Here is my menu for this week. I have it kind of easy this week. My daughter and I will be out of town this coming weekend. So, my husband and son will have to find things to eat. Knowing them they will have to eat out at least once.
Monday - Honey Herbed Chicken, mashed potato, green beans
Tuesday - Baked Mac & Cheese
Weds. - Homemade Chili
Thursday - BBQ Pork Roast
Friday - Out of Town
Sat. - Out of Town
Monday, January 31, 2011
Household Monday ....
I have been working like crazy this weekend getting my January project done. My husband and I got my daughter's room painted. She is so excited that we got it all done. There are still a few things that she wants to do for her, but I will have to see what I can afford, at the moment.
I still have to get her some curtains for her room, a desk, some shelves and pick up a dresser from my sister. One thing at a time. Hopefully I can find somethings at a yard sale or a thrift store.
She picked out the colors - blue and a green. I picked out the creme color and we decided how we were going to paint the walls. In the green strip we are going to paint some peace signs and some words, happiness, peace, love, etc.
We all had a good time working this weekend. It was so great bonding time. All that matters is the smile on her face when she went to bed last night. That made all the pain worth it ...
Now for my February project .. which I think is my son's room, Mark. We have already been discussing what color we are going to paint. It is going to be really cool when we get done. He is into hunting, outdoors, mud bogging .. that is all I am going to say on his room.
I am still working on my 'New house cleaning system'. It is taking me a little longer than I was hoping but it is taking the back burner right now. I will share it with you all when I get it up and running. I am really excited about it and really thinking it will help my family help me more around the house, which I would totally love.
How is your January project coming along? It is the last day of the month .. did you get it done? What do you have planned for February?
I still have to get her some curtains for her room, a desk, some shelves and pick up a dresser from my sister. One thing at a time. Hopefully I can find somethings at a yard sale or a thrift store.
We all had a good time working this weekend. It was so great bonding time. All that matters is the smile on her face when she went to bed last night. That made all the pain worth it ...
Now for my February project .. which I think is my son's room, Mark. We have already been discussing what color we are going to paint. It is going to be really cool when we get done. He is into hunting, outdoors, mud bogging .. that is all I am going to say on his room.
I am still working on my 'New house cleaning system'. It is taking me a little longer than I was hoping but it is taking the back burner right now. I will share it with you all when I get it up and running. I am really excited about it and really thinking it will help my family help me more around the house, which I would totally love.
How is your January project coming along? It is the last day of the month .. did you get it done? What do you have planned for February?
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Recipe Friday ....
This is definitely one of my families favorites, especially my son Mark's. This is another really easy recipe to make. This is a good recipe to make ahead of time. You can brown the ground beef ahead of time and then it will make the day of baking even easier. It is also freezer friendly.
Tater Tot Casserole
1 lb. ground beef, cooked and drained
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/4 cup of milk
salt and pepper to taste
1 pkg. of cheddar cheese shredded
Tater tots
Brown ground beef and drain. In mixing bowl, mix soups, salt & pepper, and milk. In a baking dish, spread beef on bottom, pour soups on top of ground beef. Spread cheese on next, then place tater tots on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.
*Sometimes I just mixed the beef in with the soup mix and then pour it out onto the baking dish.
**I have even ran out of Tater Tots and used hashbrowns on top and it is really good.
Tater Tot Casserole
1 lb. ground beef, cooked and drained
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/4 cup of milk
salt and pepper to taste
1 pkg. of cheddar cheese shredded
Tater tots
Brown ground beef and drain. In mixing bowl, mix soups, salt & pepper, and milk. In a baking dish, spread beef on bottom, pour soups on top of ground beef. Spread cheese on next, then place tater tots on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.
*Sometimes I just mixed the beef in with the soup mix and then pour it out onto the baking dish.
**I have even ran out of Tater Tots and used hashbrowns on top and it is really good.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Weight Loss Wednesday
I have done pretty well on the small things, that I wanted to change, in my journey to losing weight. Some of the areas haven't been that hard to do, but there are some that I still need to work on. So far, I am proud of myself, and give myself a big pat on the back.
#1 - STOP FREE RANGE EATING - Sitting at table while eating. Free range eating - taking in of any food while standing, walking, driving, resting, working, bathing, talking on the phone, or watching TV.
Free Ranging is very dangerous! It can cause accidents when a free-ranger drops food into his/her lap while trying to wrestle a Whopper and maneuver through traffic with one hand. Free-Ranging is very Expensive!! An accident almost always causes an increase in insurance premiums. Free-Ranging is a Nasty Habit!! It is one of the causes of obesity, stains on the furniture and carpet, garbled telephone conversations and sticky clickers to the TV. In fact, all the litter on our highways and in our parks and waterways is caused by careless Free - Rangers. (This was taken from the book Get Your Act Together by Pam Young and Peggy Jones)
I have found that making myself eat sitting at my table, that I was doing a lot of unconscious eating. That means there were times I didn't remember eating. I also found that I wasnt' really enjoying my food. While I sit at the table and am home by myself, I try to just enjoy the quiet; no reading, no TV, just me and my food. The two ladies in the book, swear that it will help you lose weight. I honestly think that it will. I will keep you all updated on how this is going.
Next week, will be #2 in the small changes, on my way to losing weight. Please let me know if you make change #1 and how it has effected you. Did you see any benefits right off? What did you think?
I want to leave you this week with a poem, also, from the book Get Your Act Together.
Dear Jenny Craig
by Pam Young
I made myself a sandwich
And something's really weird.
The crumbs are on the counter,
But the sandwich disappeared.
I can't believe I ate it
And I won't admit I did!
I know I ate a bite or two
While I was screwing on the lid
To the gallon jar of mayonnaise,
After licking off the knife
That was standing knee-deep in there
Treading mayo for its life.
