Blog Anniversary- 1 Year

One year ago I did something I had been thinking about for over 3 years.....I typed words, hit the publish button and invited you here to read.

It was scary, exciting, scary, exhilarating and very scary.  Even after I got the nerve up to finally do it I questioned myself about it constantly - to be honest sometimes I still do. But you know what? It was more than worth it.  I know I am not perfect at it, I know I can get better, I know there is still a lot to learn.  I do, however, feel I am slightly better than I was 365 days ago. I am glad I didn't wait until I was good at it.  I am glad I didn't wait until I knew it would be well received.  I would still be waiting.

Whatever is on your heart, go ahead and take a baby step toward it, go ahead and jump in.  So what you not perfect at it right this minute.....maybe little by little you'll get better, you'll improve, you'll learn from your mistakes and get smarter and who knows where you will be a year from now.

So thank you all for joining me here, for giving me your comments, for sending me emails, for scrolling through your email and pausing long enough to give my words a quick read.  I appreciate it more than you will ever know.

I am constantly thinking about you all, what I can share with you, what we can chat about next. Because I have to tell you that if I could call each one of you up individually and have these conversations with you, I totally would.  That is what this is to me......a chance to say "hey, did you guys know......", "look at what I found......" or "you should really try......".  It is like a big old bunch of girlfriends hanging out and sharing.

I am excited to see what God will do this next year. He continually amazes me.

Thanks again for reading with me and as always you're invited to make this a two way conversation, let me know what you love or hate, what you want more or less of or anything that would just be fun or informative for us to chat about.

Now is there anything your are ready to step out on? Are you up for it? Yeah, I think  you are too!

Top Golf

Top Golf has been open in our area for a few months now.  We were trying to wait until a fairly warm day to go.  Finally between the two snow fronts we got one and we took advantage of it.

First the basics...... Everyone who is going to golf has to pay a $5 membership fee.  You get a little membership card and you only pay it once.  Your membership is good for a lifetime.  Once you have your membership you can book a bay to play.  Five of us went but only 3 were actually playing so two of us did not pay the membership fee.

Each bay can have up to 6 players.  Before noon the prices are $25 per hour, from noon to 5 the price in $35 per hour and from 5-close the price is $45 per hour.  That really is not bad when you divide it per person.  That per hour price is good for all 6 players.  We went about 3 and got on the wait list for a bay.  We got our bay about 4.  I think 4:00 may just be the sweet spot.  You get the price before the last rate spike for the night and you are still there as it gets dark.  Now in each bay there is a high top table for six.  There are heaters over the table so it is always comfortable there.  When you step out to golf you are a little bit more in the elements so slightly nippy.

The system lets you pick which type game you want to play and automatically keeps score.  So it is a little bit like bowling.  Each player's name comes up on the screen and they each get two balls to hit.  Our golfers did fairly well once they got the swing of it......see what I did there 😉.

Now here was my favorite part.....the food

Two of us had the brisket grilled cheese with fries

We also had the chicken sandwich with fries

And chicken nachos

Everyone loved their food.  It was quite tasty.  The prices were about $10 a plate so pretty reasonable.

We ate, we golfed and we laughed ....a lot!

I will say it is a little harder than it looks but great fun.  

Definitely a fun family outing.  I am sure we will be going again.  The golfing was fun and the food sealed the deal.

Hope you have a wonderful Monday!!!

Talk to you on Wednesday.

A Few Weekend Sales.....

Walgreens is having BOGO 50% off sale on lots of beauty products.  I don't buy many beauty products but the ones I do purchase are expensive so I like this sale.  It is only online but don't worry, you get free shipping if you ship to the store and pick it up.

$19.99/ get two for $29.98

$5.99/ get two for $8.99

Remember to have it shipped to the store to get the free shipping and use ebates because you get 2% back.  Win! Win!

And check out Hautelook tomorrow.  They are kicking off a designer  shoe sale that will be worth checking out.

Now if spring has sprung in your heart check out Loft who has 40% off regular price items with code LOVEIT.  This little striped top would be cute now under a jacket but great come spring.

