tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71396150015168018632024-03-13T06:01:07.779-07:00Meaningful NestCreating a nest full of meaning.Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-52802152311635753342012-12-09T18:24:00.000-08:002012-12-09T18:24:09.309-08:00DIY Christmas Decor-Part 2Happy end of the weekend! Hope you had a great one. With my illness the last couple weeks I am waaaay behind with shopping, decorating, and just enjoying it all. Thank goodness I am now my normal (?) self. Now I need to slow down and soak in all of the glory and peace and love of the season.<br />
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I wanted to share some <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">fun little projects</span> I've been working on to spruce up the dining room. On my last post, <a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/12/diy-christmas-decor-part-1.html?showComment=1354872551005">I shared my snowflake and red ornament window</a>. This is the same room, but there are some other projects that I wanted to highlight. I haven't filled the tin pails with anything yet (I am trying hard not to buy much, and can't decide what to put in there, maybe lots of candy canes?).....<br />
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Isn't the chalkboard cute? I have a set of three of them and they are fun to write little messages on! There's more of that wrapping paper from the Target Dollar section.. I also plan to add some peppermints in the small mason jars you see at the top. The whole room is done is simple silver, red, and lots of pinecones that I already had from previous seasons. Unpacking my Christmas stuff was like Pine-cone-polooza. I really tried to use what I had and be creative with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">fun little touches</span> here and there. This is the dining room table, not done yet. My kiddos sprayed simple wooden stars just like <a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/11/puttin-on-glitz-using-glitter-paint.html">they did the snowflakes</a> and we also glittered the pinecones. I had extra silver bells, so I tossed them in there, too. <u> </u><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/07/back-porch-best-room-in-house.html">I had our red tray out on our porch I shared with you this past summer.</a><br />
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I have lots of these bead garlands that used to be on our tree and used them in this glass hurricane and also this wooden bowl.<br />
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More pincones. Told you I had a lot. :) I tucked <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">glittered stars</span> in random places.<br />
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Two of my favorite {very little} touches are the pine cone I painted white to make it look snowy then stuck in a tiny silver pail I had.....<br />
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and using a red pom-pom to add some fun to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Rudolph</span>, my silver reindeer. He makes me smile every time I see him.<br />
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This room is bright, simple, and fun. What little touches have you added to your rooms to make them festive?<br />
<br />Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-43431204667368854372012-12-06T18:55:00.002-08:002012-12-06T19:10:09.963-08:00DIY Christmas Decor-Part 1Geez, I had totally meant to be able to get right back <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">on the wagon</span> and post all-week-long but life got in the way. Or, should I say, more headaches and being 2 weeks behind on my schoolwork got in the way. Ick. I have <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">fun</span> things to show you but have not even had a chance to take pictures, let alone post about them! I leave in the morning for work before it is light and when I come home, I hit the ground running to be a full-time mommy, wife, and domestic goddess. HA!<br />
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I was able to take a few pics the other day on a little project my hubby and I did. You may remember my<a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/11/puttin-on-glitz-using-glitter-paint.html"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">easy-sprayed-glittered snowflakes</span></a> that the kids helped me with a while back? I used those, red ornaments in 2 sizes and types that I had on hand already, and some red and white baker's twine I bought at Target last month. I hung the snowflakes and red balls across the curtain rod that is on our front window in our dining room and voila! fun and festive look for very little cost and effort! {tip on using baker's twine: mine kept fraying...in order to stop it from fraying at the ends, dab a little white or craft glue at the end and it will harden clear and not fray! woo hoo!} Isn't it cute? I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">love </span>how it turned out!<br />
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Could you guess that the "table runner" on this table is wrapping paper from Target's dollar section? Score!<br />
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Sharing with:<br />
<a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/">Centsational Girl</a><br />
<a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/">Hi, Sugarplum!</a><br />
<br />Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-39222567578795617662012-12-02T17:45:00.002-08:002012-12-02T17:45:30.883-08:00Christmas Tree 2012 {And I'm Back...}Hello, hello!!! I did not skip town...I have had the craziest, most un-fun 3 weeks. I had my first migraine ever along with complete facial numbness on the right side of my face. Scary, right? This crazy thing is just now finally going away. 3 weeks with a numb face, horrible headaches and dizziness is about enough to make someone nuts! I've had lots and lots of doctor appointments, medications, tests administered, and time on the couch. I missed several days of school (never an easy thing for an elementary teacher!) and many fun times with my family! Thanksgiving was mostly spent on the couch. Thank goodness the doctors don't think anything is seriously wrong. I have developed total empathy for people that struggle with illness much of the time or cannot function normally for extended periods.<br />
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Let's get to the tree! Throughout this time, I had been able to do very little around the house to doll it up for the holidays. Hubby and the kids put up the tree the day after Thanksgiving and we got some of the other festive stuff out. Luckily before my illness I had started making some little DIY projects. I was able to work on some of those this weekend now that I am feeling somewhat normal and I can't wait to share them with you later this week.<br />
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When my family went to put up the tree this year many of the white lights were out. In the grand scheme of things, does it really matter? I had a lot of thinkin' about life to do on that couch, I tell ya. ;) We had plenty of colored lights on hand so we decided we'd go against our regular tradition of white lights. Color us happy, we think it looks great. <br />
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Most of the ornaments on our tree have special meaning. Each year since my husband and I have been together I have bought a matching ornament for each of our 4 kids. (Riley wasn't born yet, but when she was, we went from 3 to 4 matching ones to get) I write their name of the back of the ornament and the year. So now we have 25+ ornaments on our tree from this tradition, which I love. We also have silver stars that we got a few years ago that say "HOPE", "PEACE", AND "LOVE" and silver reindeer in different poses. My hubby and I picked these out together. <br />
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A new addition this year is a collection of hand-painted ornaments that my hubby's mother painted years ago. She did an amazing job and they are a cute addition to our tree. Since she is gone now, they are especially meaningful. We all agreed that this is our favorite tree yet. Downstairs in our finished basement we have a smaller kids tree that has Disney and kid ornaments and handmade treasures that the kids have made through the years.</div>
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Make sure to stop back this week to check what I've done in other areas of our house. I am giddy about how some of my easy-DIY projects turned out and I hope to inspire you!Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-76174261402433936622012-11-10T13:16:00.003-08:002012-11-15T09:37:25.733-08:00Puttin' on the Glitz: Using Glitter PaintWhile at the beloved JoAnn's today, I picked up some unfinished wooden snowflake ornaments and a bag of unfinished wooden stars ($3.99 for a bag 20 of small-ish assorted sizes).<br />
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The snowflake ornaments were $1.29 each but on sale for $0.77 each. They came with a little red ribbon to hang them, which I took off because I am not going to use them as ornaments. <br />
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I bought a small can of silver spray paint for $3.99.<br />
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We gave these babies a coat or two of this paint, and let them dry. Then we used <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">glitter </span>craft paint<br />
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It's an amazing 67 degrees outside today in Ohio, so they could do this on the deck! Didn't they do a great job?<br />
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We also sprayed the bag of wooden stars, let them dry and went over them with Martha's paint like we did the snowflakes.<br />
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I have plans for both the stars and the snowflakes and I can't wait to share how I incorporate them into our holiday decor! <br />
