Time for Reset Again!!!

Here I go again....that's the story of my life.  I plod along and then realize that I am wasting so much time in my life and let's be honest...I don't have a ton left to waste.  As a senior I am in the late...Fall of my life.  Don't way Winter yet....😐  Anyway...I digress..as usual.  I am again making an effort to be more intentional in what I do each day, enjoy life more fully and be where my feet are.  I spend way too much time hanging out in my head and while that's fun - it just eats up time and accomplishes nothing.  While I do believe that I come up with ideas and ruminate on things to understand them, I also know that I indulge in this activity way to much....to the point that it just becomes day dreaming.  Ugh....I'm tooooooo old for that!!

I have to admit that I spend way too much time perusing Pinterest and Instagram and pictures like these just make my brain tingle.  I'm a little obsessed with Lori Holt and everything she does.    Now...how to put those tingles into action and productivity along with joy.  Last year when I participated in Camp Reset and I was able to put some good ideas into practice and I felt like I was moving forward in my creative journey.  Fast forward to this year----I signed up for Camp again and didn't even crack open my workbook.   Fail!!!  I guess life just got in the way but at least I can still go through the materials and glean some tidbits and ideas on putting them into action in daily life.

One of the biggest changes in our lives is that our youngest has moved out into his own apartment.Wow - that is a game changer for us.  This is the first time in our 34 year marriage that we have lived alone.  When we got married way back in 1985 I already had two precious sweet little boys so we have had children from the beginning. Then we added two more boys to the team. This is the first time I have lived without at least one of my boys since 1978!  I have to admit I was afraid of this and none too happy about this change but at the same time I completely support my boys in their independence and I realize that this is my problem not theirs.  So begrudgingly I have moved forward into this new stage in life and I believe we are settling into it fairly well.  Learning to cook for just two, Sunday dinners only once a month rather than weekly, and spending way more time alone with Lucy Loo as Greg is still working.  

In order to not dwell on the empty rooms and feel sad we jumped right into repurposing them. One of the rooms is now my sewing room/spare bedroom.  Yay!!  I'm having lots of fun getting back into this and pulling out all of my fabric and patterns.  The picture above is a dream project I hope to start soon.  This is a great distraction from the quiet empty house.  This empty nest syndrome is no joke.  But day by day it's getting easier. 

So I'm still doing the two step - two steps forward, one step backwards but that's progress, right?  Looking forward to sewing things for the kids and my sweet beautiful Grandson - the light of our world.  More fun stuff to come.....

So I've Been MIA and Art IS Theraputic!

For many years we've heard that art is healing, therapeutic and cathartic.  I sort of knew and believed this but as I get older I am finding just how true this is.  My Dad was an artist and my oldest son has an art degree and is a beautifully talented artist.  I've always wondered why that gene skipped over me.  I so love creativity and have always been an artist wannabe!!!

Recently I have come to the realization that it does not matter if I'm any good at it, I still get so many benefits from art!!  So I started attempting to draw faces.  Not realistic ones...just whimsical ones.  I am no good at it but I have improved and I absolutely love doing it!!  As my Mother got older she found coloring to be a great soothing activity for her.  She continued to love it until almost the very end.  So...I am adding drawing and watercolor to the massive list of "crafts" that I enjoy.  While I will most probably never be a master at any of these things I still get more benefit than I can explain.

This past August I participated in Cori Spieker's (Aka~ The Reset Girl) Camp Reset  and I cannot speak highly enough about this experience.  There were over 1000 crafty girls involved in this virtual camp and it was such a mind booster and all around wonderful girl time.  For those of us who don't get out a lot, it gave us an opportunity to talk and visit with others who are like minded.  Cori famously speaks to us introverts and understands our hearts.  She encourages us to just do something....doesn't matter what, to encourage our creativity and find what works for you personally.  The camp is coming to an end this week and I will truly miss it.  If you are interested check out Cori's page as she is starting new projects and will be starting Winter Camp in January.  I can't wait to see what this wonderful, kind and imaginative visionary will come up with next to keep us all moving forward in our journeys.  So proud to have participated in #CampReset2018!!

Next up for me is 29 Faces and you can find out more about this on FaceBook and Instagram by searching the hashtag.  I love drawing faces so this is perfect for me.  It does not matter what they look like and there is no judgment - just creativity.  Draw a face a day and post it along with the hashtag #29Faces - so much creative fun.


