Memorial Day Recipes

Below you will find some tried and true recipes to celebrate Memorial Day. Use this weekend to remember and celebrate those lives who are no longer with us.

Remembering Memorial Day. 

For some, it is just an extra day off of work but for my family, it is much more than that.  It is a day to remember and honor those whom we have lost.  Sadly, this year we have 3 more precious souls to remember, we will place flowers at their graves and stand and reminisce about them…the funny things they did and said.  We will share our favorite memory of each of them and we will listen to their favorite songs by Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Meatloaf and many others.  We will gather with loved ones and share a meal through laughter and tears while we recall what each of them would have loved about the food.  And when the sun goes down, we will write our prayers on Chinese Wish Lanterns and we will set them afloat into the night sky and watch as they make their way up into the heavens. 

Whatever you might be doing this Memorial Day weekend we wish you a safe and happy holiday.

I have chosen a few of our families favorite recipes that are quick and easy to make for this holiday weekend.  ENJOY!

CHOCOLATE LASAGNA

1pkg. Oreos (36 cookies, not double stuff) - Crushed

6T Butter - Melted

1-8oz Cream Cheese – Softened

2 T Cold Milk

½ C (scant) Powdered Sugar

1-12oz Cool Whip – Thawed

1- 3.9oz pkgs Instant Chocolate Pudding

3 ¼ C Cold Milk

Mini Chocolate Chips or Chocolate Shavings

·        Crush Oreos, add melted butter and blend well.

·        Press crumb mixture into a 9x13 pan and place in refrigerator.

·        Beat cream cheese until fluffy.  Add 2 T milk and powdered sugar, mix well.  Fold in 1 ¼ C Cool Whip.

·        Spread over crust and put back in refrigerator.

·        Whisk pudding mixes and 3 ¼ C milk until it starts to thicken.

·        Spread over cream cheese layer and let set up.

·        Spread remaining Cool Whip over pudding layer.

·        Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or shavings over top.

·        Refrigerate for 4 hours or freeze for 1 hour prior to serving.

Options: 

Substitute vanilla or mint Oreos for chocolate Oreos.

Substitute any flavor of pudding for the chocolate.

Substitute chocolate Cool Whip on the last layer

Substitute white chocolate or butterscotch chips or toasted coconut on top.

WAIKIKI COLESLAW

1 Lb Shredded Cabbage

4 – Green Onions – chopped

2/3 C Macadamia Nuts – Chopped*

¾ C Maries Poppy Seed Dressing **

¼ C Papaya, Mango or Pineapple Juice

½ C Fresh Pineapple – Finely Diced***

Mix all together and Refrigerate.

*  I loosely chop the nuts leaving some larger pieces

**  You will find this dressing in the refrigerated section of the produce department.

***  Optional

I double this recipe every time I make it but I don’t double the green onions.

COWBOY BAKED BEANS

In a large skillet brown:

1 lb ground beef

4 slices of bacon cut up (I always use more)

Chopped onion to taste

Add to beef mixture:

½ C ketchup

1 tsp salt

1 tsp vinegar

1 tsp dried mustard

1 tsp Worchesire Sauce

¾ C brown sugar

Heat well, place in a 2qt baking dish and add:

1 – 15oz pork & beans – partly drained

1 – 15oz kidney beans – drained

1 – 15oz garbanzo beans – drained

Cook at 350° for 45 minutes or put in Crockpot on low for 2-3 hours.

This recipe does not have to be exact, I rarely measure the ingredients instead just tossing them into the skillet.  I like to make this up the night before and refrigerate it so the flavors combine well before cooking it.

Help Red Cross help those devastated by the Oklahoma Tornados

Red Cross Helping Tornado Victims With Shelter, Food, Supplies

Posted May 21,2013

WASHINGTON, Tuesday, May 21, 2013 — The American Red Cross is working around the clock to help people in Oklahoma after Monday’s devastating tornadoes with shelters, food, water and supplies, and more workers, supplies and equipment are moving into the area today.

“Our thoughts and sympathy are with all those impacted by these horrific tornadoes,” said Trevor Riggen, vice president of Disaster Operations and Logistics for the Red Cross. “Specialized Red Cross disaster teams are helping now and will be helping for weeks to come as people in Oklahoma recover from these storms.”

The Red Cross deployed almost 30 emergency response vehicles to distribute food and relief supplies and more are on alert. Two Southern Baptist Convention kitchens and kitchen support trailers will join the relief effort with the ability to serve tens of thousands of meals a day.

