Day 18

This thankful business is easy, yet hard.  I'm so thankful for everything, that it's hard to pinpoint just what makes me thankful the most day to day.  I'm thankful for having a vehicle that runs and gets my family safely to and from our activities.  Would we better off without a vehicle?!  Maybe.  But it helps develop our minds when we are able to go to the library, zoo, museum, aquarium, etc.  I'm blessed to have a dependable vehicle and love that we don't have many boundaries when we set our minds to it!

Greater happiness will be achieved if we can try to:  Help others. Sharing your time or talents with the less fortunate can help you appreciate how much you truly have and feel better about your circumstances.  This couldn't be any more true than right now.  No matter how terrible we think life is, we are fortunate to have a house, car, heat and the ability to make our kids happy.  There are so many people, adults and children, who have nothing.  I'm a firm believer in love can see you through almost anything, but it's hard to watch other people suffer.

Day 17

My grandparents made me a big part of who I am and today, I'm VERY thankful for them.  All 6 of them.  Not many people are lucky enough to have 6 grandparents, but I was - and I'm thankful I got to spend time with all of them.  I only have my maternal grandmother left, but the value of life from each of them is invaluable to me, still to this day!

Forgive and forget. Refusing to forgive fosters anger and resentment, which makes your own life miserable. Let go and put your energy into something positive so that you can be happier.  Today, I'd like to say, NO KIDDING!  If only people would listen and do this, instead of insisting they do it.  Yet the next time, they still can't be in the same room as so and so, or can't understand why so and so gets to do this, or why anyone would spend time with so and so.  Seriously.... people. GROW UP!   It's time to let the past be the past.  Move on.  Make yourself happy and you'll learn that everyone else is happier!

Day 16

Thankful today for my Brother.  He has always been there for me, even in the 'dark' ages!  He let me live with him when I didn't have many other choices.  Now he's married to a wonderful woman and they have given our family two amazing gifts - my nephew and niece!!   Without any of them, my family wouldn't be complete!!

Today's greater happiness tip:  Play with your pet. Simply petting an animal can decrease anxiety, depression, and blood pressure. So give your pet a little extra attention and you'll increase your own calmness and pleasure. I MISS MY BABY!  It's been almost 2 years since we had to put him down, and we are just starting to think about the pet phase again.  But I remember how the unconditional love a his little face would brighten any day!!! Miss you BeBop!!

Day 15

Today I'm thankful for food.  I know that sounds funny, but I'm thankful that we don't have to struggle for food.  There are days when I haven't prepped for supper, but there's always options.  I know too many people that go to bed hungry at night or don't have the means to eat 3 meals a day.  Please keep those people in mind when you're shopping for Thanksgiving meal ingredients.  Give to the food shelf - you never know when it might be you that needs a helping hand!

Tip for the day:  Don't compare yourself to others. Happy people judge themselves by their own yardsticks, never against what others do or have. Keep up with yourself-not the Joneses.  Hard to follow sometimes, but it goes back to the positive thinking!  Keep these in minds when your days don't seem good and you want what the neighbor has....Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's.  Only YOU can make YOU happy!! 

Day 14

Most days I'm thankful for my job!  Some people wouldn't call it a 'job', but then they've never been a stay at home parent. Parenting is a tough job and even when you work, it's a non-stop commitment.  Now imagine doing it 24/7 for 18+ years!!  I don't usually leave the house without at least one kid attached to me.  Yes, I feel guilty when I ask for 2 hours to myself.  Yes, I miss them when they aren't with me, but it all connects.  I am thankful for the opportunity to raise my kids and feel like I'm not missing out on a lot of events that I might if I worked (now, that being said, I will go back to work at some point!!!)

The tip for greater happiness today:  Exercise regularly. Physical activity produces "feel good chemicals" (endorphins) in the brain, which promote satisfaction and well-being. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise, most days of the week.  Another one I have to work on.  I try to keep active with my kids everyday.  Somedays I don't feel like it and some days it's more weight type (lifting and stretching) but I would like to physically do more to get in shape.  Maybe resolution (Plan) #2 for the new year :D

Day 13

Today I'm thankful for my in-laws!  I love being accepted into a family for just being me!  I know not everyone is as lucky to be blessed in this aspect, but my father in law, mother in law and all my brother and sister in laws have been awesome!  It's like an extension of my own family, only about triple the size :D  I'm thankful that they accept our schedules and lifestyles so they are willing to work around many obstacles in life.  Love you and thank you all!!

Today's happiness point: Be optimistic. A positive outlook is associated with better health, a longer life, and greater joy. When you look to the bright side and believe people are good, you directly increase your own happiness.  I wish I could stamp this on EVERYTHING!  I really dislike the negativity and blaming of others.  If you smile and look at the bright side of any situation, you'll feel like nothing is impossible!

Day 12

Another pretty easy one.. MUSIC.  I'm thankful for music and all that it has done for my life.  There's very few instances in life that music can't help either soothe or help celebrate :)   I'm lucky enough to have found someone to spend my life with that feels pretty much the same way!  Music is our life -and a major downfall - we want to see as many concerts, shows, bands as we can fit in (and sometimes can't afford :( )

The tip for Greater Happiness:  Eat chocolate! Dark chocolate is healthy in moderation, but it can also increase well-being and boost your mood. Savor a small piece to satisfy that craving.  Now that's a great piece of advice!  I don't crave chocolate often (about 1 day a month...you figure it out ;D) and I'm trying to remember to make it dark chocolate.... not always easy, and it takes a few times getting used to it, but overall, it's not that bad and it's a 'healthier' choice than milk chocolate!

Day 11

This was way too simple today!  Today (and everyday) I'm thankful to live in America!  I'm thankful for all the Armed Forces and their families that sacrifice so much so that the rest of us can live in this great country.  I'm thankful for the people that have given the ultimate sacrifices and wrote a check to the United States of America for the cost of their life.  THANK YOU TO ALL VETERANS and all men and women currently serving! Without any of you, we wouldn't be able to do most of what we do everyday!!  Prayers are sent up for all of you each and every day!  THANK YOU!!

Greater Happiness for the day:  Start a journal. Use it to record positive experiences and things you are thankful for. Read your own words during times when you feel down to remember how fortunate you truly are.  And that's what this month of blogging is for me!!  There haven't been many times in my life that I haven't recorded somehow, either online or in an actual journal.  I find soothing to write it out (Vent frustrations, share joys, etc) even if no one ever finds it.  I'm a writer by nature and I'd rather do that to weigh out pros and cons than fight over silly things!