Something else very exciting to me is the new program on prime time television -  Making It!  The first creative program I can remember in a very long time and it's fantastic.  Check it out on FB too!

So...I encourage everyone to find what works for them.  Do something...anything...creative everyday.  It will change you in ways you can't image and will keep you young and sooth your brain.  It's magic and I can't explain it but it works.  Just Do It!!!  You'll be glad you did and your brain will thank you!!

Cleaning......Can It Be Fun?????

Well I think not unless you are deranged......just kidding.  :-)  I do enjoy cleaning sometimes but most of the time I have to bribe myself to get the job done.  I do Love clean so there's got to be a compromise in there somewhere.  This quandary prompted me to try a new vacuum cleaner yet again.  Yes I go through vacuums like most people do paper towels.  I'm not sure what the answer to this is.  Do I abuse them, use them too much, or are we just too dirty.  No answer....

These questions motivated me to try something new.  I know everybody has heard the cheers for Dyson Vacuums and I would love to own one too.  Sadly that's just not in the budget right now.  I also like the ones that have a detachable hand vac - there are just so many places to get into when you live with pets.  I found a kind of a combination vacuum that I truly love.  I am just getting to know it but so far it is wonderful.  If you have any issues with arthritis, etc., like I do, then this really is a great way to go.  Full disclosure - I am receiving no compensation, etc for talking about this machine.  I just wanted to share something that works for me.  It is the Shark Rocket and believe me it earns it's name.  You can find them here at their web site.  They are also available at Amazon and other retailers.  If you use their site, they are giving away one of their steam mops for trying the little guy and if you don't like it after using it, you can return it for a full refund and they will pay the shipping.  I shop online a lot so this is a super deal.

Here are a few things that I learned about trying it.  The dust cup is small but it is big enough for me because I can just empty it regularly and I tend to vacuum in shifts anyway.  It detaches easily enabling you to use it freely without the tube.  It has an extra long cord which I love and I don't have to worry about it running out of battery power since it is electric.  It is extremely maneuverable - I can get under my bed, tables, chairs, etc. with ease.  The unit is tall which keeps me from bending and saves my back.  It comes with some awesome tools - crevice, brush, and a regular vac tool.  There are also more available on the site.  It has a switch to move from carpet to bare floors and that works great.  So I have to rate this little powerhouse at about a 4.5 out of 5.  We will see how durable it is since our house seems to be the place vacs come to die.

Also the little steam mop that was sent to us free of charge is no slouch either.  It came with two durable tough pads and it quickly steams up and works well.  Time will tell on the durability of this one as well.

I still don't necessarily find cleaning fun but these two little machines are making it a little less painful and easier.  Now if I can just convince the dogs that it didn't come here to kill them.  Ugh.....

What Can You Do with a Super Heavy Pot???

Last year we gave ourselves a dutch oven for Christmas since we didn't have any pots that were oven proof with a lid.  We decided on the enameled cast iron type by Lodge.  We just love using cast iron and this is so awesome because it washes up really well and and it cooks like a dream.  I ordered it online from Amazon and when it came in I was unprepared for how very heavy these pots actually are.  So in a pinch you can cook awesome food with it and use it as a weapon as well.  Just don't drop it on your foot - there will be dire consequences.

The first recipe we christened it with was Beef Bourguignon.  I so love this French stew and have been obsessed with it since I saw the movie Julie and Julia.  Now I am by far not that precise and I don't use the Julia Child recipe but it is delicious just the same.  I am convinced that this dish is especially tasty because of this remarkable pot!!  The recipe is below and a link to print.  The pot takes meat that is not usually very tender and makes it divine!  There are lots of dutch ovens out there and I would like to add another to our collection.  The only other we have is my Grannie's very old one and it is the original cast iron type.  Hard to clean and smelly.  It works well for some things but not so much for stews.

So here we go - let me know how you like it.  It is so very simple - let the pot do all the work for you.

