tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76777755355390188922024-02-07T08:22:14.471-05:00A Beautiful Daylearning to cherish the beauty that is in each day!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-25006892143587763312013-09-11T16:55:00.000-04:002013-10-01T20:48:26.203-04:00Forgiveness ~ <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">This post was about to be my comment on
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://paigeknudsen.com/">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://paigeknudsen.com/" target="">simple thoughts from Paige Knudsen Photography </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">She wrote a touching and raw post about Mercy & Grace and I realized that it wasn't right to use her comments section in that way, but that I could post it here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Here's what came to my heart in response to her post~</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">We all will stumble and we all will fall. All of us, every single person. We will do things that we know before we start that we shouldn't and we will do things that afterwards, we realize whether on our own or through another that we messed up, made a bad choice etc. Yes, it is God's mercy and grace that gets us through it all, along with the mercy and grace that others extend to us. Probably because He is using them for just that purpose.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I'll share two times that I've experienced the giving or receiving forgiveness and I saw God's gift of mercy and grace like no other.<br /><br />One was several years ago. A fairly close friend had an affair and for some reason other friends thought I knew and turned my back, I didn't. I did feel deep in my gut that something was going on and had caught her lying to me, but truly knew nothing. When it all came out I was - well lots of things. My emotions were all over the place, to say angry or mad doesn't do it. I felt used & betrayed and was even ashamed to say I associated with her, in addition to a hatred I felt toward her. I never called her, nor did she call me. But I would think how could she? Why did she choose this path? Why did she lie to me, to others? Many weeks later at church, our associate pastor {who's so hard to follow} was preaching that day - when it was over {after I managed to hang with'em} I had to call her and apologize to her for the way I handled it. That I had done wrong. Long and short, a sin is a sin and we are all sinners every single person, not one is less of a sinner than another {this was so hard to swallow - HARD}. There is no sliding scale with God and his rules. I am no better then her, or anyone else and we were no better than someone sitting in jail for sure guilty by the justice system, we are all sinners. But even with that sin God looks at us all the same, as his child, his creation that he loves abundantly. He is heart broken when we sin, in the same way I find myself upset with my child when they do wrong, yet our love never waivers and neither does his.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><br />Funny thing it really help me become more comfortable in who I was and to care far less what others think of me or my decisions for myself or my family. Someone may want to make feel like less, but I'm not, not in Gods view anyway and that's the most important opinion to me. Everyone has short comings and insecurities, everyone struggles with something. We are all sinners. We each have our own journey and I have no right to judge someone on theirs, when there are flaws in mine. <br /> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Another and more recent time that comes to mind. I needed to conduct an interview with some one who also happened to be an old beau. He had dumped me 4 weeks before my senior prom, but our paths had not crossed since. Can we say uncomfortable? Anyway he moved away and had since moved back, and had gotten on with life as had I. I decided it best not to tell him who I was {since my married name is different} just conduct the interview and be very professional. I learned during the interview that his life had been far from perfect. Some drug use, a major accident that forever changed his life, a failed marriage, and that he was now a christian. We finished the interview, I asked him if he had anything he wanted to add? He said no, that now he wanted to know how I was. He said he knew the minute he saw me and since our first meeting that he knew that he needed to ask for my forgiveness for how he treated me. His body language mirrored the words coming from his mouth, this was sincere and genuine. Just as interesting is the fact that there is a lot of his past that he can't remember due to his accident. But he remembered me, how he treated me and wanted to make it right. My forgiveness was important to him, after all he had gone through, my forgiveness was important. I had forgiven him, long ago, we were kids after all. But it got to me at my core. I came home shared this with my husband {who knew the whole deal before I left for the interview} and for two days I was a complete mess. Why? I didn't do anything wrong. I didn't deny him forgiveness, I had given forgiveness, not received it. I extended grace to him with the forgiveness that he had asked for and was very happy to give it {although not prepared and in some shock about it}. I didn't need an apology, at least not as far I knew. Still it messed with me for a few days, I would cry just thinking about it all and wonder why. It did make me think did I owe someone an apology? Did they deserve it, did they need it, were they waiting for it? Did I need to be forgiven? I began working toward that. <br /><br />Thankfully in the end we are all better for these types of experiences and to see God's mercy and grace up close and personal.</span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-64979199844368285052013-08-14T13:27:00.000-04:002013-09-17T22:25:36.794-04:00Getting all of the juice I can out of less.<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well so far in 2013 my challenge of less is still that, a challenge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have met the challenge of less in the area of finance, I continue to have less money than I need, but I guess we all do. Oh wait; it was suppose to be less debt, not less money. So the pursuit must continue, since there are still several months to go before we bid 2013 ado and I can say farewell to the challenge of less {or re-new it as I'm fearing I might}.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">I need to do something to have less, less clutter is one big goal I have. Every room and closet is full. There needs to be less stuff in our home. I want to enjoy space. I want to enjoy time. Not spend my time cleaning up our space and clutter that seems to be everywhere. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">I think the idea of paring down our belongings is hard, our parents and/or grandparents seem to save everything. It's possible that in my father-in-laws' attic are the boxes to everything he ever bought, I'm not kidding. There is also a chance that they still have everything they've ever bought, if it still works, they keep it and even if it doesn't, because it might can be fixed one day. To prove my point, my mother-in-law gave me her juicer last month. I think it's almost as old me, but this is the part that makes it funny, I've been in this family for 19 years and I had never seen it before, ever. But I commented that I wanted a juicer and hated to pay the price for an electric one, the plastic ones I had found seemed flimsy. My mother-in-law pops into the laundry area and comes out with a juicer, there, done, problem solved. She was even reminding my husband about how his dad use to love fresh orange juice. Really? When? Nineteen years and this is the first time I'd ever seen this vintage beauty.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhWuQmRWrTnrBsxddyfmIAAjVnI4y-MXPlKidgXhVBpPx7FFNMAoeRSrkcs4XPQqYrFy1dbjUnBGwvoY7DfbQQWkQOCLigWu0Fbvs8ozczJEaOK3QKIJJ4e1LdFMYI4hLmQh9uRCdPM4/s1600/juicer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhWuQmRWrTnrBsxddyfmIAAjVnI4y-MXPlKidgXhVBpPx7FFNMAoeRSrkcs4XPQqYrFy1dbjUnBGwvoY7DfbQQWkQOCLigWu0Fbvs8ozczJEaOK3QKIJJ4e1LdFMYI4hLmQh9uRCdPM4/s320/juicer.jpg" width="320" />I</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">So let's face it, most of us come from people that hold on to things, you never know when it might be needed. Will I still have this juicer to give my kids? Maybe, it's sweet! But we can't hold on to it all and must shed our homes of some of it. It's just good for us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">How can we ease the clutter problem without a full scale attack on our homes and the stuff we've allowed to penetrate it? I offer a tactic that I've used with good success and a small solution toward having less, at least a little less. I started this about three years ago, right after Santa made his annual trip to our home. I wondered where the haul would go, it was then that this idea was born, on whim, but it has been useful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">My idea is this: pick ten areas of our home and get rid of at least ten items from each of those areas. The kitchen, the pantry, the laundry room, bedrooms, closets, the bookcase in the den, any room or space with stuff qualifies. A few items here and there and I was surprised how fast I found ten items to get rid of, usually I'd find more than ten. After I culled at least ten items from each space I quickly sort them, to donate, sell it or trash it. I almost always find several items worthy of my time to list on ebay and have a nice donation for our local hand up organization. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I use this method I'm done in about two or three days tops and I'm not working sun up to sun down, just few hours each day, stopping to see to my family as needed. I usually try this at lest twice a year, but may go for three times this year. The best part when I'm done I've just gotten rid of one hundred
items from our home, and it wasn't a big job, requiring a lot
of time and organization.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">The next area to tackle, don't bring new stuff home, but the juicer stays! </span><br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-38209146604120720522013-01-21T12:19:00.000-05:002013-10-01T20:44:40.496-04:00The Challenge of Less<style>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">New Years Resolutions....Why? What’s the purpose? Who started this anyway? Is it
really worth the time and effort? Do they work or do they set us up for
failure? Studies show that most people will abandon their resolutions by the
end of the 1<sup>st</sup> month.