Day 10

Today I'm thankful for my friends!  I don't have a ton of friends, but I have a great list of acquaintances and an amazing list of a few besties!!  They've all been there or helped me out in one way or another over the past many years!!  I don't let people get to know me well very easily, but I'm friendly to just about everyone.  I feel like you can not have too many connections and sometimes a simple "Hi, how are you?" and a smile goes a long way in someone's life!  So THANK YOU to all those people in my life!! :D

Greater happiness tip of day 10:  Simplify your life. Unburden yourself of possessions that lock you in the "rat race" of earning more money to pay for more things you don't really need. Spend time and resources on things that add real meaning to your life.  Funny, that this is the tip today... I really want to take the Dave Ramsey classes on Financial Freedom that will be offered at my Church in the new year.  I'm hoping my husband will be willing to let us do this too!  We both know we need to work on this, but it's easier to say than do I think!   This is probably one of my resolutions for the new year!!

Day 9

TODAY (was) IS MY MOMMY'S BIRTHDAY!  I already said how thankful I am for her, but I'm truly blessed to have someone who was not only my mom but also an amazing person growing up!  LOVE YOU!!!

Today I'm thankful for our home.  There are many people that don't have even half of what we have and we are very blessed to be able to live in a house, run the air conditioning/heat to make it comfortable and fill it with toys, games, furniture and such (sometimes TOO much!!) :D  We are blessed to be able to have a house that allows a family to live comfortably!   It's a great house and we're blessed to fill it with lots of love!

Today's greater happiness tip:  Savor every bite. Eat in a calm environment and use all of your senses to explore the texture, smell, appearance and flavor of your food. You'll be more satisfied after every meal. Okay...this is one I know we need to work on.  I try to make our meal time comfortable and calm, but with two small kids, it's not always possible!!

Day 8

After a brief hiatus, I'm back :D  Did anyone miss me?!?!

Thanksgiving for day 8 - I'm thankful for the teachers in my children's lives.  Whether it be at school, church, or just in their lives, it takes a special person to be a 'teacher'.  Bless them all for taking the time out of their days to try and enrich my kids!! THANK YOU!

A tip for Greater happiness:  Make time for yourself. Pursuing personal growth is just as important as spending time with others. Pencil in some "me" time, even if it's just a few minutes each day. This is why I feel it's important for me (a SAHM mom) to have the hour or so in the mornings.  It's my shower time, maybe have a cup of tea (or can of diet coke) and just enjoy the peace and quiet of no husband and no kids... some days, I do use an extra 10-15 minutes of just lying in bed and being all snuggled up in the blankets!

Day 7

WHEW - I'm caught up (for today :D) You might think it's not that hard, but to come up with something everyday to be thankful for isn't as easy as it sounds!

Day 7 - I'm thankful for opportunity to reconnect with my Dad.  We've never had a fantastic relationship (that I remember) and since he's medical diagnosis, it's only gone down hill.  I'm so thankful we moved him closer to us... it will benefit all of us in the long run.

Day 7 Happiness hint:  Smile! Grinning, even if you don't feel happy, releases serotonin in the brain, instantly lifts your mood and makes you feel better. Plus, smiling people are viewed as sincere, attractive, and sociable. GOSH....I like being right!  SMILE PEOPLE...it's the most attractive thing you'll ever wear!!  If you ever have wondered why I'm in a good mood, it's because I believe life is meant to be lived!  SMILE!!!!

Day 6

Extra thankful for the sunshine.  Do you know why?!  It makes people happier! :)   Including me!  I love seeing the sunshine, even if I don't go out in it, or if it's -40 degrees. I LOVE sunshine!!!  Thank You!!

Leading to greater happiness:  Find meaningful work. The nature of your job isn't as important as how you approach it. A positive attitude and a focus on the meaning behind your work make it more rewarding. Again, it kind of goes with yesterday's tip.  Take time to volunteer and make your life more meaningful if you think you can't get 'rewarding' careers started now.  A POSITIVE ATTITUDE - LOVE THAT!!  People, it's a waste of my time and yours if you continually are in a bad mood or do nothing but complain!  Turn that attitude around and I'll place money on you're life will improve!!

Day 5

Here is day 5's thankful moment - I'm thankful for my health.  Overall, we are healthy family, but I'm watching my extended family deal with cancer and the pain of losing someone close to them.  Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but the inevitable is there.  My kids are healthy and happy, my husband is healthy and I'm healthy.  Yes, we could do more to get even more healthy, but for this day and age, we don't take meds except vitamins and the occasional ibuprofen, etc.... Too many people take drugs to help them.  I understand, I'm just thankful that it's not me right now.

Day 5 to greater happiness:  Take action. If you don't like your job or other life circumstances, make a plan and take charge. You create of your own reality, and you can change your life if you're unhappy. Start today!  SERIOUSLY... I say this to people all the time.  Step out of the comfort zone if your zone is starting to wear you down!  This may not be a prime time to switch jobs, but start looking for one if you're that unhappy.  Don't quit the current job until you have another lined up...but stop complaining about it!  YOU make YOU happy and everything else falls into place!!  Stop looking for someone to blame in circumstances...you're an adult (or almost) and it's time to grow up.

Day 4

Fell behind this weekend, but I'll catch up!! :)

Day 4 -I'm thankful that I'm living in a community where knowing your neighborhood is more important than where you work, what you drive, how big your house is.  My kids can play in the neighborhood with the kids and I feel like they are safe.  Granted, I do keep an eye on them, but they can stay in my line of sight, but still be playing baseball or riding bikes.  So many communities aren't like that anymore and I'm thankful my kids get to reap the benefits of a small town.

Greater happiness tip: Cultivate friendships. The happiest people spend the least time alone. Attend social gatherings, host a party, and call your close friends to catch up as often as possible.  I have a hard time with this one, but I'm striving to make an effort.  Even if the social event is a church related event, or kid friendly, attend.  Stop making excuses to why you don't want to go and get out there.  Make some new friends, see some old ones and just don't forget how to have an adult conversation.  This, by no means, is saying, go out every night and never have down time...that's not healthy either!  My biggest issue is my childless friends.  They don't quite understand how I can stay home and be perfectly happy - these kids and my family are my life!!  That does not mean, stop inviting me to things - I like to get out of the house just as much as anyone, but understand, especially on weekends, I'm more apt to want to go to Chuck E. Cheese's than the bar.  IF it's that important that I get out of the house, give some notice...babysitters are few and far between (and NOT cheap!)

Day 3

Today I'm thankful for my Mom and Stepdad.  Without them, I would've never grown into the person I am today.  They stuck by my side and helped me out of so many jams in the past.  They never waivered (at least to my face) no matter what time I called, or whatever kind of 'issues' I got myself into those times.  They showed me how to be happy with who I am and how to carry myself in the face of trouble.  I'm pretty sure I will never be able to tell them all the things the showed me, even when I wasn't 'listening' :) but I did learn a lot from them.  I'm positive there will never be a way to pay them back, so I hope watching as I grew into a role of wife and mom they got some satisfaction!!  :)  I love them both very much and can't imagine where I'd be without them!!