I may have eaten just a half
Of that sandwich that I made.
I know I washed some down
With a glass of lemonade
That I poured to quench my awful thirst
After eating guacamole
Or maybe it was taco chips,
Or, no, the crescent roll. See
I smeared some peanut butter on the roll
And took a taste,
When my buds relayed the message
That unless I heaped, in haste,
A glob of homemade jelly
On the butter and the roll,
The overall experience
Would leave a gourmet hole.
So I carried out the order,
Drank some milk to wash it down
And when I put the carton back,
You won't believe it but I found
A Snickers Bar I'd started
And didn't have time to finish
So I'd hidden it with forethought
In a box of frozen spinach
Which I bought for just that reason,
'Cause my kids are little snackers.
I've learned from past experiences,
They'll eat you out of crackers
And anything that's chocolate
And everything that's sweet.
They're worse than ants at picnics
When it comes to finding treats.
Which brings me back to wonder
If that's what happened to my sandwich.
Did my children spy my meal
And fail ton understand which
Food is theirs and which is mine?
It' hard to keep things separate.
Those sneaky little snackers
Must have gotten awfully desperate.
Ok, if I did consume it
And I must admit I'm stuffed:
Then where's that little voice I have
That says I've had enough?
I guess it's pretty obvious
By looking at my hips,
That more than fruits and vegetables
Have passed between my lips.
A small bite here, a swallow there,
Just how much I can't remember,
But according to my scale,
I've gained ten pounds since last September!
#1 - STOP FREE RANGE EATING - Sitting at table while eating. Free range eating - taking in of any food while standing, walking, driving, resting, working, bathing, talking on the phone, or watching TV.
Free Ranging is very dangerous! It can cause accidents when a free-ranger drops food into his/her lap while trying to wrestle a Whopper and maneuver through traffic with one hand. Free-Ranging is very Expensive!! An accident almost always causes an increase in insurance premiums. Free-Ranging is a Nasty Habit!! It is one of the causes of obesity, stains on the furniture and carpet, garbled telephone conversations and sticky clickers to the TV. In fact, all the litter on our highways and in our parks and waterways is caused by careless Free - Rangers. (This was taken from the book Get Your Act Together by Pam Young and Peggy Jones)
I have found that making myself eat sitting at my table, that I was doing a lot of unconscious eating. That means there were times I didn't remember eating. I also found that I wasnt' really enjoying my food. While I sit at the table and am home by myself, I try to just enjoy the quiet; no reading, no TV, just me and my food. The two ladies in the book, swear that it will help you lose weight. I honestly think that it will. I will keep you all updated on how this is going.
Next week, will be #2 in the small changes, on my way to losing weight. Please let me know if you make change #1 and how it has effected you. Did you see any benefits right off? What did you think?
I want to leave you this week with a poem, also, from the book Get Your Act Together.
Dear Jenny Craig
by Pam Young
I made myself a sandwich
And something's really weird.
The crumbs are on the counter,
But the sandwich disappeared.
I can't believe I ate it
And I won't admit I did!
I know I ate a bite or two
While I was screwing on the lid
To the gallon jar of mayonnaise,
After licking off the knife
That was standing knee-deep in there
Treading mayo for its life.
I may have eaten just a half
Of that sandwich that I made.
I know I washed some down
With a glass of lemonade
That I poured to quench my awful thirst
After eating guacamole
Or maybe it was taco chips,
Or, no, the crescent roll. See
I smeared some peanut butter on the roll
And took a taste,
When my buds relayed the message
That unless I heaped, in haste,
A glob of homemade jelly
On the butter and the roll,
The overall experience
Would leave a gourmet hole.
So I carried out the order,
Drank some milk to wash it down
And when I put the carton back,
You won't believe it but I found
A Snickers Bar I'd started
And didn't have time to finish
So I'd hidden it with forethought
In a box of frozen spinach
Which I bought for just that reason,
'Cause my kids are little snackers.
I've learned from past experiences,
They'll eat you out of crackers
And anything that's chocolate
And everything that's sweet.
They're worse than ants at picnics
When it comes to finding treats.
Which brings me back to wonder
If that's what happened to my sandwich.
Did my children spy my meal
And fail ton understand which
Food is theirs and which is mine?
It' hard to keep things separate.
Those sneaky little snackers
Must have gotten awfully desperate.
Ok, if I did consume it
And I must admit I'm stuffed:
Then where's that little voice I have
That says I've had enough?
I guess it's pretty obvious
By looking at my hips,
That more than fruits and vegetables
Have passed between my lips.
A small bite here, a swallow there,
Just how much I can't remember,
But according to my scale,
I've gained ten pounds since last September!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Menu for week
I am so glad to get back to do my weekly menu plan. I got off from doing it during the holidays and have tried to get back in the swing of things.
If you dont' have a weekly menu plan, you may want to start making one. I have found that is makes my life so much easier. I dont' have the family asking me everyday, "What's for supper?" It also helps cut down on my grocery bill. I make sure that I have everything on my plan. It stops those last minute dash to the store to pick up this and that. If you are like me, you will spend more than you had planned.
Don't fret over doing this .. start small. Maybe start one or two days at a time. I started off by asking my family what was some of there favorite dishes. I made out a list of all of these. I still have the list and work off of it each week. I try to make a dish that is a favorite of both of my kids. They like it too, that on a certain day is their favorite dish. They get really excited.
Week ending 29th
Sun. - Meatloaf, scalloped potato, green beans
Mon. - Steak, baked potato
Tues - Spaghetti
Wed - Fend for yourself
Thurs - Honey Herbed Chicken, rice, green beans
Fri. - Baked Mac & Chs
Sat. - Sloppy Joes
If you dont' have a weekly menu plan, you may want to start making one. I have found that is makes my life so much easier. I dont' have the family asking me everyday, "What's for supper?" It also helps cut down on my grocery bill. I make sure that I have everything on my plan. It stops those last minute dash to the store to pick up this and that. If you are like me, you will spend more than you had planned.
