31 Days of Simple Blessings: Day 12- Creating a Vision Board

I have always believed that we often reap whatever we put out into the world. Our thoughts often become our reality, so it's important to feed yourself positive ones. In my last blog, I wrote about

helping my sister create the Catch the Stars Foundation.

One of our programs, STARS, is an 8-week journey of self-exploration through creativity and journaling. One of my favorite sessions focused on creating a Vision Board. Vision boards are basically collages on which you post things that you want in your life. Back when I did these boards (in my mid-twenties) with our mentoring group, my board often had images of wedding dresses, rings, children, houses, etc because those were the things that I wanted. The idea behind these boards is the law of attraction- by surrounding yourself with things you want (where you want to live, what you want to do, etc), you become those things.

Creating your own board is simple:

Supplies: Glue sticks, scissors, old magazines/books & a piece of poster board (any size works)

1) Cut pictures and words (of things that you want) out of old magazines and books.

2) Use glue sticks (or whatever other adhesive your heart desires) to paste the pictures and words onto a piece of posterboard or heavy stock paper.



My 2011 Vision Board



This is a fun, simple project that can help you to focus on your goals and positivity! It's also a great way to kick off a new year! I put together a quick vision board for 2011! There really aren't any tangible things that I want, but I did include some of my goals for the year-being a good mom & wife, career direction, journaling, reading, excellence, working out, community service & time management to name a few!

It's fun to flex those creative muscles from time to time! Hopefully you'll be inspired to design your own Vision Board!!

I'd love to hear your goals & resolutions for 2011!!

31 Days of Simple Blessings: Day 11- Its All About Giving Back

Kanon celebrating with Auntie Mika-Eastern Conference Champs 2008.

One of the most rewarding aspects of life is having the ability to bless and make a difference in the lives of others.  With giving back in mind, I helped my sister Tamika create a non-profit organization, Catch the Stars in 2004.  The sole purpose of the foundation is helping youth reach their dreams through the provision of positive academic & sports-related programs.

Through the Catch the Stars foundation, I had an incredible opportunity to meet and impact so many young people.  Now that my life has changed , I've had to take a few steps back so I haven't been able to volunteer and be a part of our programs like I was in the first few years.

Of all of the programs we had, the one I miss most is our STARS program. It stood for Sisters Teaching And Reaching Sisters and was an 8-week program for 12-16 year old girls. We met once a week and focused on topics ranging from self-esteem, assertiveness, goal setting, hygiene, money management, career exploration, fitness and so much more.

I truly bonded with the young ladies in our program and although I was in a leadership position, I learned so much from them too. I vividly remember creating Vision Boards with the girls during a session about focusing on your future. 

It's amazing to think that 5 years later my life feels complete and I have accomplished the goals (from my 2005 vision board) that I set for myself-marrying a wonderful man, having two beautiful children, buying a house and the list goes on. Vision boards truly work!!

One of my goals for 2011 is to get back into a community service mindset and looking for ways to connect with and make an impact in the lives of others. Despite being blessed with two incredible boys, I have strong girly desire to mentor a little sister. I will definitely keep you guys posted on what avenue I choose and I strongly encourage you to get involved in your community by making a difference in someone's life.

We are so blessed and have so much to share-please don't be selfish...give back!


 

31 Days of Simple Blessings: Day 10- Keep the Spark Alive

With Valentine's Day appoaching, I'm reminded of one of the resolutions that my hubby & I made for 2011. Although we're still pretty much in the Newlywed stage of our marriage, we've had a lot of changes and adjustments over the past year (new house, new job & state (for Tim) & new baby). Due to these changes, from time to time we forget to put our marriage first and to continue to keep the romance (and sanity) in our relationship. So, one of our resolutions is to plan a date at least once a month. Not just a date night, but we want to try to do something that we haven't already done.

We started our date with dinner downtown and as we sat down, I surprised my hubby with a little something I found in Parents magazine-a Date Night Cheat Sheet!! It's a series of questions to ask during different parts of the meal and was a fun way to open up and talk about things that we don't normally talk about. Click here to download a printable copy from Parents.Com.

Sorry so wrinkled! Did I mention I've been carrying this around for weeks!!

After dinner, we headed to Crackers Comedy Club! So different from anything we've ever done before and it was a blast. The headliner was Sean Kent and he was hilarious!! I lauged so hard that I cried and it was just so much fun to get out and spend some quality alone time! I felt young & fun again!! Sigh!

Date nights are a definite must for any relationship-especially  when you have little ones. Please share any date night tips or ways to keep the spark alive in your marriage!!

