A FANTASTIC NEW YEAR TO ALL!

A FANTASTIC AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Have you made a list for your New Years resolutions of things to improved on or want to do and make do? I need to be consistent and be reminded. I want to focus and remain. I want the best of me to come out, all the time and so I have written about 25 of it. I hope you did yours, too.
Mine is a list of something i have to continuously remind myself to do, practice or maintain. I just want to make sure that i don't lose focus when I get busy,distracted and depressed. Some in my list are in practice for a long time. I just fall off the wagon sometimes when I feel defensive and hurt so much. I need to be more peaceful with whatever life throws which sometimes offsets my balance, integrity and faith.

For me, loving can be a big job when always in pain and disbelief. Believing and trusting can be blurry when things never seems to improve or change for the better and good. Working hard can be tiring when there is no fruitful outcome that comes back. Getting old is such a challenge that dying young is imagined at random. Every trial and fall backs are feeding me doubts and weakness when alone and forgotten. So what do I do? What is it that i will be physically and mentally inspired to keep and be proud of ? My flaws and mistakes and wrongdoings are a part and parcel of my being human...yet this is not what I was meant to be . This is not what God intended for me to take part of and be part off. I better get stronger and avoid whining, complaining and tearing myself apart. I made mistakes, I know my faults and I am ashamed of things that I said in furious outrage. I have lost my self in the midst of failures and defeats. I accepted the end of what seems to be great and the beginning of the new unknown.

Staying sane, peaceful and grounded inside is a still a walk on the rope...but I have to insist,persist and be in my best element as what I am designed to be. A woman who is mature, confident and loving...at peace with my decisions and failures...at peace with what I can and can not do...at peace with my failings yet remains in the running for what is good, what is right and what is kind.

This New Year , I decided to give myself a good look and a great break. I have to stop being gullible and trusting too much and yet I still have to learn to just trust without doubt.
I have to remember that being a grown up woman requires me to be much more trusting on my instinct and perceptions. I have to question, observe and analyze an opportunity that seems to be presenting itself to me. I have to trust yet I have to be assertive in giving up that trust.

A new me is only an improved ,wiser and stronger me. This new year seems to be more fitting to have these good deeds and thoughts put into everyday practice. What is your imperfections? What bothers you most? Do you need some tweaking, improving and redesigning of your belief, characters and manners? Isn't a NEW YEAR the best time to make these changes?

I know,for me it is. Nothing is wrong in realizing my best character potential especially when I know it's all in my hands, in my committed heart and mind, to fulfill what may,also be the keys to positive changes not just in my life but for others,too.

MY NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS OR IMPROVEMENT AGENDA

1. Be sweeter to my boys.
2. Stop talking too much
3. When offended & ignored do not retaliate by inflicting hurtful insults.
4. Be happier..for myself and others.
5. Be more responsible
6. Do not blame others.
7. Make a no-complaint days
8. Call mom or kids once a month
9. Be more forgiving
10. Get more sleep
11. Rekindle or create new fun hobbies
12. Change hairstyle/look
13. Go out and meet new people
14. Forget the past
15. Be the best I can Be
16. Dance and sing again
17. Learn new language
18. Stop being gullible,be assertive and mean what I say
19. Have family meeting once a week
20. Play guitar,trumpet or keyboard more often to learn more
21. Clean up and redecorate the whole house
22. Genuinely love and care those people who cares and love me truly
23. Give more
24. Accept defeat and be strong
25. LIVE LIFE and LIVE IT GOOD!

If and when I can learn, practice and/or maintain any of these then it is a victory and truly a FANTASTIC NEW YEAR!

CHRISTMAS CAROL FOR YOU!

http://www.newportharbor.us/video/merryxmas.swf

PEACE WE WISHED (On Christmas)

Gifts we want,need and envy
reflecting the light
there is none more
genuine, better and great

joy and beauty, we share
life, music and poetry
PEACE we all wished,
to come home someday

Foresee, mankind awake
hearts, thoughts and spirits
dancing the Christmas magic
everyday in every place.