Vintage Tee

And this one comes in 3 color options - both petite and regular sizes.

Tie Cuff Top

Both of these little clogs are currently being price matched at Nordstrom.....so hurry not sure how long the price will last

Greta Clog

Alma Clog

I hope you have an absolutely wonderful weekend.  Quick reminder.....only 6 days left in January if you are doing the Great Things in '18 challenge.

Talk to you on Monday.

New Pinterest Boards

Whatever  you are working on this year, I hope it is going well.  Just wanted to let you know I have made some new Pinterest Boards that you might want to check out.

Eating healthy, more veggies, taking your lunch to work?

Check out my new Salad Pinterest Board for some great ideas.


Organizing, cleaning, purging

Check out my new Organization Pinterest Board.




I was watching one of the morning shows and the host sarcastically said "who looks forward to cleaning out the linen closet?".....and I raised my hand.  I love a good purging and organizing.  Over the Christmas break I took out every piece of jewelry I own.  I donated a full shoe box of stuff that I just don't wear.  Now I can see everything I own and actually wear more of it.  Brace yourself, girls, I am accessorizing in 2018.

Want to eat more fish.....well check out my new Fish Pinterest Board



And since I had some extra time (thank you snow day) I went ahead and did a new Valentine's Day board too.


There are crafts, foods, and gift ideas.  Maybe you will find something you like there or spark an idea of your own.

  

Lots of great ideas.  Follow me on Pinterest and you will always see what I am pinning. I am off to try out one of the Valentine pins....

Talk to you on Friday!

Super Bowl 2018 - Prep time

Ok, so in full disclosure I don't like sports, I don't like watching sports BUT I do like the food and snacks that go with the games.....and to be quite  honest I like to decorate and celebrate almost anything.  So I googled when the Super Bowl would be and then got to work. And apparently the two teams have been decided so it's a go!

First up, the most important thing....Food.

I made a whole Pinterest Board about the Super Bowl.  There are snacks, decor, games and even some free printables.  If you need some ideas, you can check out the Pinterest Board here.

I am definitely going to try these

We really like Hebrew National Hot dogs so I will try this recipe with them.

I also plan on decorating a few brown bags for popcorn that I will fancy up somehow

Pinterest Credit:Spicy bacon caramel popcorn recipe: http://www.stylemepretty.com/living/2015/01/30/25-super-bowl-party-details/ Photography: Ruth Eileen - http://rutheileenphotography.com/

These games can go on for a while and we need a little something to snack on throughout.

Who knew you could play bingo while watching a football game.....well Pinterest people of course!

We are totally doing this..... there are a couple of free printables on my Pinterest Board you might be interested in.  So I will be shopping for some fun prizes for our Super Bowl Fun.

Now I don't care what team wins so I will be dressed comfortably and not in any particular team color.

Here's a couple of fun options

Joggers

                                             Sizes S-XXL. Two color options $19.99

Caslon Sweatshirt

This comes in two colors, sizes XS-XL and even Petites.  On sale for $29.40

And there are lots of fun football themed items on Amazon to add to your festivities

Whole Football Party Set for 14 for $21.94

These bags are cute but the reviews say they are not very thick

12 Treat Bags $4.90

I think this would be good to hold our prizes for the bingo game. Speaking of Bingo....if the idea of putting your own game together from Pinterest feels overwhelming you can buy a set for up to 16 players

Football Bingo $9.42

However you do the game I hope you enjoy it! And if you choose to not watch at all, trust me I understand.  Make yourself a plate and do some online shopping.....also a respectable way to spend an evening.

Make it a great Monday, I will talk to you on Wednesday!

The Container Store Elfa on Sale - NOW!!!

If you have been around here awhile you will remember me blogging about the Elfa Storage system as one of the favorite things I have ever purchased.  If you care to read that post you can click here.

If one of your goals for this year is to get organized, you are in luck.  The Container Store currently has all the Elfa products on a 30% off sale.  Girls, now is the time.