That’s it, 4 weeks is tops for most people. That’s all that they have in
them to resolve to change or improve themselves or their lives. My son even informed me that January 17<sup>th</sup>
was national give up your New Years’ resolution day...Wow!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I confess that most years I haven’t bothered with a new
years resolution, it seemed like a big fuss or hype more than anything else. However over the last few years I have
attempted the one word challenge introduced by a blogger a few years ago. She challenged
her readers to pick one word for the new year and apply it to as many areas of
your life as possible. This one word is to help define your year, give it
direction. You can choose any word but only one, just one word to guide your
actions. Words like hope, light,
reflection, rest, renew or beauty, you get the idea. How you apply the word is
also up to you. Where do you need hope or beauty in your life?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Seems easy enough, but when you really stop to truly consider
which one word would have the most impact or is most needed in your life,
choosing becomes difficult. What needs changing or improving in your life or
that of your family and how can one word help you get there? What is it that
you want the new year to hold and why? Suddenly one word is now pretty
important.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After a lot of reflection of how the last year had been my
one word presented itself to me and I could not argue, I knew that my one word had
found me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Less. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Yes, Less is my one word for 2013. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Less stuff, less stress,
less debt, less worry, less of the things and trappings that tie us down. All
of this less has me hopeful that our family can have more. More time for each
other…more time to relax and enjoy life. Less debt, for more savings and hopefully more opportunities to be spontaneous. I want less clutter to take care of
and clean and more time and energy for our family. Less processed foods and
more real foods. Less take out and
more home cooking. Less time with things that take away from our family and
more time for each other and the activities that we enjoy or want to try. Less stress and more joy and happiness, more of what's important!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You might even use the old saying that I want quality versus quantity. I'm not looking to lead some minimalist lifestyle with only the bare necessities. Although selling it all could knock out a lot of those at once. I love color and pattern, I can't have or want a bare home. I do want to love what's in my home, for it to speak to me in some way or in it's way make me happy. That when I pass by it or spy form across the room, a smile comes on my face. Because it has some meaning or reminds me of a special time or person.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I was a historic preservation major in college, so I had lots of designer friends. So often they would tell me about or I was even able to witness them with their clients, a lot of the clients were trying to achieve a look; I assume in some cases to create an image or even dare say an illusion of the life they want to have or to be believed to have. It's not really them, they may love the style, but none of their true personality is in their home, only the one they want you to think they have. For many there is this need to cover every inch of their home, no blank space, so put something there, anything, everywhere, just don't leave it blank; undone. I know that our home at least in places unintentionally became like those my friends would design for a client, here's the look I want, here's a check when will it be ready? I'll need to get the invitations for our party out soon so everyone can come see it. {No a lie here, I was witness to this more than once}.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I recently discovered a designer the talks about embracing the white space. I think that when you can embrace that, a clam, no frills spot or two, then you can better enjoy the other. I want little white space, I want our "look" to be about our family, not an image of what we might be, but who we really are and what we love. I want to love every aspect of our home and life; not be bogged down by all of the stuff that needs our attention. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In some ways I have already gotten started. I honestly was not in the mood to decorate for Christmas. It really felt more
like a chore on the list to cross off instead of part of a wonderful holiday
time. I feel certain if I didn’t have young children that kept asking when it
would get done and who even helped make it happen; it wouldn’t
have. Our tree came home
on December 1<sup>st</sup> and wasn’t touched until about the 16<sup>th</sup>. In addition to the busyness of the holiday and
normal activities, </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">my son came down with the flu.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So December 16th was the first time I had the energy to tackle it. By the time we finished our decorating,
I had scaled back what we put up. A little less of everything, but enough to
feel like Christmas and enough for the house to seem bare once it was packed
and put away. It really helped me
to embrace the idea of less, that less is more. We enjoyed Christmas every bit as much with fewer
decorations and trappings as we have had in the past. We had enough to enjoy the specialness of Christmas and more energy with which to enjoy it. Plus the clean up was faster and less stressful.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It really helped the idea of less seem even more attractive
to me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I’ve chosen a biggie for our family and myself; thankfully I
