Anti-Procrastination Tuesday #45

***Please, please, please read before linking.

There are 2 areas to link up, with 2 different themes.  Read more below and please link up in the right area.  Thanks!***

To learn more of what this is all about, read this post.

To read my original "Doozy List," read this post.

Hi Everyone! Welcome to AP Tuesday!

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Most Clicked on AP Post From Last Week:

Are You A Lazy Vacuumer? @ Ask Anna

Yes I am!!

How To Meal Plan @ Ask Anna

Free printable--super handy.

Most Clicked on Flexible Post From Last Week:

DIY Cupcake Topper How-To @ Busy Budgeting Mama

She makes it look so easy...great site with all kinds of DYI party ideas.  Lovely!

Hang Tag Rolodex @ Homework

This is a cute idea..

 

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Be Encouraged, Be Inspired, And Get Something Done!

***Stop And Read Before Linking***

I will have 2 different themes for you to link up to.  Please choose the correct theme or I will have to delete your link.  Thank you!!

***Anti-Procrastination Themed

~things you want to accomplish (lists, goals, projects)

~goals you did accomplish

~thoughts on procrastination/ways you beat procrastination

***Flexible Themed

~crafts
~recipes

One Thousand Gifts #10

Since reading the book "One Thousand Gifts," there is so much meaning in why I count these gifts.  It truly does change ones outlook when practiced each and every day. It helps me learn what it looks like to be "content in all things."  I am grateful.

192~ hugs from Pastor's wife

193~being treated to breakfast

194~a radiologist who prays for me

195~sunshine melting away the cold

196~colorful vegetables

197~grocery store gift cards

198~a fairly stable mood :)

199~a clean home that smells good!

200~family time in our newly re-arranged living room

201~reminders to keep "hands open"

202~opportunities to share the treasures

203~Scripture verse texts from a dear friend

204~a husband that warms my car for me every morning before radiation

205~a husband who puts the kids to bed so I can sleep

206~a husband who moves snow out of my way

207~a card with a gift in it from my aunt

208~watching oldest child delight in dogs at a dog expo

209~watching youngest child "shake her booty" to Dance Party early in the morning

210~middle girl sharing the songs that are "in her brain"

211~ice cold ice water

212~underlined truth words in books

213~the world wide web and the connections it brings

214~my cousin learning facebook, now I can know him better

What's Up With Me?

What I'm doing?

~catching up on my Google reader,

 ~writing a few posts for the week, 

~working on a second blog that will be focused on- "Finding Calm In The Crisis Of Cancer"

What I did today?

Took my dog-lovin' daughter to a dog expo, then spent 4 hours at the mall looking for the perfect jeggings for her. I'm pooped!

What I'm listening to?

City Impact Boys Video Game Club  Jr. high boys, 

hanging out in my basement and making my daughters belly laugh.

What I'm tasting?

Scooters Carmelicious Latte

What I'm smelling?

Dog.  No, we don't have one, but I can't get the smell out of my nose from the expo!

It was not that bad, I just have an ultra sensitive nose..

What I'm thinking?

that writing this post makes me feel a little self absorbed

What makes me laugh?

 City Impact Video Game Club boys doing "Just Dance" in my basement.  They not only dance but sing  along, too.  Sooo funny!

What I'm planning?

I WISH I were planning an Oscar party.  I've never had one.  

Maybe next year, when my energy level is up.

What I hope for?

a very long and fulfilled life;)

What I'm excited about?

being asked to speak at our church's Women's Retreat

What I dread?

being in front of everyone speaking at our church's Women's Retreat:)

What has surprised me?

how forgiving my husband is.  I just snapped at him.  He so didn't deserve it... 

 I apologized. He forgave.

What I'm thankful for?

a warm home full of people I love, & recorded television

oh...AND this awesome moisturizing face cream-- 

J.A.S.O.N Natural Cosmetics Vitamin E Creme 25000iu

LOVE, LOVE, it.

What melted me?

pre-teen daughter showing affection to me IN PUBLIC--at the mall!  Awww!

This would usually horrify her...

What I'm wearing?

jeggings, grey shirt, black hoodie, striped grey & black scarf, silver hoop earrings, grey hat and

 black boots

My dreary outfit matches our dreary weather!

What I wish was different?

the length of my hair--it's starting to get to me!