Emergency aid stations will open where people can get food and snacks, mental health and health services and information about what help is available. The Red Cross is supporting first responders and working with local and state officials to make sure people get the help they need. Meanwhile, the Red Cross continues to provide shelter in Shawnee and other parts of the Oklahoma City area following storms over the weekend.

SAFE AND WELL The Red Cross has several ways people can let loved ones know they are safe. They can register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website by visiting www.redcross.org and clicking on the “List Yourself or Search Registrants” link under “How to Get Help”. Those who can’t access a computer can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and a Red Cross operator can help them register. Disaster victims can also update their Facebook and Twitter status through the Safe and Well website or visit www.redcross.org/safeandwell on their smart phone and click on the “List Yourself as Safe and Well” or “Search for friends and family” link.

DOWNLOAD TORNADO APP. If someone has the Red Cross tornado app on their mobile device, they can use the “I’m Safe” button to let loved ones know they are okay. The app can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross. It includes a high-pitched siren and tornado warning alert that signals when a NOAA tornado warning has been issued, as well as also an all-clear alert that lets users know when a tornado warning has expired or has been cancelled. Content is preloaded so users have access to critical information even without mobile connectivity, including locations of open Red Cross shelters and the one-touch “I’m Safe” messaging to let loved ones know they are okay through social media outlets. More than a million alerts were sent from the Red Cross tornado app with 340 separate tornado warning/watch notices on Sunday and Monday as tornadoes hit in Oklahoma and other states.

HOW TO HELP Those who would like to help people affected by disasters like tornadoes, floods and other crises can make a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. People can donate by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. These donations help provide food, shelter and emotional support to those affected by disasters.

BLOOD SUPPLIES The Red Cross stands ready to help meet the blood needs of patients in and around Oklahoma City if needed, and there is currently enough blood on the shelves to meet patient demands. The Red Cross is a secondary supplier of blood products to hospitals in the affected area in Oklahoma. People with type O negative blood are encouraged to give blood when they are able. All eligible blood donors can schedule an appointment to give in the days and weeks ahead by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting www.redcrossblood.org to help ensure blood is available when people need it. 

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

In My Pocket, In My Purse

I put my coat on last night to head into town. It was chilly outside. I reached into my pockets for my gloves and chuckled at what else came out with my gloves.
In one pocket, I found three pennies, a marble and a button. All treasures of my youngest daughter. She finds things she wants to play with in the car and rarely brings them back into the house. Somethings, I put those things in my pocket with the thought that I will give them back to her when we get home. Other times, the pennies, for example, are "found things" discovered while running errands.
While I have to shake my head at all the things that I manage to collect, I also have to smile at the small, insignificant, "important" treasures I carry with me. A little reminder of the mom in me.

I found myself wondering the other day, walking out the door, "what do I have in my purse that is making it so heavy?" At that point I was not in a place to be emptying my purse to lighten the load. I continue to put it off.
It did not take very long to figure it out. We went out to dinner and the hostess left one set of crayons for use between my two small children. How well do you think that worked? Right, not well. I dug in my purse and found a small box of crayons for just this kind of occasion. Next to the crayons was a package of oyster crackers, in case of a sudden fit of hunger, for my children. I also discovered a big wad of tissues for the random, messy hands or runny nose. I think I caught site of a princess or two and a few other miscellaneous kids related items.
I normally also have a pull-up/diaper and a small container of wipes in my purse. In other words, I carry a part of my house with me. No wonder my purse is so heavy. I would guess that the amount of kid items in my purse would outnumber the things "mom" things I carry. Funny how that is.
What random things do you unknowingly carry around?

As Good As Your Name

Do you ever wonder what people will say about you after you are gone? I do sometimes. I want to be known as a hard worker, kind, compassionate and helpful. I would love it if friends and family smiled at the thought of my name.
I know that sounds a little bit morbid. For me, thinking about this helps me work toward being that person. Does that make sense?
My first job was working for a music company that sold instruments and sheet music. I worked in the warehouse and then the sheet music department. When I grew out of that job and started working for the airlines, I would go back and visit periodically. My old supervisor would introduce me to the person(s) who was working the position I used to have. She would joke about why certain things are done the way they are because something I did or didn't do. I was ditzy, high school student, what can I say. One thing she reminded me of was how hard I worked, when I worked there. I worked hard when I worked there and that is how I am remembered. That makes me smile.
I want to keep working toward that end, being a hard worker, so I am remembered as a hard worker. Or being compassionate so that I am remembered as being compassionate. Do you understand now?
What about a company name? Are you a patron of certain businesses because they have a good reputation, good customer service? Is it the name of the company that has the good name or the people who provide the good customer service? How does a company get a good name?
What places do you frequent because the establishment has a good name?
So, who are you? How are you getting from who you are know to who you want to be? What will be said about you when you leave your place of employment? How do you want to be remembered?