Beef Bourguignon

Cook time: 3 Hr  Prep time: 30 Min  Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

3 lb beef chuck, boneless or stew beef

6 slice bacon

2 c chopped carrots

1 large onion chopped

4 clove garlic

1 pkg mushrooms

2 large bay leaves

beef bouillon, cubes or beef stock

3 c red wine, dry, full bodied or cooking wine

3 Tbsp corn starch or flour

1 stick butter

4 Tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp kosher salt

black pepper to taste

olive oil - optional

Directions

1. I make this stew in an enameled cast iron dutch oven and I do believe it makes all the difference. It turns out delicious every time. First I brown the bacon until crispy and remove it from the pan and leave the drippings.

2. Now brown the beef on all sides. Sprinkle pepper and salt on the meat while browning. After all pieces are browned on the outside, remove them from the pot.

3. Add 1/2 the stick of butter to the pot and sprinkle in about a tablespoon of olive oil. The olive oil is optional but I believe it does add to the flavor. Add in the onions and saute until softened; then add garlic and continue to saute until it is softened. I use a couple of tablespoons jarred chopped garlic but fresh is fine too. Remove these from the pot and set aside.

4. Add the mushrooms and more butter and olive oil if needed. Saute until browned and remove. Add and saute carrots until softened.

5. Add the beef and all vegetables back to the pot. Add 2 cups of water and bullion to pot - beef stock may also be substituted as well. I use 4 cubes. Bring this to a boil and add 4 tablespoons of tomato paste, 3 cups of wine or cooking wine, salt, pepper, garlic salt to taste and stir well to combine. If the mixture does not have enough liquid, add more stock until it almost covers the meat.

6. Add the bacon back to the top of the pot along with the bay leaves. Cover and place in the center of the oven and cook for 2-2/12 at 350 degrees. I normally do not open the oven or lift the lid during this time.

7. After the stew is tender and done, place back on the stove top and skim about 3 tablespoons of the broth into a jar along with 6 tablespoons of flour or corn starch (whichever you prefer) and mix together. Add more water or stock to make about a cup. Stir the stew completely and add the thickener. Simmer on the stove top stirring regularly until the stew is thickened and ready to serve. We usually service with white rice and crusty bread. It is also great with egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

Link to Printable Version

Thanksgiving Prep.....

I have always wanted to make a corn casserole but have never tried it.  Today I thought I would do a trial run and see how it went and then if Hubby liked it, I could make one for Thanksgiving.  I had to do some work arounds but it came out pretty good.  Here's how it went together.

Corn Casserole
1 large package frozen whole kernel corn
3 ounces cream cheese
1/4 cup milk (if you would like to more moist add 1/2 cup
1 package Jiffy Cornbread mix (8 ounces)
2 eggs
1 stick butter - melted
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheese (Optional)

Note:  If you would like you can substitute a 15 ounce can of creamed corn for that part of the recipe.  I liked making the creamed corn and it was so yummy.


To start put the milk in a sauce pan along with 15 ounces of the corn and heat until thawed.  Add the cream cheese and melt.  I added salt and pepper to taste while this was heating.  If you would like the casserole a little more moist, add more milk at this point and continue to stir until creamy.

In a large bowl add the Jiffy mix, 15 ounces of corn, melted stick of butter, eggs and mix well with creamed corn mixture.  Add sour cream last and mix together well and pour into a greased casserole disk.  I used a large pie plate and it worked perfectly.  This is a fluffy creamy batter.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes until golden brown and firm.  If you would like to add the cheese sprinkle on top and melt.  This makes a delicious casserole and makes a great side dish!

An easy to print copy is located here.

Puttin Out the Leaves.....

I so love the holidays!!  It all begins with Halloween and then Thanksgiving along with Christmas and New Years!  I know there are others but this time of the year just seems so magical.  It seems that for weeks on end we get to be excited, full of Love and anticipation.  Everyone just seems to step a little livelier and have more Joy in their hearts.  I only wish I knew a better way to hold onto this all year long.

I am one of those people who is always working on one holiday about the time the other one shows up - I am still puttin out the leaves when I should be Christmas shopping and getting ready for the tree.  I think I am just trying to make it all last a little longer and of course I am just always behind and procrastinate.  But that's another story.

I know I am not alone - there are lots of blogs about enjoying the Fall season and then the Holidays.  We all try to grab all that we can from each day because it seems so far away before it comes again. 