I'm a hair stylist--I miss using hairspray.  

I DID use some wax today and did a fo-hawk.  

It stuck up about an inch--oh yeah, baby...its a start!!

What I'm hungry for?

blackberries

What I ate today?

~This amazing oatmeal concoction--we call it Banana Oatmeal Chia Pudding.  

~Soft Pretzel at the mall

~Cherry On Top Frozen Yogurt topped w/kiwi, strawberries, blueberries and pineapple

~other boring type food...like chicken and fresh vegetable juice

What I want?

Troubled marriages that I know of, to heal and succeed.

How I'm feeling?

Good...and relieved!!  I thought this weekend would be "ugh" because of this.

My Favorite Salad

I had a friend bring this salad over to my house (Kaycia!:)) and both Todd and I just loved it!  We agreed it is a favorite, we both took a bite and just looked at each other with wide eyes and a smile--yes, it is that good!

 The dressing is tangy, the apples are tart and crisp, the grapes are sweet and the candied pecans are like a crunchy dessert topping!

 I had to have the recipe so I could make it myself and share it with all of you.

Ingredients:

~Salad-greens ( I love to use Butter/boston lettuce and red leaf in the mix)

~Red grapes

~Granny smith apples

~Candied pecans (recipe below)

~Dressing (recipe below)

Toss and Serve.

Candied pecans-

3/4 c brown sugar (If you are looking for low sugar, I think this could be reduced)

1/2 t cinnamon

1/4 c margarine

1 c chopped pecans

In small pan melt margarine, stir in brown sugar and cinnamon. After that mix in the pecans, coating them with the mixtutre. Pour into pan in single layer and bake at 200 for about 10 minutes. Pour onto wax paper. Cool and separate.

Dressing-

1 c oil

1/4 c sugar

1/4 c vinegar

3 T Dijon

1 T Worcestershire

1/2 t salt

Blend together.

Tackling My To-Do List 15 Minutes At A Time

Oggi Countdown Stainless Steel Timer

I have a bunch of stuff around here that is buggin' me that I want to get done...but frankly, I'M TIRED!
I told my radiologist that I was feeling fatigue today and he said "Yep, that is us doing that to you."

The post I wrote, "Do Anything In 15 Minutes and Squash Perfectionism," came to mind, and  I've decided to try out my 15 minute rule today.

Here are my goals for the day:
15 min-write blog post
15 min-Empty Dishwasher (took 4 minutes)
15 min-Load Dishwasher, Wipe Counters, Wipe Tables (took 10 minutes)
15 min-Clean Out Refrigerator
15 min-Fold/Hang Up Laundry(took 13 minutes)
15 min-Clear Out Gmail Inbox
15 min-Work On Budget
15 min-Work On Blog
15 min-Make/eat lunch
15 min-Write CB update
15 min-Eat lunch/take supplements & vitamins
15 min-Paper work
15 min-Read Nutrition Book
15 min-Count Gifts
15 min-Put Laundry Away(took 20 minutes)
15 min-Tidy Bedroom (took 10 minutes)
15 min-Read Devotional
15 min-Journal
15 min-Clear Desktop (took 2 minutes)
15 min-Walk On Treadmill (20 minutes)

I won't necessarily go in that order, but I will come cross the off as I accomplish each task.  That is my favorite part.:)

It is 10:00 a.m. right now. Some of these things won't take the entire 15 minutes, so hopefully I will get done in time to take nap!!

What are you doing today?
Do you have a to-do list?
What are your tips for getting it all done?

When I Leave

"When I Leave" JJ Heller

Am I too busy chasing a temporary fortune
That my priorities get lost along the road
The seasons bring their moments
They linger for an instant
They never wait for you to pay the debts you owe

When I leave I want to leave a memory filled with love
The kind you don't forget
When I go I want to be known
As one who lived with no regrets

If life is like a flower
Am I doing all that's in my power
To leave a fragrance behind
It's time to count my blessings
Forget about my savings account for a while

I want them to say
What a glorious day
She had so much to gain
But she gave it away
And I want them to see something different in me
And that I'm going to be free

Some glad morning when this life is over
I'll fly away
To a home on God's celestial shore
I'll fly away
When I leave I want to leave a memory... 