The greater happiness tip of the day:  Develop your spirituality. Research shows that people who are spiritual tend to be both happier and healthier than those who are not. Consider meditation, spiritual readings, prayer or other religious practices. I touched on this a little bit yesterday in my Thankful for :)  but I truly believe that finding something to help you connect with your inner self will greatly improve your happiness (AND health!!)

A New Month!

It's November and a month of Thanksgiving (and MY BIRTHDAY :D)

I am going to post two things everyday... One that I'm thankful for and one that I feel will help lead to greater happiness!!

My Thankful for yesterday (since I missed it) : I'm thankful for my wonderful family.  With this I mean my kids (stepson included!) and husband!  (the extended will be a different thing for different reasons).  Without these 4 people, my life would be empty. Before any of these wonderful people came in my life, I felt like I was going through the motions and not sure what direction my life was suppose to take.  That all changed when I met my husband and stepson.  Then we added two more adorable kids to the mix and I know now exactly what I'm suppose to do with my life!!!  LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

Yesterday's leading to greater happiness tip:  Start a hobby. People who engage in captivating activities are more satisfied with life. Lose yourself (and your worries) by sewing, writing, cooking or dancing. 
With that advice, I've decided to start scrapbooking.  I have about 5 years worth to catch up on, but I plan to start doing that soon!!!  AND I've fallen in love with cooking/baking all over again!  I've even started looking at the art of canning stuff and saving money that way :)  

Today's thankful:  I'm thankful and elated that I found a church home again!  After a few years of searching and looking at different houses of worship, I feel like I've found a home in the church I chose.  I started looking because I remember the friendships and connections I had in my church growing up and I didn't want my kids to miss out on that opportunity.  In the process, I found a part of me that was missing...not saying that I didn't have God in my life, but I feel truly blessed to have found a fantastic church family.

Today's great happiness tip: Get plenty of sleep. Keep a consistent sleep schedule and get 7-8 hours each night for more energy and less moodiness. I've been trying to do this consistently for about 6 weeks... it helps with overall health!  It's not always easy and doesn't always happen, but it makes a huge difference in the kind of day we have if we all get a proper amount of sleep.  Remember, we have bedtime routines for the kids, so we should start our own as adults!!! 

Know what?!?!

It's almost Halloween :)  This year I have a Foofa (from Yo Gabba Gabba) and an adorable little cow (thank you Carter's!)

Freebie time!!

Shopping online may be more convenient and even cheaper at times than shopping in-store, but the in-store shopping experience will always be better in at least one way: Consumers can score free samples while they shop.

Sure, some websites may throw in a discounted add-on item with your purchase, but at countless bricks-and-mortar stores you can sample products while you shop without actually having to commit to making a purchase. At some stores, the free sample may just be a sliver of food, while at others it could end up being an entire meal. Oftentimes, the trick to finding the best free samples is simply good timing.

The best opportunities for scoring freebies tend to be when a company is introducing a new product in the store, according to Julia Scott, who blogs about deals at BargainBabe.com. Likewise, when the seasons change, she says there is a better chance of stores rolling out more free samples for new and in-demand products. And if that fails, stores commonly provide freebies to customers who provide their email address or start following the company on Facebook and Twitter.

However, certain retailers are generous enough with their free samples that you won't need to resort to these tactics. MainStreet asked several shopping experts to weigh in on their favorite stores for landing free stuff on a regular basis without having to make a purchase.

Whole Foods and Trader Joe's

Say what you will about Whole Foods' prices, but this grocery store chain specializing in natural and organic products offers up more product samples than most.

"Whole Foods is by far my favorite place for samples," says Rachel Holland, the writer behind SurvivingTheStores.com who tracks down food and retail deals. "They always have fresh fruit samples, and it's always fun to try new 'healthier' products."

Trader Joe's, arguably one of Whole Foods' biggest competitors in the organic market, is also known for its free samples. In fact, many locations actually have a special station set up in the store offering a large assortment of free samples that changes throughout the day. This writer has even seen a Trader Joe's location offer complimentary espresso next to free samples of garlic bread and pasta, a veritable feast.

Kroger

You don't have to go to the gourmet grocery stores to get free samples, though. Holland and others we spoke with point to grocery chains like Kroger, which frequently provide samples of fresh and prepared foods for customers. The key, Holland says, is to try to visit these stores by mid-morning before their samples run out.

Walmart

Walmart's brand is built on the power of offering consumers a good bargain, so it should come as little surprise that this chain would have an abundance of free samples.

In fact, the company has a special section of its website devoted to advertising coupons that can be redeemed in stores for free samples as well as limited-time, online-only offers for samples that are delivered to consumers within a few weeks. These samples range from toiletries to household cleaners, though as Scott notes, more often than not the samples seem to be geared more towards women. Indeed, as I write this, the two samples being offered on the site are Poise Hourglass Pads and Playtex Gentle Glide tampons.

Target

Target also promotes free samples on its website every day, but unlike Walmart, none of these can be redeemed in stores. Instead, users must wait 8-10 weeks for the samples to be delivered. But if you're quick enough to snatch up the offers before they sell out and patient enough to wait for them to ship, you can get some excellent giveaways like Kleenex tissues, Garnier Moisture Rescue cream and even a bag of beauty products.

Lowe's and Home Depot

Any fathers reading this probably shouldn't expect to get a free tool chest from these home improvement chains, but your kids just might.

Once every month, Home Depot offers workshops specifically for children to pursue crafts projects like building helicopters, fire trucks and yes, toolboxes that they can take home afterward. Lowe's has a similar program that takes place every Saturday.

"These are a huge hit in my household," says Ryan Eubanks, owner of HeyItsFree.net, which rounds up the best freebies each day. "I can't tell you how many toys and little gadgets from Lowe's we have lying around."

Costco

Usually we tell readers not to shop when hungry because it makes you buy more, but we'll make an exception for Costco. For this chain, you may just get your money's worth by shopping on an empty stomach.

"When you walk into Costco, they have professional representatives sampling products in every department," says Stephanie Nelson, better known as the Coupon Mom. As she tells it, shoppers on the prowl for free samples may just meet their match in Costco, as every aisle seems to offer a different product — from pizza samples in the frozen section to mini sandwiches near the deli foods.

"You can really just go around Costco to five or six departments and get five or six things and call it a meal," she said. "I call it fattening."

Sephora

Makeup stores like Sephora and Aveda are great places to land some freebies, but doing so may require a little bit of schmoozing with the staff.