Well here is my craft tip for today.  A good friend gave me this one and most may already know about it but here goes.  If you want free use clip art and images for scrapbooking and crafts, just go to Google.com and enter the subject.  For the one above I just entered thanksgiving images and tons popped up.  The click on the one you like and then left click to save as an image file.  There are so many uses for these and they are beautiful.  Just another way to Savor the Season!

How Much Lime......

Okay - this all started out as Lemon Chicken - something I have never tried but always wanted to make.  I have been trying hard to cook again after years of working hard and not having the energy or brain power to do much more than microwave and make eggs.

Soooo I have a package of skinless boneless chicken breasts - what to do - what to make.  Only problem is there is no lemon juice and no lemons in the fridge and we are trying hard not to run out willy nilly just to pick up one or two things.  We are trying the use what you got theory and make it work.  Sometimes that's a good thing and sometimes not so much.  So here is how I came to make Chicken Lo Mien.

I sauteed some onions and garlic in olive oil and Can't Believe It's Not Butter (my go to for butter substitutes) until they were soft.  I took them out of the pan and added the chicken and sauteed it until it was browned on the outside.  I sprayed a baking dish with olive oil spray and put the chicken, onions and garlic and leftover oil and butter mixture.   Here is where I made the fatal flaw - well not so fatal - I was able to save the chicken and not have it put to death by trash, but it was touch and go.  I added a whole lime that I had cut into chunks.  Yep - I said a whole lime......I did have a lime, just not a lemon.  The recipe said juice of two whole lemons so why not a lime.....right?????  An hour later when I took the chicken out of the oven it smelled divine.  It was juicy and tender but when I took bite it was so bitter I could barely swallow it.  Way too much lime - it may have been OK with the juice but using the whole lime made it way too strong.

So what to do to fix it...enters Hubby who is supposed to be the chef around here and of course he can't believe I put the whole thing in there.  We look it up and supposedly sugar will temper the taste.  He goes a little over board and adds sugar and syrup - yep I said syrup.  If you are making chicken and waffles this probably would have been ingenious but here not so much!  We muddled through and ate some of it with the potatoes I made that would have been good with lemon chicken but not with sweet chicken.

This is how it came to become Chicken Lo Mien and turns out it was delicious!!!  I love Lo Mien and never have made it.  Turns out you can make it somewhat healthy and it was delicious.  Side note - skip the step where you bake the chicken in the lime bath. 

Chicken Lo Mien
2 cups soy sauce
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp ginger
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tbs chopped garlic (I use the jarred kind)
1 tbs corn starch
4 boneless skinless split chicken breast cooked and chopped (I sauteed and baked mine until done)
2 cups thick spaghetti noodles cooked
1 small onion
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup frozen peas

Saute onions and garlic in a couple tablespoons of butter or margarine of your choice and about 2 tablespoons olive oil.  Add carrots and saute until all veggies are tender.  Throw the chicken in and stir and saute with the veggies just until warm.  In a saucepan, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar and garlic salt and simmer on low.  Add corn starch and mix well - I stir mine into some of the liquid or water and then add to the pot to avoid any lumps.  Simmer this until it thickens a bit and is completely mixed.

I then added my noodles to the pan and poured the sauce over that and simmered this way for about 10 minutes.  I then mixed well and let it heat through for about another 10 minutes.   You can spice this up or make it hot if you desire. 

I you have a teriyaki sauce that you like, you can use that in place of the sauce and it works well too.  This can be made with beef or just veggies of your choice.

It turned out wonderful using the chicken we almost thought was ruined because the sweet of the teriyaki fixed it.  It was Awesome!!!

Brunswick Stew - I think......

My Hubby is from North Carolina and evidently Brunswick Stew is big there.  He has always talked about how much he loved it and wanted us to make some.  Ugh.....chicken in a stew.....I imagine bones and nasty parts of the chicken in brown liquid.  I must admit I am a bit squeamish about chicken parts and or bones of any type, but I do love to eat and otherwise I am not very picky....just don't serve bones in liquid.  Growing up in South Carolina, bones were served up pretty regularly and hearing them crunch or finding them in your meal was normal.  There were bones in our fish, in salmon stew, salmon cakes, chicken stew and all kinds of chicken - no boneless chicken.