God's faithful blessings
all ours to savor and praise
not just on December
but always and forever.

************************************************************************************

I wish you all PEACE.
As with peace comes love, contentment and quiet fulfilled heart.

May the Miracles of Christmas be with You and Your Loveones.

Comments from my readers and critics...

Thanks you guys for sending me messages of your understanding and whatever feelings you may be interested in sharing with me. Your comments are all welcome as blogging should be a 2 way street. Tell me what you think about what i wrote , my way or style, topics and my philosophy.

Your email and comments are what makes me more interested to write,be brutally honest and be a woman i should be. If you think you can add more for my readers and me to know,learn more and be wise then the better. After all, my experiences is much more on how i took it and ran with it rather than why i wrote it and who were in it.

Your say is as important for me in growing my muscles in writings and versing. I know you can be the better writer yet I am a free bird still pecking and building what I can thru writing my funny and sad yet interesting experiences. I can learn more and I can give more with your love,support and understanding of my pen's tortured ink.

Come now, be my guest and be interactive in my journey of letters, phrases and languages. This blog is yours to learn as well as mine.

Timely quotation for my present situation...

You must dare to disassociate yourself from those who would delay your journey... Leave, depart, if not physically, then mentally. Go your own way, quietly, undramatically, and venture toward trueness at last.

Vernon Howard

SURE, I did and I'm feeling better for daringly done it.

Losing my Zen and getting back again...

I have been very sensitive these days. I have no excuse yet I know my being tired and sad and feeling discarded is playing a major role with all my recent drama.

I am now tuning in again and doing the best to live my life in happier, joyful and non preferential/ judgemental state. I am guilty of being so acerbic in my words and not mincing it when my mind is feeling tortured and attacked. I know there is more to life to enjoy and seize. I am a practitioner of delight and fun yet sometimes I get loss in a shuffle of people who try to steal my energy and youth for their own convenience and pleasures.

I am at a loss during Christmas season and that is what it is. I have this sentimental upbringing of being altogether with loveones and decorating home to feel more joyous and excited for the yuletide season. I have been by myself with my 2 boys in Canada for 10 years and most of those celebrations were either by myself or with my 2 boys or few friends. My mom is in California and all my siblings are somewhere scattered in the world. I am not married and if there is any guy i should be with, is not anywhere near me. I am not having a warm hug and kisses from someone who I thought would really care and love me. There is no mature love, a partner to enjoy the winter and wine...and laughter and food with my children.

My life is tricky at best pathetic yet many adventures can not be exchange for any currency. The excitement and some adventures are all fleeting,unplanned yet such great memories. I can not and will not want to plan what I already experienced. I like having something fresh, new, excitable and yet solid in it's offer. I want a joy i can hold on long after the experience is gone. It is part of my unique look and feel of the intricacies and complexity of some of my behavior, decisions and reality. I am not stopping my search for the genuine peace and love I can share. When I give love I find comfort, quietness and serenity in my life. When I am loved I live with contentment, joy and peace. When i am alone and forgotten ...am a little girl crying, hurting and longing...and these days, fighting.

I am praying and working harder than ever. I am healing my own wounded hope and wishes for a better life and partner. I maybe abandoned but i can not allow to get loss too far that I can not recognize the right way towards my victorious survival of life's impossible task and test over and over again.

I have to fulfill what I am meant to do in this world. Being sissy, weak and coward is not part of that. I know my calling and listening to it will make me the woman and person that I am to be. Today ,am taking back my Zen, clear my mind and be the beat in my heart's championing of new world and new strength for a new beginning...again.

Reality is only tricky if you are not a part of the excitement. I want to be generating that energy and focus my love to what is real and authentic. I can see clearly now. Please join me in my growing understanding of what life is when there seems to be none. Falling back is just another reason to strengthen my body, my mind and me.