Do you trust Him?

"God has called us to rely on His grace to do the very best we can and to trust Him with the rest." Jim Daly from Focus on the Family.
It is not easy doing the very best we can. Nor is it easy to trust when you have horrible tragedies like the ones we have seen this week.
I read daily updates from an acquaintance battling cancer. I cannot fathom how this man, young father of three, war veteran and all around fun guy, has gotten to the place that he is currently. How can I trust God when it just doesn't make sense?
I look at the daily news for updates from the Boston bombings. Where is the sense in that? And, today the fertilizer plant explosion in Texas. Enough already. I like to think of myself as resilient rather than persevering, but this is starting get ridiculous.
Trust or blind faith?
In my opinion, we don't have to think of it as blind faith. We have seen the miracles of God's hand. We have experienced His grace and blessings.
The week has been disheartening and troubling, for sure. Trusting is not an easy thing right now. How about faith? How about knowing and understanding that we may not always see the big picture. Not easy, but how about we give it a try.

Cream Feather Plume Hair Clip, Flapper Style, Womens hair clip, handmade, ready to ship, cream flower clip - $10.00

The Roaring 20's have nothing on this piece. One 8in cream/off white ostrich plume is accented with other off white feathers and one hand sewn cream, with gold overtones, flower.

Are you doing a themed New Years Eve party? Try this one on for size.

The ensemble is sewn onto a silver alligator clip.

Convo me with any questions



For more items in my shop click below


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Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

New local fave

I was volunteering last night at the Red Cross booth at the Spring Business Fair at the Sportsplex. It was so fun to walk around and see the local businesses and organizations. One business stuck with me. It is a local company that I had never heard of. While it doesn't have a brick and mortar store front, it is quite successful online. Click on www.aldrichfarms.com for their website and Aldrich Farms to like their facebook page.


Here is little bit about them from their website.

About Us

Aldrich Farms History: We are a small family farm located in Bellingham, Washington. Since our start, making jelly out of the fruit from a few backyard berry bushes, our goal has always been to make the highest quality gourmet jellies and jams available. Over the years we have added more fields, expanded production, and worked to add more variety to our product lineup, but we have never lost our focus on quality.  Richard Buford, the owner of Aldrich Farms, can be found working at all hours of the day as he follows his berries from field, to jar, to market. We believe that you’ll be able to taste the difference that his passion and attention to quality makes.
Production: With a great view of Mount Baker, our berries start their lives in dark Whatcom county soil. They’re never sprayed or chemically fertilized, and the moment our berries are ripe, they’re hand picked and brought to our on-site kitchen. Once at the kitchen, the berries are processed into our unique line jellies, jams, mustards, and sauces without every having been frozen. During a busy harvest season, the kitchen often runs around the clock for days on end as we rush to capture the peak flavor of our fruits. It’s an extremely trying ordeal for the whole Aldrich farms team, but we believe it is an essential part of our focus on producing the highest quality jellies and jams available.  You don’t have to take our word for it either: many Aldrich Farms products have won awards, and many of our customers have been with us since we started selling our products over ten years ago.
We’re passionate about our products, and we hope that they brighten your life a little bit too. If you’ve enjoyed one of our products we encourage you to stay up to date on Aldrich Farms news by signing up for our monthly email newsletter, and by following us on Twitter and Facebook. We’ll let you know when new and seasonal products are available and where you can sample them, give you recipe tips, let you know if anything is on sale that month.
Communication: You, the customer, are the best judge of our products, and we take your feedback to heart. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestion, please contact us through any of the means listed on the contact page. We’re real people, and we love hearing from you.
Thank you for your patronage,
The Aldrich Farms Team

Lessons Learned from one Mom

Thank you to our feature writer this week, Jen Lautenbach. I am sure many of you have had some of the same hard lessons in your house. Reminisce and laugh!

Lessons Learned!

Crest for Kids does nothing to freshen your breath!  Everyone in my house has a different tube of toothpaste.  My six year old insists on a tube that looks almost identical to mine.  Several times I have grabbed his instead of mine and it is a rude awakening.  The taste is sugary sweet, especially when you are expecting minty fresh.