have all year to meet the challenge of less. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Yes, I want less this year, so that we can have more!</span></span></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-14540586513361355662012-10-21T00:43:00.000-04:002012-10-31T12:37:02.372-04:00Thirty-one Days ~ Day Twentyone - R & R<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You've come to learn that on Sundays my post are to review the week and rest up for the new week ahead. Today is no exception. You probably also know that I'm behind in posting.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />I won't lie writing for 31 days is hard. Yes, harder than I thought especially since I thought I had chosen a topic that would come easily to me and easy enough to jump back in with. In the beginning I was even a few days ahead in my writing usually by 2 or 3 days but life goes on and stuff happens.</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />My son got sick with "something" still don't know with what and that's after a trip to the hospital to have x-rays and blood work, all which came back negative or inconclusive...fabulous! He recovered with several days of rest, by the following weekend dear sweet hubby was wi<span style="font-size: small;">th </span>sick similar symptoms but still it left us wondering what was going around and who might be next. Guess who was next? Yes, me! Luckily I saw it coming and upped my vitamins, herbs and essential oils, it didn't keep me down too long. Who's got time to be sick anyway?</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />I've also tried to keep up with a few of the other 31 day blogs, there
are so many great ones, but that to can eat up so much of our time. I
will direct you soon to some of my favorites for you to find some time to
enjoy and learn from.</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />Throw in the rest of the busyness that life seems to include these days and there you have it...behind.</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />I'm so very sorry, but I do have every intention of getting these 31 days written<span style="font-size: small;">. Than<span style="font-size: small;">ks for </span></span>hanging in there with me!</span></span>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-60161806309653804262012-10-20T23:44:00.000-04:002012-10-31T00:06:15.563-04:00Thirty-one Days ~ Day Twenty - Family Time During the Holidays<style>
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We like to designate a time or times for our family during
Christmas, sounds crazy but if we don’t plan for it ahead of time something or
someone else will take it from us. A time just for the four of us, my darling hubby,
the two kiddos and myself but this time can be for really whomever you wish to
include.</div>
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We have a few rules. No shopping or errands, it will include a fun or
special treat restaurant for dinner and we all have to agree to where we are
going and what we are going to do. It has varied for us almost every year. We have seen the
Rockettes, the Nutcraker, we’ve gone to the movies together or simply to look
at Christmas lights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But each year
we have enjoyed an activity together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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Some years it’s been very planned and other years not so
much. Since the kids are getting older and their interests are changing, we
like to change up what we do. But we are hopeful that whatever we choose that
they will remember and cherish the memories and time together.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether this is already a tradition for your family or you
have never done anything like that before, start looking now. There are lots of
great shows or activities to do together, if they require tickets the sooner
you decide the better, you don’t want it sell out. Don’t let your ideas only
consist of those that will cost money. As I said some of our activities are
been simply getting in the car to go look at Christmas lights. We’ve made hot
chocolate and had a sing-a-long to Christmas songs in the car as we drove around.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some other ways to spend time together as a family might be
to spread Christmas cheer to others or for some down time together at home; we’ll
talk more about that soon.</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-48414330082064111582012-10-19T21:55:00.000-04:002012-10-30T22:18:54.321-04:00Thirty-one Days ~ Day Nineteen - Meal Planning<style>
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We’ve talked about holiday cooking and baking needs along with
cleaning out our pantry, now let’s talk about meal planning during the holidays.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What about your normal everyday meal needs? Start with
looking at your calendar. What kind of events will you need to attend,
especially during the week when cooking dinner could present more of a
challenge than normal? Having a plan in place {if you don’t already} for which
meals you’ll eat at home versus out along with what you might serve will help
make this a little less stressful. Have you considered preparing some meals to
have in the freezer? We’ve cleaned out the freezer, so we’ve got room.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know I always have the best intentions to eat at home as
much as we can. It never seems to fail though that for one reason or another we have
to eat out more than I had hoped for, mostly due to poor planning.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How nice would it be to have meals ready to heat and eat? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>It would help ensure that you eat at home more which
is almost always healthier and cheaper than eating out. Preparing a few
casseroles or soups now to pull out later will make life a little easier during
the busy Christmas season.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once you’ve decided on what you will cook and you have the
supplies ready, plan a day to cook. Do this before things get busy and your
calendar gets full. Make time to prepare meals to have in the freezer ready to
cook for your family when you need it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most people that I know that prepare meals ahead take a day
to do it all at once. Then you only mess up your kitchen once, you’ll do all of
your chopping & preparing for several meals in one day. Having just 3 or 4
of these in your freezer could be big lifesavers later.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If by some chance you don’t use these meals you could always
give them to someone else in need or use them in January when you want a night
off from the kitchen.<br />
<br />
If you are planning to include baked goodies as gifts you may want to see if you can prepare any of these ahead of time too and then plan a day to do that, if not then schedule it on your calendar for later. </div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-15784187491455884622012-10-18T18:16:00.000-04:002012-10-30T23:19:33.251-04:00Thirty-one Days ~ Day Eighteen - Cleaning: The Pantry, Fridge & Freezer<style>
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I’m sure you were wondering when I would cover this. I
almost did this one during the first week, but decided to wait and here’s why.
It will just get messed up again. I know your thinking well of course it will.