Don't fret over doing this .. start small. Maybe start one or two days at a time. I started off by asking my family what was some of there favorite dishes. I made out a list of all of these. I still have the list and work off of it each week. I try to make a dish that is a favorite of both of my kids. They like it too, that on a certain day is their favorite dish. They get really excited.
Week ending 29th
Sun. - Meatloaf, scalloped potato, green beans
Mon. - Steak, baked potato
Tues - Spaghetti
Wed - Fend for yourself
Thurs - Honey Herbed Chicken, rice, green beans
Fri. - Baked Mac & Chs
Sat. - Sloppy Joes
Household ... Monday
I am so excited to finally get my project for the month of January started, Mary's room. I have to admit .. I have been putting it off. Well, didn't want to get started until the kids went back to school. Then there was the snow. I have a lot more excuses.
Anyway, I, we, got started this weekend. I wish I had taken pictures before we started cleaning out her room. I am making this time of her wanting to paint her room, as a time to get her to throw things out. She is a bad pac rat. She loves to draw and write and wants to save every piece of paper. Then there is the make-up and hair stuff. (She is 12) I am really hoping that she will like her new room and want to keep it really clean. A mom can hope .. can't she?
We are going to paint it a cream color, with green and a blue. It is going to look so good when we are through. I am going to make her a new desk with some shelves hanging on the walls. I want to give her somewhere to put all her art supplies in and her make-up. (I hate my baby is growing up.)
I promise I will post pictures when the room is done. Like I said before, I really wish I would have taken pictures before we started cleaning. She might not have liked that though.
**
I am working on a new system for my house cleaning. I like the one that I use, but I would like to make it better. I am putting my own spin on two different, well known, house cleaning systems. I am hoping to have it done by next Monday, so that I can post it. I am really excited about this new way. I know it will help keep me better organized, which is my motto for 2011. I so want to be MORE organized. I am tired of things always being so crazy in my life. All I want to say for now .. it has something to do with a file box. Any system would be an improvement ....
Anyway, I, we, got started this weekend. I wish I had taken pictures before we started cleaning out her room. I am making this time of her wanting to paint her room, as a time to get her to throw things out. She is a bad pac rat. She loves to draw and write and wants to save every piece of paper. Then there is the make-up and hair stuff. (She is 12) I am really hoping that she will like her new room and want to keep it really clean. A mom can hope .. can't she?
 |
| A view of her bed. She had already taken everything off the walls. |
 |
| This is her desk area. |
I promise I will post pictures when the room is done. Like I said before, I really wish I would have taken pictures before we started cleaning. She might not have liked that though.
**
I am working on a new system for my house cleaning. I like the one that I use, but I would like to make it better. I am putting my own spin on two different, well known, house cleaning systems. I am hoping to have it done by next Monday, so that I can post it. I am really excited about this new way. I know it will help keep me better organized, which is my motto for 2011. I so want to be MORE organized. I am tired of things always being so crazy in my life. All I want to say for now .. it has something to do with a file box. Any system would be an improvement ....
Friday, January 21, 2011
Point Of Grace - There Is Nothing Greater Than Grace
I wanted to share this awesome video with you all. I have watched it a couple of times and just cried. It is so true!!! There is nothing greater than Grace!!!
Here are some of the words ....
There is no valley ... There is no darkness ... There is no sorrow ...
Greater than the Grace of Jesus
No moment in time .... No distance .... No heartbreak
He can't take you through
There is nothing greater than GRACE!!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I have ....
Easy Cheddar Chicken
This has become one of my families favorite dishes. It is so easy to make. Less than 5 ingredients and it can be made in one pot for easy clean up. There are so many variations that you can make to this recipes too. I will include some at the end of the recipe. I hope your family enjoys this one as much as we have.
2-3 boneless chicken breast
1 bag of frozen hash browns
cheddar cheese
bacon (optional)
To cook in one pot - Cook bacon until brown. Then cook chicken until done. Then cook hashbrowns (which can be cooked by either steaming them, just add water or add a little oil to fry). Once hashbrowns are done, add cooked chicken, crumble up bacon and add cheese. Turn stove off. Put lid back on pot and let cheese melt. Serve. This is serve about 4.
Cook Quicker - This is actually how I cook this recipe. In two separate pans, cook chicken and cook hashbrowns at the same time. I also cook my bacon in the oven while the other is cooking. Once hashbrowns are done, add chicken, bacon and cheese. This cuts down on quite abit of cooking time.
Variations - You can add sauteed onions and bell peppers. Would be good with other veggies added in such as: broccoli and maybe some peas.
1 bag of frozen hash browns
cheddar cheese
bacon (optional)
To cook in one pot - Cook bacon until brown. Then cook chicken until done. Then cook hashbrowns (which can be cooked by either steaming them, just add water or add a little oil to fry). Once hashbrowns are done, add cooked chicken, crumble up bacon and add cheese. Turn stove off. Put lid back on pot and let cheese melt. Serve. This is serve about 4.
Cook Quicker - This is actually how I cook this recipe. In two separate pans, cook chicken and cook hashbrowns at the same time. I also cook my bacon in the oven while the other is cooking. Once hashbrowns are done, add chicken, bacon and cheese. This cuts down on quite abit of cooking time.
Variations - You can add sauteed onions and bell peppers. Would be good with other veggies added in such as: broccoli and maybe some peas.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
On the road again ... to lose weight ..
How many times have you said "I am going to lose weight?" I just dont' think I can count the amount of times that I have tried losing weight. I have been yo-yo ing with my weight, since high school. And looking back to those days from here, I could kick myself in the behind. I wasn't over weight in high school. But I am wondering if all the insane eating habits that I had is causing the problems that I am having now.