When your 4 year old spends an inordinate amount of time in the bathroom, check the soap dispenser!  My middle son is fascinated with playing in the bathroom sink right now and making a huge mess.  He has also learned the fine art of filling the soap dispenser with water to hide the missing soap!  Remind me to start marking the liquor bottles in a few years!

Once a roll of toilet paper is un-rolled it cannot be re-rolled.  My 2 year old has taken to “fluffing” the toilet paper for us.  He is rather good at it and can complete the task silently and in less time than it takes you to have a quick, mom (only the most essential scrubbing needed) shower.

Business lesson learned:  DON’T QUIT!!  I was wavering on whether to embrace the jewelry business.  I joined Willow House because of the decor and when corporate announced in October that the decor was being discontinued I was in shock (to put it mildly).  In December I learned that my whole team was deciding to follow other paths.  This included my team leader that had inspired me for almost two years.  I felt very alone, but in January decided to really embrace the opportunity.  In February I reached record sales personally and in the company.  I received a call from Jerry Vitale, Willow House VP to congratulate me on my success.  I am the only representative left in Washington, so I have a huge opportunity to grow my business.  I am looking for partners in this endeavor.  Need extra money for school fees? Would you like to take a trip to Paris?  How about being your own boss?  What are your dreams?  I promise if you give me a few minutes of your time I will spend it wisely.

Safe in the Sound

Hi friends,
As you may know, I am an active volunteer with the Red Cross. Below is some information that can help with emergency/disaster planning. Consider taking some of the webinars. Join our movement in getting the Puget Sound better prepared!

The American Red Cross has recently launched Safe in the Sound , a three-year preparedness campaign sponsored by PSE, to help individuals and communities prepare for every type of disaster. With more than 4.5 million residents in the Puget Sound area, the goal is to have 1 million people train and take tangible steps toward preparedness through making a plan, getting informed and building a kit.
The Webinars listed below are part of this preparedness initiative and everyone is invited to attend.  Please consider joining these 15-minute sessions and please pass this information and invitation on to everyone that you know…it could save a life one day.
March 13, 2013     Fire Prevention Planning
April 17, 2013        Earthquake Preparedness
May 15, 2013         Pet Preparedness
June 12, 2013        Summer Safety: Water and Heat
July 2, 2013            Fireworks Safety
Aug 14, 2013         Workplace Hazards
Sept 18, 2013         Flu Preparedness
Oct 16, 2013          Flood Preparedness
Nov 13, 2013         Winter Weather
Dec 11, 2013         Travel Safety
All webinars start at 10:30am (Pacific Time).
Upon registering, participants will receive a confirmation email with a link allowing them to connect to the webinar on the appropriate date.  There’s also an attachment so they can automatically add  the dates to their calendars.

Stuff vs. Memories

Stuff Do Not Memories Keep

Stuff doesn’t equate to your memories of the person who gave them to you or an event.  Getting rid of items with an emotional attachment can be very difficult – heart wrenching.  Consider carefully if you need the item or if you don’t want to let it go because you have the memory or an emotional attachment.  Ask yourself some questions:

1. When did I last use this it?

If you haven't used it in the last year, chances are you’re not going to in the next.

2. Will I need this it on a specific date in the near future?

If your best friend will be getting married in a couple of months, it might be wise to keep your punch bowl.  But if you are keeping a garage of full of furniture/household stuff for when your young children move out on their own, it’s probably time to free up the space and use your garage for its intended purpose – parking your car(s).  

3. Does it have a legal or tax purpose?

Paper stuff is the worst clutter enemy!  Go through your papers and keep only items that are really needed.  If you’re not sure what to keep or how long to keep paper stuff, consult your account or attorney.

4. How hard would it be to replace it again someday if I needed it?

If it’s priceless emotionally or historically, you might not want to keep it.  If it’s dime a dozen/easy to replace stuff get rid of it. 

5. In what way is this stuff making my life happier or better?

If it’s not making you happier, healthier, or better, it’s just taking up space and cluttering up your life.  Get rid of it.

If you’re not sure, take photos of the stuff for an album - that’ll give you a tangible memory to visit, and then put the stuff into organized storage.  Revisit your decision in 6 months.  If you really feel the need to keep it, don't fight it.  Find a non-clutter way to incorporate it into your life…    

Laura Anderson

Organize With Laura

206-963-5343

laura@owlsgroup.com

Become our Fan on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/OrganizeWithLaura

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Every Kiss Begins with ”K”

I’m sure you can hear the jingle in your head.  And I would like to argue this theory.  I have had a few kisses in my life and while some may have started with affection, or love, and even drunken impulse (not necessarily in that order) none of them simply started with “K”. 