If you click on the Pinterest site, I have a whole lot of pictures posted to my "organizing" board to give you ideas like this gift wrap storage



This bathroom storage


Linen closets


Laundry rooms


Plus The Container Store has lots of inspirational pictures on their site.

It is a great sale and now is a good time to get yourself a little something to make things a little more organized, pretty and easier for you to deal with.

Also, The Container Store is on ebates.  If you are not familiar, I explain it all here. If you order make sure you go thru ebates and get a little rebate for yourself.  If you need to join, you can use my referral link and we will both get a little something.

Have a great weekend!

I Heart PBS

Ever since I watched and became obsessed with Downton Abbey I have gravitated to PBS and all their great series.

If you are interested in what is premiering on Masterpiece Theater you can click here.  There are some good ones on the list....Little Women and a new series Unforgotten which promises to be better than just a murder mystery.

PBS- Little Women

PBS - Unforgotten

PBS also announced some other things that I am totally excited about.  I think I have mentioned before how I really love Ann Curry.  I was personally offended when she was removed from the TODAY show.  In fact, I don't watch it anymore.  Ann was sweet, very genuine and I would totally call her up for lunch if I had her number and if she would actually take my call.  Well I am so excited that Ann has a show coming next week on PBS.  Here is what PBS has to say about it

......the debut of the new series WE’LL MEET AGAIN (Tuesdays, January 23-February 27) with Ann Curry, which explores some of history’s most dramatic events through the personal stories of those who experienced them, reuniting people whose lives intersected at pivotal moments ......

PBS - We'll Meet Again

Oh yes, I will meet you there, Ann.  This is right up Ann's alley and I can't wait to tune in. Series begins Tuesday January 23rd at 7:00 CST.

Also, if you love books and reading like I do, mark your calendars for May 22nd when PBS will kick off The Great American Read.  Here is how PBS describes this show

This Series will examine the power, passion and joy of reading, gauged through America’s 100 best-loved books chosen by the public. The multi-part series features reflections from everyday Americans, as well as figures in the entertainment, sports, news and literary worlds, culminating in the first national vote to choose “America’s Best-Loved Book.

That's right a vote about a book....yes, I am in.  I think it will be fun.  People have very different tastes as far as books are concerned so this should be interesting.

On February 5th Independent Lens will feature  “Winnie”  described by PBS as .......Exploring the life of Winnie Mandela and her struggle to bring down apartheid, with intimate insights from those closest to her and testimony from the enemies who sought to extinguish her radical capacity to shake up the order of things. I am setting my DVR for this one too.

I watched Season 1 of  The Crown and loved it.  When they announced Season 2, I made a deliberate decision to wait until the season was over and then binge watch it on Netflix.  Well it is all done.  So now I just need to find 9-10 hours to knock it out.  I see some serious time on the couch under a throw in my future.

If you've not tried one of these PBS series, I encourage you to give one a spin.  A good television series is akin to a good book.  I totally get into a well written, ongoing story line.

Let me know what you have loved and I may have missed.  I do enjoy a good recommendation.....and I am still missing Downton Abbey so I need a good replacement.

Now I am going to go check my phone for the 1000th time in the last 3 days because honestly when we are not at work I have no idea what day it is and this marathon snow break is totally confusing me.

Stay warm and safe.  I will talk to you on Friday.

Oh and as a reminder January will officially end in two weeks so if you haven't completed The Great Things in '18 challenge for this month, you might want to get on it.

Thoughts for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!

I hope you are enjoying a day off from work.  If not, I hope the day moves quickly for you.

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day I wanted to share one of my favorite quotes of his.

We let anger, resentment, ill-doings, hurt feelings, criticism, misunderstandings and so many other things take root within us.  If we are not super careful we can let them grow into hate.  

Ask yourself today, where hate may have crept into your life, your attitude, your thoughts.

Today is a great day to release it, let it go.  You don't need that burden.  

Ask God to help you realize it.

Ask God to help you release it.

Ask God to help you replace it with love.

