I suppose my simple life became slightly complicated lately. My mom came down with the flu that was flying through here. Her attitude about it was admirable because she was telling me how grateful she was to have her family and the time to rest.

It's a little harder to be grateful when you're sick or going through tough times. I read the Power of Adversity recently and had the privilege of interviewing the author Al Weatherhead. I could have talked to him for hours. He has such a great sense of humor and sunny disposition that it can't help but rub off on you.

Al suffered through a couple divorces, a heart attack, alcoholism and painful arthritis. By changing his attitude, diet and exercising regularly he was able to recover from all his ailments. His book shares his story along with his methods and it's a fascinating and inspiring read.

He sort of reminds me of my mom because she is also very active and enthusiastic. She’s always taking some new course and exercising or dancing. Al’s 83 but he still helps run his business and swims laps every day.

I think people have to experience adversity to appreciate what they have. Some people could also get stuck feeling bitter and resenting their problems. A lot depends on attitude.

I’m grateful for such wonderful role models that help remind me how someone always has it worse. Somehow people manage to get through their troubles and they’re often stronger because of them. Al got that message through with his book. He also made me believe that it’s possible to overcome just about anything.

Tags: General // Add Comment »

The common message coming out of the self help books I have been reading is to put people before things. It sounds simple but it's not always an easy thing to do.

How many times have you heard people say once they get an object, everything will get better? They might be waiting to win the lottery, a car, job, house, furniture or a computer. The problem with putting all your hopes on some future occurrence is that you're unable to enjoy the present.

Here a list of inspiring self help books I've reviewed. They're all helpful with simplifying and also make you think about prioritizing your relationships.

• Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow is not about getting rich quick. It’s a book that encourages others to get in touch with their true desires, needs and strengths. It's about people acting on their own initiative confidently, without having to consult anyone for approval.

• Kicking Your Stress Habits: Although some people may appear more outgoing than others, everyone needs to develop supportive friendships. In order to relate to people it helps to not only listen but to be able to empathize with their feelings.

• Your Sacred Self: Wayne W. Dyer shares his step-by-step guide on how to be spiritually free. With his down to earth wisdom, he shows us how to be more fulfilled and at peace.

• They Sky’s The Limit: Dr. Wayne Dyer teaches us simply how to be a no-limit person. The Sky’s The Limit helps others get in touch with their potential without worrying about everyone else.

• Freeing Your Child From Negative Thinking by Tamar E. Chansky, Ph.D. offers parents practical strategies on how to empower their children with positive ways of thinking.

• Pursuit of Light: What's inspiring about Pursuit of Light is the message Sandy Brewer portrays to people. She shares her past in order to enhance her message of hope and change for others. No matter how bad someone's past is, it's possible to be successful and happy now.

Tags: Book Reviews, General // Add Comment »

I'm pleased to share that we had a laid back, drama free and simple Xmas. Peace is precious and I wish plenty of it for everyone in 2009.

We had one wicked storm where branches were bouncing off the windows for a bit and caused some commotion but everyone got along well.

We hit mom’s house as usual Christmas Eve, visited with family and sang some carols. A few family members were missing but they were still there in spirit.

This year I have a few projects to complete but I still vow to keep things simple. My candle making shop in the basement is coming along and I'm looking forward to opening a booth at the farmer's market.

I've been neglecting this blog so will be getting myself back on a schedule by writing at least once per week. I also enjoy writing fiction so I have committed to spending some time on writing my novel everyday.

Decluttering

This is something I struggle with but will continue to tackle. It seems like as soon as I have things organized, I start to make new pile ups of books and baskets. Books are hard to throw out, but boxes in the basement will just go moldy. I need to give some of them away.

That reminds me of these shelves made out of books. I think it's an original and excellent way of recycling books. Check out This Into That Bookshelves.

My sister is super organized and she's thinking about starting her own business as a professional organizer. I may be her first challenging pack rat client.

Anyway, best wishes to all for a simple, organized, successful and peaceful new year.

Tags: General, Holidays // Add Comment »

I tend to get a little more emotional throughout the holiday season. That's not always a bad thing but there are things we can do to keep things less hectic. Here are some suggestions to de-stress and simplify the holidays at the same time.

Food Shortcuts

Raw fruit and vegetables are better for you and they're simpler since you don't have to cook them. Cut into bite size portions and store for quick healthy snacking. If they're too bland, try making a dip with yogurt or light sour cream. Hummus, which is made with chickpeas, is good with most vegetables.

Sometimes I go on cooking spurts so I'll make mad muffins and freeze half of them for the future. You can also do this with spaghetti sauce, chili, taco filling, meatballs, cookies and more. It won't take you much longer to cook larger batches, but it will save you time in the future.

Cleaning and Organizing

• Put a few extra over the door hooks up so no one will be tempted to throw their coats, scarves or hats on furniture.

• List all the regular household tasks that need to be done. Get each capable family member to pick 2 items on the list and check them off when complete.

