Favorites in February - Books

I have always been a reader. I have vivid memories of walking down to the corner to visit the mobile library as a kid in the summer. And I was always a member of our summer reading programs at the local library.

My dad has been an avid reader, so I like to think my love of reading came from him.

I used to be obsessed with keeping every book I bought, but now I have realized they just grab dust and I tend not to read books a second time anyway. Plus, now I have a Kindle, so I don't need to have all the clutter of all those books.

When I moved out of my parents' home, I only brought with me those books that really mean something to me. Here is a list of some of my most favorite reads:

The Lovely Bones

I read this when it first came out and remember it as one of the very few books that made me cry. Sob, actually. So touching.

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Not a book I would ever have picked up without the help of a Border's associate. And I loved it (I am reading the sequel, Girl Who Played with Fire now). It is a mystery/adventure/action book, keeps your attention the entire time. Fast read. Enthralling.

Velvet Elvis

We all know I have an obsession with religion/spirituality. I think my whole life I will be on the quest to come to terms with belief in my life. It was hard picking one book to represent how I want to believe, but Rob Bell's Velvet Elvis is the best choice. Live with love. Love with all your heart. Be the person who does what is right. Act with kindness. You get the point.

The Life of Elizabeth I

Ah, Tudor England. I could read constantly about the mundane details of food, clothes, and drama.

White Oleander

The first book I read that I highlighted. The imagery is just awesome. The story is chilling.

I Know this Much is True

A HUGE book (I think over 700 pages) and very worth the read.

Madame Bovary

I hate classics. I really do. I try over and over to read them and rarely enjoy them. Except for Madame Bovary. I guess because it is risque and dark.

Handmaid's Tale

Oh, so up my alley. Fundamentalism, women's freedoms. Love it.

Bell Jar

Without a doubt the one book I read in college that I totally "got."

Catcher in the Rye

Loved this book in high school. Still remember reading it in Mrs. Beuser's English class.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Well, all the HP books are my guilty pleasure reads. I can read them over and over and over. And they never get old.

Simplify: February Update

As per Ali Edwards's influence, I will be checking in with my word here each month. It's a good way for me to see how I have put the word into action.

For the month of January I:

-Purged my ginormous pen collection keeping only those I will really use

-Went through all my clothes and pared my wardrobe down to those pieces that I am truly happy wearing. They have to feel good and look good.

-Set up online bill pay for most of my expenses

-Kept things out of my car. If it doesn't belong there, it gets outta there

-Writing in my gratitude journal daily.

-started Zumba classes

-Worked on organizing the kitchen with my Organized for Life book. It was a lot of work and required some journaling, but now all the drawers have a purpose and I know where everything is.

-and got the Lisa Leonard necklace with my word. And I love it>

How is your word doing?

Favorites in February - Cleaning

This month I will highlight some of my favorite things, from products I love, favorite books and movies, to everyday stuff.

Today I will highlight my favorite cleaning products and helpers. I actually don't mind cleaning. It's one of those things that has to be done, so I just grab stuff that works best and get going.

1. Our Kenmore Canister Vacuum

I grew up always using a canister. I know, some people are cringing, they don't like to have to pull the canister around, but it is lightweight and I find it easier to move around. An upright can be too heavy for me, so this vacuum was an easy choice. After consulting Consumer Reports, we knew we were heading to Sears for a Kenmore. The features of our model are a very easily detachable head, a light on the head, lightweight, serious power, and a bag (bagless just get too messy for me). Plus, c'mon, it's a cheery yellow color :)

2. Pledge Multi Surface Cleaner

I love this stuff! One of the things that I need is a product that has a pleasing scent. No orange, no nastiness. This product is fresh-smelling and cleans every surface in the apartment, especially the stainless garbage pail.

3. Cleaning Cloths

In my attempts to be a little greener, I try not to use many paper towels as I clean. Instead, I stock up on microfiber cloths that have specific uses (glass, wood, bathroom, etc). When done, bleach 'em and they're good to go for next time. They attract dirt, deep clean, and cut down on waste.

4. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

Ahhh, memories of my mom scrubbing grease off the stove with these. And they really do work. We have the mop, too. Like it.

5. All things Swiffer

Love the sweeper for the kitchen and bath, use the duster and cloths for quick dusting sessions.

6. Method Shower Cleaner

Just spray after you take a shower. The bathroom smells clean and the shower truly stays clean.

7. Soft Scrub

This stuff seriously cleans. Works in the bathroom and kitchen (and on stained cutting boards).

What are some of your favorites to make your home sparkle?