Here's to a new year where we love ourselves and each other in way that glorifies God who loves us unconditionally.

See you Wednesday!

End of Season Sales

So lots of stores are marking things down and begging us to take them home.  Well who am I to turn down such a generous offer?

Here are a few things I found that might be good for you.....or if you are working ahead with me on Christmas this year, think of that list too.  Also, don't forget we have Valentine's Day, Birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduations and all manner of things coming up.  Can you use any of the following items?

PJ Salvage Pajamas

These soft, cozy pajamas come in 7 different patterns.  XS-XL. Check out the size chart.  If you or the person you are buying them for is in between sizes you may want to size up according to the reviews. Regular $72 on sale now for $43.20 for the plus size version click here.


Caslon Peplum Denim

This is cute update to the denim shirt.  Comes in sizes 00 - 18 in both misses and petite options.  Regular $69 on sale for $41.40. Plus sized option here.
Caslon Long Cardigan

Five color options, multiple size options.  Current price $41.40



No Drama Mug

I thought this was great and we should all have one and probably have a few folks in our lives that we need to gift one to.....on sale $8.95

If you are ready to start shopping for Valentine's Day, Hautelook has some cute candles that are all about love....general love


send love from your state


and some are super sappy


all are $23.96 and have free shipping.

Enjoy your weekend.

I will see you on Monday!!!

Getting Ready for Christmas 2018

Do not freak out!!!!

I gave you a whole week  last week without saying Christmas even once.  Did you notice?

But some of you asked how I get ready so early and if I would share some of that with you.....why yes I will!!!

So if you are interested in doing a little each month to get ahead for Christmas this year, join in.

These are the things I am doing in January to prepare for Christmas of 2018

1) Now is the time to update your Christmas Card address list.  While you still have all the cards you received, make sure you have those folks on your list for next year.  Also, update any addresses that may have changed.  I use Microsoft Office Word and use the label function.  You, of course, could just use Excel or  a simple address book.

2) Make your gift list for this year.  Remember I use a May Designs Book for this...

I got this new one in my stocking this year.

However, you can use a simple notebook or spreadsheet.  Whatever works for you!  But you do need to list every gift you need to buy because we will be working on filling that list a little at a time all year long.

There you go.  Two very simple things to do this month to get well on our way to an easier, less hectic holiday.  Trust me in 6 months you will look back and pat  yourself on the back for your slow but steady march to the Christmas finish line.

Talk to you on Friday!

December Book Review

Here are the books I managed to read in December.  One of my beloved British tales, the start of a new series and a sweet Christmas story.

First up.....to Britain we go.....




I discovered I loved Kate Morton when I read The Secret Keeper.  I love a good British tale.  This one did not disappoint.  There are so many twists and turns and surprises in the book......things I couldn't figure out until the very end.  I must admit that I had to push through the 1st chapter.  It took it a little bit for the set up to occur but I was confident in Kate and stayed with it.  It was worth it.  There is a little suspense, drama and a tad of humor.  Cleverly written and worth the read.




My friend Suzanne recommended these books to me.  There are 17 of them.  Yay....double Yay!!!  She said I could start with eleven and pick up from there.  I just couldn't do it.  Suzanne always has good recommendations and I love a good series so I started with number one.  I am glad I did.  I think I will read all 17 of these.  I loved it.  Now it has some tough topics and events in it but the story is fascinating.  It has drama, supspense, love, loss and a little bit of everything you can imagine. More of these will be showing up here.  Go ahead and get started and let's read these 17 together.



Beautiful Star of Bethlehem was gifted to me for Christmas.  I started reading it the night I opened it.  It was not what I expected but very good all the same.  From the title I assumed it would be some inspirational story about arriving in Bethlehem.  Well no.  It is about the complete uprooting of a family and everything they know and all of this happens at Christmas.  It gave me such an appreciation for family and the blessing it was to spend the holiday time with them.  Put this one on your list.  I think you will like it as much as I did.

If you read any of these, let me know what you think.  And, of course, let me know what good things you are reading.

