. 
My linen closet also houses blankets, afghans and decorative seasonal pillows.  These were placed in blanket bags and stacked on the floor of the closet. 

Closet Cleaning-Day 6--all that other stuff

I have hats, belts, scarves and jewelry as well as electronic devices in my walk in closet.  I corral these items in various baskets, tubs and bins.  Not doing so apparently causes them to breed and create a tangled mess!  LOL
Speciality hangers can be found at your local super store or bath shop and I use them extensively for organization.  I have a hanger that has holes in it especially for my scarves, a belt hanger for belts, a tie hanger for ties (DH).

I use hardware containers and craft boxes for costume jewelry, bins from the dollar store for hats and mittens as well as the digital camera and the like.  Decorative photo boxes and something that looks like a little suitcase can be purchased at your local craft store and give a beautiful style to your organizing if you want to spend the extra dough! 

Viola!  Your closet is organized.  Don't you feel better?

Closet Cleaning-Day 5-Shoes

Now it's time to really get down to business and tackle the shoesI personally don't own as many shoes as the normal woman...but I still have a lot of shoes, flip-flops, boots and running shoes and they can create Closet Chaos!

Pull out all the shoes, boxes and all
Line them up and sort by color and style (all black flats together, all black heels together, etc)
This will help you see what you have and what you can get rid of

Start by keeping one of each style/season (this equals 6 pairs of shoes!)
For example you will keep one pair of black sandals, one pair of black flip-flops, one pair of black flats, one pair of black winter (suede), one pair of black pumps and one pair of black dressy.
Now repeat with other colors

Next you need to polish and clean any remaining pairs of shoes.  Vaseline works well as a cleaner on patent leather,  Replace frayed and dingy laces on your running shoes.  Any shoes that need to be re-heeled should be set aside and taken to the shoe repair place. 

I store my shoes in a cardboard shoe box that displays 9-12 pairs of shoes.  I keep dressy shoes that only see irregular use (the pink satin 3 inch heels for example) In their original boxes. 

Closet Cleaning-Day 4-Wear what you own

Wear what you own
I tend to wear the same articles of clothing over and over again and ignore the others so I've devised a way to reduce the likelihood of that buy turning the hangers in opposite direction once I've worn the item. Begin by placing all clothes on the rod in the normal direction. As you wear it or it is returned to the closet after being laundered, replace the hanger on the rod the WRONG way. You'll see what you've not worn recently by using this manner. 

If you want to use this method to purge your closet, begin by placing all the hangers on the rod the WRONG way. As you wear an item, hang it up properly. At the end of the season, the items you have not worn can easily be seen by their hanger orientation and removed without guilt.

Closet Cleaning -Day 3-Organizing by color

Organizing your clothing by color makes items easier to find and can create other clothing combinations, stretching your clothing budget because you never though to wear THAT black sweater with those pants.I organize all my shirts by color. 
I organize dresses, suits or outfits by season and style
For example I hang all summer dresses together, all casual outfits together, all shorts together.  Then I organize them by color.  Now it's your turn!

Closet Cleaning Day 2

Determine what direction you'll be working in (I am working Counter-clockwise and top to bottom)Set a clock for 15 minutes or if your closet is in such disarray, limit yourself to touching 15 items!
I will begin on the top shelf and REMOVE all items from a small area (remember you only have 15 minutes or 15 items)

Make a decision
KEEP THE ITEM (Putting it back where it belongs, or place it in the box if it actually belongs in a different location other than the closet).
DONATE THE ITEM (if it is hopelessly beyond repair, is greater than 2 years old and no longer fits, or you just plain hate it*)
CONSIGN THE ITEM (if it is less than 2 years old, *hated items can often be successfully consigned)
REPAIR THE ITEM (needs a button, needs to be dry cleaned or the hem tacked up)
NOT SURE (place these in a box and remove to the basement for at least 3 months or up to 12.  If you haven't cracked it open looking for that favorite item, donate the entire container WITHOUT opening)  WARNING:  If yo open the container you have violated the 5th rule of closet cleaning and will find yourself placing half the items back into the closet, thereby nullifying all your hard work!

Doesn't it feel good?  Repeat as necessary until the entire area is completed.

