I have moved up in the world of blogging!!! By that I mean that I actually spent a little money to spruce up this here blog. I wanted it to be pretty, and I really didn't want to spend 3 millions hours of my time doing so! I have life to live and hardly any time to spare on graphic design that I would have to teach myself to do;)
So...I turned to Etsy! Trusty, lovely Etsy - and I searched through a few affordable designs and found this design you see, by Little Grey Willow I saw a few of her designs and really liked them and then stumble on this one and fell in love. Isn't it soooo pretty?!?!
I am off to bake some cookies and dip some pretzels in chocolate! I am making sweet goodies for my fabulous office staff at school!
Let me know what you think of the new digs;)
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
December 21, 2011
December 11, 2011
I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack;)
Hello friends and family!
I have almost had this blog for a whole year! Now, my posting was a little heavy early on in the year, not so much in the past few months. The blog is evolving as my life does, I am learning and thinking of the best way to use it!
You will see some changes over the next few weeks. I am think of re-naming, re-designing, as I have been over the past few months. I can't have it be a place just to talk about books, although I am crazy about books, there are a dozen (or two) other things I'd love to feature on this here blog. I find that since I have it so limited that I will need to open it up to other things, I lose motivation in blogging when I don't have time to read. But when I am not reading, I am doing so many other fun things. I want to talk about these things!
Life has been sweet lately! I am enjoying special times with family. I think the holiday season reminds me that time with my loved ones is fleeting, unfortunately. I have to cherish every moment I can! I can't ever get comfortable in living for myself, in selfishness, I want to always be thinking about the ones I love and making sweet memories with them. I can remember when I was younger, how bland (lol) life seemed for people who were married and did the same things every day, being with the same people and seeming "tied down" to one specific way of life. How wrong I was! My life is never the same thing every day! Even if it was, I would be so happy because of the people in my life who make it worth living for - My wonderful hubby and my crazy, growing-up-way-too-fast stepdaughter, my wild cat, and my loving parents and my brothers and sisters (Jonathan and my in-laws), my mother-in-law and all the other family that we spend time with. They make life worth it every day.
My "new" but now not-so-new job has been a dream come true. I am incredibly lucky to be working in such a great school, being a counselor to 650+ adorable, rowdy students. I love it! I can't imagine doing anything else! It feels great to finally be settled in a career that I enjoy, one that I know I will be a part of for many, many years. It keeps me very busy, and wears me out daily, but it's all worth it.
In my free time lately, I have been doing any amount of the following: couponing, cooking, running, decorating for the holidays, shopping for the holidays, reading, Pinning, crafting, and planning our Disney trip. I want to be BLOGGING about all this fun stuff, it feels good to share with whomever is interested:) Even if no one is interested, it's still fun to talk about it! It's cathartic:)
I need to tally up how many books I've read this year. I dropped the ball with the whole reading 10 a month, but I know I've read more this year than any other year in my life - which is really fun!
Anyways, I'm back and hopefully you (my few readers) will enjoy being a part of the blog again - I love being part of the blogosphere and can't wait to re-design and get rolling. I think I'll go do some designing right now!
I have almost had this blog for a whole year! Now, my posting was a little heavy early on in the year, not so much in the past few months. The blog is evolving as my life does, I am learning and thinking of the best way to use it!
You will see some changes over the next few weeks. I am think of re-naming, re-designing, as I have been over the past few months. I can't have it be a place just to talk about books, although I am crazy about books, there are a dozen (or two) other things I'd love to feature on this here blog. I find that since I have it so limited that I will need to open it up to other things, I lose motivation in blogging when I don't have time to read. But when I am not reading, I am doing so many other fun things. I want to talk about these things!