Organizing Habits That Can Make a Big Difference

Do you wonder if it is ever possible to get organized and stay organized? Believe it or not, it is possible. It really is as simple as forming and keeping good habits. Once these simple habits are part of your daily routine, it will be much easier to get organized and stay organized. It only takes 21 days to form a new habit. Join along as we being forming habits that can make a big difference.

1. Get rid of the evidence. The easiest habit to form is one that will make a very big difference: getting rid of the evidence. For example, let's say you've just made yourself a sandwich. Simply put everything away that you used to make your sandwich. Get the bread back to the breadbox, perishables back to the fridge, flatware to the dishwasher, and so on. When you have finished eating your sandwich, bring your plate to dishwasher and napkin to the trash (or washer if you use cloth). No evidence remains that you had a sandwich. This practice will help eliminate a lot of messes around the house!

2. Pick It Up And Put It Away. Don't sit something down to deal with later. Later usually doesn't show up very soon. When you have something in your hands, go ahead and deal with it then and there. Put it where it belongs. In truth, it may be simpler at the moment to set something down and deal with it later. Get in the habit now of picking it up (whatever it may be) and putting it away the second you're done with it.

3. Nightly Pickup. Let's face it. After working a full day, coming home and cleaning the whole house just isn't the most attractive option we can come up with. However, we can do something that will make a big difference. Get in the habit of spending 15 minutes before bed each night picking up and straightening up. It will make a huge difference in your outlook in the morning when you don't have a mess staring you in the face. If you do this every night, even your weekly cleaning activities will be less demanding, because you haven't left a weeks worth of messes to deal with on the weekend.

4. Involve The Family. The reality is that every member of the family plays an important role in maintaining an organized home. Hold a family meeting to decide as a family which chores will be done by each family member. If the members of your family have a say in chore division, they are much more likely to take ownership and do a good job, especially if they know going in that the division of chores can be re-negotiated at future family meetings. Make it a habit to hold a weekly family meeting. They're a great habit to get into, ensure communication, and can make a big difference.

5. One In One Out. Have you finally gotten to the point of being decluttered and having what you love and use organized? The easiest way to keep the level of stuff you have to maintain minimal is to make sure that for every one thing you bring into your home, one thing goes out--either to donations, trash or recycle. By getting into this habit, and faithfully following through on it, you are much less likely to be overwhelmed by the level of stuff in the future.

6. Medications and Supplement Inventory: Keep a list of all medications and supplements that each member of your family is taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements. Keeping track of these in a spreadsheet on the computer is an easy way to keep it updated. Once you have this list compiled, make sure that your doctor and pharmacist each get a copy of the list. Keep it updated so that they always have the most current listing. This will help your doctor and your pharmacist be aware of any possible drug interactions, keeping you safer.

7. First Aid Kits. Do you have easily accessible first aid kits, or do you scramble to find even a simple band aid? First aid kits are inexpensive, well-stocked and available at drug stores, warehouse stores, and department stores. Buy one for your home, one for each of your vehicles and keep a purse-sized one in your purse or briefcase for easy access. You will be prepared for almost any emergency.

8. Accurate Record Keeping. We've all faced different times when we've scrambled to find all of the paperwork we might need for something, whether it's disputing a refused claim with our health insurance, providing insurance copies, and even the dreaded tax audit. By keeping accurate and detailed records you will confidently be able to provide what is needed, no matter the situation. For your own peace of mind it pays to get into the habit of keeping accurate and detailed records.

9. Regular Family Fire Drills. Does your family have an escape plan that everyone knows in case of an emergency? It could be the one thing that makes the biggest difference to our family's safety. Make an escape plan that everyone in your family can understand, even the youngest member of your family who can understand pictures. But don't stop with just having a plan. Hold regular fire drills to make certain that everyone knows exactly what to do in case of a real emergency.