I’m not ready just yet, as you will see I save the BIG clean ups for later, then
its just maintenance cleaning through the holidays. I hope that makes sense. In
other words when I go into cleaning mode I want to know that I’ve completed a
lot of the messy work already and my cleaning will stick so to speck.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On to cleaning out our pantries, refrigerator and freezers,
basically I pull everything out and go through it. While you’re there really
clean it, dust or wash the shelves and organize the items when you put them
back, grouping items that need to be together are easier to find. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Check to dates and throw out expired items and make note of
the items that you are low on {and know you will need}. The best part is that
most of these items are plentiful in the stores right now and may even be on
sale, most have coupons out there for you to use too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Earlier we talked about holiday entertaining or baking
needs, what recipes will you prepare? If you’ve had the chance to look these
needs then you will have better idea of what to look for as you clean out these
areas in your kitchen and to help your budget since you will know what you need
to replace. Even if you are just taking a dish to a gathering having everything
on hand can go a long way in helping you to enjoying a stress free holiday.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Make list of your needs spices, flavorings and basics like
flour, sugar and butter along with the other items you see you need to stock up
on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know in the past I “thought” I had everything only to have
run back to the store or send someone to get it for me and hope that they get
the right item. Let’s save ourselves from that stress. Take the time to plan
and shop ahead and we’ll be ready.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I feel a more enjoyable {and less stressful} Christmas coming,
don’t you?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-85511494773549330272012-10-17T17:36:00.000-04:002012-10-30T22:09:36.377-04:00Thirty-one Days ~ Day Seventeen- Crafts or Baking Projects with the Kids<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
What types of events do you & your families enjoy doing
together over the holidays? I know that with the long break the kids can get
board. Trust me that statement makes me cringe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really don’t remember being board growing up, but I wasn’t
use to all of the instant gratification/entertainment that our kids seem to be.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love the idea of bring kids back down to reality and to
appreciate time together that we don’t get enough of with the crazy schedules
we keep. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Giving them an
opportunity to take a step back in time together, reconnecting to each other as
well as creating those memories that they’ll reflect back on one day. Making something with their hands, being creative and learning from the experience.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Past projects for us have including making gingerbread
houses, hosting cookie-decorating parties with friends and making ornaments as
well as other projects. But as with the recurrent theme here, planning is key
to keeping things fun and running smoothly regardless of what activity you
plan.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether baking or crafting, Pinterest is a wealth of ideas
for projects and ideas. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily
with most of these a few clicks and you have your supply list and directions
ready for your use along with several photos to guide you. Just be realistic
about your time & ability, this is meant to be a fun time not the start of
something ugly!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once you decide on what if any projects that you’ll do this
year go ahead and add these items to your shopping list and have then ready to
use once your ready to use them. </div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-35429766921575072552012-10-16T17:04:00.000-04:002012-10-30T18:19:27.490-04:00Thirty-one Days ~ Day Sixteen - Gifts for Others<style>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps you covered this when you did your Christmas
budget…but just in case you didn’t let’s look at gifts for others.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m thinking neighbors, teachers or a gift for a
hostess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As with pretty much every
other area some times just taking the time to note the need and have some kind
of rough plan will greatly reduce your stress levels.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For me I always seem to forget someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It never seems to fail I’m headed to a
party and realize that I don’t have a little something for the hostess or the
team mom approaches me at practice that we need gifts for the coaches or the
kids are going to have a gift exchange…ugh! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So take a few minutes and think of all of the people in your
life outside your family & friends that you may need to buy a gift for or
might be asked to go in on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will you need to contribute money, buy a gift or maybe make or bake gifts?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Know what’s coming and be ready, that can go a long way to
reducing your stress and allowing you to enjoy the holiday.</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-35455251352611783242012-10-15T17:58:00.000-04:002013-02-26T23:51:30.906-05:00Thirty-one Days~ Day Fifteen - Updating our Christmas card lists<style>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
{sorry I'm behind I've had a sick child all weekend} </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now’s a great time before it gets much busier to update your
Christmas card list. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Did any of your friends or family move?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make a note of it now or call them if
need be to have the correct address when the time comes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Has someone on your list passed away? Ok I know that may
seem harsh, but my father in-law passed away earlier this year and when my
mother-in-law has received some mail addressed to him or the both of them it’s
been hard. So be sensitive to anyone on your list that may have lost a spouse.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I guess the same goes for divorce.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you need to add anyone new? Do you have any new friends or neighbors? Maybe there has been an addition to the family, nieces or nephews that have recently gotten married and started their own families. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And again maybe you need to remove someone all together?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take the time to look at your list and update it, in most
cases it shouldn’t take to long and it will help you to know how many cards you
will need to buy. I just guessed last year and ran short by about 15 cards. So
don’t wait, you could even pick up stamps now as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-8053570858786611142012-10-14T08:00:00.000-04:002012-10-14T21:37:08.245-04:00Thirty-one Days ~ Day Fourteen - Review and RestHere we are at Sunday. For whatever reason this has been a very long week around here. We've made some process, but I still have a lot to do. I know that I need to rest.<br />
<br />
I can't believe that two weeks are behind us, we're almost to the half way point. I also hope that you have found some useful tips or inspiration to begin to get ready for the Christmas season and to do so with less stress. Since we've done a lot of planning and prep work...we'll be ready!<br />
<br />
Look back over the suggestions and ideas that we've talked about and see what areas still need to be addressed. Decide what you can work on this week and what can wait until later to tackle.<br />
<br />
Enjoy a day to rest or maybe visit some of the other 31 Day blogs there are some great ones.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.thenester.com/2012/09/31-dayers-2012.html">www.thenester.com/2012/09/31-dayers-2012.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~Also this week we hope to get our Christmas card pictures taken. Still can't decide what the kids should wear??? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-8315950431505030492012-10-13T23:00:00.000-04:002012-10-14T00:10:19.167-04:00Thirty-one Days ~ Day Thirteen - Gift-wrap and Batteries<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Now let’s move on to an area that I’m always aware of but
still seem to forget.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Batteries, tape, gift-wrap, gift-bags, boxes, ribbons and
bows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, I don’t forget all or
every part of it. But I do seem to over look one or two of these. Maybe I get
gift-warp but need bows and boxes. Have batteries but not enough or the have
the wrong size. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So today is kind of an easy one. Make a point to look at
what you may have on hand and add what you need to your list of supplies to
pick up, maybe you can even catch some sales and save money too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope these reminders are helping you to begin to think now
about what you need or will need to do and by doing a little at a time we’ll
all enjoy a Christmas with less stress.</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-23806922056790309192012-10-12T13:00:00.000-04:002012-10-30T17:30:03.257-04:00Thirty-one Days ~ Day Twelve - Holiday Entertaining Part II<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Continuing with the mindset of entertaining lets looks at
our supplies. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take time to look at your china or Christmas dishes and
other plates or platters that you would use for parties or other entertaining
events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will help you avoid
discovering a crack or chip in something the day of your event and if you do see
you if need something, you'll have the time to take care of it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What about your linens? Do you have the right sizes? Are
they in need of replacing? Do they need to be cleaned or pressed before your
party? What about napkins or other paper products?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What about candles and candlesticks? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See what you have versus what you will want
to use. I know that red and white candles are always the first colors to sell out at
the stores. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Checking on this now will
ensure that you have the sizes and colors you want. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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What types of centerpieces will you have? Do you have a piece you pull out every year? If so then you may have already checked on this, if not take a look at it. How does it look? Do you like a fresh arrangement? You may want to begin to plan this and even speak with a florist.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Take a day to check these items so that you can take care of
them ahead of time and not have any surprises at the last minute. </div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-85512835905633031872012-10-11T22:18:00.002-04:002012-10-11T22:18:41.522-04:00Thirty-one Days ~ Day Eleven - Holiday Entertaining
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What if any entertaining will you do this year?</div>
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<br /></div>
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In the past we have hosted a small party of 8 to 10 couples
for a White Elephant party. This has always been a fun party that we all look
forward to each year. Then for the last five years we have hosted Christmas
dinner for my husbands family and mine. This usually includes a late lunch for
around 20 or more. </div>
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<br /></div>
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If you are hosting, preparations ahead of time are huge to
pulling this off and keeping your stress levels low. I enjoy a decorated house,
but I have so much on my plate that I think I could pass on it most days.