Life has been sweet lately! I am enjoying special times with family. I think the holiday season reminds me that time with my loved ones is fleeting, unfortunately. I have to cherish every moment I can! I can't ever get comfortable in living for myself, in selfishness, I want to always be thinking about the ones I love and making sweet memories with them. I can remember when I was younger, how bland (lol) life seemed for people who were married and did the same things every day, being with the same people and seeming "tied down" to one specific way of life. How wrong I was! My life is never the same thing every day! Even if it was, I would be so happy because of the people in my life who make it worth living for - My wonderful hubby and my crazy, growing-up-way-too-fast stepdaughter, my wild cat, and my loving parents and my brothers and sisters (Jonathan and my in-laws), my mother-in-law and all the other family that we spend time with. They make life worth it every day.
My "new" but now not-so-new job has been a dream come true. I am incredibly lucky to be working in such a great school, being a counselor to 650+ adorable, rowdy students. I love it! I can't imagine doing anything else! It feels great to finally be settled in a career that I enjoy, one that I know I will be a part of for many, many years. It keeps me very busy, and wears me out daily, but it's all worth it.
In my free time lately, I have been doing any amount of the following: couponing, cooking, running, decorating for the holidays, shopping for the holidays, reading, Pinning, crafting, and planning our Disney trip. I want to be BLOGGING about all this fun stuff, it feels good to share with whomever is interested:) Even if no one is interested, it's still fun to talk about it! It's cathartic:)
I need to tally up how many books I've read this year. I dropped the ball with the whole reading 10 a month, but I know I've read more this year than any other year in my life - which is really fun!
Anyways, I'm back and hopefully you (my few readers) will enjoy being a part of the blog again - I love being part of the blogosphere and can't wait to re-design and get rolling. I think I'll go do some designing right now!
March 19, 2011
Happiness Challenge!!
Good Morning! This is what I'm up to today....
I am reading book 4 (feverishly, I need the finish it today and start book 5 and finish it like....yesterday!). Anyways, Book 4s title is The Happiness Project: Or why I spend a year trying to sing in the morning, clean my closets, fight right, read Aristotle and generally have more fun. By Gretchen Rubin. Great title, right? The title is what captured me! I was just randomly searching around for books back in February on Amazon and this one popped up in my "recommendations".
I LOVE it so far. So, in reading it, I learned that Gretchen also has a blog! SWOON! You know me, I love a good blog;) So I found it, and it turns out you can join in a Happiness Project yourself, for 2011. It doesn't matter when you start, just start! So I did. I'm not sure what this means for ME yet - and I have to search the site more for information but I get the gist of it just from reading her book. I'm going to follow her on the blog, but there are also some areas that I am choosing for myself.
All of you know my big resolution for this year. My project, so to speak. Read 10 books a month for a year, 120 books total. I have absolutely LOVED doing this so far. Honestly, I really think it's made me happier! It's something just for ME (well, and those that I share with) but it is something I can challenge myself in, something to accomplish. There are many other projects I'd love to work on to - if I can get them all organized in my head. Here is just a short list of them:
1. Start THINKING about writing a book (maybe read books on writing and proposals and publishing?)
2. Create a more organized, healthy, well-laid out home (a constant battle) which goes along with my cleaning mantra - "everything has a place! If it doesn't, get rid of it"
3. Be more healthy as a person, and as a family.
4. Create ways to legitimately spend time with my friends and family (i.e. Family dinners once a month, girls night every 1st Friday, have a big party once a year, etc)
5. Get involved, really involved, in church again.
Ok, so that's a hefty list. But when I think about "being happy" these are the things I think of. The road to happy is a long one, and I'm not sure if any of us will ever be happy all the time in our lives, stuff happens, cars break down, people die, fires burn, etc. But like Gretchen says in her book, being happy is also a little about knowing how to handle the unhappy times.
I think of myself as a generally happy person. I think in my youth I was a little more bubbly, being an adult has calmed that down a lot - life, so to speak, may have slapped me a few times;) But I am, I am generally a happy person. I don't feel the need to throw it at anyone or prove it to anyone (well, maybe myself) and when I am having a happy day, people can see it without me flaunting it (if you flaunt it, is it real? I don't know, I'm working on that one). I have lots of unhappy days too (like having the flu, or anniversaries of deaths, or PMS, lol) but something I like to do at the end of those days is remember what I do have and how thankful I should be. It honestly (even though its a cliche) gets me happy again, and helps me move on to the next day.