The word “kiss” originates from Old English and came onto the scene before the 12^th century.  Man has been kissing for a looonngg time!  Merriam-Webster defines it as “to touch with the lips especially as a mark of affection or greeting” and “to touch gently or lightly”. 

Referring to my personal “kistory” I now receive several types of kisses every day.  I get several enthusiastic, sometimes food flavored, busses from my boys.  I get a kiss goodbye from Dean as he leaves for work each afternoon.  I get sweet, sleepy kisses from the boys as I tuck them in for the night.  And, if we are lucky, Dean and I can sneak in a big smooch.  I love all of these kisses and look forward to being the recipient of many more!

But as we arrive at Valentine’s Day I can’t help being pulled into the jingle – and in fact since I now represent a jewelry designer – I encourage this mindset.  But deep down I know that Dean will not be pulling out a black velvet box and not just because we agreed not to “do” Valentine’s Day.  Dean shows his love by kissing me and the boys goodbye every afternoon to go work so that I may stay home with our boys.  He shows his love by calling us every night to see how our evening went.  He shows his love by taking all three boys to Family Fitness Night at Jake’s school as I recovered from ear surgery. 

I treasure all the different kisses I get each day.  I appreciate the spontaneity of some, the routine of others and the planning that goes into those special ones (and if you have kids you know what I mean).

And having said all that, I will now shamelessly plug my new venture.  Willow House had the foresight to see the decline in home decor as a direct sales or “party” business and have teamed up with American jewelry designer Sara Blaine to create an exclusive designer jewelry line for us.  It is absolutely GORGEOUS and I feel privileged to be part of this opportunity.  This is not fashion jewelry, but hand carved, hand cut and made only with the finest metals and semi-precious stones.  Each piece is a work of art.  So, if you do need the “black velvet box” please let me bring the jewelry store to you.  I offer private appointments, you – plus two meetings and trunk shows.  Because jewelry is so portable I can meet you at Starbucks, your office during lunch or McDonalds while the kids play. 

I hope your Valentine’s Day is full of wonderful KISSES!

Check out these great baubles

https://www.facebook.com/JensHomeGems?notif_t=page_name_change

Hope

I recently rediscovered a bookmark that I bought years ago. I have recollection on where I when I purchased but I can guess how I was feeling at the time.

The book mark is entitled "HOPE". Here is what it says:
"There is always hope - Because there is prayer
Sometime when you think the answer is "no" - it is "not yet"
When you pray you demonstrate that there is always hope
If you have faith - you have hope
When a storm bends a tree to the ground, the roots get stronger."

The bookmark has a cute character on the front and is a part of the "Children of the inner Light" series by Marci. Check out some of her other offering at http://www.childrenoftheinnerlight.com/shop/2.html

This is the time of year when gray days are abundant and motivation, inspiration and smiles dwindle. I have friends who have had some serious challenges recently. Myself, I have struggled with motivation, including writing blog pieces. I find my self wrestling with hope of a straighter path and faith in a better frame of mind.

I found goosebumps on my arms when I listened to the Addison Road song, "Hope Now". I love the whole song when the following lyrics really resonate with me. Here is a link if you want to see the video and hear the song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwdXqDYfBYQ

"When my life is like a storm
Rising waters all I want is the shore
You say I’ll be okay and
Make it through the rain
You are my shelter from the storm
I’m not my own
I’ve been carried by You
All my life
CHORUS
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
You’ve become my hearts desire
I will sing Your praises higher
Cause Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free"

So, we soldier on. We hang on to hope, we hang on to faith. Let hope and faith buoy us up.