When I was in high school, I didn't have the best eating habits. Of course, I was a teenager. What teenager doesn't have some kind of bad eating habits? I wouldn't eat much for breakfast or nothing. For lunch I would drink a DIET soda, which today I cant' stand them, and usually eat nothing else. Or I would drink a thing of grapefruit juice and eat a candy bar. Hey, I thought that the acid from the grapefruit juice would burn up the calories from the candy bar. Not sure if it ever did or not, but I sure did believe it.
Then when I got home from school, I was starving. Wonder why? So, I would cook me a pan of FRIED potatoes. Oh they were soooo good. I would cut up the potato and cook in oil, on the stove. AND I would eat every last one of them!! Then I would eat supper. And my mom, would fry everything. We would have all kind of starches together and then there was the bread.
I am not sure how, but when I graduated from high school, I weighed 130 pounds. That is not bad, even with my bad eating habits. I guess being in the band really helped me out, because I was staying active.
Then came college. My eating habits got worse. I lived on Oreo cookies and Dr. Pepper's. I honestly didnt' think I could live without either one of them. It was a total addiction. And the food in our cafeteria was good and all fried food. Of course there were the fast food restaurants .. now what college student doesn't go to them? The problem with college, was I wasnt' in the band. I had little or no exercise. I did walk around campus but that was it. I would sit and watch one of my roommates exercise all the time. I use to laugh at her and wonder why she would do all of those sit-ups for. Well duh??? I wonder if she is still in good shape? I bet she is ...
My eating problems never got better after getting married. In fact, they may have gotten worse. We use to eat at a place called Po Folks. If you are not from the south you may have never heard of them. Oh, my mouth waters just thinking about their food. Oooohhh the fried food ... and the appetizers .. and the desserts. See, I worked at a bank and we got to be really good friends with the managers at Po Folks. So, my husband and I got to eat supper there, every night, for FREE. A lot of times, they would bring us new recipes for us to try. Most days, my husband and I would both eat an appetizer, main hugh dish and we shared a dessert. Then we would go home and lay around. No wonder I gain, most, all of my weight during this time.
I have never been able to take back off the weight that I have gained over the years. I always thought that taking Thyroid medication would just make the pounds fall off, but it hasn't and it won't. I have to make the changes myself.
I have been making some small changes and I can't wait to see if they are going to work. There are still areas that I need to work on, but I am headed in the right direction. I can't wait to share my journey with you on Wednesdays.
Now, that I have told you some of my story behind the pounds. I will be sharing in the weeks to come, some of the changes that I am making and if they are working.
Something to think about: How much do you think a food addition can come into play? This is something I am checking into and really thinking about. I would love to hear what you think about this.
until next week ....
When I was in high school, I didn't have the best eating habits. Of course, I was a teenager. What teenager doesn't have some kind of bad eating habits? I wouldn't eat much for breakfast or nothing. For lunch I would drink a DIET soda, which today I cant' stand them, and usually eat nothing else. Or I would drink a thing of grapefruit juice and eat a candy bar. Hey, I thought that the acid from the grapefruit juice would burn up the calories from the candy bar. Not sure if it ever did or not, but I sure did believe it.
Then when I got home from school, I was starving. Wonder why? So, I would cook me a pan of FRIED potatoes. Oh they were soooo good. I would cut up the potato and cook in oil, on the stove. AND I would eat every last one of them!! Then I would eat supper. And my mom, would fry everything. We would have all kind of starches together and then there was the bread.
I am not sure how, but when I graduated from high school, I weighed 130 pounds. That is not bad, even with my bad eating habits. I guess being in the band really helped me out, because I was staying active.
Then came college. My eating habits got worse. I lived on Oreo cookies and Dr. Pepper's. I honestly didnt' think I could live without either one of them. It was a total addiction. And the food in our cafeteria was good and all fried food. Of course there were the fast food restaurants .. now what college student doesn't go to them? The problem with college, was I wasnt' in the band. I had little or no exercise. I did walk around campus but that was it. I would sit and watch one of my roommates exercise all the time. I use to laugh at her and wonder why she would do all of those sit-ups for. Well duh??? I wonder if she is still in good shape? I bet she is ...
My eating problems never got better after getting married. In fact, they may have gotten worse. We use to eat at a place called Po Folks. If you are not from the south you may have never heard of them. Oh, my mouth waters just thinking about their food. Oooohhh the fried food ... and the appetizers .. and the desserts. See, I worked at a bank and we got to be really good friends with the managers at Po Folks. So, my husband and I got to eat supper there, every night, for FREE. A lot of times, they would bring us new recipes for us to try. Most days, my husband and I would both eat an appetizer, main hugh dish and we shared a dessert. Then we would go home and lay around. No wonder I gain, most, all of my weight during this time.
I have never been able to take back off the weight that I have gained over the years. I always thought that taking Thyroid medication would just make the pounds fall off, but it hasn't and it won't. I have to make the changes myself.
I have been making some small changes and I can't wait to see if they are going to work. There are still areas that I need to work on, but I am headed in the right direction. I can't wait to share my journey with you on Wednesdays.
Now, that I have told you some of my story behind the pounds. I will be sharing in the weeks to come, some of the changes that I am making and if they are working.
Something to think about: How much do you think a food addition can come into play? This is something I am checking into and really thinking about. I would love to hear what you think about this.
until next week ....
Monday, January 17, 2011
Morning Routine
This is taken from Flylady ... This is done first thing in the morning before you get started on anything else. It may sound like a lot but if you do the before bed routine this part is easy. Work with this schedule to fit your schedule.
1. Rise and Shine
a. Make your bed - as soon as you get out of it
b. Go into the bathroom
c. Shower and clean the bathroom while you are there
d. Fix your hair and face
e. Swish the toilet and leave the room never to return til later.
f. Leave the bathroom with a load of laundry and head straight to the washer.