Anyways, her book is about how...yes...she is already a happy person...but is she ENJOYING life..living it to the fullest and not just living through day to day. Is she actively happy? Every month is a new "project" she is working on, with 4 or 5 resolutions to go with it. My Project is never going to be that in depth. But I want to take today and think about what this project means to me, how I want to organize it, and I'll get back to you about how it's going;) Maybe if enough of you want to do this, we can do a "Happy Club" or something (local friends)? That would be hilarious.
I'm more then halfway done this book - but I'll review now. I've pretty much summed up what she writes about (for instance, her January title was Boost Energy, Feb was Remember Love, etc) and she is honest in how she gets through each month and hits on her resolutions. Its so good. Its adorable too, I love her writing style. It takes place in NYC, so you know I love it. She is married and has two young kids, so that may speak to a lot of you out there who are drowning in "life" everyday, so is she but she really tries to make the most of it. I give this book a 4 out of 5. I don't want to put it down (although work and illness try to get me to!) plus is inspirational...motivated me - and you know I love that! I highly recommend it!
I'm off to clean out MY closet (I'm starting already!) and the house for that matter. I'll be thinking about what my happiness project means to me...how about you?!
I am reading book 4 (feverishly, I need the finish it today and start book 5 and finish it like....yesterday!). Anyways, Book 4s title is The Happiness Project: Or why I spend a year trying to sing in the morning, clean my closets, fight right, read Aristotle and generally have more fun. By Gretchen Rubin. Great title, right? The title is what captured me! I was just randomly searching around for books back in February on Amazon and this one popped up in my "recommendations".
I LOVE it so far. So, in reading it, I learned that Gretchen also has a blog! SWOON! You know me, I love a good blog;) So I found it, and it turns out you can join in a Happiness Project yourself, for 2011. It doesn't matter when you start, just start! So I did. I'm not sure what this means for ME yet - and I have to search the site more for information but I get the gist of it just from reading her book. I'm going to follow her on the blog, but there are also some areas that I am choosing for myself.
All of you know my big resolution for this year. My project, so to speak. Read 10 books a month for a year, 120 books total. I have absolutely LOVED doing this so far. Honestly, I really think it's made me happier! It's something just for ME (well, and those that I share with) but it is something I can challenge myself in, something to accomplish. There are many other projects I'd love to work on to - if I can get them all organized in my head. Here is just a short list of them:
1. Start THINKING about writing a book (maybe read books on writing and proposals and publishing?)
2. Create a more organized, healthy, well-laid out home (a constant battle) which goes along with my cleaning mantra - "everything has a place! If it doesn't, get rid of it"
3. Be more healthy as a person, and as a family.
4. Create ways to legitimately spend time with my friends and family (i.e. Family dinners once a month, girls night every 1st Friday, have a big party once a year, etc)
5. Get involved, really involved, in church again.
Ok, so that's a hefty list. But when I think about "being happy" these are the things I think of. The road to happy is a long one, and I'm not sure if any of us will ever be happy all the time in our lives, stuff happens, cars break down, people die, fires burn, etc. But like Gretchen says in her book, being happy is also a little about knowing how to handle the unhappy times.
I think of myself as a generally happy person. I think in my youth I was a little more bubbly, being an adult has calmed that down a lot - life, so to speak, may have slapped me a few times;) But I am, I am generally a happy person. I don't feel the need to throw it at anyone or prove it to anyone (well, maybe myself) and when I am having a happy day, people can see it without me flaunting it (if you flaunt it, is it real? I don't know, I'm working on that one). I have lots of unhappy days too (like having the flu, or anniversaries of deaths, or PMS, lol) but something I like to do at the end of those days is remember what I do have and how thankful I should be. It honestly (even though its a cliche) gets me happy again, and helps me move on to the next day.