Having company gives me the motivation and deadline I need to get things done.</div>
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<br /></div>
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There’s a lot more to consider. Date, time, theme and maybe
even location in addition to a guest list and invitations to prepare are just a few of the decisions you will need to make. You’ll need to plan a menu along with deciding who or
how this food will be prepared. Will you need childcare for any of your
entertaining, if so book it as soon as you have your date set? What will you wear?
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sit down with a calendar and a note pad. Write down what
needs to be done and make notes of the days and dates to have these completed.
Just having a rough plan can go a long way towards reducing the stress that
some can experience from hosting friends and family during the holidays.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Also keep in mind that less can be more, most
people aren't as concerned or critical about the details as we are as
the hostess. Most of my family are relieved to have the hostess duties
taken care of by someone else and are glad to bring a dish. <br />
</div>
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<br /></div>
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Again the best and most important tip here is to have a plan
of what you are doing, what you need and time planned to make it all come
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot of what we’ve
already talked about as well as some of our remaining topics will help us to
cover many of the aspects that go along with preparing for the Christmas season
as well as <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>entertaining; hopefully
doing so with less stress.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-29389661349990586162012-10-10T22:13:00.000-04:002012-10-14T00:09:27.371-04:00Thirty-one Days~ Day Ten - Taking Inventory<style>
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If you haven’t already it’s time to plan a day to go to the
attic or basement and look at your Christmas decorations. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Check your lights, do you have any that have burned
out?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What about your other
decorations are they tired looking?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I use some artificial garland outside and some of mine looks really sad,
so I know that I need to get a few pieces. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Bows don’t always fair well when being stored and ribbon can
be expensive and hard to find after a few years. You may need time to find
these and try to catch sales too.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Will you have a real tree or an artificial one? For a real
tree, make sure you added it to your budget and if you use an artificial this
is a good time to check it, along with wreaths and any other decorations or ornaments
that you have. Make sure you don’t have any broken pieces, by checking these
now you will have time to try and repair or replace them if possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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What about stockings, have you had an addition to your
family, they will need a stocking. Shop early will help ensure more selection.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
To sum it all up~<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think that the biggest tip here is to know what needs you
have and include them in your budget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you take care of these early you will have a better selection to choose from and the time to do some
comparison-shopping to hopefully save you a few dollars in the process. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
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<br /></div>
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Taking some time now will save you from
stress and headaches latter. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-14080727830596229762012-10-10T02:30:00.000-04:002012-10-10T02:30:03.480-04:00Thirty-one Days~ Day Nine - Homemade Holidays
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
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I thought that we needed to address this as soon as we
could. Will make any of your Christmas gifts?</div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m not the craftiest person I wish I were. But I do have
plans to “make” a few of our Christmas gifts. I have in the works a DVD for my
husband of some photos and hope to make a photo book for grandparents. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband lost his dad this year and they were very close.
So I want to get any photos that we have saved before anything happens to them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These projects can take time & some thought. In addition
I have to factor in print & shipping time with the photo book site. This is
a pretty popular gift this time of year so I need to allow time to “get in
line” at some point in the production of my books. Not to mention that I have
other jobs and responsibilities that I have to take of. Thankfully the book for
the grandparents will be the same book.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Decide on what gifts you will make this year, evening baking.
Begin to think of whom you will give gifts to. How many you will need to make or
what recipes you will prepare? What supplies will you need, what are your
budget restraints, how much time will you need to complete your gifts? </div>
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<br /></div>
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Answering these questions will help you to be aware of your
time and needs to formulate a plan to make some of your Christmas gifts.
Hopefully you can even shop sales for your supplies if you have a good idea of what
you will need.</div>
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<br /></div>
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If you’re making gifts plan a time to work on it and
depending on how involved your gifts are to make, set a day or days (another
appointment for yourself basically) or certain hours of the day to work to
complete these projects and get them ready. But enjoy the process and reward of
giving a gift with real thought for whoever receives it.</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-58418395302138462002012-10-09T23:55:00.000-04:002012-10-10T00:11:38.922-04:00Thirty-one Days ~ Day Eight - Christmas Budget<style>
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This is pretty important area, money. I hate the words
budget and limits but we need accountability plain and simple {or maybe it’s
just me}. This is an area that I have seldom had a lot of success but am hopeful
that this year can be different.</div>
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<br /></div>
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If you don’t have a budget now is the time to establish one.
Nothing can ruin Christmas as fast as realizing that you’ve spent too much
money. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Begin by determining your spending limits. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be realistic if you aren’t paying with cash you will have credit
card bills come January. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you
can review last years spending. Really stop to consider all of your holiday
spending needs. Don’t ignore gifts you are sharing the cost of with others like
classmates or family. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A homemade gift or store bought?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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When you are budgeting remember money for supplies for gifts
you will make as well as gifts of money. This will allow you to better shop
sales for gifts or supplies to make gifts.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You may also need to factor in other expenses into your
budget like entertaining costs, babysitters, food, decorations, Christmas cards, postage or
shipping cost and family outings i.e. tickets to shows maybe. Will you need to
factor in any travel costs? ~ We will talk more about some of these areas a bit
later in our 31 days.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Next create your list. Who will you be buying for?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
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<br /></div>
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Family, friends, neighbors, teachers, hostess gifts and any
other gift needs you may have. Don’t forget gifts for people that help you
throughout the year like babysitters. The sooner you identify who is on your list the sooner you
can begin to plan. How much will you spend for each gift? By doing this you
will be less likely to forget someone and have to rush out to buy something and
risk over spending or giving a gift you really don’t like. This will also help
you take advantage of sales when you know what you are looking for and what you
can afford to spend. Will you be going in on some gifts with someone else? My
children are on a gymnastic team and we go in with teammates for our coaches’
gifts, but I always seem to forget to add this one in. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have a few couple friends that we use to exchange gifts
with, now we go out to a nice dinner together and catch up, no gifts just time
for each other. Yes we are still spending money, but there is no stress of
shopping and dealing with malls and all that comes with them; we’re creating
memories and strengthening our relationships. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every year I try and pretty much every year I fail to stick
to my budget. In my defense our sons birthday is December 28<sup>th</sup> so
I’m buying for both and tend to forget that some of what I’m buying is for his birthday,
so I go get more for my daughter, to balance it out. It’s a vicious cycle and I
one I’ve repeated often.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One area that we do get some relief in is family gifts.