Now, having sad all that, I ran across a recipe for Southern Brunswick Stew last week and since I am on my new cooking quest, I decided to give it a shot.  Maybe...I dunno....could I make it palatable even for me and the Girlies in our family who also have an aversion to bones????  Doubtful, but why not give it a try for the Hubs.  So this is how I accomplished it with his help and if I do say so myself it was down right tasty and eatable.  Patience though - my methods are not exactly streamlined and fast.

Here's what I put in it:
1 whole chicken - about 3 pounds or so
1 large can tomato sauce
1 large can stewed tomatoes
1 large bag frozen baby Lima beans
1 large bag frozen okra
1 large bag frozen corn
2 cups chopped baby carrots
2 stalks chopped celery
1 large onion
2 tbs of crushed garlic (I use the jarred kind)
4 or 5 chopped potatoes
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 large container of chicken stock
3 chicken bullion cubes
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp celery salt
1 tbs garlic salt with parsley
3 tbls corn starch
1/2 cup water
3 tbs Worstershire sauce
1 1/2 stick of healthy margarine

For this to work for me the chicken had to be cooked before composing the stew - that way I can get all of the nasty stuff out of the way.  I researched lots of recipes and found lots of different ways to do the chicken including cooking it all together but that wasn't for me.  So I roasted it the day before hoping to get some flavor in the meat.  I cooked that fat boy at about 375 degrees for a little over and hour with Can't Believe It's Not Butter all over his rump and onions stuffed you know where.  I added some baby carrots in the pan and threw him in the oven uncovered.  When he was done and cooled a bit, I covered him tightly and put him in the fridge overnight.

Some of the recipes I found used several different kinds of meats like pork and beef along with the chicken, but since I was trying to make this somewhat healthy and not so full of calories, I just put in the bird.  Well if you have never pulled the meat off of a chicken, it is a nasty job, or maybe it's just me.  Hubby came home from work just in the nick of time to have that fun.  We only used pulled meat with no fat, skin or icky stuff.  Just so you don't think I waste nasty stuff, I freeze all of the ugh and I plan to make some dog food from that. 

Ok - drag out your biggest soup pot - this makes a lot of stew!  First I put in all of the tomatoes and frozen veggies and added the stock and 4 cups of water and the bullion.  I sauteed the celery, onion, garlic and carrots in a separate pan until they were tender.  I used the same margarine for this and a little olive oil.  I peeled and chopped the potatoes - since I am not so good with my hands, I just did a rough chop and added them to the soup pot along with the shredded chicken and sauteed veggies.  I then added the seasonings and another half stick of the Can't Believe It's Not Butter and the can of tomato sauce, Worstershire and stirred well.

We brought it to a full boil and stirred and let it roll for a little over 10 minutes.  After that I kept the pot on medium heat and stirred regularly scraping the bottom.  It took a couple of hours for everything to start getting tender and for the taste to develop. At this point I mixed about 1/2 cup water with 3 heaping tablespoons of corn starch and poured into the soup and stirred well.  This thickens it up a bit and makes a nice broth.  If you want it thicker, just add more corn starch.  Then I turned down the heat to low and just let it simmer until dinner time.  The chicken will mix well and breakdown into the stew and this makes each bite awesome. 

If you wanted to do this faster, you could use chicken breast or even canned chicken and canned veggies and it would cook up pretty quick.  The next day the stew is even better

Full disclosure - I did fry up some bacon and we chopped it for the guys to sprinkle over theirs and we put out all kind of hot sauces.  Apparently everything is better with these things!  If your family all like pork, you could add the bacon in to the stew.  Just make it your own!  Oh and cornbread is a natural with this.  If you would like an easy to print version of this recipe, you can find it here:  http://www.justapinch.com/recipes/soup/chicken-soup/southern-brunswick-stew.html 

Tis the Season to Craft....

Oh my how I love this time of the year!!  I look forward to it all year long with such anticipation.  I so love the smells, the color and especially the crafting!!!  Fall and winter months just seem to naturally hand in hand with sewing, quilting and more.  We are inside more and what better way to spend cooler days than working on crafting projects.

One of my obsessions these days is perusing Pinterest for craft patterns and ideas.  It is just amazing what you can find on there and for me it if just chocked full of inspiration.  I just can't seem to get enough.  Now I have to work on spending more time actually doing things that I learn on there.  ;o)  f you haven't been, you have to go - there is something there for everyone!!