Anyways, her book is about how...yes...she is already a happy person...but is she ENJOYING life..living it to the fullest and not just living through day to day. Is she actively happy? Every month is a new "project" she is working on, with 4 or 5 resolutions to go with it. My Project is never going to be that in depth. But I want to take today and think about what this project means to me, how I want to organize it, and I'll get back to you about how it's going;) Maybe if enough of you want to do this, we can do a "Happy Club" or something (local friends)? That would be hilarious.
I'm more then halfway done this book - but I'll review now. I've pretty much summed up what she writes about (for instance, her January title was Boost Energy, Feb was Remember Love, etc) and she is honest in how she gets through each month and hits on her resolutions. Its so good. Its adorable too, I love her writing style. It takes place in NYC, so you know I love it. She is married and has two young kids, so that may speak to a lot of you out there who are drowning in "life" everyday, so is she but she really tries to make the most of it. I give this book a 4 out of 5. I don't want to put it down (although work and illness try to get me to!) plus is inspirational...motivated me - and you know I love that! I highly recommend it!
I'm off to clean out MY closet (I'm starting already!) and the house for that matter. I'll be thinking about what my happiness project means to me...how about you?!
March 3, 2011
2000 views!?!?
I looked at my pageviews today and WHOA, I've had 2000 views!! Don't worry, I turned off the counter that counts my computer - since I probably go on my blog 50 times a day to get to other blogs:) I love that people are reading about my BLAND life (hahaha...you know, because our last name is Bland...ahhhhh funny!) Sorry. Anyways, I hope that what you read here is good and inspiring somewhat? I love reading and sharing about books, like a blogged book club or something, and I love being crafty and decorating and being able to share all that. Thanks for reading - whoever you are!!
Now, I need to get my followers up;) Hint hint! You know, if you have any GOOGLE or GMAIL account, you can follow me!
Oh man, it's already March 3 and I havent even STARTED one of my 10 for March. YIKES. I'm still reading Dave Ramsey, but I may start one of the other books too so that I can get a start on the month. The Library called and one book that I requested is there. Plus I'm getting on amazon right now and ordering the rest. I'll post this weekend my final 10 for March. I promise I'm going to TRY so hard to finish 10 books while working full time and being exhausted every night. I promise!!! :)
Night!
Now, I need to get my followers up;) Hint hint! You know, if you have any GOOGLE or GMAIL account, you can follow me!
Oh man, it's already March 3 and I havent even STARTED one of my 10 for March. YIKES. I'm still reading Dave Ramsey, but I may start one of the other books too so that I can get a start on the month. The Library called and one book that I requested is there. Plus I'm getting on amazon right now and ordering the rest. I'll post this weekend my final 10 for March. I promise I'm going to TRY so hard to finish 10 books while working full time and being exhausted every night. I promise!!! :)
Night!
February 11, 2011
redesigning....
I'm learning the wide world of custom blog designing...so thats why it looks so...BLAND...right now. I really want to make my own graphics and backgrounds, so hang in there with me as I learn this stuff!!
February 4, 2011
Book 6: A lesson in sewing....
I am re-teaching myself how to sew. I used to know, but I forgot! Mom gave me her back-up sewing machine and I am learning how to use it again!! I keep looking at all these blogs where they make bags and aprons and checkbook covers and Ipad covers and I think....whoa...I could DO that...they are adorable! So...I got sewing books from the library...this one is going to be awesome:
This will be my 6th book for this month. It teaches me how to sew plus gives me tons of ideas. Part of the challenge with this book is that after I read it...I have to MAKE one item outta here. I'm scared! But very excited too! When I embark on that adventure I'll be sure to blog allll about it. See what reading does to me...it gets me hyped up about all this stuff. Blogging does too...I'm outta control with ideas!! Maybe one day I'll be a lil miss sewing priss:
I love that idea!!!
I've got all 10 books! I'll post the official list with pictures tomorrow. Happy Weekend!
I've got all 10 books! I'll post the official list with pictures tomorrow. Happy Weekend!
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