Clear your Closet

I'm preparing for a big consignment event at our church called Kids Kloset so I've been culling things from the closets to consign.
Cleaning a closet CAN be a big job, which prevents some people from ever tackling the task. 

We'll break it down into manageable tasks and only spend 15 minutes a day on each task!  I am a hoarder, keeping items of clothing because they were expensive or are still in good shape, not because I wear them, they still fit  or they are currently in style...hence a cluttered closet.  My plan will help you get more use from the items in your closet, you'll find you actually have MORE clothes than you thought you did and you'll spend less money in the future on clothes if you maintain this organizational style!

Today's step will only take you a few minutes...

Your first step is to grab some bags, boxes and containers of assorted sizes to assist you in this project.
Label these containers with the following DONATE, CONSIGNMENT, REPAIR, MOVE (as in move to another room, belongs to another person, etc.) and NOT SURE (as in not sure if I'll keep it)...
and any others you may think you'll need.

Now, adjust your thinking. You are going to clean out your closet and get rid of items that are no longer useful. You are also going to be able to stash some items aside in the event you are unsure (so your decision is reversible for a period of time).

You are going to begin tomorrow, working in one direction (you get to choose clockwise or counter clockwise, top or bottom.  Think about where you'll start.  You may want to work on the least difficult area first!

Fall Decorating

In 3 months Christmas will be just a memory but today it's time to prepare for the fall season.  I ate Carmel apples on Saturday night--so I am ready for crisp, cooler air, sunny days and the beauty of the changing leaves.
Begin your Fall decorating today by putting out that fall wreath on your front door and adding a few mums to the pots. 

In need of pampering

I woke up with a killer migraine this morning...so today I am going to do something nice for myself.But what? 

I can't sleep in tomorrow (cross country meet, need to leave the house by 7:45am)
manicure-NO, hasn't even been 2 weeks yet
A massage would be nice but it's not in my budget this week

Flowers? dessert?,  hmmm.  What do you do to pamper yourself?
I 'll let you know what I come up with.

I took full advantage of this and had an iced coffee on my way home from work, took a bath, complete with a glass of wine and bubbles and then on Saturday took a nap and worked in my studio and cleaned it up (Yest, that is pampering so I can find stuff!, LOL)

Make Something

All that Christmas listing made me tired!  SO I need to rejuvenate myself.  I think I'll make something (Maybe even a Christmas gift)!

Performing meaningful work with your hands has been proven through scientific research to flood your brain with dopamine and serotonin-the feel food neurochemicals, natures antidepressants!Our brains are wired to give a a deep sense of satisfaction when our physical effort produces something tangible and of value so that is why when we work in the garden, knit a scarf or bake cookies we feel a sense of accomplishment and happiness.  The same effect can be accomplished as easily as peeling potatoes, brushing your daughters hair, folding up laundry or mowing the lawn. 

The key is in doing something you value. Take a good look at what you get lost in (running, crafting, cooking?) and that is where you should start!  SO if you don't care how the front lawn looks, mowing probably isn't going to be beneficial to you.  A job well done will reduce your stress and help you maintain a sense of well-being.  Repetitive work, like knitting also acts as a distraction from stress.
So, he next time my husband asks if I have to retreat to the basement to stamp AGAIN...I am going to tell him it if for my mental health!

Setting and Stretching Your Christmas Budget

I never use charge cards so I must amass the cash to pay for Christmas prior to the holiday.To accomplish this I use a variety of techniques

1)  I set aside $25 each pay period of the year to use toward Christmas gifts.  Since I get paid every 2 weeks that is 26 pay periods or $650.00 annually.  I have this money available throughout the year so I am able to take advantage of special purchases when I see that just right gift for someone...even if it is in the dead of summer!

2)  I use my debit card as a credit card.  They money comes out of my account immediately but I accrue points which I then redeem for gift cards.  I use the gift cards as an actual gift or use it to make gift purchases. 

3)  When I trade in books, movies, magazines and CDs at the used book store, I get the credit in gift cards which I then use as stocking stuffers.

4)  I take advantage of get a free gift when making a purchase (I've received tote bags, household items, bath and body lotions and even a smoothie maker).  ULTA and Office DEPOT are my favorite stores which offer freebies.