• We just put a storage trunk/bench at the front entrance since there is no closet there. It hides boots and shoes that collect as people enter. In the winter, line it with cardboard.

• Keep wrapping paper, scissors, tape and tags together in a box under your bed. You’ll always know where it is and it won’t be messing up your house. Save colorful fliers to use as wrapping paper or padding in gifts.

Stress Busters

• Keep a back up play list of uplifting music to have ready when you need a boost. This helps you get through those tedious tasks like laundry, dishes or wrapping gifts.

• Listen to a book about positive thinking. Consider recording your own positive affirmations and playing them back when you start thinking negatively.

This is a good method for replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. For example if you beat yourself up when you make mistakes, be prepared with responses. "I learned from this experience." "Everybody makes mistakes." "I know to do it differently next time."

• If it's cold out, bundle up and go for a walk, skate or ski anyway. Another option is to join a gym and get some exercise there. A gym has the added benefit of socializing. Sometimes people are down because they're lonely, so if they force themselves to get out and socialize it helps.

Give yourself some time to be alone. This is harder for parents with young children but even a brief bath with a lit candle can rejuvenate you. If possible get a sitter and pamper yourself longer.

For more ideas see 10 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues.

Tags: General, Holidays, Stress // Add Comment »

Has anyone else been in a creative slump lately? I think it has something to do with the gloomy cold weather. I started clearing the basement out because my crafts took over the kitchen table. My family’s patient but I can tell it’s annoying them.

There are shelves down there nobody is using so I’m trying to make use of the space. I’ll snap a pic once it’s tidied up, but it’s still not likely to be a pretty sight. It is a basement after all.

I did put down some tiles which will look and feel better than concrete. It will be nice to get rid of the pile ups that are taking over upstairs. Isn’t it funny how you notice how chaotic everything looks when you know you have company coming?

We put our tree up and it looked lovely the first day. Our cats pull the ornaments down off of it every night and scattered sparkly balls on the floor are what greet me in the morning.

Putting things in order is where I’m at right now. I thought I would take a break from the mess to say hello and let you know I’m still standing. I hope you’re all having a good week and not letting the holidays stress you out too much.

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Hey, the holiday spirit is starting to hit me and I've been thinking about ideas for handmade Christmas gifts.

We have fun coming up with new holiday creations every year and I always love getting handmade gifts. If you have some more ideas, please share them with us.

Gifts in a jar

These are great for cookies and brownies. Put ingredients like nuts, cocoa, brown sugar and flour in layers so it looks like pretty sand art. Attach a decorative holiday tag with instructions.

Pressed Flower Candles

These look so elegant and yet they're so easy. Arrange and place your dried flowers on your candle attaching with a bit of melted wax. Dip the entire candle a couple times in hot melted wax to seal it.

Beaded Jewelry

I love beaded jewelry and you can string them with hemp, wire, string or stretchy cord. The stretchy type of elasticized cord is my favorite for bracelets and anklets because you simply tie it off when it's complete and it stretches to fit just about anyone. You don't have to worry about adding a clasp.

Picture Frame

Paint a plain wooden frame for a friend or relative and add their name or another personalized touch. Add stickers or sparkles if desired. Your children can make ornaments or magnet picture frames easily out of colorful Popsicle sticks, cardboard or foam.

Sparkly Beeswax Candles

These are super easy to make, they smell sweet and look beautiful. All you do is cut across from corner to corner and roll tightly around a wick. Roll completed candle in festive sparkles if desired. You can find them at most craft stores.

Handprint Apron

Get your little ones to put colorful painted handprints all over an apron. For an even more personalized touch, get them to paint their name onto it. This would also work for t-shirts or tote bags. It would make a fun present for a mom from her young children.

Decorated Coffee Mugs

We did this last year and it was so much fun. My son made one for my husband that said "World's Greatest Dad". Even the youngest children can get in on this because parents would still treasure their little scribbles. Get special mugs and/or markers from a craft store.

Decorated Laptop Tray

I grabbed a plain wooden laptop tray from the craft store, printed a few favorite pictures off the computer, and slapped a few coats of Mod Podge on to seal it. You could also add some decorative scrap book stickers if you wanted.

Tags: Candles, Crafts, General, Holidays // 7 Comments »

Static cling seems to get worse in the winter because it’s dryer indoors.

An easy way to get your clothes to smell fresh and feel soft is to simply add a bit of hair conditioner to a damp cloth along with your clothes in the dryer.

I like using fruity scented conditioners, but if you’re a guy or want something more manly there are scents out there for everyone.

• You could also simply add half a cup of vinegar in with your wash. It not only softens your clothes but gets rid of any stubborn odors and helps clean your clothes more thoroughly.

• There are recipes that combine vinegar, water and hair conditioner. You can either add this mixture to your wash or put some on a cloth before putting it in the dryer. Sasjag from ThriftyFun.com says use 6 cups of water, 3 cups of vinegar and 2 cups of hair conditioner.

