Friday, September 30, 2011

This Is My Happy

Today I read this post and loved it. These small things make me happy and smile!


1. A hand-colored picture made for me by one of my second graders.
2. Hummingbirds at my feeder.
3. A phone call from my granddaughters.
4. Plane tickets to go visit my son and daughter-in-law to see their new home.
5. Hot apple crisp fresh from the oven
6. Brilliant sunrise skies on my way to work
7. A cupcake treat left on my desk by a fellow teacher
8. Diffusing a blend of citrus essential oils
9. Laundry done and folded by the hubs
10. Comments left on my blog by my sweet readers.
11. Any flowers still blooming in my garden after the frost


What made you happy today?
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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Wordless Wednesday



      Sunflowers--a last reminder of summer's sunny days. I didn't realize the little critter was on there when I took the pic. :)
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Saturday, September 24, 2011

"C" Words for Better Health


Saw this on the 'net. Didn't have anyone to give credit to...
Stepped on the scale this morning and didn't like what I saw. I'm still running and eating healthy (well, most of the time...) So how come those pounds creep up? There's no magic bullet for losing weight and keeping it off but maybe these "C" words will help.
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Thursday, September 22, 2011

Chevron Nails




Not another post about nails! Well, yes, just because these are chevron and chevron is all the rage right now. Lindsay over at Shrimp Salad Circus has a tutorial for you.  It's a little more complicated but if you really want the look, I'll bet you can do it! Let us know if you try it.
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Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

Nothing like a band in your backyard to celebrate the end of summer! Thanks, Liberty Bank for sponsoring the Rockin' Hollywoods!

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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

A Sweet Give-Away!


Do you love to win free stuff? Do you love to scrapbook, make cards or have a fun way to keep your memories handy? How about all of these? Then you've come to the right place!

The folks over at My Memory Suite have generously offered one winner on our site their digital scrapbooking software. In addition if you aren't picked (I didn't want to call you losers because you are all winners in my book!) you can still get in on a fabulous offer. They are giving all of our readers your very own coupon code that provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!) Your code is STMMMS1473.

 I tried out this digital software and it is so easy and fun! Within 5 minutes of playing with it I made this page for my granddaughter. (Think what I could do with a little more time!)



I'm going to try adding some music to it and some maybe some polka-dots. (I'll have to find out her favorite song.) I know that you can also do other fun stuff like making t-shirt transfers like this one (100% girl--I love it!)or fun greeting cards. If you go to My Memories Blog they have the cutest group of kids making patriotic cards for our troops and lots of other examples of fun projects.


There is also a tutorial to help you get started on their blog. It's so easy I'm thinking I should have Railey make her own page!

In order to enter the giveaway go to the My Memories' site and choose your favorite digital paper pack or layout, then come back and leave a comment here telling which one you would choose. For an added chance to win, become a Pamper U follower. Contests closes Sept. 27! Good luck!
post signatureTHIS IS A SPONSORED POST. Pamper U MAY HAVE RECEIVED PAYMENT, TRADE AND/OR PRODUCTS IN EXCHANGE FOR PROMOTING.
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Friday, September 16, 2011

31 Ways to Brighten Your Day

I love this post over at "Big Sparkly Life". It's a list of really easy and fun things to do to brighten your day. #9 is spreading glue on your hand and picking it off when dry. As a kid (yeah, I'll admit it) I was fascinated by dried glue on skin. I also see some of my second graders putting glue on their hands and doing the same thing!


#22 is taking a power nap. I just never seem to have time for that but it surely would brighten my day!!


Which one on the list is your favorite? Would you have any to add? I'd add:
#32 have a piece of dark chocolate

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Monday, September 12, 2011

Nail Polish Organizer


Oh yeah, my nail polish is all thrown together in a container on the bottom of a bathroom drawer. (I'm very embarassed to admit this.)So imagine my delight when I read about this great idea to organize nail polish. There are just so many creative people out there! Thanks Liz Marie for sharing.



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Sunday, September 11, 2011

Foods That Fight Wrinkles

Can wrinkle fighting foods fit in your diet? If you are using creams or ointments they are just one way to fight those lines. Research has shown that what is put in your body is as important as what is put on your body.

In our local Sunday paper is an column by Dr. Oz. I don’t always agree with everything he suggests but most of the time he is right on. (After looking in the mirror at my sagging chin and wrinkly neck I had to re-read his column today!) He says that women with young -looking skin often have the most Vitamin C in their diet. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant. Antioxidant rich foods are also great for the skin tone and integrity. Antioxidants work to remove toxins from the body and promote healthy collagen which aids in keeping the skin firm. Blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are all an excellent source of antioxidants.

Tomatoes contain a powerful plant chemical called lycopene. Lycopene has been shown to reduce skin cell damage and redness. In order to best absorb lycopene, it needs to be in the environment of a healthy fat. In other words, use some extra-virgin olive oil with your tomatoes to enhance the absorption of lycopene.