5)  I search Walmart.com for free product offers.  I find the other sites require too much information and I get spammed to death...so I avoid these.

6)  I redeem all my rebates.  Last year I received a $10 gift card from a beer manufacturer because I had purchased $50 in gift cards from any retailer. 

7)  Save all your receipts.  I keep my receipts in a coupon sorter by family.  Having the receipts in one place assures an item can be returned if I find it at a cheaper price or the recipient would rather exchange it for another item after the holiday.   

8)  I am a member of the Target Red Card DEBIT CARD program and I love it because a couple of times a year I get an additional 5% off my purchases.  I try to save up my big purchases for this additional savings.  The program is free, I get 5% off any purchase every time I use my Red Card debit card and I can also use manufacturer coupons. 

9)  I make some of my gifts using ideas I see in magazines I checkout from the library.  I always try and use items I already have (as I have a LARGE stash of craft supplies).  I begin saving jars and other "recyclables" in the event they can be converted into gifts or decorations. 

10)  Lastly, be realistic about what you can spend.  If you can't afford $100 for a gift for someone...don't go into debt.  With a little advance planning and creativity you can have a debt free Christmas

You've got your list...Now what?

OK, you've created your list of people you need to give gifts to...so now it's time to start listening to what clues they give as to possible gifts they'd enjoy.  It's even OK to ask outright what they'd like as a Christmas gift!  Be creative  see how they spend their time, what they enjoy doing, etc. and use that as a basis of your gift list.
I find that it is best if I stick with a theme and buy everyone a gift in that "theme" each year.   Last year everyone got a book as their stocking stuffer.  It make it very easy to shop (I even went to the used book store and found some NEW books at reduced prices).  One year everyone bought my husband a pair of under ware because he put it on his Christmas list.   It was hilarious to see him open each pair (prob more fun for us than him, however!)

Here are some themes that are easy to personalize for each recipient on your list and easy to keep in your price range:
Books, magazine subscriptions
Note cards/paper products
Calendars
Ornament
kitchen gadget or tools for the guys
craft or hobby items
movies, CDs, audio books
Hand crafted gifts
Sports memorabilia, tickets, apparel

Hints:  DO NOT buy weight loss or diet books, exercise equipment or housewares UNLESS the recipient has specifically requested these items!  LOL

Make a List

You'll make your Christmas list and check it twice, three times and more over the coming months!
I use an excel spreadsheet with the following columns:
Name
Gift (idea or actually purchased)
Dollar amount

Since we also exchange stocking stuffers, I add 2 additional columns with the stocking stuffer and dollar amount.
I also color code the form (RED means it's not yet purchased or made and GREEN means I have need it.  I record the dollar amount to assist with keeping me within my budget and have it self total at the bottom

NOW, make a list of anyone you give gifts too
Mother, father siblings, spouse/children the mailman, your co-workers.  YES, list everyone even if you are only giving them a plate of cookies! 
Print the list and keep it in your purse.  When you make a purchase, record it on the form immediately.  You can update the computer version periodically. 
This has become an invaluable tool for me as I use it to record ideas (sometime early in the year).  If I  can get a bargain early in the year,  also keeps me from purchasing an item for someone whose gift I already have. 

Start Thinking about...

CHRISTMAS!Christmas is just 100 days away...but who's counting (actually 99 days, 10 hours and 22 minutes)
Now is the time to begin your planning for a stress free and affordable holiday.  For the next few poists, we'll explore the steps you need to take!

In the mean time...Enjoy your weekend!

Give a Compliment

Stole this from my "cousin-in-laws" Facebook status this morning ‎"A compliment is the lift in the elevator of life." ~ Sue Cox
Give a compliment today (or 10)

Do you admire the dress of the lady in from of you at the checkout line?  Tell her
The person taking your order is particularly good natured?  Share it with them
Your Kid's room is clean!  Brag on it
Husband brings you coffee in the morning?  Thank him profusely

Why stop at 10???

Do something DIfferent!

A major bridge in our community was closed on Friday night because of "significant" structural cracks...this affects about 80,000 commuters daily and has resulted in 3 hour commutes, shortened tempers and heightened frustrations!  I am not affected by this but feel the frustration of all the folks in my community who are impacted!