2. Kitchen
a. If you did the before bed routine - all you will have to do is empty the dishwasher
b. Make coffee and start breakfast
c. Feed the critters
d. Feed the family - don't forget yourself
3. Think about your day
a. Check your calendar
b. Make to do list
c. Thaw something for dinner
d. Laundry - put load into dryer
4. Now Think About Yourself
a. Take your vitamins and medication
b. Sit Down
c. Eat breakfast - if you havent' already
d. Morning Meditation - God, Imagination, Focus, Thanksgiving - GIFT
I will post the Evening Routine next Monday for Household Monday!!!
1. Rise and Shine
a. Make your bed - as soon as you get out of it
b. Go into the bathroom
c. Shower and clean the bathroom while you are there
d. Fix your hair and face
e. Swish the toilet and leave the room never to return til later.
f. Leave the bathroom with a load of laundry and head straight to the washer.
2. Kitchen
a. If you did the before bed routine - all you will have to do is empty the dishwasher
b. Make coffee and start breakfast
c. Feed the critters
d. Feed the family - don't forget yourself
3. Think about your day
a. Check your calendar
b. Make to do list
c. Thaw something for dinner
d. Laundry - put load into dryer
4. Now Think About Yourself
a. Take your vitamins and medication
b. Sit Down
c. Eat breakfast - if you havent' already
d. Morning Meditation - God, Imagination, Focus, Thanksgiving - GIFT
I will post the Evening Routine next Monday for Household Monday!!!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
good things to come ...
Sorry I have been missing for a couple of days. It has been crazy around here with all the snow and the kids being home from school for the week. I am ready for things to get back to normal and back to a routine.
I have read another book (still reading Power Thoughts), that my mom sent me, by the Slob Sisters, 'Get Your Act Together.' I am not sure if you have heard of them or not, or have read any of their books. They are an organizing pair of sisters from the late 70's - 90's. This book is about a 7 day get-organized program for the overworked, overbooked and overwhelmed. It is the funniest book I have read in awhile. There were times in the book, I thought they were looking inside my house and my life. They say that everything is tied to being un-organized, even losing weight. Which by the way, they give some pointers and fool proof ways to lose weight, and I will be trying.
There are many things I have taken from this book - big and small. I going to put some of their suggestions into play this coming week. My family may not like some of the changes, but I honestly can't take much more of the way things are. I am tired of being their slave ...
I can't wait to tell you all the things that I learned and how they worked on my household. I am will to make the necessary changes to get my life in order.
Speaking of order --- I have been thinking of things I want to do here on my blog. I want to stay organized in regards to my posts. So I am working on creating certain days for certain subjects. I know that a lot of different bloggers do this on their blogs such as: Hoosier Homemade - she has cupcake Tuesday. I am wanting to do a certain day for weight loss, recipes and household (which will include cleaning tips, organizing, etc.) and maybe a book reading day. I think I will try it for a couple of weeks and see how it goes --- Household Monday --- Weight Loss Wednesday --- Recipe Friday!!!
Let me know what you think of these days. Do you do a theme day on your blog???
What are somethings that you would like me to cover on these days? What recipes would you like to see - Quick & Easy, Chicken, etc?
I have read another book (still reading Power Thoughts), that my mom sent me, by the Slob Sisters, 'Get Your Act Together.' I am not sure if you have heard of them or not, or have read any of their books. They are an organizing pair of sisters from the late 70's - 90's. This book is about a 7 day get-organized program for the overworked, overbooked and overwhelmed. It is the funniest book I have read in awhile. There were times in the book, I thought they were looking inside my house and my life. They say that everything is tied to being un-organized, even losing weight. Which by the way, they give some pointers and fool proof ways to lose weight, and I will be trying.
There are many things I have taken from this book - big and small. I going to put some of their suggestions into play this coming week. My family may not like some of the changes, but I honestly can't take much more of the way things are. I am tired of being their slave ...
I can't wait to tell you all the things that I learned and how they worked on my household. I am will to make the necessary changes to get my life in order.
Speaking of order --- I have been thinking of things I want to do here on my blog. I want to stay organized in regards to my posts. So I am working on creating certain days for certain subjects. I know that a lot of different bloggers do this on their blogs such as: Hoosier Homemade - she has cupcake Tuesday. I am wanting to do a certain day for weight loss, recipes and household (which will include cleaning tips, organizing, etc.) and maybe a book reading day. I think I will try it for a couple of weeks and see how it goes --- Household Monday --- Weight Loss Wednesday --- Recipe Friday!!!
Let me know what you think of these days. Do you do a theme day on your blog???
What are somethings that you would like me to cover on these days? What recipes would you like to see - Quick & Easy, Chicken, etc?
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Setting your mind ....
I love watching Biggest Loser, but tonight it seems different. While I am watching, I am usually sitting here thinking "How can they do all they do?" "Why can't I?"
After reading today in Power Thoughts I have a better understanding. Joyce talks about setting our mind and keeping it set. She says:
Once you set your mind according to the truth of God's principles for a good life, you need to keep it set and not allow outside forces to reshape your thinking.
When we go on a diet, we must apply this principle of 'setting your mind and keeping it set', in order to be successful. People who have set their minds will stick with their decision, realizing that they have to make it through the hungry times in order to eventually get the result they desire.
This same principle must be applied to every area in which we need to make a change. It can be applied to exercise, getting out of debt, cleaning out the garage, or any number of other things.
Some people spend their entire life starting and quitting. They never follow through. They may set their mind but when temptation comes, when things get difficult, they don't keep it set.
Whatever challenges you the most, decide NOW that you are going to set your mind for victory.
Recognizing your weak areas and knowing what kinds of situation are challenging to you in life is wise. Firmly, setting your mind to overcome them is the pathway to victory.
