Seems to be my life

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“She’s got this real funny idea about a diet: you don’t get fat if no one sees you eating.”  - Gloria Naylor



I think I may have been following this one!   LOL!!   Time to stop!!

Snow Day!

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Another heavy snow means another snow day!   Just finished clearing our driveway - the old fashioned way, with a shovel!    (Not like the picture here with the snow machine!!!) That has to count as my work out, right??     I'm counting it and am going to sit here and put my feet up and enjoy my coffee knowing that I have to go no where!

Don't Worry, Be Happy

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Being happy. Who doesn't want that, or if we are happy, we want to be "happier" because its a state of mind we can't get enough of. I found this article on-line at RealSimple.com (SIDE NOTE: I'm a little concerned because this like seems to be my only source these days. I need to maybe branch out, but this magazine/site is just a fit for me. So editorial note here that I am a little one-sided and biased in my opinion!) ANYWAY...I know in January something happens to me. I kind of hibernate like a bear. (LOL - maybe this explains all the cookies I ate in December!! Nature was just having me store fat for my long winter's sleep!!) Seriously, though. When I get home I just kind of hit the couch, wrap up in a blanket and don't move. Waking up in the mornings is tough; blanket is over my head, and my mind says "not again!". So, when I saw this article I was interested and thought I need all the help I can get until the bright days of spring arrive and I can shed my winter blah's!!


9 Things You Can Do to Be Happy in the Next 30 Minutes
Surprising ways to instantly improve your mood.

by Gretchen Rubin

1. Raise your activity level to pump up your energy. If you're on the phone, stand up and pace. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Put more energy into your voice. Take a brisk 10-minute walk. Even better... 

2. Take a walk outside. Research suggests that light stimulates brain chemicals that improve mood. For an extra boost, get your sunlight first thing in the morning.

3. Reach out. Send an e-mail to a friend you haven't seen in a while, or reach out to someone new. Having close bonds with other people is one of the most important keys to happiness. When you act in a friendly way, not only will others feel more friendly toward you, but you'll also strengthen your feelings of friendliness for other people.

4. Rid yourself of a nagging task. Deal with that insurance problem, purchase something you need, or make that long-postponed appointment with the dentist. Crossing an irksome chore off your to-do list will give you a rush of elation.

5. Create a more serene environment. Outer order contributes to inner peace, so spend some time organizing bills and tackling the piles in the kitchen. A large stack of little tasks can feel overwhelming, but often just a few minutes of work can make a sizable dent. Set the timer for 10 minutes and see what you can do.

6. Do a good deed. Introduce two people by e-mail, take a minute to pass along useful information, or deliver some gratifying praise. In fact, you can also...

7. Save someone's life. Sign up to be an organ donor, and remember to tell your family about your decision. Do good, feel good―it really works!

8. Act happy. Fake it 'til you feel it. Research shows that even an artificially induced smile boosts your mood. And if you're smiling, other people will perceive you as being friendlier and more approachable.

9. Learn something new. Think of a subject that you wish you knew more about and spend 15 minutes on the Internet reading about it, or go to a bookstore and buy a book about it. But be honest! Pick a topic that reallyinterests you, not something you think you "should" or "need to" learn about.

Some people worry that wanting to be happier is a selfish goal, but in fact, research shows that happier people are more sociable, likable, healthy, and productive―and they're more inclined to help other people. By working to boost your own happiness, you're making other people happier, too.

Back to Basics

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So, in this quest to have a simpler life, I have looked at all aspects of my life.  Housecleaning, haircare, makeup, etc, and I've shared some good and bad finds along the way.     Here's another one.


Being 40-something my skin no longer has the "fit" or feel it did 10 years ago, and this time of year I suffer from dryness.    I switched from department store lines to products found at the drug store, making sure to purchase a "good" nighttime moisturizer.   I've always used cold cream to remove eye makeup (cheap and not so oily as some products) and in my laziness one night I used the cold cream as an all over moisturizer.   The next morning my skin looked and felt amazing!   So I decided to experiment and try this for one month to see if it would continue!    I am totally pleased with the results.  My makeup seems to be lighter than I've ever worn because my skin underneath is smoother.  AND it is costing so much less!!!   I have to laugh about this, though, because Cold Cream was the only product my mother ever had.


 Over the years, I was never very disciplined about moisturizing my skin and I feel like I'm paying for it now.   So my advice to you ladies in your 30's:  Its not about the product you use - just that you use something to moisturize your skin at night, every night!    Now if I could just find a non-surgical product to tighten my eyelids - I'm starting to get hoods!!!!  Maybe with my savings on this I can splurge a little.    Also for the record, I'm fine with wrinkles - I figure I've earned them!   I'm just worried that someday my eyelids won't open!!


FYI - This is the first time ever I've seen a method for removing these.  I've had clients with this problem so now I found a solution.  (Compliments of Real Simple!)
How to Remove Non-Slip Decals in Bathtub:  Spray the decals and the surrounding areas with WD-40, lifting the edges to get underneath, if possible. Let sit, then gently scrape away the decal with the edge of a credit card. Degrease the tub with liquid dishwashing soap.

Whats New in the New Year

So...January is half over (Yikes!) and I'm looking to see what's shaping up for 2011.

• Real estate is busy, busy (for our team anyway)  We have added listings each week and written 6 contracts!   We are hopping and this is a good thing for which I'm thankful!  
• Economy supposed to be recovering but gas prices UP.   We'll be looking to consolidate trips to the "city" and driving the vehicle with the best gas mileage
• New bible study.  Not sure about this one - especially since the first had such a profound impact on me.   We switched small groups and I'm not sure I'm going to continue.  The topic seems too "light" for me right now.   Always something holding me back.  (I'm struggling right now with the "fit" of this church because as I've previously mentioned, the friend involvement is complicated when you are starting on such a significant path.  I had convinced myself to actually commit and join the church, but I've backed off....again!)
• Clearly my news of career and life change is now "old" but of the 10 or so people I'd asked to come along with me on my journey, there are three who seem to be committed.   The really surprising thing is they are not the three I (or anyone else!) would have predicted would be there for me.     I am thankful to them; I don't think they'll ever know how much.
• Exercise:  Okay - this is a battle right now.  Need to get back to this.   I cannot believe I have let a full month go by and have lost so much momentum.     Of course, the new-found food group (chocolate!) which requires 4-5 servings is also the culprit!!  This has to stop.    Next year - there will be NO Christmas baking.   (Of course next year I hope to be spending Christmas in a warm & sunny place with no trappings of the holidays!  Stay tuned for that plan.)

So some changes, some things the same, and some things I need a kick in the butt to get moving!   I will pray for them all.   Happy Monday!