I usually drive the same way to work every day but I am going to start taking an alternate way occasionally.  Changing a routine is actually healthy!  It can provide the following benefits:

• It's re-energizing
• It prevents boredom
• It can reduce stress
• You can actually learn something new
• Your brain function can be improved, you'll create new pathways
• In things like diet, exercise and work processes you can actually experience improved results

Where to start?
I was surprised when I began evaluating just how "addicted to routine I was" when I realized I always shaved my left leg first!  In face, when I tried to shave the right one first I often "forgot" about the left one!  That is just how confining our routines are!

Try putting your shoes on in a different order, eat using the other hand, park in an alternate spot, change your exercise routine, order something different off the menu, drive using an alternate route or shave that opposite leg first!
Let me know what you do differently!

Clean the MICROWAVE

I hope you had a nice weekend.  Ours was buy with our Home Cross Country meet, church activities and watching 9-11 tributes. 
Back to the more mundane aspects of our lives

Put one cup of water into a two cup measuring cup. Add about 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Microwave on high until water starts to boil (about 2 - 3 minutes). Let stand for another few minutes before opening the door. Remove measuring cup. Wipe down sides and bottom of microwave removing food particles. The result is a clean and clean smelling microwave.   Do this one a week for the best results!

What if ???

With the 10th anniversary of 9/11 just days away, my thoughts have been with the people who tragically lost their lives on that day.  If I were faced with the knowledge that I had just minutes to live, who would I call and what would I say? 
Today...take the time to do just that.  Spend some time reflecting on those you love then, pick up the phone and call them, tell them what they mean to you--don't let any opportunity pass you by today to reach out and let them know what they mean to you.  Set aside your grievances, disputes, hard feelings and estrangements--because, well, just never know.

Watch this Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLj4akmncsA&feature=share

Learn your safety exits

I'm the safety officer at my place of business so I have the responsibility of making sure employees know our basic safety policies and procedures.  I always get a lot of groans and "comments" when I have to review these policies...and conducting a fire drill 4 times a year has not won me any popularity awards but I believe in this wholeheartedly--That feeling was reinforced after reading the book "102 Minutes: The Untold Story of the Fight to Survive Inside the Twin Towers" by Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn.   I was dismayed to learn that there may have been additional survivors if they had know of alternate exits.

Today, review your fire escape plan and learn the alternate exits in the places you frequent most.  Make sure every family member know of at least 2 ways to exit every room in your home in the event the "most logical" path is blocked in a fire or other emergency.  Any emergency can momentarily confuse us but if we are well versed in emergency response tactics (pay attention during those boring presentations) lives can be saved! 

Sing all the verses to the Star Spangled Banner

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Pay a Tribute

Remembering 9-11

Peruse the website http://www.calltocompassion.com/share-your-story/?source=paid&utm_source=CTC-story&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=memorial-ad3&utm_campaign=CTC2011
to find an event schedule, post your story or read those of others. 

Commemorating September 11

“Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children. “
- President George W. Bush, November 11, 2001

Eleven Suggestions on how to Commemorate September 11th

1)  Fly an American Flag
2)  Attend a worship service. 
3)  Perform an act of service in honor or memory of those impacted by the events of September 11
4)  Take cookies to your local firehouse as a way of a thank you for their service
5)  Call a loved one and tell them what they mean to you
6)  Listen to Patriotic songs
7)  Spend time in prayer--for our nation, our leaders and that the world can live in peace.
8)  Hug someone
9)  Donate blood
10)  Wear red, whote and blue
11)  Read the 9/11 Commission Report.

Read the Bill of Rights

Here is a list of the Bill of Rights:

• First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
• Second Amendment: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
• Third Amendment: No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
• Fourth Amendment: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
• Fifth Amendment: No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
• Sixth Amendment: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
• Seventh Amendment: In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
• Eighth Amendment: Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
• Ninth Amendment: The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
• Tenth Amendment: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

Do Something NICE today

I'm feeling a bit stressed out today so I thought I'd take a break from the heavier topics and suggest we do something nice today!  Do it  for yourself or for someone else.  It's sure to lift your spirits.  Kindness matters!