• Baking soda works as a fabric softener because it softens the water. It also cleans and deodorizes at the same time.

Does anyone have any other money saving suggestions for fabric softeners that worked for them?

Tags: Clothing, General, Making it Monday, Saving Money // 5 Comments »

I didn't realize we ran out of eggs again, which led me to experiment with baking without eggs. I hacked a raisin muffin recipe and it turned out to be just as tasty.

Vegans cook without eggs and milk so have more experience with it. Some people also have allergies to eggs or milk, so would need to know how to replace them in baking.

Here are some egg replacement options:

• I tablespoon of ground flax seed combined with three tablespoons of water

• Mashed banana or applesauce. Other fruits and vegetables would probably work.

• I tablespoon of potato starch, corn starch or tapioca combined with 3 tablespoons of water

• ¼ cup of tofu

• Vegetarian gelatin

Sometimes you can get away with simply increasing the liquid and baking powder by 1 teaspoon. There are also commercial egg replacements you can find in health food stores. One of most popular is Ener-G Egg Replacer. If you have any other ideas or suggestions, let me know.

• If you want to replace milk try soy milk, rice milk, almond milk or oatmeal milk.

If you're interested in exploring vegan baking recipes, check out Veganbaking.net for some delicious ideas.

Here's my simple raisin banana muffin recipe:

• ½ cup of water

• ½ cup of butter or margarine

• ¾ cup of sugar

• 1 ½ cups all purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons of baking powder

• 1 mashed banana

• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice

• ¾ cup of raisins

Preheat oven to 350 Fahrenheit. Cream sugar and butter and add the mashed banana, water and lemon juice. Combine flour and baking powder before adding to mixture. Fold raisins into batter.

This makes 12 muffins. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

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We’re stocked up on food for the next several weeks and I thought I would share with you some of the ways we save money on groceries. Over the years I’ve been able to predict the cost of food within a couple dollars.

1. Check the flyers & use coupons

This week I found a large block of cheese on for four dollars, cereal for $2.50 and milk for a dollar less. You don’t save money if you end up buying stuff just because it’s on sale. If you were not going to get it in the first place, it’s similar to an impulse buy.

2. Buy in bulk

Rice, flour, sugar and oatmeal are all things that keep well. If you have a freezer, even better. Plenty of fruit and vegetables can be frozen for months and meat can be separated and frozen into portions. We freeze peppers, broccoli, corn and sometimes even tomatoes.

3. Plan a weekly menu

A monthly menu would be even better, but start with a weekly menu so you can see how much food you will actually need ahead of time.

4. Make a list

Probably stating the obvious but if you don’t have a list, you’re at the mercy of your instincts. I can’t remember more than a few things at a time in my head anyway. Include everything on your menu as well as cleaning products and toiletries. Include prices on your list. If you don’t know, guess. You’ll get better at it.

5. Stick to the list

This is the hardest part. If you only budget a certain amount of money for food, that helps you stick to the grocery list.

6. Plan snacks along with groceries

Everyone snacks, so you might as well plan for it along with your menu. Even if it’s junk food, admit it and add it to the list. It will save you money since you won’t have to run to the store for popcorn, tortilla chips, dip or pop.

7. Buy local produce that is in season

Fruit and vegetables are usually cheaper when they’re in season. You can always freeze some to have for the winter. You save money and support your local farmers at the same time.

8. Cook from scratch

It’s not that much harder to make pancakes from scratch as opposed to a mix or a hamburger helper. If you have a large family those small mixes are pointless anyway. If you’re into baking, include raisins and chocolate chips on your list and make cookies and muffins.

9. If you take your children, include them in the planning.

I have taken my children shopping for years. I’m not always fun since I won’t deviate from the list but it’s a good learning experience for them. It’s more tempting to give in to those impulse buys when you have two or three more people having impulses. Children can still have input and let you know what they want before you leave and make your list.

10. Pay attention to products above and below eye level

The pricey stuff tends to be at eye level since it’s convenient and they think you won’t bother looking above or below. Sometimes they don’t even have the products or prices lined up properly to match what’s labeled on the shelf. I think they do that on purpose and occasionally get tricked if I’m in a hurry.

Tags: Food, General, Saving Money // Add Comment »

I’m not sure why but some kids are into skulls and hearts even when it’s not Halloween. This is an easy and fun way to dress up a plain baseball cap.

They’re actually iron-on rhinestone studs and they come in all different shapes and patterns. I found them at Michaels craft store but you could probably find them somewhere else. They would also be good for decorating a plain purse, bag, shirt or even shoes.

All you do is place the sticky side down and press with a hot iron for at least twenty seconds. The instructions said ten but they were still sticking for me.

• If you’re looking for more Halloween craft ideas, consider some of these Sculpey clay projects. I’m working on this baby bat pencil eraser. We made erasers before school started. Most of them were fish because we have a set of small sea themed molds.

Tags: Clothing, Crafts, General, Making it Monday // Add Comment »