I am trying hard to get back to my embroidery machine - so many wonderful things you can do with these little imagination factories - even with a small one like mine.  One day I hope to be able to add a bigger one or a quilting machine - oh the wonders never cease.

Like most everyone I am working on some quick ideas that I can whip up for Christmas gifts.  I am such a Last Minute Lucy and should have been working on this for months now.  In my defense, one of my boys is getting married in early November and that has overtaken my brain.  Ravelry is another place that I love to haunt and find ideas for gift making.  The site is packed full of knit and crochet patterns and the pictures are more than inspiring.

Another joy is finding simple cloth doll patterns to use for gifts for shelters, etc.  My new favorite site is Dolls and Daydreams!  Her patterns are soft and safe for little ones and easy on old hands like mine.  She also donates dolls to places that need them.  Check her out and your imagination will run wild.

Well I need to get off this blog and do stuff!!  Fall will whiz by and be gone before we know it.  Happy Fall and Crafting!!!

Dog Toy Violence.....Really???

This is little Gingy and he came to live with us at Christmas.  He was a gift for Maddie and BJ.  Yes - those are brains now coming out of the side of his head.  His chipper smile is deceptive because he has taken quite the blow and left to his own resources, he will be stuffless or destuffed in short order.  In the spirit of full disclosure, he does have a squeaker inside his little chest and I am aware that is more than likely the cause of his demise.

But......is there nothing we can do about this dog toy violence that occurs during the night, unprovoked???  I have tried all sorts of little "friends" for my two chewers and even the toughest of tough cannot withstand their quest to commit murder ---- slow tortuous murder.  The poor little toys suffer the loss of body parts - normally the nose or an eye goes first but many times it is a single blow to the head as in this case.  Their toy basket is strewn with parts and pieces of their pets and when all else fails they use the lifeless carcuss for a rowdy game of tug of war.  Does the violence never end for these little souls??

I am on a quest to find a pet for my pets that will not succumb to their torture.  I know there must be a fabric that I can work with to make them a friend that they cannot and will not mercilessly murder.  If you have any ideas or suggestions, I welcome them.  No one around here is admitting to this particular attack but they know I know the truth.

Words in a House.....

This adorable little house was created by Artist Susan Branch whom I love!  Looking at it gave me the idea that I should create something out of words this year.  Not a novel idea but I thought it would be fun.  I have been working on another blog about Thanksgiving - something different to be thankful each day for 365 days.  How wonderful would it be to have a shape made up of the words of thanksgiving.  I surely don't have any of the talent or imagination that Susan Branch has but I may just borrow her idea.  She has another one on her site that is a tea pot full of recipes - just love it.  You can find her at SusanBranch.com.  You won't be disappointed if you visit her site - it is full of wonderful ideas and recipes and colorful artwork that will tickle your brain.  I just can't get enough.  I have one of her Christmas books and it is so worn from my use of it and I keep it out all year long.  So thankful for people like Susan who keep us smiling!  ;o)

Organization.......

Ah Organization - the buzz word for every new year, almost as popular as dieting.  Is it a dirty word?? - does it have to be?  Anyone who knows me knows that I am very organizationally challenged!  I border on being a hoarder and if I didn't live with other people, things would not be pretty.  No this is not my space on the left but a link on Martha Stewart's web site. This is my dream.....my goal - probably not one I will ever reach.....

Soooo each and every year and many times in between, I get very excited about organization.  For me it is the hope of organization - what could be.  I peruse web sites that show beautifully organized rooms, labels, shelves.  I spend hours looking at books and magazines, mark pages, save ideas and I really do attempt at least some of these.  If a magazine has an article on the cover with the word organization in it then I want it.   I try to look at myself as always learning - I will probably never be a very organized person - that is unless there comes a time in my life where I have no possessions at all.  Sad but true, but I try to make the best of this handicap  and I chose to make organization a positive ongoing process which will probably last as long as I draw breath.  Here are a few little things that I have learned that actually work for me without much effort.