Here are a couple of suggestions to get you started:

Pay it backward...pay for the guy's order behind you in the drive thru
Hold the door open or ask what floor and press the elevator buttons for someone
Compliment someone (you admire their blouse, hairstyle, children's behavior, etc.)
Let someone go in front of you in the grocery, offer your seat/cab or the last pastry
Swing, slide or play kickball with your kids (especially if you don't really have the time!)
Stop and smell the Flowers!
Read a cheap, trashy novel-nothing edifying, just something enjoyable

Make it a good day! 

Emergency Shut off

Keeping with the Emergency preparation theme this week may require you to learn something!  I know I will have learned something once I complete this task! 

Your job for today is to learn the whereabouts of the shut off valves for your water main, electrical breaker box and gas lines(if you have them).
I already know the location of and how to turn off the the electrical breaker box (in the basement, just flip the main lever down) but I will have to be shown the whereabouts of the emergency shut off valves for our water.  I'm not even sure we have a gas shut off valve...but we must since we have a gas powered water heater.
I feel safer already!

Create a Disaster Plan

Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Tornado's...oh, MY!

Thankfully Hurricane Irene was not as nasty as she had been predicted she would be but plenty of people are still dealing with the aftermath of her fury.  Praying that the waters quickly recede and electricity and normalcy is restored.

Many disasters often strike without warning so being prepared is vital if you need to evacuate your home.  What if you had to go without water, gas, electricity for days on end?   

Take these simple steps, review and update them every 6 months to lessen the fear and anxiety in the event of an emergency.

MAKE A PLAN

• The Red Cross has great information on preparing for the types of weather emergencies your community is most likely to experience.
• Learn what the warning signals are (sirens, etc) and what to do when you hear them.

·         Learn the safe places in your home (for example, where to go when there is a tornado warning)

• Does your family have special needs (handicapped individual, medically fragile, etc.)?  If so, contact your utility companies, the Police and Emergency management in your community so they are aware of your situation. 
• Know the disaster plans of your children's daycare and schools.  If an emergency occurs this can limit your anxiety and save you precious time.
• Pick 2 places to meet in an emergency

• One near but away from your home in the event of a fire or tornado.  All family members should be instructed to meet there if you have to evacuate your home in the event of a fire or the destruction of the facility after a tornado, for example 
• One outside your neighborhood in case family members can't make it back into your neighborhood due to blocked roads, etc.
• Have a contact who lives outside your state or region as a contact and make sure all family members know this phone number
• Plan for the care and evacuation of your pets in the event of an emergency

COMPLETE THIS CHECKLIST

• Keep a WRITTEN list of emergency contact numbers (fire, police, ambulance, red cross, electric and gas companies) as well as having these in your cell phone contacts
• Teach your children how to use 911 to call for help. 

·         Teach young children their address, parents names and phone numbers

• Check your insurance coverage to assure your property is protected
• Install smoke detectors
• Know the location of the water shut off valve, the main breakers and gas lines so you can turn these off if necessary
• Learn some basic first aid and have a first aid kit in your home stocked with basic supplies
• Instruct family members on 2 different ways to exit each room in your house

·         PRACTICE EVACUATING

• Test your smoke detectors periodically and replace the batteries at Daylight savings time changes (twice a year)

CREATE A KIT

Include the following items in a basic Family Emergency

• Water, at least 9 gallons per person residing in your home, this is 3 gallons per day for 3 days (I keep 3-4 5 liter boxes of water in my home at any given time and we replace them as we use them for drinking water)
• Canned food and a hand operated can opener.  Plan on a 3 day supply of non-perishables for each family member.  Choose foods that require little water to prepare and which don't need to be refrigerated.  (3 cans of soup per person, for example)
• Battery powered flashlight and radio
• First aid supplies including over the counter medications for pain, anti-diarrheals, antiseptic cream, bandages, tape, scissors, needle, tweezers and a thermometer
• Other helpful items:  Towels and blankets, hatchet or saw, butane lighters, trash bags, flares, paper/pencil, whistle, waterproof matches, plastic sheeting, moist towelettes or baby wipes, plastic bucket with a lid, disinfect and bleach, eating utensils, feminine protection, maps aluminum foil, cash
• Important papers (copies of birth certificates, insurance cards, wills, insurance coverage).  I keep these in a binder that is easy to transport in case of an evacuation.  Include photographs of your family in the event of missing persons