"There are a lot of ways you can massage a freebie out of pretty much any makeup counter, but really you just have to be friendly and build a relationship," says Scott from BargainBabe. In some cases, that might mean holding up a conversation with the employee behind the counter; in others, you might simply be asked to participate in a quick 10-minute tutorial and trial of a new product.

Sephora, in particular, is known for offering small product samples to customers that may be good for one or two uses. Several times a year, certain Sephora locations will even go so far as to offer more "high-quality freebies" like complimentary mascara and eye shadow products, Scott says.

Birthday Freebies

If all of that isn't enough to satisfy your craving for free things, there is of course one day every year where you can do even better.

Dozens and dozens of retailers offer tremendous freebies to shoppers on their birthday, whether it's a free steak at Black Angus or a free scoop of ice cream at Cold Stone.

12 Everyday items that are germy...and ways to be 'safe'

You keep things clean, right? Wrong. About 80% of infections are transmitted by human contact. Find out what’s lurking on 12 everyday items and what you can do to keep them germ-free in this day and age… Item #1: Sponges  This kitchen “essential” is the germiest object you’ll ever touch, says University of Arizona microbiologist Charles Gerba, Ph.D. The kitchen sponge commonly carries E. coli and fecal bacteria, as well as many other microbes. “In a lot of the homes we looked at, the cleaner they were [on the surface], the more germs we found because people were spreading them around,” Gerba says. “If you don’t use a disinfectant cleaner, you’re just giving a free ride to germs.” In fact, messy guys fared better. “Usually, we found fewer [bacteria] in the homes of bachelors because they never cleaned the place,” he says. Protective Step: Zap sponges in the microwave for one to two minutes weekly or run them through the dishwasher. It will kill off any organisms growing inside. You should also replace sponges at least monthly. Item #2: Women’s purses The inside of your purse may be cluttered, but it’s the bottom that’s crawling with tens of thousands of germs, such as E. coli and salmonella. Women innocently place their purses on germ-infested public floors and surfaces, allowing bacteria to hitch-hike on the bottom of their bag. Protective Step: Never set your purse down on the floor in a public place, especially restrooms. Public commodes are teeming with microbes, Gerba says. Hang your bag on a hook whenever possible. Item #3: Men’s walletsThey're even germier than women’s handbags. The inside of a man’s wallet probably functions as an incubator for microbes, Gerba says. “You’re sitting on it and you’re keeping all your money and anything that’s degradable nice and warm and there is higher moisture content.” Protective Step: Don’t load up your wallet with papers, and if you can, keep your dollar bills in a separate compartment. Whenever possible, pull it out of your back pocket and let it breathe. Item #4: Makeup case Heading out for a night on the town? While you’re freshening up with lipstick, you’re also probably slapping on some extra bacteria. Women’s makeup cases are high on Gerba’s list of germiest items. “The makeup creates something for the microbes to grow in and stick to.”  Protective Step: Leather cosmetic cases are easier to wipe down and disinfect than fabric ones. Pull your makeup out and clean the case every week or so with a disinfecting wipe (don’t use an anti-bacterial one because it won’t kill infection-spreading viruses), or spray a germicide, such as Lysol, onto a paper towel and wipe down the surface. Also, replace your makeup according to expiration dates. Anything that touches your eyes, such as mascara, should be ditched every 3-6 months to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination that can lead to eye infections. Item #5: Remote controlEverybody handles this item, but few people think about cleaning it. Because it’s touched by many hands – those expert transmitters of germs – pay attention to the remote control next time you’re cleaning house. Protective Step: Regularly wipe down all remote controls with a disinfecting wipe or spray. If you can remember to do so, wash your hands before you sit down to watch TV. Or keep a bottle of disinfecting hand gel next to the remote or TV. Item #6: Pillows and mattress The average person sheds about 1.5 million skin cells per hour and perspires one quart per day while doing nothing, says Phillip Tierno, Ph.D., director of clinical microbiology and diagnostic immunology at the New York University Medical Center and author of The Secret Life of Germs (Atria). A mattress doubles in weight every 10 years because of added fungal mold and spores, bacteria, chemicals, dust, lint, fibers, dust mites, insect parts and a host of other items to your bed. After five years, 10% of the weight of a pillow is dust mites. “It’s like a zoo,” Tierno says, “an eco-system in your pillow and mattress.” How’s that for a lullaby? Protective Step: Cover your mattress and pillows with impervious outer covers and do the same for your box spring. “Allergy-proof coverings seal the mattress and pillow, preventing anything from getting in or out, which protects you,” Tierno says. He also suggests that you wash your sheets in hot water every seven days. Item #7: Refillable liquid soap dispensersFecal bacteria grow in refillable soap dispensers, Gerba says. “You can get as many as 10 million bacteria on your hands every time you use one,” he says. “They grow in the soap.” Protective Step: Don’t reuse soap dispensers! Even if it isn’t green, buy a new one when you run out. Item #8: PDA When examining items in men’s offices, Gerba found that BlackBerries and other personal digital assistants were among the top germiest items. In fact, PDAs came in third, behind men’s wallets and women’s purses. Protective Step: Keep your hands clean by washing them regularly and/or using alcohol sprays or gels, which can reduce illness by 30%-50%, Gerba says. Tierno suggests cleaning your hands with alcohol wipes. “The alcoholic wipe has the same concentration, but you’re rubbing." The friction removes the cells that contain germs. Also, wipe down your PDA regularly with a disinfecting wipe or germicidal spray. Item #9: Phones Of all the items you touch daily, your phone is guaranteed to make direct contact with your face. Frighteningly, it was where Gerba found methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a drug-resistant form of staph bacteria that can cause serious skin and blood infections, which can turn fatal. Protective Step: If possible, don’t share phones. Wipe down your office, home and cell phones regularly with disinfecting wipes or a paper towel sprayed with a germicidal agent. Item #10: Bottom of the desk drawerThe desk drawer bottom is the moldiest site Gerba sampled in offices around the country. He also found MRSA also found there. “Seventy percent of women and about 40 percent of men have food in their desks,” he says. Unfortunately for the fairer sex, the foods women store – apples, bananas, granola bars – tend to be more biodegradable, creating more opportunity for mold and other bacteria to develop. Protective Step: Keep food stored in airtight containers and be diligent about cleaning food out of your desk regularly. Wipe down the surface of the desk drawer bottom with disinfecting wipes or germicidal spray on regularly. Item #11: Computer mouse Chances are your hand is touching one right now. Not only is the computer mouse a common breeding ground for MRSA, it also ranks among the top four moldiest spots in the office. And, according to Gerba’s studies, if yeast and/or mold is in one place in your office, it’s all over. Protective Step: Again, use disinfectant. People who use disinfectants have only one-quarter the number of bacteria of those who don’t. Item #12: Door handle We know our hands play a major role in spreading illness. Door handles are a major source of germs and viruses. “When a person is ill and in the office, he’s laying a minefield of viruses behind him while he coughs and sneezes and touches things,” Gerba says. “You really run a germ gauntlet during the flu and cold season.”Protective Step: “I spray my doorknobs, particularly if someone with a hint of a cold walks in,” he says. Germicidal sprays, such as Lysol with alcohol, are excellent remedies because they reduce the influenza virus, Tierno says. Some germs aren't contained to one spot. Cars, in particular, have a variety of bacteria-laden surfaces. Think you're being clean by wiping the steering wheel? Not true. Dashboards, door handles and cup holders in cars sampled around the country had an average of 10,000 bacteria per four square inches, Gerba found. The bigger the car, the more germs there were, probably because more kids usually travel in them. And where kids are, germs follow. The worst kinds of bacteria were found in cars in such humid climates as Florida; molds were rampant in cars in cold cities like Chicago. “Cars act like a refrigerator in Chicago and a sauna in Florida,” Gerba says. Protective Step: Wipe down the surfaces of your car with disinfectant wipes. Minimize eating in your car as much as possible; food is a major cause of bacteria. If you must eat on the go, vacuum particles left on the seats, upholstery and carpet.

