Just Look Up

How often do you take the time to stop and look up? What I mean is, do you stop to enjoy the things around you? In my busy life, not often enough. I spend time shuttling kids to and fro, volunteering, doing all the mom related things, etc. When I am driving there is no good time to stop and look around. Best not to, if you ask me, especially if you are driving.
I had the pleasure of an afternoon outing with my family last weekend. I was in the passenger seat on our hour long drive up to Nooksack Falls. The cool weather has turned the leaves on the trees a beautiful golden yellow. I stared out the window almost the whole way up the mountain. It was amazing.
Seeing something so pretty got me thinking. How often to we spend our days with our noses pointed down. Whether I am in a book, on my phone or on the computer, quite often my face is downward facing. We miss seeing the beauty in the world around us. We miss the opportunity to see the faces of those around us. Those faces may offer a smile or a nod. Don't miss out on that.
Do you ever lay out on the lawn and stare at the sky and the clouds? Not often enough, right? Something so simple. Free, no charge and fun, not to mention relaxing.
Why not take minute to look out the window? Find something to appreciate and be thankful for. Why not? That might be just the thing to brighten your day or lift your mood. Try it. Just look up!

I like easy!

I found this blog post from "CoverYouHair.com" and thought it would be a good weekend post. Since we all have days when we just don't want to do anything with our hair, read this. I happen to love headbands and make them too, so this was quite appropriate for me.

Headbands: Wear Them Like a Star

by Andy

Who said you have to spend much just to get the look of Taylor Swift? Because whoever that was didn’t know that even as simple as headbands can actually do the trick. These hair accessories are among the hottest trends today and your favorite stars are sure not left behind. Perfect for a bad hair day or to spice up any outfit, headbands do come in different types, designs, and colors so celebrities and non-celebs alike have plenty of options to choose from? If you’re searching for one, then feel free to check out the list below.
1. Rubber headbands – If you want to look youthful and fun, then these accessories are the best options for you, as they come in different colors. They may not be as elegant-looking as the other types of headbands, but they sure provide a bright, polished look that you’d surely love. They’re perfect to use with a plain shirt, jeans, and sneakers in a color that contrasts the headband.
2. Elastic headbands–If it’s a polished and funky look that you’re after, then elastic headbands are your best bets. Celebrities usually wear one of these across the forehead instead of on top of the hair. If you want to use it yourself, make sure you go for one in metallic colors for a more dramatic effect.
3. Grecia Goddess-inspired chain headband – Lots of celebrities are into this type of headband – well there’s Anne Hathaway to name one. This is actually a hit during red carpet and other formal occasions. But for a non-celeb like you, this headband is simply perfect during proms, costume parties wherein you’ll come in as a goddess, and even on a party night-out with friends. This perfectly matches a flowy dress in one bold color and with off-shoulder neckline.
So there you go. Just pick one from the choices above and start wearing that headband like a star.


You can be as plain or as elaborate as you like. This is a no brainer. Who doesn't want easy?

Little Hands

We are back this week with a blog post on family. Having small children at home gives me ample opportunity to find something good to write about.  



Have you ever held the hand of a baby? You feel the sweet, soft skin snuggle into your palm. There is nothing like it. It is amazing how strong the tiny grip on your finger can be. I never want to let it go. Something about the pure, loving grasp is intoxicating.
Fast forward a year and your little one is crawling or walking. Their feisty determination to learn is evident as they claw at the carpet to crawl or steady themselves on the couch as they walk. Hands a little bit bigger, a little bit stronger.
Snuggle the little one into bed at night. I cover my hand over hers. She knows I am there as she settles into her bed for the night. I loved sitting in her room tonight. My head resting on her bed, her arm around my neck, makes me smile. These are the moments that I want etched in my memory. Sweetness, love, you can't beat that.
These moments are why I stay home now. I did not learn to really appreciate times like these until I stopped working. For whatever reason I let myself focus on other things while I was employed. I feel like I missed out. I let myself miss out on the quiet moments. I feel so blessed to be able to refocus my priorities. I wouldn't trade it for the world. Life is short and precious. Don't miss it.
Now, I can sit and enjoy watching these little hands grow.