Several years ago money was very tight and our families decided to forgo gifts
for the adults and only buy for the kids, our nieces & nephews.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we would stretch our money by
getting a gift for our parents together or giving gifts like current photos or
photo books of the kids. We have kept that tradition; it means fewer gifts to
buy and less stress in the shopping and money department. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also look at what or how you have bought for your family and
friends in the past. Do you go overboard? Why? I would take a good look at that
and see if you need to improve in this area. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the past we have gone above and beyond for our kids, but
in recent years we have tried to scale back. They now are allowed to ask for 5
things with the knowledge that they may or may not get all of them. Almost
always there is a gift we can’t afford, don’t want them to have or it’s sold
out. We usually aim to get 2 or 3 of the 5 gifts they have asked for and then
add 1 or 2 items that we want them to have so there is some surprise to
Christmas morning.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Do you have a gift closet {I had never heard of this until
my mother-in-law}? If so start there. You may have some great deals you picked up
months ago just sitting there. These could save you time & money. You could
use these as your hostess gifts or your “just in case” gift for someone. Avoid
impulse shopping if at all possible and when you have completed your list STOP.
Don’t go shopping, don’t surf the web and maybe even throw out the catalogs or
at least put them up.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Find a way to keep yourself on track with these perhaps some
kind of computer program, app, spreadsheet or even just a notebook is better than
nothing. Devise a way to keep up with your receipts, you may need to return an item
or activate a warranty. This will also help you with planning next year. When
you have a plan and have taken the time to budget for these you’ll be less
likely you blow your budget and be depressed when bills begin to roll in in
January. It’s just not worth the extra stress.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Remember above all else, Christmas isn’t about more, how
much more can you spend or do. It’s not about the all of the ideas & stuff
that the stores want to sell you. It’s about the birth of Christ. Give your
family time not stuff and money. We try harder each year for it to be more
about being with each other than what we can give each other. Creating memories
and traditions over adding to our debt or our clutter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give gifts of love and kindness where and when you can. </div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-29398923528846116932012-10-07T09:48:00.001-04:002012-10-07T17:58:31.780-04:00Thirty-one Days ~ Day Seven - A Little R & R <style>
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A little Review and Rest since day seven is a Sunday, I want
us to spend more time with our families than with the 31 days. Let's take a few minutes and look back at all of the
suggestions from this past week. I know that you may not need all of these. But of the ones that you did, which areas were you able to tackle and which ones
still need your attention?<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Did you decide on your Christmas cards?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is there a DIY project on your to do list {or one that needs
to be packed up until next year}?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Did you identify what areas outside your home need attention
before winter gets here?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Was there anyone that needed a doctor’s appointment?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What about travel plans or offering to help a friend while they are away? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know I’ve still got several items to work on, but I have a
good start. This weekend we worked in our yard {it's more work than I realized -whew! not done yet but we've started}. Make time to look at these next week and work towards marking them off of your to do list, we have lots more to cover next week.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you so much for coming and hanging out with me. I know
if we have a plan and work on it a little each day, we’ll be have so much
completed that we can all enjoy a stress free Christmas.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take some time today to enjoy some of the other 31Day
bloggers post. There are so many interesting topics to explore. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.thenester.com/2012/09/31-dayers-2012.html"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">www.thenester.com/2012/09/31-dayers-2012.html</span></a></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-56581353091987434822012-10-06T10:57:00.001-04:002012-10-06T11:02:58.228-04:00Thiry-One Days ~ Day Six - Holiday Travel Needs<style>
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In keeping with the planning aspect of holiday preparations, will your Christmas plans have you traveling? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now is a good time to get the details set, confirmed or get
the ball rolling if you haven’t even begun. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will your travel plans include…Air travel, Hotels, Car
rental or airport shuttles?<br />
<br />
Making and confirming schedules and reservations now could save you from headaches later.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What about your mail or your plants?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Will you need a house sitter or pet care while you are away?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will you need to do any shopping to get ready to travel? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will you need to ship any gifts ahead of time?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Check your luggage is it in good shape? What about prefilled
travel size bottles of your favorite products or an empty set to fill with your
own products? Get these ready now.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take the time now to not just acknowledge these needs, but
begin working on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have
the opportunity to greatly reduce confusion or other problems that can arise
and therefore reduce your stress.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are lucky enough to stay home you may not need these
tips. But do you have a friend or neighbor you know will be traveling? Could
they use some help with these needs? A ride to the airport or their home
watched and the mail brought in, you see where I’m going I think. What a great
gift to give to someone during the holidays and it shouldn’t cost you anything
and be of great help to them. What a great way to extend Christ’s love to
another. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now that this is on your mind it’s a great time to get your
travel plans set and confirmed so that you don’t have to worry about it later</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-5237954529220297582012-10-04T23:08:00.001-04:002012-10-05T13:41:59.502-04:00Thirty-One Days ~ Day Five -Sprucing Up Our Exteriors<style>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Depending on where you live time could be a big factor in
you ability to complete this task. So before any more of our precious time gets
away let’s talk about sprucing up outside before winter hits. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Do you need to have your gutters cleaned?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">What about your windows?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Are there weeds in your flowerbeds? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Do you have bushes or trees that need trimming?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">What do you need to get your home’s exterior ready not only
for Christmas decorating, but also for winter? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The days are getting shorter and the temperatures’ are
beginning to drop a little. So before your time to work is limited by
conditions take stock of what needs to be done outside and get that plan
ready…I warned you that this week one was full of plans. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">And trust me that as I write this, the to do list around
here is growing. Here’s what I
have so far for our house.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We need to add mulch to our beds
and deadhead some flowers. I have some pressure washing that needs to be done
before cold weather makes itself at home. We need to clean out the gutters and
washing at least a few windows {I’m not going over board on that one} mostly to
get rid of cobwebs and other trash that have made a home on my windowsills. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">There are several items that
despite finding or making them a home last spring are still somehow lying
around in the garage, along with some other odds & end picking up outside.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Here’s a few more tips sent to me
by a home repair company not to long ago.</span> </div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">~Clean out gutters and downspouts.