Foods with large dietary amounts of Vitamin E are also good for the skin. Vitamin E acts as a natural skin damage reducer. Skin damage may be caused by the sun or elements and Vitamin E can be used to repair the damage.

Other anti-aging foods include egg yolks, avocados, lentils, salmon, tuna, flaxseed and many nuts. Green tea is helpful when you drink it or wear it (some moisturizers contain green tea). It provides your skin with anti-aging plant polyphenols.

Reducing your refined sugar intake is also a must when trying to eliminate the start and spread of wrinkles. Too much sugar can actually harden the collagen and elastin fibers that keep your skin strong and supple. This causes your skin to sag and become heavy. The heaviness of the skin causes wrinkles. (Cinnamon is a great sugar alternative and also helps with high blood sugar.)

Eating well is sure to make a big difference. Do you think that genetics plays a part in it as well? If your mother had younger-looking skin will you have it too?
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We Remember

 We remember those who lives were lost and whose families were deeply affected by the tragedy ten years ago. We will never forget.


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Friday, September 9, 2011

Tribute to 9/11 Workers

Here is the link to a tribute to 9/11 workers--a song and video by students at an elementary school. You're going to get a little choked up!

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Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Monday, September 5, 2011

Ask the Aromatherapy Expert

Join me this Thursday evening from 8:00-8:15 (Central Time)for an Aromatherapy Wellness Party. It's your chance to ask anything about aromatherapy! It's all happening on my facebook page. Stop by and join the fun!


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Sneaking Veggies in Your Diet


It has been so fun to eat all of the fresh fruit and veggies in season this summer. Being from Minnesota with our short growing season we really have to take advantage of it. Believe it or not, I work with people who actually don’t eat ANY fruits or veggies at all! This post is for them! I want them to realize they can eat healthy without the actual taste of certain veggies and fruit.

Adding chopped veggies to dishes like omelets is easy. Hiding shredded carrots of zucchini to meatloaf or burgers doesn’t change the taste and adds fiber and vitamins. You can also add them to pancakes, muffins or bread.

You can beef up salsa by adding finely chopped red peppers or grated carrots. Puree red peppers and add them to spaghetti sauce. Add grated veggies to tuna or chicken salad. Make your sandwich healthier by using a white bean puree, hummus or mashed avocado instead of mayo. Blend just about any strained veggies with ketchup; it masks the smell and the taste well. Mix butternut squash in with mashed potatoes. The color is light enough that they'll never know. Try pureeing a variety of vegetables with beans to make a spread you can smear on tortillas.

You can make yogurt a good place to add fruit. By plain yogurt and add your own fruit. Smoothies are a great way to get veggies and fruits into your diet. Just put milk, ice and any fruit you have in the blender. (A good way to satisfy a sweet tooth, too!) Pureed fruit is a great substitute for sugary ice cream toppings.
In baking, applesauce, crushed pineapple or pureed bananas or prunes can take the place of ½ the butter or shortening called for in a cake, brownie or muffin recipe. Pureed cauliflower, white beans or pumpkin can take the place of eggs.

Buy ice pop trays (or regular ice trays will work too). Use whole fruit juices, such as orange, cranberry, or grapefruit, and see if you can sneak in some blueberries or other berries to decorate your pop.

If nothing else, try a chocolate fondue with fruit dippers—banana slices, strawberries, pineapple chunks, apple pieces, orange sections to name a few. It’s probably not the healthiest suggestion but anything goes better with chocolate, right?
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Friday, September 2, 2011

Why Not You?

Why Not You?

Today, many will awaken with a fresh sense of inspiration. Why not you?

Today, many will open their eyes to the beauty that surrounds them. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to leave the ghost of yesterday behind and seize the immeasurable power of today. Why not you?

Today, many will break through the barriers of the past by looking at the blessings of the present. Why not you?

Today, for many the burden of self doubt and insecurity will be lifted by the security and confidence of empowerment. Why not you?

Today, many will rise above their believed limitations and make contact with their powerful innate strength. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to live in such a manner that they will be a positive role model for their children. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to free themselves from the personal imprisonment of their bad habits. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to live free of conditions and rules governing their own happiness. Why not you?

Today, many will find abundance in simplicity. Why not you?

Today, many will be confronted by difficult moral choices and they will choose to do what is right instead of what is beneficial. Why not you?

Today, many will decide to no longer sit back with a victim mentality, but to take charge of their lives and make positive changes. Why not you?

Today, many will take the action necessary to make a difference. Why not you?

Today, many will make the commitment to be a better mother, father, son, daughter, student, teacher, worker, boss, brother, sister, & so much more. Why not you?

Today is a new day!
Many will seize this day.
Many will live it to the fullest.
Why not you?


Steve Maraboli




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