Sunday, September 29, 2013

The CLIMB Blog Hop

I have Wonderful news!
I am teaming up with my 
friend Angie from God's Growing Garden

and will be her new CLIMBING 
partner in the Chain "Linky" Climb
   
(Please checkout Angie's fantastic blog! - You're gonna love her!)

What does that mean? you might ask. - That means when you link up to the CLIMB your blog will be on both of our blogs right from the beginning of the month & now both Angel & Angie will promote your blog on our own social media sites 
(twitter, pinterest, google+ etc)!!
Also, if you co-host - your free ad will be on both of our sidebars!!

We will be CLIMBing to even higher heights!!

Welcome to Week #38 of Raising Imperfection Blog Hop!


It's your favorite post Sunday link party!
We can't wait to see what you've been up to! What was your imperfection this week? Please view our very short introduction video for some link party rules and announcements.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Super Sunday Sync Blog Hop #55! co-Hosted by Sew Crafty Angel

Welcome to Super Sunday Sync #55! You lovelies pulled through again last week for an outstanding 113 link ups! Thank you so much for helping make Super Sunday Sync a success.  We appreciate all of you, each week! You all are amazing ~ help us reach 130 link ups this week? Tweet, share, promote!
Our lovely Guest Hosts for this week. Please, stop by their blogs and give them some love!
Angel ~ Sew Crafty Angel and our Guest Host WINNER from last week is Kim from Enjoy the View

Thursday, September 26, 2013

$400 Cash Blogiversary Giveaway!! hosted by Confessions of a Mommyaholic

The bravest thing I have ever done…

Becoming a blogger, because I still can't believe some of the things I have shared about myself and my family on the Internet. I was definitely scared slightly to share so much of myself and family for all to see, but again I did it. And I shared al sorts of tales, like the potty training journey for my youngest, posting about how we survived Hurricane Sandy a year ago, about not always dressing up to par anymore being a stay at home mom, and even how Lily played in the toilet bowl and even my huge mess up trying to make cake pops for the very first time! But a year ago today, I took to transferring my little Wordpress blog to my own hosted domain name. Therefore today, is my one year blogiversary.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop

Its Time For Thursday Favorite Things! The Thursday Favorite Things Blog hop is where you can link your favorite post or write a post about your favorite things and share it with old and new followers. Your blog link will appear on 3 different blogs! At Katherines Corner, at Sew Crafty Angel and at our guest hostess blog too Three times the opportunity to make new bloggy friends and to share your wonderful blog. This weeks Guest co host is the very talented
illustrator and blogger, Anna from CuddleBug Cuties !  
anna

Soooo Many Giveaways on My Blog - Check'em Out

Here are some fantastic Giveaways
that are going on now by my Bloggy Friends.  
Enter before time runs out.
We all can use extra money, right?
And who doesn't like winning stuff?
You can enter them all here today!

 Holiday Giveaway 
All the information is below if you would like to
be part of this holiday fun with
A Peek Into My Paradise

September Sponsor Highlights and Giveaway @ Raising Reagan

 The lovely ladies sponsoring my part of blogosphere at Raising Reagan have come together once again with a giveaway just for you! What could be better than free exposure on some of the top, sought after blogs with some amazing ad space? Hmm ... maybe some cash to go along with it? You know that's right! So check out my sponsors this month and get to know a little more about them. And don't forget to stick around to the end and enter the giveaway!
 Raising Reagan | September Sponsor Higlights {and Giveaway!}

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Monday, September 23, 2013

You Want Cheese with that Whine

I've had friends who just sucked the life right out of me when I spent any substantial amount of time with them.  Sometimes even leaving me feeling defeated and even depressed. Remember that negative people need drama like you need oxygen.  

I read this article by Mary Merriment about what she called "energy sucking vampires".  I had never really thought of these types of individuals as vampires but when you think about it, this description fits very well.  

What about you, have you ever noticed how spending time with some people can really suck the life out of you? Chronic complainers, users, manipulators, drama addicts, bottomless emotional pits, those who expect everyone and everything to evolve around them. The bottom line is that everything is always about them and they seem to expect to be top priority in the lives of others and drain life from everyone who will allow it.