Inspecting gutters and downspouts for debris and fallen leaves can reduce the
chances of an ice dam forming. An ice dam can cause leaks that will result in
interior damage to your ceilings and walls. After you've cleared as many leaves
as you can from your gutters, you can spray water down the downspouts to wash
away any other debris. Gutter screens can help reduce the number of leaves that
collect in your gutters. Exercise extreme caution when working on a ladder or
on the roof.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">~Run all gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel tank is
empty or discard of it properly. Gasoline left in the tank loses its volatile
components over the winter, making your mower hard to start in the spring. By
draining the tank, you are also removing flammable liquid storage from your
garage. Make sure you aren't storing dirty, oily rags in a pile. They can
ignite spontaneously. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">~Prepare your furnace for the upcoming heating season.
Consider calling a reputable local heating and cooling company to check your
furnace, clean it, and prepare it for the upcoming winter. Keeping the furnace
in good working condition will help reduce your heating bills and help avoid
serious problems. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">~Replace or clean your furnace filter. This will keep the
air in your house cleaner, make your furnace more efficient, and help lower
your heating bills</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Are you asking what this has to do with Christmas
preparations? Trying to get a repair man/company to our homes during Christmas
can be difficult. Hopefully by checking on these now you can avoid some of
these repairs, which can be costly...and have less stress not just during
Christmas, but maybe all winter too!</span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-33444131970525814872012-10-03T19:00:00.000-04:002012-10-03T20:19:29.804-04:00Thirty-one Days ~ Day Four Christmas Cards<style>
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<br /></div>
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Do you send Christmas cards? Do you prefer a traditional boxed
card or perhaps a photo card? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do
you always send a card every year or every other year? I have friends that do
it both ways. Now is the time to get the ball rolling on this one, if you
haven’t already?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Prefer a boxed card? For a better selection of boxed cards
you may want to get those now before the choices are few. Will you purchase
your photo card through one of the super cute websites or use Costco or
Wal-mart to print your cards? Start looking now at their selection, it might be
useful when you begin to plan clothing for the picture.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since photos cards can be pricey taking the time to shop
around could save you a lot of money. I know several sites are offering
discounts right now on these. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Need inspiration? Not only are the photo card websites full
of ideas so is Pinterest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe
take a little time and look around {don’t get to bogged down with this, it’s so
easy to do}.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Photo cards can
become major productions if you let them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How will you get your perfect picture? Will you use a
collage of photos from through out the year? Will you hire a photographer? Have
a friend take it or do it your self.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having a professional take it can be less stressful, but
will cost more. They book up fast this time of year, so get that appointment
made soon. Doing it yourself can save a lot of money, but may take more of your
time. You’ll need to plan not only the clothes but also location and props.<br />
<br />
Who will you include in your picture? We always have our dogs so I have to be sure that they have a grooming appointment near picture time. Do you have kids away at school or maybe your children are as busy as mine and you have to schedule pictures around dance practice or some other activity time? Keep this in mind as you plan your photo opt. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So spend some time today deciding what direction you want or
need for this year and develop your plan to get this going or finished up. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-1931964778393520482012-10-02T18:17:00.000-04:002012-10-03T17:37:56.861-04:00Thirty-one Days ~ Day Three Appointments<br />
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So glad you’re back. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’ll remember on day one I mentioned setting
appointments. What does that have to with being ready for Christmas? We want a
stress free holiday, so we need to cross those T’s and dot those I’s. I know that
it may sound crazy but having appointments set will avoid all sorts of problems.
Think about how busy and chaotic things can become, as Christmas gets closer
because not only is Christmas coming but also the New Year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Think about all of the details we have to take care of
before the end of the year; with or with out Christmas to celebrate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does anyone in your family need to see
their doctor or dentist before the end of the year due to insurance needs or
requirements? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My darling hubby is diabetic and our dentist stays booked,
so if we miss any of our scheduled appointments it can mess us up. Also stop to
consider that a lot of people have met their deductibles and may want to get into
the doctor one more time before the end of the year. It can be hard to see the
doctor if you wait to long to make that appointment. I know that these things
seem to slip my mind and around Thanksgiving I remember that we need to get an
appointment before the end of the year and have had trouble getting one.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband and I have used the trip to the doctor, who’s in
a bigger city about 45 minutes away as an excuse for a date night or even to
finish up Christmas shopping during the holiday season.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So today will be short so that you can go look to see who needs
to see the doctor or dentist and get a those appointments set now, not later when
there are fewer choices…remember we want a stress free Christmas. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>~I hope you are enjoying the series and beginning to get
ready for a stress free Christmas.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be sure and take some time to enjoy some of the many other bloggers and the
31 Day series. There are so many great bloggers out there and they are so
generous to share all of their great ideas and insight. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.thenester.com/2012/09/31-dayers-2012.html">www.thenester.com/2012/09/31-dayers-2012.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-26263516159715028352012-10-02T00:19:00.002-04:002012-10-02T02:58:16.320-04:00Thirty One Days - Day Two ~ DIY Projects<style>
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<h3>
</h3>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ok so what’s next?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have struggled with this. It was tempting to just create a
list of 31 items on day 1 and basically sprint to the finish line, but that won’t
work. Since the first few post need to consist of items that timing is
imperative to, I think DIY projects will need to be addressed early {and
crossed of the list or gotten out of the way}.</div>
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We all seem to get that driving force around this time of year
to finally start or finish those projects around our home that we have declared
necessary must do jobs. Why is that? I guess the thought of visitors’ planned
and unplanned gets us motivated to act. Just be sure to proceed with real
thought and consideration. Will you get those unfinished DIY projects
completed, started or hide them out of sight until 2013; you decide. </div>
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Her are few questions to ask yourself to begin to evaluate
your situation.</div>
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How important are these projects really? </div>
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Will it help during or near holiday time to have them
completed?</div>
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Can they wait?</div>
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I have 3 on my list</div>
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-Repair a running toilet. We are fortunate to have a big
house with lots of bathrooms. However with our layout, we have 3 floors
{split-level house} and we have 1 bath on each level with the 3<sup>rd</sup>
floor having 2, a guest and the master.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here’s the rub if the ½ bath on the main floor is in use then I need
this second bathroom available to send guest to. The guest bathroom up stairs
is the best one for company. Honestly I’m just ready to have this off the “To
Do” list around here, so this is a good excuse to get it repaired.</div>
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-Recover my dinning room seat cushions. This is a project
that I’ve done before, so I know what to expect both time and materials wise. I