It's coming!!

My Chef Boyardee House Party!!

I'm super stoked for this!! I hope many people come and share this with me!  :)   If you're interested or want info /recipes, let me know!!!

Lessons in Life:

Me and the kiddos had a date. Some people get all weirded out when I call it a date. But that’s what it was. A parent and children, out on the town, living it up.

McD’s style. Playland, yo!

Of course on this date, dinner was bought. Along with the ever popular, collectible Happy Meal toys. Can I just tell you how many of these things are lying around the house? Scattered under the couch. More likely than not, wedged in the couch cushions. Probably buried in the back of my car, plotting their revenge.

More than I can count, that’s how many.And I swear to you, SWEAR, that we don’t go to McD’s, that often.

Once a week isn’t often is it?

On this particular date (now I’m saying it just to annoy people) the toy of the evening was from the Strawberry Shortcake collection. This group of young ladies includes the most talked about 'super hero' in our house: Strawberry. She is coveted.

Now, we don’t actually own many Strawberry toys. 

Anyway, back to my story. As we walk up to the counter at McD’s, the toy display loomed, beckoning to the kiddos. They put it there on purpose, in the direct sight-line of kids. Just in case their parents were even considering ordering something other than a Happy Meal, this display seals it. With whines and cries and big, giant puppy-dog eyes, no parent can resits the call of a child who wants a Happy Meal. Scratch that, a child who can not live without a Happy Meal.

Smack dab in the middle of this display is Strawberry. Calling out to the kids. Breathing their names. Promising hours upon hours of adventures. If we would just order a Happy Meal.

Only Strawberry lied. The kiddo got Blueberry Muffin. Lame old Blueberry. Not nearly as cool as Strawberry.

For the rest of the evening, that was the theme. “I really wanted Strawberry, but they didn’t have her, and I got Blueberry instead, but I really wanted Strawberry, so we’ll have to go back and get her next time.” Now imagine this on repeat about a million times in a munchkin’s voice.

On repeat, without even a pause button. Ten minutes in, it finally dawned on me: teachable moment! Teachable moment! And these oh-so-wise words tumbled out of my mouth:

“Well kiddo, we don’t always get what we want. We just have to be happy with what we have.”

Brilliant, I know.

I was so proud of myself, taking the moment to teach, or begin to teach, such an important life lesson. Learning to be happy, love and appreciate what you have, instead of focusing on what you don’t have.

Then, as I was telling friends about my mom-of-the-year moment, someone slapped me in the face. With words. Not hands.

This great life lesson isn’t something that we necessarily follow.

Damn. Right.

How many times do I fall down the well of self pity because of something that we don’t have? We don’t have a giant house with rooms to spare. We can’t afford two mortgages so we’re stuck in our ever-shrinking house. We don’t have the latest and greatest technology (hello iPad2 envy). We can’t go out for dinner every week. We can’t buy the kiddo toys every time we’re at the store. 

I couldn’t…

We can’t…

We don’t…

The list gets longer the more I think about it. Too many have-nots. Too many disappointing Blueberry Muffin toys. Not enough Strawberry Shortcake Dolls.

This is by far one of my favorite moments in motherhood: When a lesson shared with my kids is actually a lesson for myself. And really, for everyone.

Be thankful for what you have. Focus on the love surrounding you.

And let all of the other things melt away.

Apple time!

Recently, I was standing in front of a beautiful display of apples at a local grocery store. A very puzzled gentleman asked me which apples were for pies. His wife had given him the shopping list, but had not explained which type of apple to buy. If this sounds familiar, then read on. 

Fall, the apple-picking season, is here! Whether you pick your own at an orchard, support your local farmer’s market or shop at the grocery store—with so many varieties available, anyone can get confused. Here’s an easy guide to help choose the best apples for your needs, whether baking, cooking, or just simply eating. 

• For eating straight from the basket, crisp, juicy, and tangy varieties are best. Red Delicious is the most popular eating apple, but if you prefer a denser, tarter snack, try a Granny Smith, or a softer-fleshed McIntosh. Or check out the distinctive tastes of local farm varieties like SweetTango, HoneyCrisp, etc.
• To make applesauce, McIntosh is moist and flavorful. Cortlands and Braeburns also make good choices.
• When baking, Rome apples are recommended because they hold their shape well. You can also try Fuijis, which are sweeter, wetter, and have a spicy flavor.
• In pies, a mix of apples is best. Include Golden Delicious for sweetness and good shape, a tart apple like Granny Smith, and some flavorful varieties like Pippin, Winesap, Crispin and Jonagold.
• To check out the entire world of apple varieties and usage, as well as delicious recipes, click here.

When selecting apples look for a shiny skin. Dull appearing apples will not be as crisp or as tasty. Your apples should be firm and free of bruises and punctures. Once you bring them home, keep your apples refrigerated. Fruit bowls are beautiful, but your apples will not stay crispy for long on the countertop. In fact, they will last 10 times longer when refrigerated. 

Prepare your apple dishes just before serving to minimize browning. Protect cut apples from oxidation (which causes them to turn brown) by dipping them into a solution of one part citrus juice and three parts water.

And if by chance your apples should become soft and mushy, don’t throw them out! Peel, core, and slice them. Place the apple slices in a microwave dish. Sprinkle lightly with some brown sugar and cinnamon. Cover and microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, until your desired degree of tenderness is achieved. Serve warm. YUMMY!