Most people do not realize that as they continue to find things to complain about, they disallow their own physical well-being. Many do not realize that before they were complaining about an aching body or a chronic disease, they were complaining about many other things first. It does not matter if the object of your complaint is about someone you are angry with, behavior in others that you believe is wrong, or something wrong with your own physical body. Complaining disallows improvement.

Some people function off of these negative methods as a way to fill their need for attention from others. In order to attempt to balance their own lives, they become reliant on the energy and resources of others to fill their needs. But no matter how much they may get, even if it’s to the point of draining you emotionally, physically or even financially dry, it’s never enough. They will either attempt to guilt you into giving in to them or they will seek out others who they feel they can drain life from.

Optimists will see a glass half fullPessimists see a glass half emptyChronic complainers see a glass that is slightly chipped holding water that isn't cold enough, probably because its tap water when I asked for bottled water and wait, there's a smudge on the rim too, which means the glass wasn't cleaned properly and now I'll probably end up with some kind of virus—why do these things always happen to me?

If you happen to spend time with someone who is an energy sucker, you may have realized how spending time with them may leave you feeling exhausted, frustrated, discontent and unproductive as you deal with them and their constant demands, negativity and problems. 
Don't let the good looks fool you, he can drain the life right out of you in no time at all.
Vampires <3

So what do you do?  Put down some personal boundaries for yourself.  If you begin to feel energy draining, you can choose to let them know that you do not feel like participating in that discussion; redirect the conversation to something more positive; remove yourself from the discussion all together; or offer up solutions that direct them to create a better outcome for themselves. Unfortunately many of these vampires don't truly want solutions to their problems, solutions would not allow them to fulfill their need whine, manipulate and complain which is sometimes the way people function in life.  

Don't believe that accepting a person means having to accept their negative behaviors. If someone’s behaviors are directly affecting you or your life, you have every right to refuse to accept it. Resorting to people pleasing will only serve to wear you down even more over time and make you more susceptible to other energy sucking people and activities.

If all else fails consider removing yourself from the relationship all together. Keep in mind that energy sucking people will attempt to guilt you or use other tactics to pull you back in. 

Remember:  Vampires Suck!

Angel





Sunday, September 22, 2013

Sew Crafty Angel Co-Hosts "Raising Imperfection" Blog Hop

It’s Sunday! ~ Welcome to Week #37 of Raising Imperfection!
It's your favorite post Sunday link party!
We can't wait to see what you've been up to! Please view our very short introduction video for some link party rules and announcements.
Be sure to come back for Feature Fridays! Leslie and I choose our favorite links from the link up and feature them!If you missed the last features, you can see them HERE.
Please grab our link party button!

Say HELLO to your Co-Hosts for this week:
Marci – Stone Cottage Adventures
April – 100 LB Countdown

Please also visit your co-hostess for the month of September:
Angel - Sew Crafty Angel

Be sure to visit Leslie and I for Feature Fridays to see if your post was picked to be featured!
Want to be the next co-hosts? Enter the Rafflecopter below and you could win!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Sew Crafty Angel Hosts "Super Sunday Sync Hop"


Let's Party Friends

Welcome to Super Sunday Sync #54! You lovelies pulled through again last week for an outstanding 118 link ups! Our jaws were dropping!
You all are amazing ~ help us reach 130 link ups this week?
Tweet, share, promote!


Our lovely Guest Hosts for this week. Please, stop by their blogs and give them some love!
Angel ~ Sew Crafty Angel
and our Guest Host WINNER from last week is Joni from Blue Cats & Roses


Halloween is right around the corner ~ join us for a spooktacular cash giveaway?
Sign up for the blogger opp HERE!

Rules for the "Super-est" hop ever:

1)  Link up a family-friendly post {or your homepage if it will always be decent} that you think is SUPER! Please do not link up another hop or giveaway.

2)  Follow your hosts AND guest hosts {the first 5 links}, via Bloglovin and/or GFC. We also appreciate {and return} any Facebook Likes and Twitter Follows. Be sure to leave a comment telling us how you follow, we'll follow you back!

3)  Visit the blog before you, and a few others {the more, the merrier} and follow them. We're all looking to have more followers, that's why we're hopping, right?