Drive Thru

Here we are another week gone by. Is it me or does the month get a little bit busier and crazy as the month progresses? Yikes!
You will like our third feature writers blog today. Corrine DeJong is a local massage therapist and avid cook/baker. I think you will enjoy what she has to offer in our Recipes and Relaxation blog post!

We live in a hectic “drive thru” world meaning that we “drive thru” to get our coffee, our breakfast, lunch and dinner, our gallons of milk and our dry cleaning.  We cruise thru to do our banking and pick up our prescriptions.  We, as a society of moms are on the go, we are busy shuttling kids to school and sports and music lessons.  We make sure everyone in the house has everything they need to make their lives happy and successful…everyone that is except for one person…ourselves.

Recipes and Relaxation is about combining everything mentioned above but still having time for yourself that doesn’t include you sitting behind a locked bathroom door.

The recipes will be the main focus and the relaxation will come in when you realize you can make a dinner everyone likes and not spend a lot of time or money in the process.  You will find if you follow this blog that I believe in great food that can be prepared in just a little amount of time to make life easier.  I will add in short cuts and helpful hints along the way.

With the onset of fall comes the desire for comfort foods and this recipe fits the bill.

CHICKEN SOUP WITH DUMPLINGS

64oz Chicken Broth ~ I use Kirkland brand, it is organic & inexpensive

3 Carrots, peeled and sliced

3 Celery stalks, chopped

1 medium Onion quartered *

1/2 cup Rice

3-4 Potatoes, peeled and sliced ~ optional

3 cups diced Rotisserie Chicken **

Salt and Pepper to taste

2-4 cups of Water

Corn or Green Beans ***

Combine all of the ingredients above in a large soup pot and bring to a boil.  Simmer for at least one hour, the longer it simmers, the better it tastes.  I make the soup the night before and then put it in a crock pot with a liner, on low in the morning.  About 20 minutes prior to serving, I transfer it back into the soup pot and bring it to a boil but if your crock pot will heat it to boiling then there is no need to transfer it back.

Combine Dumpling ingredients in a bowl until blended:

2 cups of Bisquick Baking Mix

2/3 cup of Milk

Spoon the dough onto boiling soup, cover tightly and reduce heat to low for 12-15 minutes.

*   I finely mince the onion so it is tasted but not seen by my son

**  Watch your local grocery store for Rotisserie Chickens to go on sale, buy 2 or 3 and bone them out.  You can use the meat right away or freeze it for later. It is a fast and easy way to get great tasting chicken without having to fuss with cooking it yourself.  Most Rotisserie chickens yield about 3 pounds of useable meat.

***  I will add green beans, corn or other veggies that are left over in my fridge as well.

Lil Fingers

Finally, I was able to escape to my room to craft last night. God bless my husband who encourages me to take time for myself. I did not lock the door but I was not rejecting the idea either.
I find myself crafting away when I hear lil footsteps coming down the hall. I hear someone brushing up against my door. Knock, knock softly hits my ears. "Mom?" Moooommmm? I give no answer. I hear daddy call down the hall to my youngest not to bug mommy.
Ten minutes later, I hear some similar noises coming from outside my door. This time I hear both my daughters rustling around. Then I hear some banging around of some unknown object. The next time I look over at my now fiercely guarded door, I see small items have been slipped under my door. I cannot tell if these are items of importance or just ones of close proximity that will fit under the door. A shoe, a purse, a magnet,  some popsicle sticks, a paper towel tube, all pretty random.
I hear my husband in the hall asking what the girls are doing. Little did I know that they have brought over some kid sized plastic chairs and parked them outside my door. In case there was a mommy sighting, the girls were ready.
Then I see the lil fingers poking under the door. I hear them patiently waiting for me to come out and play. I love those lil fingers. It is a great feeling to be so needed, wanted and loved.

Simple Pleasures

Welcome to week two of our feature writers. Enjoy!

Hi All!  I thank you for your time in reading my entry on Anne’s blog.  My name is Jennifer Lautenbach and I am a fabulous gal who is a wife, a stay-at-home mom (who doesn’t stay home all the time) and a small business owner.  I host at home (your home) parties featuring home décor and jewelry.  I will say that I never pictured myself involved with direct sales.  I did not have any prior sales experience, but over the last two years I have discovered great enjoyment in this industry.  Why, you ask?