10. Keep a Tool Box Handy: Keep a toolbox in a place where everyone knows not only where to go to get a tool, but where to go to put it back when they are finished with it. By keeping a toolbox handy, you'll have the correct tool for the job. After all, it's much easier to pound a nail with a hammer than a shoe, or screw in a screw with a screwdriver rather than a butter knife. Just get into the habit of putting the tools back in the tool box as soon as you finish with them.

organizedhomenow.com

A Guide to Escaping Materialism and Finding Happiness

Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city. - George Burns
Every Thursday is Happiness Day on Zen Habits.(zenhabits.net)

( Helens NOTE> I couldn't agree more...i try hard to practice what you will read in here..i fall and then get up and fall and get up again...now I only shop for needs and when necessary at least 80% of the time ...the remaining as somewhat silly little thing but can make sense somehow like lottery tickets, skin care products and herbal supplements)

Money can’t buy you love. It can’t buy you happiness either.
Today’s materialistic world often urges us to buy the coolest gadgets, the trendiest clothes, bigger and better things, but research shows that possessions and purchases don’t buy us happiness. According to an article on CNN:
By and large, money buys happiness only for those who lack the basic needs. Once you pass an income of $50,000, more money doesn’t buy much more happiness, [according to a happiness studies].
So while we are being pushed towards materialism, it’s for monetary gain by corporations, not for our own happiness. Unfortunately, it’s hard to escape the trap of materialism, and find happiness in other ways than buying stuff online or finding joy in the mall.
But it’s possible. Here’s a guide to finding a materialism-free life and discovering true happiness.
Escaping MaterialismAll around us, there are messages telling us to buy stuff. On the Internet (blogs included), we see continuous advertising trying to get us to purchase a product or service. It’s the main reason for television, and movies are continually made with products placed throughout, so that we aren’t always sure what is advertising and what was put in there by the director.
Flip on the radio or open up a newspaper or magazine, and you’re bombarded my more advertising. Go to a shopping center/mall, and the urge to buy comes from every direction.
This message to continually buy, buy, buy … and that it will somehow make us happpier … is drilled into our heads from the days of Happy Meals and cartoons until the day we die. It’s inescapable.
Well, almost. You could go and live in a cabin in the woods (and that actually sounds nice), or you could still live in our modern society, but find ways to escape materialism.
Here are some suggestions:
Limit television. Do you really enjoy watching TV for hours? Think about which shows you really, really love, and only watch during that time. When the commercials come on, go do something else. Or use Tivo to watch TV. You can even give up cable TV entirely, if you’re brave — I have, and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.
Eschew the news. Journalists will never tell you this, but if they’re completely honest, they’ll confess that the most important part of any news company, from TV or radio news to Internet or print new, is the advertising division. It’s the division that pays the paychecks of the rest of the company. The news is important in driving traffic to the advertising. So when you’re watching or reading news, you’re really being sucked in to advertising. Try this instead: boycott the news for a week. I’ve done it for about two years, and it hasn’t hurt me a bit. In fact, it’s helped me a lot.
Limit Internet reading. I’m not saying you should cancel your cable Internet subscription or anything. I love reading blogs. But find just those that you truly love reading, that give you the most value, and limit your reading to those. And just do it once a day, for 30 minutes or so. If you can do that, you’ve gone a long way towards tearing yourself away from advertising.
Give up magazines for books. Magazines are also designed with advertising in mind. And they rarely give you much value. Try reading an ad-free book instead. It’s a much better use of your time.