Anti-Procrastination Tuesday #44

***Please, please, please read before linking.

There are 2 areas to link up, with 2 different themes.  Read more below and please link up in the right area.  Thanks!***

To learn more of what this is all about, read this post.

To read my original "Doozy List," read this post.

Hi Everyone! Welcome to AP Tuesday!

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Most Clicked on AP Post From 2/07 & 2/14

How I Cleaned Out My Freezer @ A Home By KiKi

Food Organization @ Thrifty 101

Most Clicked on Flexible Post From 2/07 & 2/14

Office Reveal Part 1 @ Budget Wise Home

Taquitos @ Cottage Sisters

 

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Be encouraged, Be Inspired, And Get Something Done!

***Stop And Read Before Linking!***

I will have 2 different themes for you to link to.  Please choose the correct theme, or I will need to delete your link.  Thanks!

***Anti-Procrastination Themed

~things you want to accomplish (lists, goals, projects)

~goals you did accomplish

~thoughts on procrastination/ways you beat procrastination

***Flexible Themed

~crafts
~recipes

One Thousand Gifts #9

Since reading the book "One Thousand Gifts," there is so much meaning in why I count these gifts.  It truly does change ones outlook when practiced each and every day. It helps me learn what it looks like to be "content in all things."  I am grateful.

167~ daughter getting loved on by adult friends and family on facebook

168~time with oldest girl, who stayed home from school due to sickness

169~a Dr's kind words and a wink- "we are here, we will help fix you"
170~hot, buttery cinnamon bread

171~sun on my neck while driving
172~medical insurance
173~changing seasons
174~a merciful husband
175~hat compliments
176~old school friend connections
177~my dishwasher
178~vitamins
179~freshly  juiced vegetables
180~an arm that now can fully reach
181~sight and smell of little girls waking
182~goodnight kisses
183~ability to give "full" hugs
184~a sunny sun room
185~uncles who take nieces for a day of fun
186~fingernails on the repair
187~time for a nap
188~Trader Joe's
189~McDonald's Oatmeal when in a pinch
190~my youngest falling in love with piano playing
191~great conversation during date with my husband

Springtime Coloring Book Fun

Todd and I had a fun date night last night.  We ended up at a local bookstore called Indigo Bridge Books.  I had a 2 Groupons for $20.00 worth of merchandise each, so I had a blast looking & shopping around.

{See that amazing tree?  Toby Thomas is the artist.}

{If you have not signed up for Groupon, YOU MUST CLICK HERE to learn more about it.  All of our date nights have been 50-70% off, and many were even free, thanks to Groupon--I'm a big fan! If your friends sign up you get $10 free when they make their first purchase.}

Back to our date night and shopping--I found the best coloring book for my girls and had to get it!

 Ruth Heller's Designs for Coloring "Spring Has Sprung"

This book is about an inch thick and full springtime beauty!

There is something so therapeutic about coloring, it is an activity I don't mind doing with my girls, especially when my energy is low and the coloring pages look like these! 

Here are some other coloring books/art books we have used and loved:

Scribbles

This one has kept my girls busy in the car on several road trips.

Doodle All Year

Anti-Coloring Book

Love the creativity this one inspires

Pencil, Paper, Draw!: Flowers

This is a favorite of my youngest.  She has spent hours drawing flowers!

Melissa & Doug Jumbo coloring Pad-Pink

Another favorite of my youngest.  It also comes in blue.

Mandalas

Stained Glass Coloring Book

These end up works of art, worthy of framing

Ed Emberley's Great Thumbprint Drawing Book

This one is just silly fun!  We have made very fun thank you cards out these little characters.

AND:

Our Favorite brand of colors and art supplies:

Melissa & Doug Triangular Crayons

My girls love that there is no paper in the way.  They are also very strong and do not break as easily as most crayons.  The case is super convenient, the hard plastic cover swivels up...no torn boxes!!

Melissa & Doug Jumbo Triangular Crayons

Great for little fingers.

Melissa & Doug 6 Color Stamp Pad

This one is perfect for fingerprint art.

Alex 6 Metallic Creamy Crayons

I saved their favorite for last.  These are awesome.  They are like jumbo chapstick containers that twist.  They are creamy, shiny and so much fun to use.  My youngest got them for Christmas, my oldest keeps sneaking in her room to use them.  They look great on black paper, but can be used on all types of 
paper.

Got any coloring/art book favorites?
How about art supplies?