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I loved this glitter look so much, I had the kids then use the glitter paint to paint the edges of some cinnamon pine cones that I had. It made them look like snow. These pictures are before the paint dried, so it looks a little gloppy (is that a word?), but pretty none the less.<br />
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I love that we were able to create these easy, inexpensive projects that will be beautiful during the holidays. Best of all, my kids were able to help create them. Think of all of the ways you could use these! As ornaments, hanging on mirrors or windows (which is what I am going to do with a lot of them, hint, hint...), adorning the outside of a gift you give.....the possibilities are endless.<br />
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What are you going to go glitter-ize now???<br />
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Sharing this project with:<br />
<a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/">Six Sisters Stuff</a><br />
<a href="http://tutusandteaparties.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-pinteresting-party-65.html">Tutus and Teaparties</a><br />
<a href="http://delightfulorder.blogspot.com/2012/11/deligthfully-inspiring-thursday-party.html">Delightful Order</a>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-45651885909864618072012-11-06T15:31:00.003-08:002012-11-09T16:02:45.516-08:00Organized Coupon BinderHello, hello! I'm making my first appearance after recovering from posting for 31+ days straight. I t<strike>hought</strike> knew I needed a few days off to re-gain some steam. My Blogger account has also not been letting me add pictures, so that extended my posting "vacation". Now it's working and I'm back and ready to roar!<br />
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First and foremost, it feels almost silly posting about coupon binders when so many on the East Coast are suffering and more and more stories of survival and tragedy are surfacing. I join all of America in sending out blessings, prayers, hope, and sympathies. I feel incredibly blessed to have our home safe and dry and to be able to live life as normal.<br />
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Speaking of normal, for a while now I've wanted and needed to do a better job of using grocery coupons. I would ashamedly answer "no" when a cashier would ask if I had any coupons. It's not that we don't like to save money. It's that our grocery shopping was not planned out well enough and we did not prepare at all in way of coupons, deals, and what stores had on sale. I know, shame. I guess our excuse is that we are so busy and that preparing takes time and isn't-so-fun. BUT the money that can be saved by planning ahead is enormous. I decided that taking the small amount of time it takes to plan better is worth it! (Don't worry, I won't be on Extreme Couponing or diving into dumpsters to get coupon pages!)<br />
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I created a Coupon Binder for our home. I bought an inexpensive binder, baseball card sleeves for small coupons (found at Target), and actual coupon sleeves to hold larger coupons (found at Staples).<br />
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I used file folders I already had, cut them in half at the fold, and used them as section dividers. They work fine. I printed out labels of categories that I wanted and affixed them to the "dividers".<br />
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For department store coupons, like Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Target, or Kohl's, I used plastic pouches that I also already had. These particular ones are from Office Max and are the [InPlace] brand. They already have the 3 holes to go on the rings of any binder and a snap closure. I had a couple different styles of these and I labeled them by store or type of coupon. I also used one for restaurant and pizza coupons.<br />
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To say I am glad I have finally organized my coupons is an understatement. Now that I have a system, I feel that hubby and I will be much better when we make a grocery list to look at ads and compare what coupons we have. We also can plan our meals more wisely based on what items we have coupons for and that are also on sale.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WPwlONPD8UE/UJmcvVYxwMI/AAAAAAAACBo/MOICwzZVbD0/s1600/DSCF4392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WPwlONPD8UE/UJmcvVYxwMI/AAAAAAAACBo/MOICwzZVbD0/s640/DSCF4392.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Being organized is half the battle in running a smart, happy, more effective household. No more coupons lying all around the counter or left at home. Now I know exactly where to put them! I plan on keeping this binder (when we are not adding more to it or making our grocery list) in the side door pocket in my van. That way if we make a spontaneous or unplanned trip to a store, I have my coupons with me!<br />
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What system do you use to store all of your coupons? Any tricks you want to share?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Sharing this Project with:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2012/11/show-me-what-a-got-98.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:%20blogspot/lUkHL%20(Not%20JUST%20A%20Housewife)&utm_content=Yahoo!%20Mail">Not Just a Housewife: Show Me What Ya Got</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><a href="http://tutusandteaparties.blogspot.com/">Tutus and Teaparties</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><a href="http://delightfulorder.blogspot.com/2012/11/delightfully-inspiring-thursday-party.html">Delightful Order</a></span><br />
<br />Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-38194896306080485052012-10-31T19:14:00.001-07:002012-11-04T04:18:37.419-08:00Day 31: So, Is Your Nest Less Stressed?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just joining in? Read the entire series<a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"> </a></span><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{HERE}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></a></div>
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On the last post of the series, I wanted to recap the month and review all of the ways that we can be less stressed. <br />
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As usual, I got all ambitious thinking I could do tons of projects this month, start amazing routines that will keep my house stress-free, get ready for the holidays......<br />
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I did get lots done and wrote posts that inspired me and hopefully, you, too, to have less stressed nests.<br />
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I realized as I was writing many of these posts that I already know how to be less stressed. I posted about<u style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-17-taking-care-of-me.html">taking care of myself</a></u>, <u style="color: blue;"><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-25-whats-your-small-stuff.html">not letting small stuff get to me</a></u>, and <u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-10-blessed-by-stress.html">how stress can be a blessing</a></span></u>.<br />
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On the project front, I organized our white cupboards in the basement, including <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><u style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-9-craft-supplies-organizeda-little.html">creating a delightful space for all of my crafting-n-creating gear:</a></u></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-21-organized-gift-wrap.html">organizing my gift wrap supplies</a></u></span>:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-edM6N7fzTQ0/UJHVeSsOU6I/AAAAAAAAB8U/qqQ6QtTGGgM/s1600/DSCF4353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-edM6N7fzTQ0/UJHVeSsOU6I/AAAAAAAAB8U/qqQ6QtTGGgM/s640/DSCF4353.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-14-organizing-school.html">the kids school pictures, awards, and special papers</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YkZzKcIhN1E/UJHWfHx7P_I/AAAAAAAAB8c/BHKIu05tEyg/s1600/DSCF4266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YkZzKcIhN1E/UJHWfHx7P_I/AAAAAAAAB8c/BHKIu05tEyg/s640/DSCF4266.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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and<a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-8-sense-of-accomplishment-fun.html"> transforming our old computer armoire into game and movie storage</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1Gozdh4MRo/UJHW-JEpyGI/AAAAAAAAB8k/qM4h81eLjaU/s1600/DSCF4213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1Gozdh4MRo/UJHW-JEpyGI/AAAAAAAAB8k/qM4h81eLjaU/s640/DSCF4213.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also listed and talked about how creating routines in your house can really help reduce stress, rushing, and make you and your family feel more calm. Things like developing <u style="color: blue;"><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-2-evening-routines-less.html">evening routines</a></u>, <a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-15-making-little-to-do-lists.html"><u style="color: blue;">making little to-do lists</u>,</a> <u style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-29-prioritizing-tasks.html">prioritizing tasks</a></u>, and <u style="color: blue;"><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-16-thinking-aheadcutting-down-on.html">combining errands</a></u> are all tasks I'm working on becoming more a part of my daily life.<br />