recovered these chairs about 5 years ago, since then I’ve gone in a different
direction with the room and what I choose doesn’t work anymore. Since I always
host either Christmas Eve or Christmas day for our families I’d love to get
this completed for this year.</div>
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-Shelves for my laundry room installed. I’ve contemplated for
years what to do with the area of my laundry room opposite my washer &
dryer; we installed some lower cabinet but left the top open. I love the open
shelves look that’s so popular right now. I have cabinets on the opposite wall
over my washer & dryer; I think 2 sets in this room would be too heavy. With
the addition of shelves to that side of the room they should take center stage
away from the washer dryer, they’ll be pretty & utilitarian to boot. Ballard
Design has some that I just love, but at almost $300 they are out of my reach
right now. I decided to go to a local home improvement center to price doing
the job myself {or for my DH to do} and came in just under a $100. A pretty
good savings and a project my son will love to help with. </div>
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~ I promise to post a photo of my before and after if I am able to get this one.</div>
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Now if it comes down to choosing the bathroom will not get the axe, so it may be a coin toss between the other two items.</div>
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Ok what projects are swirling around in your mind?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you have any projects currently in
the works? Can they be finished without making you or your life more nuts than
it might already be? If you truly can’t finish it or it’s just not necessary
then pack it up and put it away until next year. There’s no need to create
extra stress, especially if it can be avoided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you can get it done now is the time, don’t wait finish
it this month; you’ll love the satisfaction that it brings. Much success to you whatever you choose.</div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-47623338777935320522012-09-30T22:02:00.000-04:002012-10-02T23:27:11.408-04:00Thirty-One Days ~ Day One Planning<h2>
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Tomorrow starts the 31 days series courtesy of the Nester. I
hope that you will join me for the next 31 days. We’ll prepare for the Christmas
season with 31 Days to a More Enjoyable Christmas (less stressful). I’m excited
and scared all at the same time. </div>
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This year when I was reminded of the 31 days series coming
up, I felt a desire to participate. I’ll be honest and say that I’ll probably
benefit more from this series than anyone else. 31 Days to a less stressful
holiday hopefully will be the push we all need to get going and not put these
items off. Hey that helps in the stress department right? I truly felt God
nudging me to take part in this, to get me to write and to keep the commitment
that the 31 days will require. He inspired me with a topic that not only could
I use a gentle reminder in, but also that I have some idea about before I even
began.</div>
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I remember growing up when Christmas decorations weren’t
much more than a tree; yes just one tree. We had stockings maybe some Christmas
candles on the mantle, a simple centerpiece on the dinning table and a wreath
on the front door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of these
items were recycled year after year. We did have a real tree but I’m almost
positive that other items were boxed up and brought back out year after year
for years.</div>
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Now it seems that we have trees and lots of them some with
themes; please know I have done this. One year we had six trees and most of them
had a theme. Nativity scenes, villages, centerpieces, garland and bows are
everywhere in our homes. There is very little of our homes and perhaps even our
yards that aren’t decorated. There is a lot of time, money, and effort that
goes into Christmas now. My neighbor has her trees up in mid-October and leaves
them until the end of January. Whew!</div>
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I want us to first remember that Christmas has always been
and should always be about the birth of Christ. No matter how you celebrate…big
or small it’s about his birth and the best and perfect gift that he is. We need
no other gift than that of our lord and savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever your style or traditions I hope that you keep him
first in your preparations and celebrations.<br />
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If your life is anything like ours each year there is more and more do to, especially if you have children. So with all of the activities, obligations and chores that the holiday season can bring, we can find ourselves overwhelmed sooner rather than later. With good planning Christmas can be not just manageable but enjoyable.</div>
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All of that said, I’m super thrilled to have you visit me. We will implement many of our plans and prep-work in October so we could be finished with many of the bigger projects by Thanksgiving. I pray that we all will find several useful and beneficial tips to have a
more enjoyable and more meaningful Christmas...as stress free as possible!<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>A Plan ~ Day One </b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>I’m recommending for day one that you begin by mapping out
your plans for the holiday. What activities do you know you need to include? </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Concerts, recitals, parties, traveling or guests coming in; you get the
idea. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>However big or small the events have a plan. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Decide what needs and commitments you will have and what provisions you will need to make and a then plan days to prepare or complete these. You will want to include days to clean; to shop;
to bake and the alike on your calendar. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Start with some kind of calendar paper or your trusty phone. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Look ahead to make appointments with yourself to be sure you have time to
complete your goals and to help ensure that you don’t over extend yourself.
Don’t feel guilty for making and keeping these appointments, you’ll be glad you
did come December.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>These first few post will include ideas for the different
projects or needs you might have that require more thought and planning, many of which you may want to
get started on if not accomplished within the 31 days, so we will start with those. </i></b></span></div>
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*Do you like my button? My sweet son who is 12 made it for me. He's never made one before, didn't even know what one was before I asked him to help me. I showed him a few, told him which ones were my favorites, what it needed to say and he went to work. He did a great job and almost gave me exactly what I envisioned, he did a good job and I'm thrilled to use it after all of his hard work. </div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677775535539018892.post-17011966773706081782009-09-14T12:46:00.004-04:002013-09-11T21:47:56.505-04:00It's Been 1 Year!I started this 1 year ago & so much as happened. Some good, some not so good. But life really when you get right down to it.<br />
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I said good bye to my 90 year old grandmother. I witness my mom of 58 become disabled due to back fractures. We said goodbye to our Sophie - she died from cancer at Thanksgiving- she was 10.<br />
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We finished our 1st year of homeschooling & decided to continue doing it. We really loved it & hope & pray that it's in God's plan for us to continue to do it.<br />
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We added Oliver to our family he is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - so we are into puppy. I may be too old for this stuff, he's sweet, but he's a handful as well.<br />
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Kids competed in swim team & Gman went to camp for 2 weeks. Lulu did a theatre camp. Gman competed in his 1st Triathlon, and loved it!<br />
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My husband sold his business of 19+ years, and managed to get a job right away (OK the new owners asked him to stay on & he did ) and with this economy we were thrilled. He says it's not to bad, he's just happy not to be carrying the weight of the business on his shoulders. So that is worth it's weight in gold.<br />
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My DH & I were able to get away for a long weekend w/out kids.<br />
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And I quit blogging, but once again, I will try again. I have missed it, but it always seems to get pushed to the back or bottom of the list.<br />
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Whew! What a year. Hopefully I'll do better this year, but I may be slow at 1st DHubby having eye surgery this week & then as soon as we get Dr ok we're headed out of town, NOLA to see friends!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11640391296358205561noreply@blogger.com1