• I save shoe boxes (I know more clutter) but if your guy or anyone you know has big feet, the boxes are wide enough to put file folders in them.  You can do so many things with this sturdy staple - cover them with fabric or paper; use them for shelf storage; use them in the kitchen cabinets to hold all sorts of thing to keep your pantry organized and best of all they are free!!!
• I save the little somewhat square tissue boxes after the tissues are all gone --- I know, I know.  Anyway - put an empty one on your dryer and put all of those lint pieces, etc. when you clean out the filter, in there.  When it is full, just chunk it.  Keep one near your sewing machine for all of the loose threads and trash - the uses are endless and when full, then you can throw it away - that is unless you find another use for it.
• Shoe bags - I know this idea is not knew, but they are so useful.  Throw one on the back of every closet door, bedrooms, etc.  I even have one hanging in my laundry area for dog leashes, collars, shampoos, etc.  There are all kinds and some are very pretty.  If the slots are not clear you can have fun labeling them.
• Notebooks - I can't say this enough.  Notebooks should be on the 12 step program for the disorganized!  Buy the kind with a sleeve in the front so that you can customize the covers and they can help you in every area of your life.  I use them for ideas, recipes, web site info, instructions for projects----the possibilities are endless....
• Alpha File Folders - I picked up one of these years ago - it is like a big file folder with sections labeled for the alphabet.  I keep it in my file drawer and when I purge my paper in box, I do a presort into the letters that correspond with the items.  That way I am not so bummed about filing - it can be broken down into small jobs.  These can normally be found at office supply stores - hint:  They will fit into your big shoe box...

I will share more as I can - we can all share and learn together....organization is possible for the organizationally challenged-hoarder type people.

Looking for Inspiration....

Allsorts.com

I don't know about you, but I am always looking online for inspiration and ideas for creativity.  One of my very favorite haunts is Allsorts.com!  This is her little winter Zoe and there are so many ideas and free templates tumbling out of her site that you can't possibly leave without some ideas in your head.  My Pinterest is just full of her pics.  Right now I am hoping to make something out of her Advent Calendar idea - so adorable.

Another sight I really love is the Better Homes and Gardens web site - they are packed with all sorts of food and sewing, crafting and more - many free patterns and beautiful pictures. 

Next in my daily inspiration trek is The Inspired Room - such a fun place to hang out and she gathers ideas from all over the online community and I just drool over the rooms there.  From there you can travel to hundreds of similarly creative sites through her links.  Get settled in with a warm drink and a comfy chair for this one.  I can browse these sites for hours until my fingers are numb!

As we make our way through the holidays, I am searching for inspiring sites and their ideas and I will keep you posted on my adventures here.....lots of free fun and I can feel my brain buzzing already!!

It's Always Time for Thanksgiving.......

It is to nice to log onto Facebook now a days and find so many who are trying to count their blessings each day --- rather than dwelling on the problems we all face.  Not only it is it a blessing to those who are counting, it is so inspiring for those of us reading their posts. 

So, I felt compelled to note some of my own - some that I overlook on many days and shouldn't.  As always, the simple things in life that mean so much are the ones that we often overlook and take for granted - until we are without them.  Of course there are the big ones like my four wonderful boys and their mates, my wonderful hubby, our home which we fought so hard for and our fur babies who bring so much to our lives each and every day.  But - I have to take the time to remember the ones that we think of as expected --- but I now know, as do many others in this time we live in, nothing can be taken for granted because tomorrow could bring a very different life for any one of us.  So here goes.....

I am so very thankful for

• good friends who really care
• a warm clean bed to sleep in
• heat when it's cold and air conditioning when it is hot
• clean water to drink and bathe in
• simple good food to eat
• clean clothes and a place to wash and dry them at home
• beautiful falling colorful leaves
• something to do that keeps me busy- even if it is not what I once did
• daily routines that keep me alert and thoughtful
• internet access and my little computer
• ways to express myself and be creative
• kind doctors and nurses who really care
• holidays to celebrate with friends and family
• cool crisp fall days to enjoy
• cold weather so that I enjoy the warm when it comes
• blankets to snuggle under
• fires in the fireplace on a cold evening
• sweaters - I love my sweaters
• comfortable shoes
• HGTV and Food Network - Hallmark TV and Lifetime (heheh)
• walks in the sunshine
• visiting new places
• rainy days
• sunny days
• occasionally getting out of the house
• strong feelings --- love, happiness, joy, sadness, ......
• forgiveness
• and the list goes on and on......

While my list will be different than yours, we all have one and it is a good idea to keep it handy and add to it daily, weekly - it will make a huge difference in your perspective in life.  One day - it may keep you company on a rainy day when you need to remember.....