Don't forget choose your word for the year AND join me in doing the Great Things in '18 Challenge!

See you back on Wednesday!

Great Things in '18

Ok, so don't be totally misled by the title of this post.  This may not be "great" things but I needed great to rhyme with eight. So just go with me here.  These may be fun things, good things, or even encouraging things.....but who knows in the end they may be great.  Last May we did the Everyday in May challenge where we tried to do something very intentional each day.  Some of you found that overwhelming.  So this year I thought we would try doing one very intentional thing each month......aahhhh does that feel more doable, less stressful to you?  So here is the plan.  As I talked about on Wednesday my word for the year is intentional, so I thought each month I would do something special for someone.  Below is our schedule for the year should you choose to join in with me....and I hope you will.

Each month we will do something for a person who fits in the month's designated category.  Of course, the idea is to just do something for someone so let's say you don't have anyone in particular that fits the category.....well just pick someone of your choice.  We don't want to be legalistic about this.  I hope it will be motivating, inspiring and fulfilling to you to share something special with someone of your choice.

So January's category is mentor. So this doesn't have to be an official mentor but just someone you admire, who encourages or inspires you.  Someone who gives you trusted advice or maybe that someone who you can't wait to share good news with when you receive it.

Here's our inspiration verse

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26

Who is that in your life?  Well do something special for her.  You can simply send her a card and write her a nice note inside.  Send flowers. Buy her lunch.  Or just give her a phone call and express your appreciation of her in  your life.  You decide how best to honor her.  And you have all month to do it.....there is your pressure valve, girls, all month.... so you decide the timing and the manner but be intentional about getting it done.

I already know who I am going to honor this month and the fun thing is I think she will be totally surprised.  She has made a big impact on my life and been a steady source of encouragement.

Each month I will remind you of the category and help you along in being intentional and getting it done.  I think it will be fun!

Have a great weekend. Talk to you on Monday!

Word for the Year

Ok, here we are ready to begin a brand new year.  What do you want this year to be about? What word would you like to focus on this year?  Here a few options to get you thinking followed by some particular areas of focus.  For example, your word could be

Healing..... and maybe you need that physically or in relationships
or here are some other ideas
Joy.....internal or spreading to others
Words....careful in speaking but not holding back on those needed
Peace....end of criticism, simply smiling
Grace....for yourself and others
Organized....home, work, schedule, closet?
Cooking....so many meals per week, less meat more veggies
Finances....living on a budget, saving, giving
Exercise....you'll have to fill in options here....I can't think of any
Preparation.....plan ahead for the week, for meals, for what to wear to work
Focus....no multitasking, one thing at a time, paying attention
Love....speaking it, showing it, accepting it
Growth.....learning a new skill, spending time in devotion
Purge.....simplify clothing, clutter, closets

And there are so many other option
Prayer
Journaling
Sleep
Cleaning
Giving

I know you can think of same great ones too.  My word for the year is going to be Intentional......yes, it is my word most years.  I have to remind myself to make time count, to make words count, to make others count.....to simply pay attention and do something that matters.  So I have planned something for each month to try to make this happen.  On Friday I will share it with you and invite you to journey along with me.  I think it will be fun.  I hope you will join me.

Now here is a little tip to help us all stay focused on our words.  These crayola window markers are what I have and I have used them on my mirrors.  Now they are not super vibrant and they washed off my mirrors easily but you should definitely do a little test area especially if it is an expensive mirror that you don't want to take a chance on.  Also, if you are going to write your word for the year...you might periodically clean it off and re-write it just so after a year you don't find you have a left a shadow on your mirror after cleaning.

Crayola 

I have not tried these but they have good reviews on Amazon so read about them and you might like them better.

Chalktastic

Or you could always write your word on a piece of paper and stick it various places like your mirror,  your office, your car.

What's your year going to be about? What is your word for 2018?

Don't forget to meet me back on Friday and I hope you'll enjoy the little challenge I have planned for this year.  All the details on Friday....see you then!