4)  Grab a button and put it somewhere people will see. We'd love for this hop to continue to be a big success!

Super Sunday Sync

If you're interested being a Guest Host, please 
 


Join the mailing list HERE and receive notifications about the #SSSHOP!
AND
Now that you've entered our hop, sign up to WIN a Guest Host spot!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Its Time For Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop!

The Thursday Favorite Things Blog hop is a fun blog hop where you can link your favorite post or write a post about your favorite things and share it with old and new followers. Your blog link will appear on three different blogs! At Katherines Corner, at Sew Crafty Angel and at the Guest Co Hosts blog too! Three times the opportunity to make new bloggy friends and to share your wonderful blog. Peggy's photo June 2013
This weeks Guest co host is Peggy from Keep Me In Stitches
Hello Katherines Corner friends,
We are a group of counted cross stitchers, quilters, and sewists from around the world that make lap quilts, therapy pillows, walker bags, tote bags, wheelchair bags, greeting cards and bookmarks to give to children in need and to the elderly in nursing homes.

If you enjoy cross stitching, quilting or sewing, please join us for the opportunity to use your talents to bring cheer and comfort to children and adults at a stressful time in their lives. Stitchers can choose either aida, evenweaves or linen of any count size or color for the lap quilt squares and other items. The lap quilts are themed quilts, such as dogs or cats, flowers, sealife, teddy bears, etc. There are members in the group who enjoy finishing the bookmarks, cards, pillows, or totes if you aren't able to do so.

You can join our group by going to the link below; take a look around and see if this would be a good stitching outlet for you. Members can unsubscribe at any time they wish. And they can re-apply at any time.
We have quilters who put the quilts together from the crossed stitched pieces made by members from all over the world. We also have ladies who create beautiful bags, pillows and other items for our charities.
Hope you'll join us soon.
Thank you for being our guest host today Peggy

thursday favorite things blog hop
Remember to leave us a comment if you are a new follower so we can follow you back :-)
RULES Please DO NOT link and run.......visit a few of the wonderful blogs that are sharing here.
  • Remember to Follow Katherines Corner, Sew Crafty Angel and our special Guest Co Host
  • Please leave comments when you visit.
  • Link to your post not to your blog
  • Linkback on your post.( optional, but always appreciated)
  • Grab the hop button code from The button page ( optional)
  • No adult content blogs
  • No links directly to your shops or websites selling things/services please! ( sorry they will be removed)
  • Yes you can link giveaways ( they are everyone's favorite thing) Add your giveaways to the Win It Page too!
Please contact Katherine if you would like to be our special guest co-host.There are plenty available spots for the rest of the year available.
Now hop on and share your favorites. If you'd like to post this blog hop on your page too please grab the linky code. If you would like a reminder to join in the fun please just fill in your email in the box below ( this is used for reminders only :-) )
 


 

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Command Center Components

As part of my plan to get us organized, I've decided to start a Command Center.  I've looked a dozens of these recently while deciding what components I need for my life and family.   I've been picking up a lot of pieces that I may be able to use.   Anything that I don't use for my command center I'll find another use for.



I decided a dry erase calendar was definitely a must and found a large one, framed, 
at Joann's, where I used a 50% off coupon and paid only $8 for it.


 Then I want a chalk board so I am going to use the one I purchased a few weeks ago on my Treasure Hunt with Anna.  It is fantastic and already has the days of the week on so I can leave reminders or message in advance to be used later in the week, love this piece.  I think this will be my center component.


Then there's the mail and bills to consider.  
I found this cute red file rack with 2 compartments which will work perfectly.  
Again, got it for 50% off at a Hobby Lobby sale.  




I purchased folder bins for my Receipts. This is an essential part of my center.


I found these darling clipboards at Hobby Lobby, on sale of course.  
These will be a board for my shopping needs and the other for chore list.


I had to have some words of inspiration also.  


And this door knob hook, well it was just to cute to leave behind.

I haven't figured out the arrangement yet, that's a work in progress.  All the pieces are different colors and textures.   I'm not a classic "everything one color" person.   I love color and variety.  My world has never been a one color palate.

I'm going to set my Command Center up in our kitchen.  We have a small wall over a my pantry cabinet which will work great.  It's centrally located, easy to see and convenient.