And finally…does an apple a day really keep the doctor away? Perhaps! Apples are filled with disease-fighting properties. They can help lower blood cholesterol, improve bowel functioning, and reduce your risk of stroke, prostate cancer and diabetes. So get your fill of apples this Fall, while they’re bountiful, affordable, and in-season. Warm cider, anyone?

Ways to cut your energy bill....

It's the time of year when we start to roll out the clear plastic sheet and get out the trusty blow dryer to prep windows for winter. Did you know? Heating accounts for almost 29 percent of the energy use in a typical American home. And, a poorly sealed home can waste 10 to 15 percent of your heating dollars. Even though it is the largest energy expense, weather-stripping and caulking are probably the least expensive, most effective ways to cut down on heating waste.
I have compiled a list of things that are fast and free to help your home fight off winter energy demands more efficiently and more affordably. Whether or not you rent or own, you can take steps to make your home energy efficient with little or no expense.

The following list is like sit-ups for your home:  

• Set your thermostat to 68 degrees.
• Set your water heater to 120 degrees.
• Good morning sunshine -- Open window coverings on south-facing windows to warm your home, but remember to close them at night.
• Keep it shut -- I don't care how much you love that fireplace, traditional fireplaces are not efficient. When not in use, shut the damper and make sure it stays closed.
• Plug leaks -- Install weather-stripping or caulk leaky doors and windows. Did you know a 1/16th-inch unsealed crack around a window lets in as much cold air as leaving the window open 1/2-inch? Yikes.
• Use cold water when you wash your clothes. They won't know the difference.
• Dry your clothes outside (Okay it's not ideal, I get that.) or buy a drying rack.
• Change out your light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs or LEDs.
• Install a low-flow shower head.
• Buy your water heater a blanket. If your water heater feels warm to the touch it is losing heat and needs a blanket.
• Don't forget to replace your furnace filter -- remember that a dirty filter for your furnace is like you trying to breathe through a waffle.
• Ceiling fan -- Turn the blades clockwise in the winter!
• Install clear, plastic sheets in the windows. Remember to seal the plastic tightly frame to frame.
• And my personal favorite, make sure you don't have a piece of furniture or a big, fluffy cat blocking a vent! This will ensure that the air is evenly distributed throughout the-house and not inundated with cat hair.

The good news -- You can take most of these energy-efficiency shape-ups with you when you move to your next home or apartment -- your home will be an energy efficiency knock out in no time. 

HAHAHAHA...

Joke is on me... I THOUGHT I'd have time... Let's try it again ;D  

Something "new"

I'm going to start TRYING to display pictures of our town and the river flooding that is not going to avoid us this year.  The "good" news is, at our home we should be fine, but our downtown area and some good friends may not escape it this time :(  

What a week!

It starts with the Shuttle Discovery's last trip ending.  It really brought back memories to watch it land.  We saw The Challenger land in CA the last time before that tragic accident.  Man...I didn't think I'd get emotional.

Then the devastating earthquake in Japan and the tsunami that followed....devastation is really an understatement.   I pray for the Pacific and the country of Japan that the death toll remains relatively low and that they can heal and rebuild.  Please pray that the nuclear plant gets everything under control because on top of everything else, this is the last thing they need to struggle with in that country.
Don't get me wrong...I am struck by how much turmoil and devastation is there.  I am very grateful and thankful that it didn't happen a month later (why did it happen at all?!) when my husband would be traveling there.  If you think I'm fit to be tied while he's gone anyway, imagine if he was in the area (although he only spends a limited time on Japan) and this happened?!  I'd probably have to be committed.
Again, not taking away from the experiences they are having, but I'm just thankful that everyone I know of (Cevin's coworkers and contacts) are all safe and alive.  Please pray for them.  These are people just like you and me.  TRAGIC.

To top the week off... germs can officially leave my house now!  They've crippled all of us.  Lincoln and mommy were the last to be affected and now it's taking it's toll on us.  Little guy got pink eye earlier this week and now he's got a terrible cough - he only seems to sleep comfortably when somewhat upright :(  POOR KID.  Mommy's (my) ear and head are stuffed up and my throat feels like it's on fire.  OKAY we give up...germs.  Cevin had the flu, Abby's been on antibiotics for 10 days for a double ear and double eye infection as a result from her bacterial cold, and now Lincoln and me.  MAYBE this week we can open the windows for a few hours?!?!!?  Just maybe.... ;)  

SAVING WITH COUPONS . . . Lessons Learned


What is the #1 way I have finally learned to save money on groceries?
The first and foremost way to budget your groceries is to have a meal plan – easy to say, hard to do – consistently. In comes E-Mealz!

However, do I save money with coupons? Absolutely!

Do I stockpile as much as possible? Absolutely.

Do coupons or stockpiling help solve the dinnertime dilemma? Absolutely not! I wish.

I could own my own grocery store for heaven’s sake and that still would not eliminate “the 5 o’clock stare” into my cupboard every day. Someone please just tell me what to fix! Thank goodness for E-Mealz!

So is fooling with coupons really worth all the time I have to spend in the long run?
After clipping, stacking, filing, sorting, expiring and the headache that comes with collecting coupons, I finally determined that there had to be a more realistic approach for this busy mom. After all, a .50-cent coupon here and a .75-cent coupon there to me were not worth the minutia when my brain was already taxed. I know I am not alone here!

What was my lesson learned?  Once again, my favorite E-Mealz word – simplify.

First, stick to the handful of coupons for items my family purchases regularly – key word.

Second, I discovered web sites where I could order the EXACT coupons I wanted in multiples! No more clipping, yeah!
All those jars of Jiffy peanut butter we consume at $2.83 a whack now are bought at .50 a jar! That’s five jars for the normal price of one! I simply order 10 coupons on line for .08 cents each. I wait for Jiffy peanut butter to go on sale or BOGO. Then I buy 10 jars (to last my family half a year) and I’m one happy camper. Spending $5 (plus the $1 for the coupons) as opposed to $28.30 is worth the effort!

So what is my simple system?
1) Scan the coupons in the Sunday paper inserts. Nine times out of ten, when a manufacture coupon comes out in the Sunday insert, then it becomes available to order in multiples on these “Coupons by Mail” web-sites.

2) Go straight to http://www.thecouponclippers.com/ or http://www.thecouponmaster.com/ and find the coupons you want. They are listed alphabetically by brand name. It’s easy! If you don’t get the Sunday paper, then
just go straight to one of these sites and see what is available.

3) Order those coupons in multiples.

4) Wait for those items to go on sale. Move in for the kill and go power buy!