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With the holidays coming up crazy-soon, I shared ways you can <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/day-20-starting-to-think-about-holidays.html">start thinking about the holidays</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span">. I truly had intended to be able to do more posts on this topic, but time got away from me.....instead, November will be more dedicated to some posts about this topic. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Thanks for joining in my 31 Days Series! I am proud of myself and all of the other bloggers who made it to the finish line! Woo Hoo!</span><br />
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<br />Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-49382653356731810932012-10-30T17:58:00.001-07:002012-11-04T04:18:23.503-08:00Day 30: Seeing the Finish Line<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just joining in? Read the entire series<a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"> </a></span><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{HERE}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></a></div>
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In writing all of these posts, I've really tried to write to first help myself. Selfish, yes, but I think we are all striving to help ourselves feel better and less stressed because then we can impact, help, and love the people around us more. Like most of us, I struggle daily with little stresses and those evil little thoughts that enter my mind. After tomorrow I will literally go back and read what I have written and see what I have put into play in my life and what I still need to work on. What have you started or stopped doing that has helped you have a Less Stressed Nest? What have you organized or created that made you smile and feel proud?<br />
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I always have tried to make my crazy nest a calm, happy place. Is it easy? No. But I love my hubby and kiddos to the ends of their toes. They are what I do everything for and the reason why I strive to make our home a place of love, happiness, and peace.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bH-crrYubR8/UJB2zx7XyfI/AAAAAAAAB7E/5imm7Zau624/s1600/DSCF2367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bH-crrYubR8/UJB2zx7XyfI/AAAAAAAAB7E/5imm7Zau624/s640/DSCF2367.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tomorrow will be my last post on this 31 Day adventure! I can't believe it. I hope you'll tune in to read it. Several of the last posts have not linked to all of the other posts in the series--I am working on that, so if you've missed any of the posts, you can catch up. I can't wait to finish all of the projects I shared and started and have in my head in the coming weeks.<br />
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<br />Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-56776910588090445762012-10-29T18:13:00.002-07:002012-11-04T04:18:12.370-08:00Day 29: Prioritizing Tasks<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just joining in? Read the entire series<a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"> </a></span><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{HERE}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></a></div>
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Today I wanted to talk about how my little brain thinks when it comes to prioritizing tasks. I'm curious to know how you go about your tasks when there are a lot of them. Do you do the most pressing first? The most desirable first? What kind of task-doer are you?<br />
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Tasks can be stressful, that's for sure. Especially when there are many, many things going on at home or work or both and you are not even sure how you are going to get it all done. Sound familiar?</div>
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Recently one night (okay, tonight) I had to decide whether to tackle many things that needed done for school (gradecards, reports, filing.....) or tackle many cleaning tasks that needed done in my house. Experience tells me that I always seem to pick what makes me feel better visually. For example, I would clean off the counters first before doing the bills because I can't stand the visual clutter and I always have a hard time concentrating on tasks that need a lot of attention when I can see clutter around me. </div>
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When deciding this most recent priority, I knew that lately school is really stressing me out because I always feel behind, scrambling, and like the list of things to do and that are due soon is getting out of hand. I chose to work on my school stuff at home, even with dirty bathrooms and gross floors. Normally this would drive me crazy, but the stress of school and the amount of work that needed to be done that I knew I couldn't get done during the school day HAD to get done at home, and SOON. Putting off cleaning (which I do get help with, but it's more my crazy little self that has a problem with it than anything else) was difficult for me, but I had to make a choice. The world will not end with my furry floors and icky bathroom sinks. Will it?</div>
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Sometimes you have to weigh the tasks and figure out, in the long run, which is going to give you the most stress relief when you are done. How do you weigh your tasks?</div>
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Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-88168211954175654022012-10-28T16:18:00.005-07:002012-11-04T04:17:57.071-08:00Day 28: It's Okay When Life Gets in the Way<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just joining in? Read the entire series<a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"> </a></span><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{HERE}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></a></div>
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Here I am posting for today at 7 PM. This weekend we were able to go up and see my sweet step-daughter, Kaitlyn, up by Cleveland where she goes to school and is a senior. It's about 3 hours away from us. She plays soccer for her college team and today was Senior Day. We had a nice visit with her yesterday, went to see a movie, then out to dinner and our littlest, Riley, got to spend the night with big sissy at her apartment, while the boys, hubby, and I stayed in a nearby hotel. <br />
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Today during the game today it poured freezing rain. We huddled together in the stands to cheer for our girl, fighting over umbrellas, grumbling when the neighboring umbrella dripped water on us, yet giggling and cheering with numb, shaking fingers holding umbrellas and hoods up. I have no idea how Kaitlyn and the other players played so hard in those conditions. It was wicked-nasty out. Riley kept saying, "I don't like that Sandy," referring to the incoming storm.</div>
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Now home, a little bit ago I was in our laundry room, sorting all of our weekend getaway items, wet clothing, blankets, gross, rolled-up socks, and winter coats. </div>
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I could have gotten stressed and overwhelmed by those wet piles but I didn't. I could have worried that I hadn't thought ahead about what I was going to write about for today but I didn't do that, either. Because when life happens, those fun, memory-filled, proud moments come, you need to be 100% present and grateful and not worried or you'll miss the important stuff. Being with family is about the most important stuff there is.</div>
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Sometimes it's hard to put things in perspective, ranking them in order of importance. Listening to my daughter read is more important than looking at Pinterest. Having a good conversation with my hubby is more important than folding laundry. Showing my boys that I care by stopping what I am doing to help them or really, truly listen to them is more important than blogging. </div>
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I hope you let life get in your way and put things in perspective. You'll never look back and wish you had folded more laundry or were on your phone more. </div>
Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-72054968202060287782012-10-27T07:52:00.000-07:002012-11-04T04:17:46.124-08:00Day 27: Ready, Set, Go! Part 2<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just joining in? Read the entire series<a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"> </a></span><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{HERE}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></a></div>
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Yesterday I gave you 10 things you can do in 5 minutes or less to help you be more organized and feel <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">in control</span> of your nest.<br />
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Today, I've got 10 more!<br />
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1. Wipe down the fronts of all of your appliances<br />
2. Sweep your front porch, back porch, or both<br />
3. Throw a load of laundry in, fold a load of laundry, or put a load of laundry away<br />
4. Make a phone call you've been meaning to make that will take less than 5 minutes<br />
5. Go into your e-mail and delete all unwanted/old/unnecessary e-mails<br />
6. Go into your phone and delete all unwanted/old/unnecessary contacts, texts, voicemails, apps, etc.<br />
7. Read a magazine article you've been meaning to read.<br />
8. Sort through your magazines and catalogs--make a pile to keep and a pile to donate or pass on<br />
9. Wipe out all of your bathroom sinks<br />
10. Zip around a room in your house that has lots of misplaced items. Take an empty laundry basket you. Put all items in the basket that don't belong to that room and have each member of your family put any item that belongs to them away.<br />
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<br />Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-20732857508299272602012-10-26T17:09:00.001-07:002012-11-04T04:17:35.150-08:00Day 26: 5 Minutes...Ready, Set, Go! Part 1<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just joining in? Read the entire series<a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"> </a></span><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{HERE}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></a></div>