So .. I am setting your mind to --- Getting out of debt --- Losing weight -- getting my house organized. This time I am NOT going to quit -- I am going to follow through -- no matter what it takes or how long it takes!!!
After reading today in Power Thoughts I have a better understanding. Joyce talks about setting our mind and keeping it set. She says:
Once you set your mind according to the truth of God's principles for a good life, you need to keep it set and not allow outside forces to reshape your thinking.
When we go on a diet, we must apply this principle of 'setting your mind and keeping it set', in order to be successful. People who have set their minds will stick with their decision, realizing that they have to make it through the hungry times in order to eventually get the result they desire.
This same principle must be applied to every area in which we need to make a change. It can be applied to exercise, getting out of debt, cleaning out the garage, or any number of other things.
Some people spend their entire life starting and quitting. They never follow through. They may set their mind but when temptation comes, when things get difficult, they don't keep it set.
Whatever challenges you the most, decide NOW that you are going to set your mind for victory.
Recognizing your weak areas and knowing what kinds of situation are challenging to you in life is wise. Firmly, setting your mind to overcome them is the pathway to victory.
So .. I am setting your mind to --- Getting out of debt --- Losing weight -- getting my house organized. This time I am NOT going to quit -- I am going to follow through -- no matter what it takes or how long it takes!!!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Power Thinking Book ....
How amazing this book it. I am so loving it. I have my highlighter in hand and doing a lot of marking in my book. Here are some more information that I want to share with you. I would love to share it all, but that would take forever ... so I am doing some highlight information.
Chapter 4 - On Purpose Thinking
We have the ability to make ourselves happy or sad by what we choose to think. The Bible says we must be satisfied with the consequences of our words, whether they are good or evil. Proverbs 18:20
We often allow ourselves to buy into the world's idea of a "great life". We may equate greatness with fame, fortune, athletic success, celebrity status, remarkable business or scientific achievements or physical attractiveness. But none of these things constitutes a truly great life. In fact, some of the most famous and wealthy people in the world are some of the most miserable ones. To really have a great life, I believe a person has to have love, peace, joy, right standing with God, good relationships, and other qualities the world does not necessarily consider "great." Without these things how could anyone's life be great? Just think about it: what do we really have without peace and joy; life is full of strife and misery; and no one considers that a great way to live.
Think about it:
What is your own personal definition of a great life?
Chapter 4 - On Purpose Thinking
We have the ability to make ourselves happy or sad by what we choose to think. The Bible says we must be satisfied with the consequences of our words, whether they are good or evil. Proverbs 18:20
We often allow ourselves to buy into the world's idea of a "great life". We may equate greatness with fame, fortune, athletic success, celebrity status, remarkable business or scientific achievements or physical attractiveness. But none of these things constitutes a truly great life. In fact, some of the most famous and wealthy people in the world are some of the most miserable ones. To really have a great life, I believe a person has to have love, peace, joy, right standing with God, good relationships, and other qualities the world does not necessarily consider "great." Without these things how could anyone's life be great? Just think about it: what do we really have without peace and joy; life is full of strife and misery; and no one considers that a great way to live.
Think about it:
What is your own personal definition of a great life?
Monday, January 10, 2011
Snow Day ....
It has been crazy around here since last night, Sunday. We got around 8 inches of snow dumped on us last night. I live in the south, North Georgia area, and we just don't get a lot of snow and we sure don't get 8 inches at one time. It is really pretty out. Of course, we have been out of school and my kids are loving it.
I am not sure who had the most fun playing in the back yard, Mary or the dogs. I tried to get, Boston the black lab in the photo, but he wouldn't stay still long enough. The dogs jumped around the yard like crazy. My little dog, almost got lost in the snow. You couldn't see him except for when he was hopping. It was rather cute.
Not sure how long this snow will stay around. The temperatures arent' suppose to get above freezing for the next couple of days, so I guess the kids will have more days off from school. That I am sure they will be glad.
The kids loved the snow creme that I made for them today. This is the first time we have had this much snow to make snow creme. It brought back so many memories of my grandmother.
I don't mind snow days too badly. I love sittting my the fire in the fireplace with my cup of coffee, hot tea or hot chocolate and a good book. Now, that is what winter is all about ....
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| From my front porch down the street -- you can't see the road |
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| From my front porch of my van |
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| Mary in the back yard playing with 2 of our dogs - Ace & Jack |
Not sure how long this snow will stay around. The temperatures arent' suppose to get above freezing for the next couple of days, so I guess the kids will have more days off from school. That I am sure they will be glad.
The kids loved the snow creme that I made for them today. This is the first time we have had this much snow to make snow creme. It brought back so many memories of my grandmother.
I don't mind snow days too badly. I love sittting my the fire in the fireplace with my cup of coffee, hot tea or hot chocolate and a good book. Now, that is what winter is all about ....
Saturday, January 8, 2011
My Daily Routine ...
Well, I have been working on this for days .. maybe even a week or two and I think I have come up with a schedule I can deal with and hopefully maintain. I may have to critic it some, but this is what I going to go with for now. I look forward to having my time laid out for me.
This schedule isn't set in stone. You always have to be flexible in your routine. You never know what life is going to throw your way. So, don't get too caught up in making sure that you do your routine. If you get off focus, get back into the grove the next day.
6:00 am - up and moving
6:30 - 8:00 - Bus route
8:00 - 9:30 - Morning routine - make beds, laundry, breakfast
9:30 - 10:00 - House Cleaning
10:00-12:00 - Blogging & computer time
12:00- 1:00 - Lunch & clean kitchen (may could do some exercise or zone cleaning)
1:00 - 2:00 - Pampered Chef business / Bookkeeping business
2:00 - 2:30 - Quiet time - Bible time, journal, prayer
2:30 - 4:30 - Bus Route
4:30 - 5:00 - Exercise
5:00 - 6:30 - Supper - cook & clean kitchen
6:30 - 7:00 - Laundry - pick up
7:00 - 8:30 - Homework / computer time
8:30 - 9:30 - Bedtime Routine
9:30 -10:00 - "ME" time
10:00 - Lights out
I hope that my schedule will help you make one for yourself. Please don't feel that you need to go right by mine. Everyone is different.