The best values are the Buy One Get One Free (BOGO) specials – most stores allow you to use 2 coupons. This is where you can pay pennies or even get items for free!

So how do I use E-Mealz and coupons? I simply take my E-Mealz grocery list and check of any items I may already have in my cupboard. Many times I am able to power buy items such as salad dressings, spaghetti sauce, pasta and other items that would be used in a dinner menu.

However, I’ve learned that for most of the items needed to prepare dinner – such as fresh meats, produce, etc. – regular coupons are rarely issued. Most power buying coupons are for items needed for breakfast and lunch foods.

Being a busy Mom and on-the-run the majority of the time, using E-Mealz and ordering coupons is a simple way to cover all my bases.

I’m saving on dinner expenses because:
1) I have my E-Mealz plan and spending is controlled.

2) We’re not eating out!

I’m saving on breakfast and lunch items because I’m using coupons and power buyingas much as possible.

By using E-Mealz and coupons, you’ll give yourself a raise! It’s a simple, doable, affordable system that will save you money, keep your family fed and simplify your life! I honestly don’t know how I did it before
E-Mealz!



 
Try them out... You'll love it!!! I Promise :D   If you sign up, use my name and then when you fall in love with them, everyone can use your name too!!!!  

To All My Childless Friends.....

This mommy has a message for her friends.

To All My Friends Who Don't Have Children,

I love you, I promise I do, but please stretch your minds a little and try and think of what it's like to be in my position. No, I can't take a vacation for a week without my kids, just to hang out with you. I can't take a detour during a car trip an hour out of my way with screaming children just so we can sit in your not-safe-for-kids house so you don't have to get dressed and meet us at a diner.

I can't go out drinking on Ladies Night at your favorite bar, because my husband works the next morning, so I can't be hungover—I have children to care for.

Please don't call me on a weekend just to talk about how tired you are even though you slept in until 10. I've been up three times last night, and that qualifies as a good night. I also regularly wake up at six-thirty just so I can have a half an hour of peace.

Please don't complain that your house is messy—I understand your husband doesn't pick up his socks, but I just scraped dried poop off the side of the toilet and just finished a load of laundry that smelled like sour milk. I'm sorry you haven't dusted.

If you come over, realize I have young kids, so sitting with a cup of coffee and chatting isn't going to be possible. If you aren't interested in playing with them with me, don't come over. And please do not have the gumption to look grossed out when my two year old sneezes and gets snot on you. It's mucus, not poop.


Thanks.

Sincerely,

Tired of Being the Only Adult in the Room

Happy Valentine's Day!

We don't really celebrate the day in our house.  Our theory is we love each and do everything we can to show it EVERYDAY!!  But for those that do celebrate this day....hope it's a great one!!!
Here are some tips for celebrating Valentine's Day on a budget (or any occasion, really!!!)

•1 If you have kids, call their grandparents. Ask them to baby-sit at their house. Ask them to take the kids overnight (this may mean celebrating Valentine's Day on a different day but that's OK!). Get on your knees and beg if you must. But get the kids out of the house for one night! It's important for your relationship to have some kid-free time now and then and Valentine's Day is an excellent excuse for that!

•2 Instead of going out to eat and spending a lot of money, cook dinner together. Go shopping ahead of time and buy everything you need to make a favorite meal. Then spend the afternoon cooking together. This is more fun than eating out and it creates a special memory for the two of you as well.

•3 Enjoy your homemade dinner together. Relax and eat slowly. Your kids are gone for the night so for once you don't have to choke down your dinner while wiping spills and jumping up six times because you got your three year old the wrong fork!

•4 Since you are trying to stick to a budget, after dinner stay in. Order a movie on Pay-Per-View or On-Demand. It costs the same as going to the video store but you save money on gas - and you won't be tempted to pay the $3.00 the video store charges for a single candy bar!

•5 Instead of exchanging gifts, exchange promises for the next month. Promise a weekly back or foot rub. Do the other person's chores. Come up with something special you can promise the other person for the next month!

It's been a few weeks!! LOVE THIS

Seriously, TRY this!!  Feeding two, five or trying to follow a low-fat, point plan?!!?  Check out the site and use me as a reference :)  LOVE IT!!!

Ten ways to become a Queen of Your Own Life

“Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” “You’re short, you’re fat, you’re old and you’re gray. It certainly isn’t you, so back away.” Be honest. We have all looked in the mirror and asked some version of that question with a similar imagined response.

Wouldn’t the ultimate gift to yourself be to believe that, no matter your age, size or circumstances, you are beautiful and then go out into the world reflecting that feeling inside and out?
There is no better time than now to start to appreciate that you are perfect just the way you are. A truly remarkable woman who is more than ready to be a Queen! Join us in following these 10 great steps and claim your rightful and royal place as Queen of Your Own Life. After all ladies, if not now, when?

10. Banish Let go of a thought or action from the first half of your life that is no longer working for you.
When we asked ourselves this deceptively simple question, we both decided we needed to banish our fear of not being liked. By saying it out loud, we were able to call attention to the fact there was substantial evidence that indicated we were already liked – in particular by each other. We were able to laugh at our fear while reminding each other that we were indeed pretty fabulous. We also pointed out to each other that if there was somebody who couldn’t see how awesome we were it was just their opinion and did not make us unlovable. Oh, and we decided we were no longer going to wear spiky high heels that caused sharp bolts of pain to travel up our spinal column and numb our brain. Life is too short to spend it tottering around like a tipsy geisha.

9. Keep What do you really like about yourself? Identify your strengths and decide what you want to keep from the first half of your life that is still working for you.
We found this to be a hard one because we were always taught that nice girls don’t brag or call attention to themselves. How sad is it when you’re too embarrassed to even admit to yourself that you admire something about yourself?
In the end the one thing we really liked about ourselves and were both certain that we wanted to keep was our sense of humor. We like to think of ourselves as women who go above and beyond the call of making lemonade from lemons. It’s like when you’re out taking a walk, all dressed up in your new blouse and you trip and fall down, skidding on your chest across the concrete through the only mud puddle in a ten-block radius. Do you cry or do you laugh? We’re the kind of women who laugh until we cry and joyfully invite everyone around us to do the same.

8. Claim your beauty and power End the mirror’s reign of terror.
In the past when we looked in the mirror we frequently saw only our flaws. Remember what happened in Snow White when the magic mirror told the Queen she wasn’t the fairest in the land? All hell broke loose. We believe the truth is we are all original works of art – perfect just the way we are. We claimed our beauty and power by looking in the mirror, making steady and direct eye contact with ourselves and saying, “I am beautiful, courageous, valuable and perfect just the way I am – so sayeth the Queen!” It seemed pretty silly in the beginning and we did a good bit of giggling but we said it every time we passed a mirror. All it took was some practice and soon it didn’t seem silly but simply true. Now we never even hear so much as a peep out of that damn mirror.