Simplify scrapped

So I usually get around to scrapping my word of the year in June. And it is usually long after the word has had its effect. And it is usually just to have it scrapped.

So this year, I scrapped it first thing at a private crop in Sandra's new scrap room.

In a sense it is a journal moment for my word with a photo of Freddy and me on New Year's Eve.

Th journaling reads:

Simplify - my ford for 2010. Need less, want less, keep less. Love more, learn more, organize more. Be "ok," be grateful, be me. Make goals, make a schedule, make time for what is important. Keep it simple.

This was definitely a fun way to get back into scrapping this year. And it made for a reflective moment.

Seeing your word

One way to remind yourself of your word daily is to have it as a visual reminder. It's easy to find some words on plaques or wall art if you go and search online or in stores and having the word in a special, highly visible place helps to keep it on your mind. It may even spark conversation with those you love who can help you live your word.

I made a couple of framed SIMPLIFY pieces for me to display.

One will go on my desk at work (since I am there most of the time) and the other will find a place in the apartment. I used paper that made me happy and whimsical stamps to make them fun to look at. The frames were really cheap from Michael's and fit with most decor. I also whipped one together for a dear friend who is living a very vibrant word.

So, find a cool way to see the word you want to live in 2010.

Thoughts on my 365 2010

So I don't know what really made me want to shoot a 365 again, but I was very motivated and am really enjoying it. The photos can be found here or on a straight calendar view here. I think this project gives me a chance to search for what made my day meaningful.

I noticed that in 2009 I really didn't take very many every day photos and I missed that. When it came to scrapbooking, I was missing those moments that captured who I am and why I do the things I do. I resorted to scrapping just the big events or not scrapping at all. I want to change that (maybe go digital? not yet sure).

I have my 366 photo in an album at home and I look through it every now and then just to check out what was cool about that year.

I noticed the following:

-I liked my face that year (in terms of makeup)

-I get lots of different hair cuts

-When in doubt, I photographed me feeling whatever it was that day

-I am lazy on the weekends

-I like getting new things

-I love celebrations in life

-I seem to have lived in clutter for a long while

-Freddy sends me flowers all the time

-I love reading and creating

-I do my own nails and it shows (they looked pretty ugly in lots of the photos)

I want to get more photos like this:

Watching, dancing, being like a child. I want my 365 to reflect the good, the bad, and the incredible.

Some things I hope to capture this year:

-What is making my new life special

-People I cherish

-Moments, things, people that I love

-The little things that I do but think as unimportant (cleaning, paying bills, walking through the front door)

-Discovering new hobbies

-Embracing my word SIMPLIFY.

Day 2 1/2/10

Loving a day with snow, which was totally unexpected. Loving that I get to stay warm and cozy at home.

Make it simple

And the word for 2010 is SIMPLIFY.

This is an all-encompassing word for my life in 2010. I want so much to de-clutter. De-clutter my mind, my stuff, my attitude. I just want to be happy with what I have and embrace it. I want to literally get rid of those things that make my life complicated. I want to be happy with life as it is and focus less on how it should ideally be.

And thus, the reasoning for selecting simplify for this year.

I have a couple of books to help me with the organizing side of the word. They have layouts for the week to keep me on-track with my goal to live an ordered life. I selected Organize Now, The Life Organizer: A Woman's Guide to a Mindful Year, and One Year to an Organized Life: From Your Closets to Your Finances, the Week-by-Week Guide to Getting Completely Organized for Good. If the books become a burden and make life less-simple, they'll be out, but I have really enjoyed reading their perspectives about organizing and how it is a life-long process.

I am going to be journaling a bit more on paper this year in the hopes of getting to the core principles and values that I care about and to de-clutter my mind, get the stuff on paper.

And I am going to take the challenge of another 365 photo project on flickr. I loved doing this in 2008 and I enjoy looking through the album I made. If this becomes a hassle, I will bring it down to a weekly photo, but it wasn't a hassle the last time, it was something I truly embraced and I hope it can remind me to find the beauty in the simplicity of each day. I also think I will use Ali's soon-to-be-released digital templates to scrap this. I have much less room to scrap and a fabulous mac, so this may be my turn to dive into digital scrapping.

So cheers to 2010 and happy new word!

20 Questions of 2009

Ok, so I am taking a look back at 2009...


Inspired by Incourage, I am taking the challenge to answer these questions about the year. NOTE** I had no idea how deep this would be until I started answering them. So it is a little intense to me, but I am still going to share it, even if I feel it is a little revealing. I didn't think too much about the answers, just let them come to me.