SPECIAL NEEDS?  Think about it…

• Infants may require diapers or formula
• Grandma may need her dentures, oxygen of wheelchair
• You may require your insulin or glasses

PRACTICE and MAINTAIN

• Practice your evacuation routes and make sure family members remember where to go and what to do in an emergency
• Replace stored water and food items every 6 months
• Update family photos annually
• Keep your gas tank filled to no less than 1/3 a tank.  When the power shuts down in your community, gas stations CAN'T pump gas!
• Keep some cash on hand in the event you can't use your ATM or Credt Card for transactions

Pictures Perfect

Now onto the pictures hanging on the walls. 
I dusted the frames with a rag and then cleaned the glass with a damp microfiber cloth for a streak free finish. 
If possible, you should remove them from the wall (I didn't...) for the most thorough cleaning! 

Vacuum your vents

As part of that mega cleaning event, I am working my way up the walls and dusted/vacuumed the heating and air conditioning vents.  Man, were they dirty! 

Experience an Earthquake

OK-I can check this off my list since we felt the 5.9 earthquake in Virginia this afternoon. 
Only in Kentucky can you experience earthquakes, tornado's, floods, ice storms and Hurricanes in a 12 month period!

Clean the Baseboards

Still on the cleaning kick-I took a damp microfiber cloth and wiped around the baseboards.  Amazing how much dirt had accumulated...and they didn't even appear dirty to the naked eye.  I wiped clockwise and also cleaned electrical cords, furniture legs/bases and the vents while I was at it.

I use the Mr. Clean Magic eraser on a few spots that had scuff marks that didn't cooperate with the damp cloth.  Beautiful!

Remember, I am only working on one room here...so it only took about 3 minutes to complete!

CLEAN your CEILING FANS

I was knee deep in dog hair as often happens this time of year when I can only vacuum once a week and I desperately wanted to power vacuum the upper level of our house.  I occasionally get like this so please bear with me!  As a result of this I was inspired to have my dear husband clean the fans before I did my due diligence on the carpets.
DH willingly embraced this job and we (he) completed it easily before church on Sunday morning (3 fans and one Fuller brush fan cleaner) as it only took him about 15 minutes.  He claimed to love the Fuller Brush fan cleaning apparatus because it kept him off a ladder (we have 28 foot ceilings in our great room).  After the dust died down I vacuumed the carpets (x2 to get up the dust and dog hair), the bed linens and furniture to get up the residue and then dusted all the furniture, picture frames and baseboards and finished with another vacuum (to get that just vacuumed look).  Man it feels good to have a dust free upstairs

Clean out a Drawer

I was rooting around in my utensil drawer last night and couldn't find what I was looking for...so that lead to today's post. 
Here is the most efficient way I've found to clean out a drawer:

• Lay a towel onthe counter to minimize cleanup after you're done
• Take all the items out of the drawer and place them on the towel
• Once the drawer is completely empty:  Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth (I vacuum bathroom drawers to catch all the hair, talc and little "bits" of stuff.  I suppose this would work for kitchen drawers too, but I never vacuum them out).
• If you're using organizational dividers, be sure to wash those out before replacing your items.  I use my jewelry or checkbook boxes for my kitchen junk drawer to catch the small items like stray keys and paperclips.  I also find a craft keeper (like those used for beads) work well in the junk drawer.
• Discard any broken items.  If you aren't sure what the key/utensil/thingamabob is for...chances are you are not going to use it so pitch it, donate or set aside for your next yard sale.
• Replace like items together (for example, all the pasta servers).  It won't stay that way for long--but it gives me a sense of satisfaction to arrange the drawer that way!

If you are the obsessive type, set a timer for 10 minutes.  you REALLY can clean out only one drawer at a time and you REALLY can do it in 10 minutes or less!

FLOSS

I know each one of you will rush right out and begin flossing as soon as you read this post!  LOL
However, if you are addicted to flossing, as I am, you probably will...

People are CLEARLY divided into two camps when it comes to flossing-there are those that do and those that don't.  It seems that there are no casual flossers.  I belong to the "those that floss" category.  I floss every morning and periodically through the day, whne needed.  I have little packages of those floss sticks in my desk at work, my car and my billfold, the bathroom downstairs and have been known to use items other than dental floss to "floss"...much to the dismay and disgust of my children!  Once you floss regularly, you just can't seem to go without it!