Don’t go to the mall or Walmart. The only purpose of these places is for you to spend money. If you just want a place to spend your Saturday afternoon, find a place where you don’t need to spend money to have fun — a park or a beach, for example. If you need to buy something, go to a single store (not the mall) and go in and get what you need. Don’t browse and walk around looking at stuff. You’ll get sucked in.
Monitor your urges. When you’re online, or watching TV, or at a store, keep track of the number of times you want to buy something. Keep a little notebook or index card, and just put tally marks. Once you become more aware of your urges to buy things, you can start to control them. If you could control them, limiting your consumption of media (see above tips) isn’t really necessary — although I would argue that it still gives you a better quality of life.
Use a 30-day list. If you still really want to buy something, put it on a list, and write down the date you added the item to the list. Now tell yourself you cannot buy that item for 30 days. It might be difficult, but you can do it. When the 30 days have passed, if you still want it, then buy it. But you can’t buy anything (besides essentials like groceries) without putting it on the list for 30 days first. Many times, our urges to buy something will pass during this waiting period.
Declutter. I find it pretty amazing to see all the crap I buy over a period of years, when I go through my closets and other possessions and start getting rid of stuff I don’t use or want anymore. It’s a gratifying process, and at the same time, it makes me realize how useless all our consumer shopping is. I don’t need any of the stuff! When you do this, you may be less likely to buy more stuff. Especially if you enjoy the decluttered look of your house as much as I do.
Find other forms of entertainment. There are other things to do besides watch TV or movies or read magazines or newspapers or the Internet. Try playing sports or exercising, or playing board games or creating art or writing or reading a book. Try doing fun things with your kids or visiting relatives and other loved ones. Try volunteering with a charity. I’m sure you could come up with 100 free or cheap things to do.
Buy used. When you get the urge to buy something, and you’re convinced that it’s needed, try finding it used instead of new. Look in thrift shops or garage sales or flea markets or similar places.
A True Path to HappinessSo, if you’re able to escape materialism, how can you find true happiness? There are many ways, and each of us is different, but here are some things I suggest trying:
Grateful list. Make a list of things about which you’re grateful in your life. Give thanks for them daily.
Think positive. Try eliminating negative thinking from your life, and thinking positive instead.
Small pleasures. Make a list of small things that give you great pleasure. Sprinkle them throughout your day. Notice other small pleasures as you go through your day.
Kindness. Practice random acts of kindness and compassion. Do it anonymously. Help those in need. Volunteer. Make someone smile.
Love. Make an intimate connection with your loved ones. Develop your friendships. Spend time with them, converse, understand them, make them happy.
Health. Exercise and eat healthy — it sounds trite, but it can bring great happiness to your life.
Meaning. It’s often useful to find meaning, either through a church or spiritual way, or through those we love in life or through the things we’re passionate about. Give yourself a purpose.
Flow. Eliminate distractions, and really pour yourself into whatever you’re doing. If it’s writing an article, like this one, really put yourself into it, until you forget the outside world.
Know yourself. Become attuned to what brings you happiness. Study yourself. Learn about what you love, and about your ability to love. Increase your capacity for compassion.
What brings you happiness? How do you feel about materialism, and is it worth trying to escape it? Let us know in the comments.
See also:
A Guide to Cultivating Compassion in Your Life, with 7 Practices
10 Benefits of Rising Early, and How to Do It
12 Ways to Decompress after High Stress
The Three Secrets to Happiness
Are Your Days Crazy? Take Control
Edit Your Life Part 1: Commitments
Edit Your Life Part 2: Your Rooms
Develop Clean House Habits One at a Time
How NOT To Multi-task: Work Simpler and Saner
Slow Down to Enjoy Life
Zen Mind: How to Declutter