Being Prayerful in the face of troubles

	CitizenLink® Report The Gift of Freedom Tom Minnery talks with Stuart Shepard about his trip to Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. Watch > Dear Friend, You're probably familiar with John 15:13, which says, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." I saw an example of that firsthand recently, in a memorial to World War II soldiers in Normandy, France—which I discussed with Stuart Shepard recently on the CitizenLink Report. It was in the stained-glass window of a church near the scene of some particularly bloody battles, where scores of Americans died while trying to liberate the French people from the occupying German army. Two U.S. medics had set up an aid station inside the church, but when it was captured by German soldiers, they asked if the medics would work on Germans as well. The Americans said they'd work on anybody, as long as everyone left their weapons at the door. This impressed two German snipers, who were watching, unnoticed, from their hidden position in the church's belfry. Shortly afterward, the town was recaptured by the Allied forces—and the snipers, whose perspective of the enemy had been changed, peacefully surrendered. Just before the Battle of the Bulge, as Allied forces found themselves surrounded by the enemy and hounded by freezing rain that kept reinforcements from reaching them in the Ardennes Forest, Gen. George Patton asked his chief chaplain to write a prayer for good weather. Patton then used it as a training letter for 3,000 officers, asking them to instruct all their enlisted men to pray. "Those who pray do more for the world than those who fight," the letter said. "We must urge, instruct and indoctrinate every fighting man to pray as well as fight. In Gideon's day and in our own, spiritually alert minorities carry the burdens and bring the victories." A week after the prayers began, the troops received an answer: The rain ceased, relief came and the Nazi advance was crushed. The letter of 1944 shows us that with all the battles we have to fight, and all the means that have been given to us with which to fight them, our most effective weapon is always prayer. The One who calls His people to be overcomers holds all victories in His hands, and is able to do "immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine." For faith and family, Tom Minnery Senior Vice President, Government & Public Policy

Chasing Feathers

Do you ever feel a little bit overwhelmed with what is going on in your life? I am feeling that way this week. To start the week, my mom in law went to the ER for 12hrs. I had three orders last week, one of which is the biggest I have ever done and I had to order supplies for it. This along with the normal day to day stuff with family and children, home, life, booking airline tickets has got me stressed, feeling like I am running in circles.
As I have tried to compartmentalize the "stuff", I still feel my head spinning. One thing at a time, do one thing at a time. Stop spinning the worst case scenarios around in your head.
I took time to prep the items I had for the big headband order. That included trimming and stripping feathers. What a mess! All that fluff floating around in the air. Try to sweep it into your trash can and it makes a bigger mess. Brush off your lap and the feathers start swirling everywhere. They are hard to catch and clean up.
Have you ever felt like you were grasping a something that was just fluttering around you? Really no chance of catching it despite your best efforts! That is me. When the feathers finally settled again, I had to laugh at myself and my situation. Even the vacuum won't get all the feathers because of the air that gets kicked up from the outflow. This is the part when I say, Oh Well. I can't control the feathers or what all is happening but I can try to have fun chasing them and relaxing.

Perk Up!

January Jumpstart!

January: dreary weather, the house is stripped of festive holiday decor; December's jam-packed calendar slides into January's social slump.  It’s easy to fall into the blahs… 

Wait! Perk up!  There's another side to January!  The crisp freshness of a blank calendar.  A house freed from December's decor and clutter.  Energy reserves with no holiday frenzied demands.  Time to think and plan.  Limitless options.  Now, that’s anything but blah.  That’s exciting!

The best place to jumpstart your January is your calendar.  Get your schedule organized so you feel confident about your commitments for 2013.   

·         Important school dates: Look at your children’s school schedules.  Mark holidays, school in-service days, report card days, teacher conferences, etc.

·         Doctors' appointments: Schedule dentist appointments, physicals and any other doctor visits that can be planned in advance.

·         Sports and extracurricular activities: Research your local sports activities, check with leagues, websites and after school camps so you know about tryouts, practices, games and other important dates.

·         Birthdays: Look ahead to your children’s birthdays and pick a few good party dates. You’ll be prepared when it’s time to organize the parties.

·         More Birthdays, Anniversaries & Special Events: Double check to make sure you have your family members’ & friends’ birthdays & anniversaries, upcoming reunions and other special events on your calendar.  Set ‘reminders’ so you remember to mail cards, make celebratory phone calls, and make travel or dinner reservations.   

·         Vacations: Once you have all of the other important events marked down, it becomes easier to plan vacations, other trips and helps you to save and prepare for them.

·         Deadlines & Reminders: Does your insurance company have a year-end review period to make policy changes?  Do you have bills or prescriptions that need to be paid or ordered on specific days of the month?  Does your garbage service have a holiday schedule?  Mark these on your calendar.  You’ll prevent the potential stress of catching-up/fixing problems.

It doesn’t matter whether you use a paper or electronic calendar/scheduler.  An organized calendar/schedule will allow you to best use those energy reserves.  HAPPY 2013!  May it be bright, beautiful, healthy and happy!

Laura Anderson

Organize With Laura

206-963-5343

laura@owlsgroup.com

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