So now I have pieces, let's see if I can put my puzzle together as well as organize my life again.

Angel

Monday, September 16, 2013

Time to Get Organized

For years I've always been a business woman who was very organized and ready for anything.  Now I'm a stay at home mommy who can barely find a hairbrush to brush my hair with anymore.  I ran large medical facilities in my past life and today I can hardly maintain my own household.

That being said, I've decided to clean up my life.  Honestly, disorganization makes me crazy.  I hate not having control of my life or my time.  I feel like I run in circles and accomplish very little most days. My family life, my blogging life, my sanity, all suffer from my lack of organization.  So, here's beginning of the plan.  

I've decided to take back control.  I'm going to share my journey with you and hopefully it will keep me on track and may help you with something you are struggling with also.  So I'm going to organize my life, within reason, like I once organized my successful business life.  

Step 1   Basic Beginning

1.  Start your day out right.  Wake up, make coffee, shower, get dressed, and put on shoes.  Do all the things you would do, every single day, as if you were going to work at the office.  (I never sat all day in my jammies at the office).  This will change your mental perspective; by getting ready and making yourself presentable to the world, you have set yourself up for success.  You'll have more confidence because you'll know you are prepared for anything, and you will be more direct about getting work accomplished.

2. An easy and workable task list, or to do list. While I love all of these handy web apps, computer software, and cool cell phones, they just don’t work for me.  I need a paper task list that I can check off things once they are completed.
Oops, this is my husbands list, but you get the point.
My to do list:-)

3.  Decide on the 3 most important tasks you need to get done today.  These take priority and save time worrying about them if you do them first.  

4.  Do it now.  Stop procrastinating.  Possibly the toughest item on the list, procrastinating is a major detriment to organizing your life.  Instead of putting things off, get them done immediately. Force yourself to get things done without waiting to finish them.  If it can be done in two minutes or less, always do it right away while breaking down larger tasks into smaller pieces to make them manageable.

5.  Do one thing at a time.  

6.  Consider what needs to be organized.  Although it's easy to say "everything," chances are there are specific areas in your life that have more clutter than others.  Where are you the most disorganized?  Consider your skills in making plans, cleaning house or running errands. Which of these is the most stressful for you to accomplish?  Remember to consider your work life, friendships, and children.  
Desorden y creatividad    -    Messy desk

7.  Fill out a calendar.  Purchase or make a calendar and place it somewhere you will see it on a regular basis.  This could be near your keys, on the fridge or in your home office.  Take a few minutes to fill out the entire calendar with important dates and events coming up.
INSTANT DOWNLOAD To Do List and Calendar Set Brights-Home Organization Printables-PDF Printables-8 Documents. $10.00, via Etsy.
                                             

8.  Write things down.  Whenever you have an important thought, or remember something you don't want to forge, or something you want to do, write it down.  This can be done in your planner or use just a plain notebook that you keep with you.  Writing down your errant thoughts will not only remove them from your mind, but also place them in a place that you can return back to later without forgetting.

                                            

9.  Make use of the word No.  Learn to delegate projects to others. If you know you have to go grocery shopping but are much too busy to consider the idea, ask a family member or close friend to run the errand for you. As long as you aren’t putting off major tasks or giving things that are important for you personally to do to others, delegate.

Stressed out moms who can't say no. I think I've gotten a better handle on this in recent years, but I still feel guilty when I do say no...

10. Don’t agree to everything you are asked to do if you know you don’t have time for it. Your friends won’t hate you, your boss won’t think you slack, and your significant other will understand if you need your free time to get some personal work and organization done.

11.  Everything in its place. By finding places that are easy to get to for all the things I use most often, and places that are pretty easy to get to for the things I use less often, I spend less time dreading doing things and more time actually doing things. And the place for things you never use is elsewhere (trash can, place that accepts donations, etc.).  

Don’t simply leave something on your nightstand, create a space specifically for that item. Do the same for everything in your home so that things aren’t left lying around without a place to live.Keep something like a basket or small stand near the front door where you can place things you need to deal with when you have more time. This might include your mail, items from the store, or things from school and work.