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Okay...you have <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5 minutes </span>which is about how long I have to write this post. Seriously, aren't we all running around like we're crazy sometimes? Or if you aren't physically moving, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">your mind is.</span>..I made a quickie list of things you can do to feel more on top of things that take 5 minutes or less......tomorrow will be Part 2. Set your timer. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ready, Set, GO!</span><br />
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1. Wipe off your kitchen counters.<br />
2. Do a quick clean-up of your junk drawer.<br />
3. Unsubscribe to retail e-mails that you never have any intention of buying things from.<br />
4. Reply to an e-mail (s) you've been meaning to but have put off.<br />
5. Write a quick thank-you note or 'thinking of you' note, put a stamp on it, and throw it in your mailbox to be mailed.<br />
6. Get in your car and throw away any trash and remove any items that shouldn't be in there.<br />
7. Cross days off the calendar that have passed and look ahead to the next couple weeks and take note on what is coming up and what you need to do to prepare for those things.<br />
8. Open the fridge and make things a little more organized in there. Old take-out? Throw it away.<br />
9. Tackle the pile of papers/mail/coupons that are sitting on the counter. Sort them and discard/recycle anything that is junk. Set the timer again to file or handle things that need done from that pile.<br />
10. Open your pantry or food cupboards. Like the fridge, go through and straighten, organize, and go through items.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Time's Up! </span> What'd you get done?<br />
Tune in tomorrow for 10 more 5-minute tasks that will make you feel in control and all-accomplished!<br />
You're on your way to a Less Stressed Nest!Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-72768532158560870752012-10-25T03:25:00.000-07:002012-11-04T04:17:18.549-08:00Day 25: What's Your Small Stuff?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just joining in? Read the entire series<a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"> </a></span><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{HERE}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></a></div>
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You've probably heard the book <u>Don't Sweat the Small Stuff </u>by Richard Carlson. If not, you've at least heard that piece of advice. Problem is, the small stuff is what's so hard not to sweat.<br />
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I swear I am the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> calmest</span> of persons when teaching during the day with special needs students all doing and asking and needing different things. I handle chaos pretty well. At home I can juggle 10 things at once. In times of strife or trouble in my life, I step up and figure out what to do. But the small stuff, I let it get to me.<br />
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I could make a list of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">small </span>stuff that bugs/urks/irritates/stresses me. I actually started one as I wrote this post but got almost embarrassed because I realized as I was typing that my stuff isn't even small stuff. It's MICROSCOPIC stuff. I laughed out loud! I allow those silly little things to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">steal</span> my joy, my positive thinking, and slowly harden my heart and poison my mind. You know those 'things'-the thoughts you know you shouldn't be thinking, but that rambling is constantly going on in your head never seems to stop.....unless you take control of it.<br />
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Love this quote:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWdqcJo14W0/UIiIPQe_2WI/AAAAAAAAB4s/cT4bOD4els4/s1600/98375573080781005_xYvYXvUk_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWdqcJo14W0/UIiIPQe_2WI/AAAAAAAAB4s/cT4bOD4els4/s640/98375573080781005_xYvYXvUk_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/98375573080781005/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So true! So what's your small stuff?<br />
<br />Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-36257901009925338602012-10-24T03:27:00.000-07:002012-11-04T17:01:05.404-08:00Day 24: Simplifying the Holidays {What Really Matters}<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just joining in? Read the entire series<a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"> </a></span><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{HERE}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></a></div>
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In today's post I wanted to talk about how we can<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> simplify</span> the holidays. So many times we don't because we worry what others will think and that we will let people down.<br />
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Think about that. How many times do we keep up a tradition, whether it be using our best China or making 20 different kinds of cookies, just because that is what our family or friends or colleagues expect? I think that most of us actually love traditions, for they give us those<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> warm</span>, fuzzy feelings that are familiar and loving for all ages, young and old. But at the expense of our sanity? Or budget? Or health? Now if you love a tradition, and it truly brings you joy, then, by all means, keep it up. I'm talking about the ones that are a lot of work and you're doing them because you don't want to disappoint, feel <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">guilty</span>, or not meet others' expectations.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xkkSq-xf5D0/UIc6pkGoyEI/AAAAAAAAB3U/jRCppVfm-c4/s1600/232216924505784466_3IwKJ6gn_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xkkSq-xf5D0/UIc6pkGoyEI/AAAAAAAAB3U/jRCppVfm-c4/s640/232216924505784466_3IwKJ6gn_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/232216924505784466/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Keeping up the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">image</span> of a perfectly decorated home, the perfect meal, 20 different kinds of handcrafted and iced cookies, different, unique gifts for each person, IS EXHAUSTING. Stressed is not how you want to spend your holidays.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1yQMCjXinKc/UIc603eTEtI/AAAAAAAAB3c/Po7W78_hgbk/s1600/33847434668982015_aKxtcIzg_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1yQMCjXinKc/UIc603eTEtI/AAAAAAAAB3c/Po7W78_hgbk/s640/33847434668982015_aKxtcIzg_b.jpg" width="498" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/172262754468329441/">Source</a></td></tr>
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No one ever looks back on a holiday and says, "Boy those matching serving platters she had were amazing." They think about how the holidays made them feel, the sounds of sweet <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">laughter</span> they heard, the smells of food that were made by loving hands, and the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">coziness</span> that, when spent with loved ones, enveloped them.<br />
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This year, I do plan to be more organized and on top of things. And I do plan on making some cookies, making my house pretty, and buying and making gifts for others. What I don't plan on doing is rushing, worrying, procrastinating, and stressing. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-whCSoOULuNc/UIc7TZD-mGI/AAAAAAAAB3k/PyOdeitomr4/s1600/113645590566445786_3ZJrrO2C_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-whCSoOULuNc/UIc7TZD-mGI/AAAAAAAAB3k/PyOdeitomr4/s400/113645590566445786_3ZJrrO2C_b.jpg" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vickydar.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-time-is-here.html">Source</a></td></tr>
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What are your plans to simplify and enjoy the holidays more this year?<br />
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Sharing With:<br />
<a href="http://theinspiredroom.net/2012/10/29/favorite-fall-projects-linky-party/">The Inspired Room, Fall Nesting Party</a>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-8385448738576051522012-10-23T03:18:00.000-07:002012-11-04T04:16:45.356-08:00Day 23: Meal Planning {Kinda}<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just joining in? Read the entire series<a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"> </a></span><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{HERE}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></a></div>
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Surely you've heard of meal planning, the genius idea of planning, prepping, and cooking meals ahead of time then freezing meals until ready to thaw and eat. Some people do it so well they literally have it down to a science. I'm envious of those people. Good Lord.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L1KRORqrNLc/UIXkQ7WOl9I/AAAAAAAABz8/byG6O6jrPrU/s1600/104005072614069744_SkRIACLZ_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L1KRORqrNLc/UIXkQ7WOl9I/AAAAAAAABz8/byG6O6jrPrU/s400/104005072614069744_SkRIACLZ_b.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://joelens.blogspot.com/2007/01/freezer-friendlymake-ahead.html">Source</a></td></tr>