This schedule isn't set in stone. You always have to be flexible in your routine. You never know what life is going to throw your way. So, don't get too caught up in making sure that you do your routine. If you get off focus, get back into the grove the next day.
6:00 am - up and moving
6:30 - 8:00 - Bus route
8:00 - 9:30 - Morning routine - make beds, laundry, breakfast
9:30 - 10:00 - House Cleaning
10:00-12:00 - Blogging & computer time
12:00- 1:00 - Lunch & clean kitchen (may could do some exercise or zone cleaning)
1:00 - 2:00 - Pampered Chef business / Bookkeeping business
2:00 - 2:30 - Quiet time - Bible time, journal, prayer
2:30 - 4:30 - Bus Route
4:30 - 5:00 - Exercise
5:00 - 6:30 - Supper - cook & clean kitchen
6:30 - 7:00 - Laundry - pick up
7:00 - 8:30 - Homework / computer time
8:30 - 9:30 - Bedtime Routine
9:30 -10:00 - "ME" time
10:00 - Lights out
I hope that my schedule will help you make one for yourself. Please don't feel that you need to go right by mine. Everyone is different.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Love Reading ...
I love reading books ... all different kind of books.
Over the holidays I read The Little House on the Prairie books. I only read the set that I have, which is five. I plan on going to the library and getting the other three. I have never read them, but I have always loved watching the tv show. It is one of my all time favorites. So, one evening with not much to do, I decided I would finally read the books. Oh my goodness ... I couldn't put them down. And I thought my life was full of adventure. Nothing compared to them. If you want something good to read ... get you The Little House on the Prairie books ... a must read.
Now, I am reading Joyce Meyer's new book "Power Thoughts". So far .. it is amazing. It gives you "12 Strategies to WIN the Battle of the Mind" --
Being positive does not mean we deny the existence of difficulty; it means we believe God is greater than our difficulties. Believing in God can cause us to win any battle we face. When we are closed to "positive possibilities" we only see what is right in front of us.
When we think positively, we avoid "making mountains out of molehills." Negative thinking tends to blow things out of proportion, viewing them as larger and more difficult than they really are.
These are just of few things that I have highlighted in the book, so far. I will be sharing more quotes and my opinions on this book.
What books have you read? I would love to have more to read this year. I would love to read books on finances and anything about God.
Over the holidays I read The Little House on the Prairie books. I only read the set that I have, which is five. I plan on going to the library and getting the other three. I have never read them, but I have always loved watching the tv show. It is one of my all time favorites. So, one evening with not much to do, I decided I would finally read the books. Oh my goodness ... I couldn't put them down. And I thought my life was full of adventure. Nothing compared to them. If you want something good to read ... get you The Little House on the Prairie books ... a must read.
Now, I am reading Joyce Meyer's new book "Power Thoughts". So far .. it is amazing. It gives you "12 Strategies to WIN the Battle of the Mind" --
Being positive does not mean we deny the existence of difficulty; it means we believe God is greater than our difficulties. Believing in God can cause us to win any battle we face. When we are closed to "positive possibilities" we only see what is right in front of us.
When we think positively, we avoid "making mountains out of molehills." Negative thinking tends to blow things out of proportion, viewing them as larger and more difficult than they really are.
These are just of few things that I have highlighted in the book, so far. I will be sharing more quotes and my opinions on this book.
What books have you read? I would love to have more to read this year. I would love to read books on finances and anything about God.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Cleaning schedule ....
Now that I am back to getting everything under control ... I have started back to doing my house cleaning each day. I got the idea from Fly Lady . I love her website and have gotten a lot of information from there. Let me warn you though .. if you have never checked it out and are going to ... it can be very overwhelming. You dont' have to do everything she does .. just find a few things and go from there.
Anyway, here is my daily cleaning list. I have changed it around a couple of times and I am still flexible from day to day. That is what I like about it, but I love having a daily list to go by and my house stays so much cleaner, even with my kids. Use my list as an example and work it around to fit into your schedule.
Monday
1. Strip beds - wash, remake beds
2. Clean all windows & mirrors
3. Vacuum all rooms
4. Water plants
5. Take out old newspapers
Tuesday
1. Empty all trash (trash day is Wednesday)
2. Clean out fridge
3. Mop kitchen & bath
4. Clean bath & wash rugs
Wednesday
1. Dust furniture
2. Sweep & mop hardwoods
3. Check sales papers for coupons
4. Menu for next week
5. Sweep front porch
Thursday
1. Grocery Shopping
2. Errands
Friday
1. Laundry room
2. Clean out purse
3. Office room
a. file papers
b. write thank you notes
c. balance checkbook
d. clear off deck
I will be posting next week things that you can do everyday to help keep your house moving along. Also, there are things you can do each month in each room to help keep your house decluttered. Man, I should have been doing this one ... there is no time like the present to get this one started back up. (New Year, New Me!!!)
What are somethings that you do to keep your house running smoothly and your house clean? I would love to hear some more ideas ...
Anyway, here is my daily cleaning list. I have changed it around a couple of times and I am still flexible from day to day. That is what I like about it, but I love having a daily list to go by and my house stays so much cleaner, even with my kids. Use my list as an example and work it around to fit into your schedule.