Put it away now. The single, simplest thing I do to stay personally organized is to put whatever tool, item, clothing, bag, hairbrush etc., away immediately after using it. I always know where everything and anything is so I never waste time looking for something.

12.  Simplify, simplify, simplify! Do you have boxes or drawers full of mystery items, long lost from your memory? Well get out your handy label maker (or use a classic marker) and label everything you have. 
  
13.  Unapologetically take control of your time and priorities

14.  Sort at the source. My favorite organizational tool is my garage trash can.  I bring mail in through my garage and toss all the junk mail.  What comes into my house is only what I need to have. Unfortunately the bills have to come inside.

15.  Have.. less.. stuff.  Get rid of things you don’t need. Although you might assume that you “need” everything you own, an unorganized house is probably likely to have some items you don’t. Sort through the things that constantly give you clutter and determine how useful it is to you. If you haven’t used it in a long time, don’t use it frequently, don’t like it anymore, or don’t need it, get rid of it.

Keep your emotions separate from the items you are sorting. Sure, your great aunt may have given you that porcelain knickknack, but do you truly want or need it? Make steps to throw these things out, and don’t feel like a bad person for doing so.

Separate things you get rid of into piles such as trash, donations, and things to sell. Then, process each pile accordingly.

Hold a garage or yard sale to make some money on the things you are throwing out or just call Goodwill.

My goal is to get myself set up and functioning efficiently this week.  
If you have any tips that you want to share I hope you will leave them in the comments section.

Angel

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Sew Crafty Angel Welcomes You to Week #36 of Raising Imperfection!


It's your favorite post Sunday link party!
We can't wait to see what you've been up to! Please view our very short introduction video for some link party rules and announcements.
Be sure to come back for Feature Fridays! Leslie and I choose our favorite links from the link up and feature them!If you missed the last features, you can see them HERE.
Please grab our link party button!

Say HELLO to your Co-Hosts for this week:
Kate – Seriously Kate
Melissa – Home on Deranged

Please also visit your co-hostess for the month of September:
Angel - Sew Crafty Angel

Be sure to visit Leslie and I for Feature Fridays to see if your post was picked to be featured!
Want to be the next co-hosts? Enter the Rafflecopter below and you could win!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, September 13, 2013

Halloween DIY Costumes for Kids


I've been searching for DIY projects to make Halloween Costumes for the kids.
Every year I try to come up with something different I can make myself.
I found some on Pinterest and wanted to share them with you.
What do think, which is your favorite?


1Ahh! Love IT! My future children will be sporting this Halloween costume at least once!

2I want to make this for myself for Halloween, is that bad?


3Bamm Bamm costume flinstones inspired animal print babies kids children infants kids baby boys  Halloween costumes Halloween school event. $79.00, via Etsy.



4Baby Minnie Mouse!


5Gumball machine costume.. adorable! via Inchmark


6DIY Cupcake Costume

7halloween costume and nutrition facts on the bag! super cute!


8Cute costume idea! HALLOWEEN

9Chicken Costume. If one if my future children ever wants to be a chicken for halloween my life will be complete. #chicken #costume #halloween


10Octopus halloween costume- socks


11Children's Halloween Costume Ideas


12Cute Scarecrows - 2013 Halloween Costume Contest


13Perfect, DIY Toddler Halloween Costume!

14Spooky Knitting: 7 DIY Halloween Costumes + Decorations from @AllFreeKnitting

15DIY Halloween DIY Costumes :DIY Animal Costume : DIY Halloween Cotsumes 2011: Penguin (from Mary Poppins)

16DIY Halloween Costume Challenge | mydiycreations


17Oh my goodness!! Definitely going to see if Grammy Snodgrass can make this for our little bean!!!!



18DIY Halloween Costume : DIY Batman Cape Pattern DIY Halloween


19Miss Banana Pants: 50 DIY Halloween Costume Ideas

20Super Girl #diy #halloweencostume #halloween #kidscostumes #costumes #superherocostumes

21DIY: Halloween Costumes DIY Halloween DIY Costumes


22tomato girls DIY costume halloween can you tell i am going for a food theme this year?!

All these and many more are pinned on my Pinterest Board under Halloween Costumes
If you would like instructions please visit my board for web addresses.