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I can't get into it <i>that</i> much. It's not that I don't want to have my meals planned for a month and have the positive results of all that entails.....it's that I don't have the brain energy or time to devote to planning that far in advance. Call me lazy, but I can't (and I guess <i>won't</i>) do what these <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">superwomen</span> do. Could I change my tune someday? Maybe. Till then I'm doin' it <i>my </i>way. {Insert powerful laugh}.<br />
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Okay, my way isn't really a <i>way</i> but it's my version of doing something, albeit small, to semi-plan in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">advance</span> (key word) what the family is eating. I write it down on my Message Board I made <a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/05/message-board-magic.html">{HERE}</a>, one week at a time. <br />
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It gives me such satisfaction in my craziness to know what I am making and having for dinner. Even if it's leftovers. It's like one less thing to cram into this little brain of mine that is way overloaded already.<br />
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One of the hundreds of us who have been working hard on our 31 Days Series is Jessica with her<br />
"<u><a href="http://goodcheapeats.com/2012/09/31-days-of-freezer-cooking/">31 Days of Freezer Cooking</a></u>". It's good. Really good. It made me want to venture more into this way of cooking. You definitely need to click on over and check it out.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qs6Ipt37GUU/UIXxCLNZ1sI/AAAAAAAAB14/aQILXieALd4/s1600/31-days-of-freezer-cooking-button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qs6Ipt37GUU/UIXxCLNZ1sI/AAAAAAAAB14/aQILXieALd4/s1600/31-days-of-freezer-cooking-button.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goodcheapeats.com/2012/09/31-days-of-freezer-cooking/">Source</a></td></tr>
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For right now I am content with my hubby and I sitting down and planning what we are eating for the week. We talked about trying to "double batch" some things and make some things ahead that are doable for us. I also plan to learn as much as I can from the experts on this topic, although you will never probably find me cooking for an entire day or 10 pounds of beef at a time. :) Hey, baby steps. I am finding what is making <i>me</i> less stressed. Isn't that what matters?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOs0OFuFqUQ/UIXujG9UsJI/AAAAAAAAB1E/hBhb8bSJsZE/s1600/229613280971228406_Wn7jTll9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOs0OFuFqUQ/UIXujG9UsJI/AAAAAAAAB1E/hBhb8bSJsZE/s640/229613280971228406_Wn7jTll9_b.jpg" width="324" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/">Source</a></td></tr>
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I am totally curious about you---do you do meal planning? Freeze-ahead meals? Stress nightly over what to have for dinner? Tell the kids Frosted Flakes or Cheerios? How do you make your meals and meal planning less stressful?<br />
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<br />Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-74022526254302188902012-10-22T03:16:00.000-07:002012-11-04T04:16:30.986-08:00Day 22: Organizing with Labels<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just joining in? Read the entire series<a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"> </a></span><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{HERE}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></a></div>
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Today will be a short post on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">labels</span>. I am slightly obsessed with them. They add function, organization, and style to almost any container, basket, or item. <br />
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Here is a collection of a few labeled things I found around blogland. Hopefully, like me, you will be <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">inspired </span>to make or create some of these. Many of these are from BHG and you can get these printable labels downloaded free on their site! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ifk7JcuFmcE/UISaHU343GI/AAAAAAAABx8/DIhZCeDnI38/s1600/101709732.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ifk7JcuFmcE/UISaHU343GI/AAAAAAAABx8/DIhZCeDnI38/s640/101709732.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/organization-basics/free-printable-storage-labels/#page=22">Sourc</a>e</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6NAjOPL1qUE/UISb8_uAvrI/AAAAAAAABy0/eJh2mwt6szg/s1600/BasketFrameLabels14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6NAjOPL1qUE/UISb8_uAvrI/AAAAAAAABy0/eJh2mwt6szg/s640/BasketFrameLabels14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/05/playroom-progress-basket-labeling.html">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zMjkQCqrvy4/UISaISOcYPI/AAAAAAAAByE/Cj2VqKu8Dy8/s1600/101699045.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zMjkQCqrvy4/UISaISOcYPI/AAAAAAAAByE/Cj2VqKu8Dy8/s640/101699045.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/organization-basics/free-printable-storage-labels/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQpBaFkduBc/UISaJC-uGAI/AAAAAAAAByM/qXQNeyERrvI/s1600/101709726.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQpBaFkduBc/UISaJC-uGAI/AAAAAAAAByM/qXQNeyERrvI/s640/101709726.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/organization-basics/free-printable-storage-labels/#page=19">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TxGaFMciDUA/UISaJ4BCUyI/AAAAAAAAByU/yX4zy8Di46I/s1600/215680269624029027_8F9AAcfe_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TxGaFMciDUA/UISaJ4BCUyI/AAAAAAAAByU/yX4zy8Di46I/s640/215680269624029027_8F9AAcfe_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/organization-basics/free-printable-storage-labels/#page=9">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMcMyPen2ww/UISaMBXqqKI/AAAAAAAAByk/YO4ZGlFUNfA/s1600/101709733.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMcMyPen2ww/UISaMBXqqKI/AAAAAAAAByk/YO4ZGlFUNfA/s640/101709733.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/organization-basics/free-printable-storage-labels/#page=7">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DfVfwzWFIcw/UISaNdOSPmI/AAAAAAAABys/GhsOhFtW0f0/s1600/101709739.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DfVfwzWFIcw/UISaNdOSPmI/AAAAAAAABys/GhsOhFtW0f0/s640/101709739.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/organization-basics/free-printable-storage-labels/#page=3">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Awesome</span>, right? <br />
<br />Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-72237679744048783652012-10-21T17:47:00.000-07:002012-11-04T04:16:14.082-08:00Day 21: {Organized} Gift Wrap<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just joining in? Read the entire series<a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"> </a></span><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{HERE}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></a></div>
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Whew! I can't believe it is October 21! Where has October gone? I have been working on those white cabinets as much as I can. I never realized how <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">useful</span> those could be! Remember my master bedroom closet that I embarrassingly showed you that used to contain my craft supplies? <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Er-oryyo7K8/UISLDI6GwlI/AAAAAAAABwM/dqQtRYYzLuk/s1600/DSCF4179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Er-oryyo7K8/UISLDI6GwlI/AAAAAAAABwM/dqQtRYYzLuk/s640/DSCF4179.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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See the orange drawered organizer? That used to hold my acrylic paints, adhesives, and other crafty stuff. I brought it down to the basement to see if now that it was empty of craft supplies it could hold some of my gift wrapping supplies. Guess what? It fit <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">perfectly</span> in one of the other tall white cabinets down there!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5l-YHmClfSI/UISLhQC3IjI/AAAAAAAABwU/sh7PqDpLZd4/s1600/DSCF4353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5l-YHmClfSI/UISLhQC3IjI/AAAAAAAABwU/sh7PqDpLZd4/s640/DSCF4353.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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At the top of the this tall cabinet are all of our photo albums. I'm not quite done with those yet.<br />
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I made<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> labels</span> for each drawer.<br />
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I added fun contact paper to the back of this cabinet. It added so much <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">color </span>and prettiness! It took me about 10 minutes to line the back of the cabinet--I am going to see what else in my house I can put (removable) contact paper on! I<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> love</span> that stuff! I found mine at Marshall's recently-two rolls for $6.99! I wish I would have picked up other prints. The tall metal container holding the rolls of gift wrap was from my daugher's room. She actually has two of these and we have never used both. I don't think she has realized one is gone. :)<br />
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I love how each drawer is labeled and I can find things so easily. All of this stuff used to be in a shallow plastic container under my bed! I am thrilled that it is so easily <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">accessible</span> and looks so much better now<br />
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How does organizing my gift wrap go along with my Less Stressed Nest series? I'll tell you how. Organization lessens stress and saves time allowing me to<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> enjoy</span> my family and other things more. Pretty, organized spaces calm and relax me and make me happy. <br />