Fun FLOSS Facts

If you're brushing and NOT flossing, you're cleaning 60% of your teeth's surface.  YUCK

It's good for your heart--Harvard Medical School researchers found that flossing removes bacteria and plaque from the teeth and gums, the same plaque which is absorbed into the blood stream and can clog arteries and veins. Another study found that men with periodontitis had a startling 70% greater risk of developing coronary disease, while a case of gingivitis meant a 40% increase.

It reduces bad breath caused by food particles trapped between teeth.  Even microscopic pieces of food rot and decay leving behind their putrid odors.

The main objective of flossing is to remove the plaque lodged between the teeth. When this fails to occur, the plaque hardens in to tartar which can only be removed by an oral hygienist or dentist.  The bacteria present in the tartar produce acids which damage your gums and cause swelling:- a condition known as gingivitis.  Untreated gingivitis leads to periodontal disease which eventually causes bone re-absorption and tooth loss.

Start flossing today for better health tomorrow!

Buy yourself a flower

We had an open house at work yesterday and I had a single flower placed on my desk in a bud vase.  What a spirit lifter that bright spot of color is.   Buy yourself the flower of your choice today and place it where you can see it most of the day.  It's sure to make you smile!

Sing along to the Music

I just finished a book on tape (Sons and Lovers by DH Lawrence) and am between audio books so...I turned on I-pod on the way to work this morning!  It was a nice change of pace from the drive time newscasts (Wall Street Journal and local news).  I sang along-LOUD and PROUD!  It was fun and energizing. 
For some real fun, allow your children to load a favorite song of theirs on your tunes. 

Set a Goal

Goals must be measurable, achievable and time sensitive.  I think goals should also be written and shared with an accountability partner to assist you in reaching them.

Another cross country parent and I decided we'd run in the 3K parent race at the conclusion of our Home meet on September 10th, ONLY 4 weeks away!  Rebecca is a smoker and has not run before...but she has decided she wants to compete in that parent race.  4 weeks is not a lot of time to train...but we began with our goal of finishing the race in mind. 

First we decided that we'd meet during cross country practice 3 days a week.  We'd already been power walking on those days...so that wasn't hard to do.  We then decided that we'd each run at our own pace and distance until we established some initial time and distance baselines.  Then we added gradual incremental distances and minutes to our workout to assure we'd be able to run a 3K (1.8 miles) on September 10th.

August 4th I ran a 10:17 mile...OK-I am never going to win a race at that pace, but I was very pleased to post a 10:07 mile (on a flat course) in 100 degrees and a heat index of upper 90s.  I began running when I was 47 and my youngest was in the 2nd grade when she joined her cross country team (she is now an 8th grader so you do the math!).  I was a parent runner, keeping pace with the slower kids...Now 6 years later, I can't even see the kids in the slowest group...but still run/speed walk for exercise with my DH.  I decided to run a mile or two each practice and...viola!  Now I'm pumped and can't wait to get back our on the course to see if I can do it again.

One week later, August 11th,  I trimmed 43 seconds off that time and ran a 9:24 mile!  Rebecca ran her first mile ever at a blistering pace of 11:03.  Way to go Rebecca!  We're on our way. 

We plan on running 3 days a week and logging 3 miles by the week of September 5th. 
We'll keep you posted on our progress!  Join us?

REST

Exodus 10:  8-11
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.  For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Even God takes a day off from his busy week--so we are mandated to do the same!  Think of it...ONE day a week when you can chuck the to do list and put your feet up.  Plan your weeks so you can take some much needed down time on ONE day of the week (maybe it's not Sunday for you!).  Have food in the house so you don't have to go shopping, have the laundry done, the grass mowed and a good book on hand.  Take a nap, play a game, read--do SOMETHING, anything you enjoy!  Rest repairs the body, mind and spirit and we need to indulge in it more often!

And so in keeping with the spirit of this post, I've decided that I probably WON'T post on the weekends...so the name of this blog is misleading!    It should be 365 things to do this year, but not on the weekends! Or 365 things minus 52 times 2 equals 216.  Don't you feel more relaxed already???