31 Days of Simple Blessings: Day 9- I Love a good deal

Chances are, if you ever visit my house, you'll feel like a contestant on The Price Is Right! I say that because I love, love and love a good deal-and I get so giddy that I can't help but share my shopping finds with friends & family! For the record, my sister hates playing along and often irritates me by lowballing anytime I ask her how much she thinks I paid for something.

Most recently I was super excited about this awesome inspirational art piece I found and couldn't wait to show it to her. Of course I could not wait to ask her my famous question, "so, how much do you think I paid for this?" She took one look, then looked back at me, laughed and said, "Let me guess, $2!"  Oh, my feelings were hurt!

My recent Clearance rack find

You can't tell by the pics, but this is a nice size piece of art, plus I love the saying, "Celebrate Family, Friends, Traditions." Love, love, love it!! Plus, I found it in the Clearance aisle of our local Marshall's!

Hanging above the couch in our sunroom

Seriously! $5-what a steal!!?? Love, love, love Marshalls!!

Have you found any good deals lately?? I'd love to hear about it! Have a great weekend!!

31 Days of Simple Blessings: Day 8-Simple Thank You Letter

So, when is the last time you wrote someone a heartfelt thank you letter? I'm talking, took the time to hand write, seal the envelope, stamp and actually mail it out. Not email or text-I mean dropped it in the mailbox snail mail style.

I recently received a thank you letter from someone very near to my heart and it totally caught me off guard and made my day. The letter was so sweet and sincere that I've been carrying it around since receiving it. So now, it's your turn to put a smile on someone's face.

I like to buy blank cards & add use stickers to personalize it for different occassions.      

8 Simple Steps to Writing a Thank You Letter

1) Think of a person that's touched your life and jot down the main purpose for choosing them. (Ie: gift, assistance, friendship, relationship, lesson, job, etc)

2) Start with a clean piece of paper.

3) Put the full date in the upper right hand corner (Example: 1/20/11)

4) Dear _______________,

5) Open your letter by expressing your appreciation and purpose of the letter. (Example: I'm writing this letter because I wanted to let you know just how much I appreciate.....)

6) Continue to share your thoughts and how this person's actions have made you feel. (Example: Having you in my life has made me feel.....)

7) Wrap up the letter by giving a quick update on your life, family, etc. (Example: Things are great on my end. Lately I've been.....)

8) Sign off (Example: Love, ___________)

I'd love to hear some of the people that you're thankful for!! Please share!!

31 Days of Simple Blessings: Day 7-Snow Ice Cream Recipe

Where does time go? This was December 08! Wow!

One of the things I love most about growing up in the Midwest is Snow Days!! I have some fun memories of my siblings and I staying outside until we just about froze-running around the neighborhood building snow forts and having snowball battles with the other kids on our block. Then coming back inside for a steamy cup of hot cocoa and marshmallows. My mom's the best!

So, it's a beautiful snowy day here in Indy. I'm way past running around our neighborhood building forts and such (we're sitting by the fireplace in our pjs), but I did want to do something yummy on this wintery day. My 5-year old Kanon suggested we make some Snow Ice Cream. This brought back old memories-our dad used to make this for us when we were little. Time flies!

Enjoy the recipe (from About.com) and please share any of your fun snow-filled memories!!

How to Make Snow Ice Cream

• 1 cup of milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup sugar
• CLEAN Snow

Preparation:

Go outside and get 4 - 5 cups of fresh, clean snow. Don't pack the snow! Bring it in the house and set it in the freezer until you need it.

Mix together the milk, vanilla, and the sugar. Stir this mixture until the sugar is dissolved. Slowly add the snow to your mixture, stirring constantly, until it is as thick as ice cream! Eat up!

 Click here for the Printable Snow Ice Cream Recipe

  

31 Days of Simple Blessings: Day 6- Simple Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

One of my favorite things about the Winter months are the yummy comfort foods I enjoy making for my family. In lieu of the super cold weather we're having lately, I decided to share a delicious Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe.

There's nothing like a hot, creamy bowl of soup to warm you up. Enjoy!

SIMPLE BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

4 cups chicken broth (one 32 oz box)

1/2 cup water

1 cup half-and-half

8 slices processed   American cheese (like Kraft)

1/2 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon dried onion flakes or 1 tbsp diced onions (my preference)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

4 1/2 cups broccoli florets, cut to bite size pieces

GARNISH WITH- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese  & 3 -4 teaspoons minced fresh parsley

1.  Combine Chicken broth, water, half and half, cheese, flour, onion and pepper in a large soup pot.

2.  Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, reduce to a simmer.

3.  Add broccoli and simmer for 15 minutes more or until broccoli is tender but not mushy.

4.  Top each bowl with a handful of cheddar cheese & a pinch of parsley.

Click Here to email me for a printable Word Version of this Recipe to add to your collection.

What are your favorite Winter comfort foods??