Reflection Questions for 2009

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?

Easy answer - I married the man of my dreams.

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?

Easy answer again - being married to the man of my dreams. This takes lots of work, people. I think lots of other newlyweds have lied about that. And I so should write a book about it.

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?

Getting a great promotion to further my career and help me be proud of myself.

4. What was an unexpected obstacle?

5. Pick three words to describe 2009.

Change (my '09 word), exciting, intense

6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2009 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you).

intense, hectic, adventure

7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2009 (again, without asking).

adventure, thrilling, experiment (cooking mostly for that one)

8. What were the best books you read this year?

God is Not Great

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Jesus Wants to Save Christians

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?

My husband, my parents, really getting to know them better and watch the love grow

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?

Marriage (next year should be a little more deep)

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?

I learned that I have to change how I do things, feel about things, and live my life. This caused me to put aside my previous independence and embrace being with someone who loves me as I am, but needs my total commitment to him.

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?

I shrunk here. Losing faith in a lot of things, especially where God is or isn't in my life. Not that I haven't searched, believe me, but I think that I am slowly moving to non-belief, which has become less frightening to me.

13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?

Eating better and dancing.

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?

Embracing my parents as who they are and learning more about and appreciating Freddy's family. Learning how to be proud of the people in my life who make me me, who make us us. Finding women in my life who are true friends (Paige, Jamie, Katie come to mind immediately) and having couples we can hang out with and just be. Learning to just be friends without jealously, caring about keeping up with each other. Now that's freeing.

15. What was the most enjoyable area of managing your home?

Setting up my closets perfectly and eliminating stuff I didn't need when I moved

16. What was your most challenging area of home management?

Moving out of my lifelong home to start a new life was crazy. Everything needed a place and I needed to decide what came and what stayed behind. This was stressful and emotional, but worth it.

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?

Oh, so definitely gossip and caring about what people think of me. I need to get over these things.

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?

My Antioch retreat in April. That was one weekend I didn't want to have, but it became a moment of grace for me. As I move through my faith journey, I have looked back at that weekend to find what impacted me the most, and that weekend wins. I try to hold onto the love I felt that weekend and I think I want it to bring me towards a belief, but again, I'm kinda ok if that doesn't happen I think.

19. What was the biggest thing you learned this past year?

Choosing change was the best word I could have selected for a year jammed with unexpected and anticipated transitions. I learned that although I don't like change, I can accept it and move forward with it, which was my goal.

20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2009 for you.

Learning the ropes, being myself, loving intensely.

Have a happy 2010!!

My word of 2010 post should be tomorrow.

Christmas Magic

So, I loved my first married Christmas. It was truly memorable and spent with those people Freddy and I love most. So here are some Christmas Q&As about me:

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
wrapping paper with ribbon, ornaments, and printed tags

2. Real tree or artificial?
This year was the first time in my life for a real tree. Had a tough time decorating it (can't just bend the branches to get an ornament to stay put), but loving the it's organic look and amazing smell.

3. When do you put up the tree?
We put it up a week before Christmas this year, but would like it to be a week earlier if possible.

4. When do you take down the tree?
I like to leave mine up until January 6th, the Epiphany.

5. Do you like egg nog?
Absolutely.

6. Favorite gift received as a child.
I loved my dollhouse and American Girl dolls.

7. Hardest person to buy for.
My brother. He usually likes a gift card, but I like to give a little something extra.

8. Easiest person to buy for.
Freddy. I see what he needs and wants daily.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?

Yes. Mine is from my aunt and uncle and was an engagement gift. What I love is that it is small, so it fits nicely in the apartment. I will always cherish it.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
I like to pop them in the mail early December. Writing cards out is one of my favorite holiday activities.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received.
I like everything I get, but then again I am very easy to shop for.

12. Favorite Christmas movie.
Always has been A Christmas Story and Elf is a recent favorite.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Usually the beginning of December.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Yup. If I won't use it, it is given to someone who will love it.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas.
Freddy's Carmine's Garlic and Oil Pasta - It was a HUGE BIG hit this year with the family.

16. Lights on the tree?
Yes. Big, bold colored ones.

17. Travel or stay home for Christmas?
Christmas eve is with my husband's family and Christmas day was at my cousins, which is upstairs. It was nice getting to be kind of at home this year.