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What have you organized lately? What's on the list?<br />
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Sharing this project with:<br />
<a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2012/10/just-something-i-whipped-up_21.html">The Girl Creative: Just Something I Whipped Up</a><br />
<a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/10/22/made-by-you-monday-124/">Skip to My Lou</a><br />
<a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2012/10/show-me-what-ya-got-96.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:%20blogspot/lUkHL%20(Not%20JUST%20A%20Housewife)">Not Just a Housewife-Show Me What Ya Got</a><br />
<a href="http://bloomdesignsonline.blogspot.com/2012/10/link-party_24.html">Bloom Designs</a>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-71942289898099571562012-10-20T17:34:00.000-07:002012-11-04T04:16:01.881-08:00Day 20: Starting to Think About the Holidays<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just joining in? Read the entire series<a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"> </a></span><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{HERE}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></a></span></span></div>
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Whew! My Post is l-a-t-e! Been a busy Saturday. Fun, but busy.<br />
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I actually did a little searching on the www today to start thinking about the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">holidays</span>. Christmas in particular. Anyone else done that yet? <br />
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I know, I know, it's only October, but I have said every.single. year. that I am NOT procrastinating, stressing, rushing, or worrying during the holidays. And every single year I do. I am still out at the stores on Christmas Eve Day aimlessly gift or grocery shopping. It totally<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> takes away</span> from the enjoyment, beauty, and reason for the season. I'm taking a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">different approach</span> this year, my friends! <br />
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I thought I'd share a couple links my sis sent to me that I went crazy for!<br />
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Here we go..<br />
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For great gift ideas that you can make in mass for neighbors, teachers, and the like...<br />
<a href="http://befickle.blogspot.com/search/label/Christmas%20Gift%20Giving">The Fickle Pickle</a><br />
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There are so many cute ideas on just this one post. Are are do-able, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">afforable</span>, and can take care of lots of gifts you need to give.<br />
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For great new traditions and ideas you can start with your kids or family...<br />
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A sweet blog called <a href="http://workmanfamily.typepad.com/our_life/2008/11/christmas-bucket.html">Workman Family</a> is behind this cute idea. Wrap items filled with small toys, movies, family fun ideas that the kids open each of the 25 days before Christmas. Many of the items in this bucket are ones that they already had. It just adds to the excitement of the season! You could adapt this to fit your family or <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">traditions</span>.</div>
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These are just a couple of the great sites I saw today. I plan on doing more posts this month and next about how I am going to prepare for the holidays so my booty can stay home and<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> enjoy </span>my family on December 24! </div>
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Here is what I am going to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">tackle</span> ahead of time:</div>
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Making a master gift list</div>
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Making as many gifts as possible--I always say I am going to do this-this year I am!</div>
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Nailing down cookie recipes</div>
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Shopping online as much as possible</div>
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Making or buying multiples of things I find that are affordable </div>
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Organizing my Christmas decorations--this is a biggie!</div>
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Simplify, Simplify, Simplify---less is more--figuring out what that means to me and my family</div>
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This researching and thinking about the holidays has really gotten me excited to get organized and feel on-top-of-things this year! I hope I've inspired you to think ahead no matter what holidays you celebrate.</div>
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<br />Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-41580197850425724812012-10-19T03:20:00.002-07:002012-11-04T04:13:37.575-08:00Day 19: Calming Spaces: Eye Candy<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just joining in? Read the entire series<a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"> </a></span><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{HERE}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></a></span></span></div>
When we are <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">overwhelmed</span> with clutter and chaos, sometimes it's nice to have some <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">calming </span>eye candy to look at. No, our homes may not look like this, but we can take ideas and clues from these spaces to incorporate piece and parts of them into our own home. They are inspiring, beautiful, and just by looking at them, reduce my stress! Enjoy all of these pics from the wonderful <a href="http://www.bhg.com/rooms/living-room/family/cozy-family-room-decorating/#page=21">Better Homes and Gardens</a>.<br />
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Beautiful, right? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Create</span> that cozy spot in your home that makes you calm. <br />
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Most of these spaces I have pinned on Pinterest--feel free to click Pin It! so you can too!<br />
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Have a happy Friday!<br />
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<br />Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-7389533649307592122012-10-18T02:58:00.002-07:002012-11-04T04:13:27.174-08:00Day 18: I Heart Coffee, What's Your Vice?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just joining in? Read the entire series<a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"> </a></span><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{HERE}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></a></span></span></div>
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Mmmmm. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Coffee</span>. It's gets me out of bed in the morning just like the Folger's commercial. I'm hooked. Bad. Mug, insulated cup, green straw, I like it all.<br />
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When I am stressed, tired, grumpy, or otherwise I <strike>want</strike> need coffee. I don't smoke, rarely drink alcohol, and don't do anything illegal. But I do drink an excessive amount of the dark stuff. Cream and sugar, please.<br />
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I think about what this habit of mine is doing to me and I justify that anything that it might be doing to my body is outweighed by the way it makes me <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">feel</span>. That sounds bad, yes?<br />
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I mean if I am going to have a Less Stressed Nest, coffee is going to be part of it.<br />
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So, what's your <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">vice</span>? Facebook? Chocolate stashes in your home that only you know about? Pinterest? Sweet tea? What makes you more calm than an hour of yoga? Do tell. My take on this is that life is short. Yes, take care of yourself (my post title yesterday! ha!), but also do little things that you love to do (or drink, or eat..). All in moderation of course. :)Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-20256649719258004932012-10-17T03:07:00.001-07:002012-11-04T04:13:07.847-08:00Day 17: Taking Care of Me<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just joining in? Read the entire series<a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"> </a></span><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{HERE}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></a><br />
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Projects can <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">wait</span>, cleaning can<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> wait</span>, e-mails can <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">wait</span>. None of them can be done effectively if you are tired and run-down. I know as a mom and wife and teacher that I try to care of everyone and everything else. Then I am a grumpy, tired, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">mess</span>. </div>
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Sleep well.</div>
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Eat well.</div>
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Try to clear your mind at the end of the day.</div>
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Know your limits. </div>
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Listen to your body. </div>
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Count your blessings. </div>