·         Although the benefits are spectacular, being a stay-at-home mom pays surprising little!

o        I have 3 small boys (with very large appetites) and a wonderful husband that works extra so that I may stay home with the boys.  Having my own business allows me to work around the boys’ & Dean’s schedule.  We can also afford karate classes, and milk, and swimming lessons, and bread, and a family trip to Eastern Washington this summer.

·         I love being part of a team.

o        I played softball for 22 years.  For the last 6 years I have either been pregnant or unable to leave a baby so I was so happy to join a terrific direct sales team.  We cheer each other’s successes, encourage when discouraged and just enjoy our times together.

·         Partying makes everyone happy!

o        It is very easy to have a good time when the people around you are laughing, snacking and shopping.  My hostesses love the free product they receive, their guests love getting fun decorating tips and I love the positive feedback.  When someone comes up to me at a party and tells me what a great presentation I gave, it is right under my son, Max, telling me how beautiful I am.  I feel great!

In my blog contributions I hope inspire your sense of hospitality and warmth of welcome.  That by elevating every day actions we may create a home that embraces you and yours as you enter its safety.  It may be as simple as serving milk out of a glass pitcher on a Thursday which encourages the family to linger around the dinner table and catch up.  “There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.”  Jane Austen 

You may be interested in my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jenshomegems or my Pinterest boards at www.pinterest.com/jenshomegems.

Get Organized

I am happy to bring you the first of our feature writers. Laura Anderson is going to help us all get more organized. What could be a better time to get organized than before the rush of the busy holiday season? Without further ado...

Laura Anderson

Organize With Laura

206-963-5343

laura@owlsgroup.com

Become our Fan on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter @OrganizeWLaura

I’m excited to be a monthly contributor to Faith of a Mom!  I’ll be sharing organizational tips and ideas for your life, home, office, and party & event planning.  I welcome your comments, and encourage you to share your tips and ideas.  Together, we can help each other live our best life!

  

My name is Laura Anderson.  I’m an organizer.  I own ‘Organize With Laura’ (OWL).  My business is helping people reclaim their lives from clutter and chaos.  I de-clutter and organize homes and offices.  I also plan and organize weddings, parties and events.  Organizing is my passion!  I started OWL to help people live their best life.  During my 20+ years in corporate America, and 10+ years in self-employment, I’ve witnessed first-hand the stresses and effects of the ultra-busy lives we live—on ourselves, and on our families.  Chaos can be all consuming.  My goal is to help you eliminate that chaos, so you can do what you really want and deserve to do: enjoy life!

Here are my 7 THINGS YOU CAN & SHOULD DO FOR YOURSELF:

1.       PRIORITIZE YOUR DAY.  Do what you need to do, then ENJOY your life.

2.       LEARN WHEN TO SAY “NO.”  Delegate what you do not personally need to do.  Set appropriate boundaries to your workload, both personally & professionally.   

3.       DE-CLUTTER YOUR LIFE (LESS STUFF = MORE TIME).  Initially this will take some “time”, but the rewards you’ll reap in the long run are enormous.  Eliminate the nonessentials at home and office.  What you don’t need or use, try to sell, donate, or recycle.  Organize your files, closets, desk and life.

4.       BE EFFICIENT.  Handle every piece of paper, email, mail and voice message as they arrive.     

5.       HAVE YOUR OWN “TIME OUTS” (ADULTS NEED RECESS, TOO).  Make your lunch, break, dinner, family, pet and partner times all sacred.  Detach yourself from your smart phone, tablet, and computer for at least 4 hours a day (sleeping hours don’t count!). 

6.       AN HOUR A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY.  Maintain healthy habits; exercise/play, quiet time/meditation, enough sleep and healthy eating habits.  You’ll feel less stressed.

7.       TIME HAS VALUE.  Separate work from your personal life (without guilt!).  Take your vacation, holidays, and earned time off.  You earned it!

Follow ‘Organize With Laura’ on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/OrganizeWithLaura and Twitter @OrganizeWLaura