18. Open the presents Christmas eve or morning?
Christmas morning.

Joy

And so another Christmas fast approaches. My favorite memories of Christmas prep this year:

1. Buying our first tree as a couple and my first real tree ever

2. Re creating my starbucks wreath

3. Getting our Rarebits toile stockings

4. Freddy making dozens and dozens of cookies

5. Watching Elf with my cousins while sipping cocoa and eating apple crisp

6. Wrapping, wrapping, wrapping

7. Picking that one perfect gift for those we love

Have a fabulous Christmas and enjoy making memories.

I've never...

So, my husband has a bucket list of all the things he wants to accomplish, be a part of, or experience before he kicks the bucket and dies. I so admire that, as he has visions of creating memorable moments.

Today I have been inspired by Cathy's blog about the things I've never done and thought, that is an interesting way to reflect on experiences that I've never had.

In a way I feel like this is a confession on some level, maybe an explanation for why I am the way I am. So here is my list of nevers in my life:

I've never been on a blind date.
I've never tried drugs.
I've never had surgery.
I've never seen someone die.

I never adhered a bumper sticker to my car, but always made them removable.

I've never had a broken bone.
I've never been able to draw or paint.
I've never painted a room or refurnished furniture.
I've never owned a brand-new car.

I didn't go away to college.
I didn't live on my own before being married.
I've never been able to tackle clutter in my life.

I've never interviewed for a job that I didn't get.
I've never been a bridesmaid.
I've never not loved writing, just writing my name can be enough.
I've never liked my feet nor enjoyed shoe shopping.

I've never flown alone.
I've never donated blood.
I never met my grandfathers.
I've never prayed effectively, nor gotten much peace from it.

I've never had a pet.
I've never had many girls as friends.
I've never liked going to the beach.

I didn't have a sweet 16.

Not that this is negative, because none are regrets, just interesting observations.

So, what haven't you done?

Keep it together

So this past week included a harrowing moment of newlywed life. My husband was rushed to the emergency room because he was suffering from asthma and could not breathe. After being in the ER for a couple of hours, it was determined that he has pneumonia.

I'm not going to lie...it was one of those situations you cannot prepare for and that you dread. I have to say, I am incredibly grateful for Freddy's mom who swept in and drove us to the hospital and made sure that all the medical history questions were answered correctly.

Here's my hubby, hooked up to tubes, but still smiling :)

The lessons I learned from this not-so-fun experience:

-call doctors and nurses that you know and trust. They will be honest with you and prepare you for everything that will happen.

-be aware of your body's limitations, emotionally and physically

-bring food and water and your cellphone charger to the ER. You don't know when you'll eat and you will need to keep in touch with everyone.

-bring your own blanket (we thought of this and forgot it)

-deep breaths and little prayers along the way help a lot

-know that family are there for you, especially in the worst times. I am so grateful to all my close friends and family who checked in on us the past few days. It really made us feel loved.

-cherish every moment with those you love

Blog changes and the word

Being that I actually seem to be posting a bit, I have decided the blog will undergo some aesthetic changes. So, the next few days you may notice new photos and a different layout. It may be weird, but being that change is my word for 2009, this one should be easy to implement.

Speaking of the word...time to start thinking of a word for 2010. Selecting a word to immerse in for a year has been something I have tried for the past three years. In 2007 it was JOY, 2008 was PEACE, and 2009 is CHANGE.

Each year, focusing on the selected word has allowed me to think about where I can improve, how the sentiment or experience exists in my life and how to be grateful for it. I have some thoughts for 2010 and will share the selection on January 1st.

The idea for the word came from Ali's blog. She has several posts on this that may help you to select a word for your new year found here, here, and here.

Give and Receive

Ah, the holiday season aka shop till you drop time. Go to parties, eat, drink, try to be merry. Actually it is a fabulous time of the year, you just have to embrace the fun parts.

For me, shopping is my highlight of Christmas. I love getting the gift, making the tag, wrapping, and tying bows.

This year I am having a serious block on what to give as Christmas presents. So I present my favorite gifts that I have probably over-given, so can't use anymore. This is my 2009 gift guide:

A Lisa Leonard Necklace

Get any necklace she makes personalized with a meaningful phrase, your loved-ones' names, favorite words. I just love her stuff.

Starbucks gift card with matching mug

Easy and everyone loves it.

Your favorite book

Share one of your favorite reads, have discussions that can last after Christmas. Ah, the corniness is great, but I really do mean it.

Anything philosophy

Cute, sometimes meaningful, and something that one wouldn't buy herself

Framed family photo

I love this one. Sometimes people don't have a copy of a cool pic you took and often we don't have time to frame stuff. Pick a frame that will go with the recipient's decor to make sure it will be usable.

And if you are really stuck, there are always Christmas ornaments that signify something special that happened that year.