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Look at all of things you did today instead of all of things you didn't. </div>
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What are you doing to take care yourself?</div>
Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-43308231804160261412012-10-16T03:52:00.001-07:002012-11-04T04:12:56.071-08:00Day 16: Thinking Ahead=Cutting Down on Errands<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just joining in? Read the entire series<a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"> </a></span><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{HERE}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></a></span></span></div>
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Have you ever ran out to the store to grab snacks for soccer or a folder your kid needs at school, or to the bank to get some cash out for the football game and realize the next day there was 3 other things that you needed for the coming week that you could have picked up when you were RIGHT THERE at the store? Yeah, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">me too</span>. </div>
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It's not like I don't want to visit heavenly Target 3 times a week, but it takes tons of extra <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">time and effort</span> to go multiple times to get things that are needed for you or your family. Plus, while there I usually end up getting more than what I came in for. That only happens at Target, right?<br />
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I need to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">reduce </span>the amount of time I am scurrying around getting those errands done. I brainstormed some things I can do to help with this, and maybe these ideas will help you, too.</div>
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<u>We can:</u><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Look ahead. </span> Not to just tomorrow, but to the next two to three weeks. Check our calendars, schedules, school and sports memos, and newsletters. Make a list of<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> everything</span> that we may need to get or buy. Keep a running list in one place, not on a gazillion post-its notes or lists. <br />
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*Look ahead on school newsletters and flyers. Do we need special or extra school supplies? Donations of items?<br />
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*Look at all sports schedules. Do we need any special equipment/snacks/coaches' gifts?<br />
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*Think about work, whether you work at home or outside of the home. Do we need items for upcoming projects or jobs? Gifts for co-workers?<br />
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*Special occasions--what birthdays/anniversaries/other events are coming up? Do we need to get a gift for an upcoming birthday party? What cards need purchased? Do we have stamps?<br />
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*Clubs/Church/Other organizations--what's coming up that will require us to bring a snack/item/donation?<br />
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*Cash--(I don't have cash often, I use my debit card for almost everything) What is coming up that we will need cash? Do the kids need any for school acitvities? Do we need to go to the bank or ATM while we're out?<br />
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These are just a few areas of our lives that may require us to make a trip to the store to get items. Wouldn't it be great if we were so <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">prepared</span> that we could get several tasks taken care of in one errand? Imagine how on top of things we would feel!<br />
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I know that rushing around and getting things last minute is stressful to say the least. No, these are not rocket-science ideas, but if you are like me, when your head is spinning you tend to do what you need to do in the RIGHT NOW to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">survive</span>. :)<br />
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Remember, we're on this mission together, to create a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Less Stresssed Nest</span>. Are ya with me?</div>
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Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-8726201830265427162012-10-15T14:48:00.001-07:002012-11-04T04:12:41.773-08:00Day 15: Making {Little} to do Lists<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just joining in? Read the entire series<a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"> </a></span><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{HERE}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></a></span></span><br />
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Happy Monday!<br />
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Today I wanted to stress (okay, not stress, emphasize is a better word) the importance of making yourself short to-do <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">lists </span>for the day. If you work outside of the home during the day like I do, my to-do list is what I need to get done in the evening.</div>
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The key is: make it <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">short</span>. Pick 2 or 3 things that HAVE to be done or that really need done.....not those lofty ideas that you know need done but that can wait. If I put everything on my to-do list that needed done in my home, the list would be a mile long. </div>
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In the summer I posted about my <a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/05/message-board-magic.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Message Board</span></a> that I made...I have one of these in the kitchen and as part of my organization station. I make a little to-do list on the one on my kitchen counter--the couple things I would like to get <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">accomplished</span> that evening. If you're a list-maker and love crossing things off, one of these would be perfect for you! </div>
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Having an unending list is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">unrealistic</span> and only leaves you feeling lousy that you didn't get more done and overwhelmed that there is so much to do. Don't do that to yourself! Make is manageable and realistic. </div>
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What 2-3 things do you need to accomplish today? What can wait?</div>
Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-1636806910041658742012-10-14T14:45:00.001-07:002012-11-04T04:12:32.303-08:00Day 14: Organizing School Pics/Papers/Awards<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just joining in? Read the entire series<a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"> </a></span><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{HERE}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></a></span></span></div>
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Happy Weekend!<br />
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I am still in a sea of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">pictures</span> and random stuff from those white cabinets I showed you a few days ago. I have working on the contents of them as much as I have been able to...this morning my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">mission</span> was to tackle the massive mound of photo albums, kid school and sports pics, and school awards and special papers. <br />
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Let me explain myself a bit first...I am organized <i>to a degree. </i>I have always stored all of these things in the same place, but that is what the problem was, they were in the <i>same place</i>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mixed</span> together. With no real assemblance of order. I could NOT put those things back in my cabinets that way. I knew it would be a huge task, but one that once was completed, I was would oh-so-happy and feelin' on top of things.<br />
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Remember this stash of stuff from the cabinets:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEYE4gx_4tA/UHsdoPw_iUI/AAAAAAAABk8/IEqUPCfW5wk/s1600/DSCF4253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEYE4gx_4tA/UHsdoPw_iUI/AAAAAAAABk8/IEqUPCfW5wk/s640/DSCF4253.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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For my three youngest (the oldest is a senior in college and I have her things organized in another place) I purchased 3 zip-around expandable scrapbook paper holders. I figured these would be great to store the kids' school and sports pics, school awards, and grade cards. They were only 6 bucks each at Big Lots and they had 3 different colors! Bonus. I do display their current school picture in frames and put a copy of their sports pictures in special albums I have for each of them. (However, these are not current and will be explained in another post...)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6dnrKxj4AA/UHse23pWGNI/AAAAAAAABlE/CTbMOAeSOyY/s1600/DSCF4252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6dnrKxj4AA/UHse23pWGNI/AAAAAAAABlE/CTbMOAeSOyY/s640/DSCF4252.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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First, I had to sort through the mound of pictures, papers, and artwork and organize by kid and type of item or photo. I made myself quick little cards to make the sorting easier. I even had a furry helper.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sx8cRnlzir8/UHskT24veaI/AAAAAAAABmo/hi54VUvPpVI/s1600/DSCF4251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sx8cRnlzir8/UHskT24veaI/AAAAAAAABmo/hi54VUvPpVI/s640/DSCF4251.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWOOqBC1Gr8/UHskcWaSLrI/AAAAAAAABmw/VB5g5CHL9rQ/s1600/DSCF4256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWOOqBC1Gr8/UHskcWaSLrI/AAAAAAAABmw/VB5g5CHL9rQ/s640/DSCF4256.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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(Adding photos to each of their albums is a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">whole </span>other job.....)<br />