Monday
1. Strip beds - wash, remake beds
2. Clean all windows & mirrors
3. Vacuum all rooms
4. Water plants
5. Take out old newspapers
Tuesday
1. Empty all trash (trash day is Wednesday)
2. Clean out fridge
3. Mop kitchen & bath
4. Clean bath & wash rugs
Wednesday
1. Dust furniture
2. Sweep & mop hardwoods
3. Check sales papers for coupons
4. Menu for next week
5. Sweep front porch
Thursday
1. Grocery Shopping
2. Errands
Friday
1. Laundry room
2. Clean out purse
3. Office room
a. file papers
b. write thank you notes
c. balance checkbook
d. clear off deck
I will be posting next week things that you can do everyday to help keep your house moving along. Also, there are things you can do each month in each room to help keep your house decluttered. Man, I should have been doing this one ... there is no time like the present to get this one started back up. (New Year, New Me!!!)
What are somethings that you do to keep your house running smoothly and your house clean? I would love to hear some more ideas ...
Sunday, January 2, 2011
A New Year ... A New You!!!
A new year is a time for a new you (please note, anytime I say you -- I am so meaning me)!!! It is a time to make changes to become a better you.
In thinking about how to make the changes that I want to make this year ... I started panicking and doubting how I was going to do such "BIG" tasks. So, as I was laying in bed thinking about this and praying ... it hit me. All, I have to do is make choices EACH DAY of the changes that I want to make. So ... I want to lose weight is one of my goals for 2011. That means each day I make the right choices ... exercise, drink more water, make healthier food choices ... sounds simple enough to me.
Breaking all my goals down to a day is going to make it so much easier and more manageable. To make it even easier .. I am going to set monthly goals. Such as -- my goal to Declutter my house. I am setting up a goal to work on one room per month. I know that might sound crazy, but my life is hectic, and this way I don't have to feel overwhelmed and a failure if I had set my goals for each week. Things in life do happen ... Of course, I am wanting to de-clutter, paint, re-organize and set back up each room. That is going to be a lot of work, but I cant' wait.
I hope that you come along for this year long journey I am on. To change myself, little by little, day by day. I am so looking forward to this new challenge. Of course, I can't do any of it without God's help. I have already tried that .. didn't work.
Let the fun begin ....
Here is a sample of my Goals and them broken down ... (Don't feel that you have to do exactly as I am doing. Each person is different in setting and achieving goals. Find what works best for you. )
Goals:
1 - Lose Weight
January - I am going to focus on drinking more water -
February - Exercise
March - Better Food choice
* Even though I will be making better choices each day - these months it will be my main focus. **
2 - Finances
- working on my budget - getting it more fine toned - trying out Mvelopes to see if I like this program
- Snowball Debt - working on getting things paid off
- Grocery Bill - working to get it cut down even more
3 - De-clutter House
Jan. - Mary's room
Feb - My bedroom
March - Mark's Bedroom
April - Thomas' Bedroom
4 - Getting Closer to God
- Spending 20 to 30 minutes with God each day in prayer, Bible time, quiet time
- Study areas that I needing help in
- Read Joyce Meyer's book "Power Thoughts" and work through the book
In thinking about how to make the changes that I want to make this year ... I started panicking and doubting how I was going to do such "BIG" tasks. So, as I was laying in bed thinking about this and praying ... it hit me. All, I have to do is make choices EACH DAY of the changes that I want to make. So ... I want to lose weight is one of my goals for 2011. That means each day I make the right choices ... exercise, drink more water, make healthier food choices ... sounds simple enough to me.
Breaking all my goals down to a day is going to make it so much easier and more manageable. To make it even easier .. I am going to set monthly goals. Such as -- my goal to Declutter my house. I am setting up a goal to work on one room per month. I know that might sound crazy, but my life is hectic, and this way I don't have to feel overwhelmed and a failure if I had set my goals for each week. Things in life do happen ... Of course, I am wanting to de-clutter, paint, re-organize and set back up each room. That is going to be a lot of work, but I cant' wait.
I hope that you come along for this year long journey I am on. To change myself, little by little, day by day. I am so looking forward to this new challenge. Of course, I can't do any of it without God's help. I have already tried that .. didn't work.
Let the fun begin ....
Here is a sample of my Goals and them broken down ... (Don't feel that you have to do exactly as I am doing. Each person is different in setting and achieving goals. Find what works best for you. )
Goals:
1 - Lose Weight
January - I am going to focus on drinking more water -
February - Exercise
March - Better Food choice
* Even though I will be making better choices each day - these months it will be my main focus. **
2 - Finances
- working on my budget - getting it more fine toned - trying out Mvelopes to see if I like this program
- Snowball Debt - working on getting things paid off
- Grocery Bill - working to get it cut down even more
3 - De-clutter House
Jan. - Mary's room
Feb - My bedroom
March - Mark's Bedroom
April - Thomas' Bedroom
4 - Getting Closer to God
- Spending 20 to 30 minutes with God each day in prayer, Bible time, quiet time
- Study areas that I needing help in
- Read Joyce Meyer's book "Power Thoughts" and work through the book
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Thank you ...
I just wanted to take a few minutes to say "Thank you" to my followers, readers, family and friends for making my first few months as a blogger the best. I never thought it would be this much fun ... I am totally loving every minute of it.
I am already working on posts for 2011. I will have more recipes, more information on Thyroid, my journey in getting closer to God, working my way in getting out of debt, and losing weight.
I hope that there will be something for you. Please let me know if there is something you would like to read or more of one subject. Your feedback is always welcomed and appreciated.
Thanks again ... here's to a Blessed 2011!!!
I am already working on posts for 2011. I will have more recipes, more information on Thyroid, my journey in getting closer to God, working my way in getting out of debt, and losing weight.
I hope that there will be something for you. Please let me know if there is something you would like to read or more of one subject. Your feedback is always welcomed and appreciated.
Thanks again ... here's to a Blessed 2011!!!
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