7. Language matters The words we choose to speak to ourselves and about ourselves are important.
Have you ever made a mistake and heard your internal voice say something like, “You are such a noodle-head, what were you thinking!” We certainly have – actually noodle-head is almost a term of endearment compared to some of the nasty things our internal voices have said. The point is we wouldn’t let a stranger call us a noodle-head so why would we put up with it from our own disapproving internal voice.
Here’s how we dealt with the habit of letting our negative internal voice chip away at our self-esteem. We set a kitchen timer and told our negative voice it had ten minutes to try and take us down. Then we waited. At first we heard some pretty nasty insults but within minutes it had run out of things to say and was left sputtering. When the timer beeped, we laid out the new rules. “From now on if you don’t have something good to say to me then don’t say anything at all – the Queen has spoken!” In the blessed silence that followed, we heard a voice we hadn’t heard since we were girls. It was our positive inner voice telling us to dance, sing, play and have fun. Our true voice that guides us had been drowned out by the voice of doubt, shame, anxiety and fear. We have renamed our newly uncovered voice the Queen Voice and we want to invite you to uncover yours.

6. Admire yourself Give yourself a Windy Mountain Moment so you can appreciate who you’ve become.
We believe the old analogy of life being a tapestry. But we think that most of the time we live at the back of the tapestry with strings hanging everywhere. In that jumble of knots, we sometimes feel that we’re just trying to stay out of the way of that big, sharp needle that keeps poking through. It’s a great gift to yourself to stop and take a moment to come around to the front of the tapestry to see the beauty of a life well lived.
Here’s how to have your own Windy Mountain Moment. Imagine yourself standing on top of a mountain on a beautiful clear day. Look back down the mountain at the steep trail you took to get here. No doubt it does a lot of winding and zigzagging as you had to change direction to get around the occasional large boulder blocking the path. But you did it and the fact that you made it up that rugged path to this spot where you are standing right now proves you are extraordinary and worthy of your own admiration. Every woman’s journey involves detours, challenges, triumphs and a few harrowing moments. It is precisely because of the nature of the journey and your willingness to continue putting one foot in front of the other that makes you a remarkable woman. So stand tall on this mountain top, feel the wind in your hair and shout out at the top of your lungs “I am an amazing woman and I admire me.”

5. Build and nurture trusting friendships Face life’s joys and challenges with a friend by your side.
Every woman needs at least one good friend to watch her live life so she can occasionally ask, “How am I doing?” trusting she’ll get an honest answer. These agenda-free friends are women who want nothing more for you than for you to be your very best.
Through our 30-plus year friendship, we have offered each other unconditional love and support. Our relationship gives us the courage to take risks knowing that whether we fail or succeed, we will still continue to support each other. We work really hard at our friendship. We know that to have a good friend, we must be a good friend. We try not to take each other for granted, we plan great friendship renewal vacations and we cheer each other’s accomplishments without jealousy. And when we fight – and yes, we do get cranky and fight – we are quick to apologize. Not because we are candidates for sainthood but simply because the friendship it too important to lose.

4. Set strong boundaries Mean what you say and say what you mean.
Does this sound familiar? You’re just about to sit down to have some well deserved me time when after a surprise phone call from your sister, you find yourself in your car with her three children on your way to Chucky Cheese wondering why you said yes when you really, really, REALLY wanted and needed to say no and resenting the heck out of your sister.
We were saying yes for reasons ranging from fear we wouldn’t be liked if we said no to “at least it will get done right if I do it myself.” In the end, the reasons don’t matter because if you say yes to everybody else when you don’t mean it, there is nothing left for you. We’ve discovered by walking through the uncomfortable feeling of saying no, there is incredible peace and freedom on the other side. We found we had to practice saying no because it didn’t come naturally to us. Here’s our trick. When someone asks us to do something, we say “Hmmm, let me think about that and get back to you.” This buys us time to carefully consider the request. We look at our schedules, think about whether this is something we have the time or really want to do and then we call the person back with our thoughtful response. Whether it’s yes or no, we owe it to our friends to be honest because, let’s face it, friendship is not something that thrives well if there is resentment. Ultimately, we’ve learned that if you do what’s best for you – you do what’s best for everyone.

3. Learning the simple trick to finally being happy As we say in the Midwest, “It’s time to poop or get off the pot.”
The bad news is we are not born knowing how to be happy. It turns out it’s a skill we have to learn and practice like riding a bike. The good news is that just as with bike riding, once you learn it you will always know how to do it and with a little practice you’ll get really good at it. Remember the story of Pollyanna? By finding the positive in every situation and being glad about it, Pollyanna affected an entire town and changed everyone’s lives for the better. What was so bad about that? We’d like to know when Pollyanna became a four letter word? We practice being happy every day by embracing our inner Pollyanna and finding something each morning and evening to be glad about. Some mornings all we can say is “I’m glad I woke up.” At night we might brush our teeth and say “I’m glad I have teeth.” Other days we’re able to say, “I’m glad I have a passion for writing,” or “I’m glad I can rewire a lamp.” The more we practice the glad game, the less time we spend focusing on what we don’t have and the better we feel. It’s like going to the gym. Start small and build your happiness muscles.

2. Place the Crown firmly on your head You Queen Up well.
There are rituals for every major milestone in our lives; birth, graduation, marriage, death. Yet there seems to be no satisfying or affirming ritual to mark a woman’s passage from the first half of her life to the second half. We’d like to correct that right now.
To become the Queen, all you have to do is throw a party. There’s no right way or wrong way to have this celebration. It’s your party and we say give yourself permission to have it your way with bratwurst and beer or caviar and champagne. You decide.
However that said, there are three mandatory things we feel you must do: 1. You must stand up and in full voice declare yourself Queen of Your Own Life. 2. You must do it in front of your trusted friends and give them a chance to do it as well. 3. Eat cake – okay, this one is really optional but what would a coronation be without a cake?
You can have this celebration as many times and as many ways as you want or need. Again, the only way to get it wrong is to not have it at all. So give yourself a Crowning Party – if not now, when?

1. Pass it On “Hear ye, hear ye,” says the Queen.

Now you’re officially the Queen Of Your Own Life. In order to keep your new-found royal status you must help other women find their power, beauty and happiness by sharing how you found yours. The truth is we have been keeping a secret from you. You already were the Queen Of Your Own Life. You just needed a couple of good friends like us to hold up the mirror so that you could see what we see – the best in yourself. Be a good Queen and a good friend and go help other women see their best selves. It’s good to be Queen.