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I used my handy <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">paper tape</span> that I have used on other projects recently and made labels for each of my kiddos. My labels were:<br />
-Grade Cards Ele./Jr. High<br />
-Grade Cards High School<br />
-Sports Pics<br />
-Sports Awards<br />
-School Pics Ele./Jr. High<br />
-School Pics High School<br />
-Misc.<br />
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Even though my two youngest are only in 2nd and 7th grades, I went ahead and labeled for high school because then I will know exactly where these go when the time comes! That means <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">no excuses</span> for me. <br />
Now for all of you SUPER organized moms who have kept your kids things chronologically organized by grade, (know that I hate you--kidding!) you might have a divider for each grade. Since I am just now doing this project, I am <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">simplying</span> it for myself. (Luckily all of the school or sports pictures have the year printed on them already) Here are my labels I wrote on paper tape with a Sharpie:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QnJxG2DNowo/UHsgANTYSCI/AAAAAAAABlM/jWjuWph2ikw/s1600/DSCF4260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QnJxG2DNowo/UHsgANTYSCI/AAAAAAAABlM/jWjuWph2ikw/s640/DSCF4260.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then I just put the tape strips right over the plastic tabs instead of trying to insert the little paper tabs they give you inside of them.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihZX0TSpVcE/UHsgPclJmhI/AAAAAAAABlU/ibu73fR0TuY/s1600/DSCF4266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihZX0TSpVcE/UHsgPclJmhI/AAAAAAAABlU/ibu73fR0TuY/s640/DSCF4266.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love the size of this because even oversized papers or pictures fit inside vertically.<br />
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I labeled the front of each portfolio with my kids' names. This project put a big dent in my mound and I am THRILLED that these things are now organized. I am <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">covered</span> for every item my kids may ever need to find about themselves. Need your Perfect Attendance award from kindergarten? Got it. Grade Card from 3rd grade, 1st quarter? That's there too. Want to see how you have changed through the years and put all of your school pics in a row and giggle? You can do that. <br />
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Here the portfolios are on a shelf in one of the white cabinets. A full reveal of this cabinet will be soon.....<br />
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Going along with my series, this project, while a little<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> overwhelming</span> at first, has made me really feel good about how I have my kids' things organized and that helps with my stress level! I love these portfolios and am considering other uses for them.<br />
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How do you organize all of your kids' awards, pictures, and grade cards? Did you find any ideas here you might try? Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-57429569906135858512012-10-13T10:32:00.007-07:002012-11-04T04:12:22.461-08:00Day 13: It's {Going to Be} a Good Day<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just joining in? Read the entire series<a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"> </a></span><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{HERE}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></a></span></span></div>
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My post is a little late today...I haven't felt tip-top (yucky cold) and have been extra sleepy. Our littlest had her soccer game this morning, and BRRRRR, it was cold! Made me want to come home and sniffle under the covers, lots of them.<br />
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I had intended to post today about a little project I had been working on, but instead shifted my gears to just <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">enjoying</span> the day, the weekend, the beautiful fall weather, and my family. <i>It's going to be a good day.</i><br />
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Days don't always work out in your head how you think they will. Last night in bed I lay thinking of all of the things I was going to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">accomplish</span>, cleaning, projects, blogging, all of the things I wanted to do with my hubby and kids, pumpkin patch-ing, playing a game all together, taking a walk. Then my step-son came home from a football game he went to this morning and says he's going hunting with his uncle. My son, who is 12, wants to go to the school's playground in our neighborhood with his friend, and my daughter is perfectly content reading to her imaginary students (and has been for almost 2 hours! I was her "student" last night--so fun). The hubby is watching college football, our bellies are happy and full of lunch where we all had different remnant-type leftovers and such, and me, I am in a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">sweatshirt and jeans</span> on the couch (also Riley's classroom, oops). When I have other plans, while well-intended, I realize they may not always happen like I thought they would, and that's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">okay</span>. We switch gears, move things around.<br />
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I guess instead of stating that it's going to be a good day, I need to say, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it is a good day</span>. God is good. We are healthy, content, and enjoying a meaningful Saturday. The sun is out, the leaves are crisp, and the nest is cozy.<br />
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How about you? Are you in the frame of mind that it's a good day? Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139615001516801863.post-58465386436714908952012-10-12T03:48:00.001-07:002012-11-04T04:12:07.402-08:00Day 12: Make All Kinds of Date Nights<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just joining in? Read the entire series<a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"> </a></span><a href="http://meaningfulnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-day-one-getting-ready-to-be.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{HERE}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></a></div>
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Today I want to talk about the importance of date nights, but not just with your significant other, as are other kinds, too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ellesees.blogspot.com/2010/09/date-night-on-cheap.html">Source</a></td></tr>
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<i>Date nights with yourself:</i><br />
Probably the most<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> important</span>! We have so much going on in our minds and hearts all day our brains and bodies take a beating. Sometimes I literally feel like I am <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">spinning</span>. Then I think of all the things I have to do tomorrow, this weekend, this month.....and I get completely overwhelmed. I need time to myself, doing "my thing". That may mean taking a walk, drinking coffee while looking at other blogs (or Pinterest), being in my bed alone reading a book or magazine, or taking a bath. It helps me recharge and feel less stressed. FYI: I don't do this nearly enough. I am putting a date with me on the calendar! YOU need to do the same.<br />
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<i>Date nights with your significant other:</i><br />
Guilty on this one, too. I can count on one hand (okay, maybe one hand and one or two fingers on the other) how many dates my hubby and I have went on since our daughter was born 7 years ago. We have family who would watch the kids, it's just we don't even think about it. Well, I think about it some, but that is because I am the woman and that is my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">love language</span>...date nights with the hubby make me feel happy, loved, and connected with him. Putting this on my calendar, too. Maybe even something overnight. Oh yeah.<br />
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<i>Date nights with my kids:</i><br />
I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">love </span>all my kids to pieces and try to spend lots of time with them. I do my best with our various ages and personalities. I have read before about having date nights with your kids and what a great impact that can have on relationships. We have a blended family and it gets crazy but I know I can make this happen, even if on an informal level. If you have step-children or maybe have a rocky relationship with one of your kids or they are going through a rough time or age or phase or maybe you are :) ... this time together is probably crucial to<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> building</span> the relationship and would be healing for both of you. I'm gonna work on this in my life and let you know how it goes.<br />
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Who do you need to make a date with? Yourself, significant other, your kids? Put it on the calendar.<br />
<br />Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10457135215146114420noreply@blogger.com0