On a personal note this is the same/similar as I have previously written on this blog( Escape from Affluenza).

10 Ideas For Using Your Space Effectively

Feel like you're running out of space for all your stuff? Here are 10 simple ideas for using your space more effectively.

1. INSUFFICIENT OR INEFFECTIVE. Do you have insufficient storage space or ineffective storage space? There's a big different. Insufficient storage space means you don't have enough space for your things. Ineffective space means you have enough space for your things, but you're not making the best use of that space. Most closets and cabinets have the volume to hold twice as much as they are usually constructed for. And you probably have quite a few nooks and crannies for storage that you haven't even thought of. Of course, it's important to make sure you don't have things you don't like, are outdated, etc., but it is also important to have effective storage space for the things you do like and enjoy.

2. ADD-A-ROD. Looking for extra storage space in your closet. If you have the type of closet with two+ walls for hanging clothes, on one wall hang a rod at head height for long clothing (dresses, pants, etc.). On the other wall, hang two rods--one above the other--for shorter clothing (shirts, skirts, blazers, etc.) In other words, you're not restricted to only one clothing rod.

3. INSTALL SHELVES. Most shelves can be moved up-a-notch or down-a-notch. If you have three inches of space above your linens, you may consider adjusting the shelf so the shelf below it has more space. Or, perhaps you can add another shelf in between. Plastic, multiple level shelves are wonderful for kitchen cabinets. And corner shelves are great for picture frames, knick knacks and other small treasures.

4. USE STORAGE UNITS. Storage units, which can be picked up from housewares or hardware stores, are great space savers. Your spices can be removed from drawers and placed on a spice rack. There are racks for canned goods that, when a can is taken from it, the next can in line rolls forward. Some of these hold over 40 cans! Ice cube trays are inexpensive storage containers for smaller items such as earrings. There are coffee tables on the market with storage space hidden inside. Under bed containers are perfect for storing quilts and linens. Be creative and make use of these great tools!

5. DON'T FORGET ABOUT WALL SPACE. Look around and you're sure to find quite a bit of empty wall space. There are many uses for this new-found space. Pots and pans can be taken out of cabinets and hung on walls. Tools can be placed on pegboards. Shelves can be installed for picture frames and knick knacks. Many stores now carry corner shelves that can be installed in a snap.

6. PUT FREQUENTLY USED ITEMS WITHIN ARMS REACH. Whenever possible, store regularly used items where you use them most. Recently, my husband created a toilet paper holder on the back of our bathroom cabinet door, with a small dowel, 2 nails and 2 loops of rope. It holds three rolls of toilet paper, and it's right near the area it's needed most. You shouldn't have to walk from one room to another to retrieve items you use every day. Store linens in the bedroom. Store videos near the television. If you use the scissors in the office area and in the sewing room, have two pairs of scissors, one in each room.

7. ADD-A-DRAWER OR SLIDING SHELF. Many hardware and housewares stores carry drawers that can be installed underneath a cabinet. These are great if you have a home with limited drawer space. In addition, you can also install shelves under cabinets that slide out when you need them, and slide back in when you're finished with them.

8. KEEP YOUR DESK CLEAR. A clear desk is directly related to your productivity. You will get more done, if you're not constantly under a pile of papers and files. A sturdy, full-suspension filing cabinet is a must for any home or office. Portable file boxes that hold hanging file folders also come in handy. There are plenty of storage choices for CD-roms and diskettes. Desk supplies belong in an on-the-desk caddy or in trays inside your desk.

9. REARRANGE. Everyone is different, and has different needs. Make your home or office work for you. One woman I know told me she never uses her dining room, not even when she has company over. And she had no intention of ever using it since her kitchen was big and elegant enough. She also said she hated her dark basement office. So, I suggested she rearrange a bit, and turn her dining room into her office. And that is exactly what she did. So think about your surroundings and make them work for you, even if they seem a little out of the ordinary.

10. ROTATE. You may have many items you love in your home or office, but not enough space. Rotate them. In other words, keep some things in storage for a month or two and display some of your things. Then, once that time is up, make the switch. The items on display go into storage; the items in storage go on display. What a neat idea!

From the pages of getorganizednow.com

Eddos 15th Birthday

Make Grocery Shopping an Organized Adventure

Here are a few suggestions to try and make shopping an, organized (and as fast as the line will move) fun adventure from the pages of getorganizednow.com

1. Get it on paper. As you use up the last of any item, write it down on a designated list under the name of the store where you would purchase the item. This will help you find what you need right away. Have this list handy so your family can add to it as the need presents itself.

2. Avoid making two trips. If at all possible, try and do most of your errands the same day you do your grocery shopping. Make sure you take that list along with you, so you can go on the errand run without forgetting anything.

3. Be prepared. When it is time to shop for your groceries, try and limit it to one day a week. Gather up the lists and any coupons you can use. Have a designated plastic folder or envelope to hold them all, and have it with you at all times. If you should unexpectedly stop at that particular store, you can use the coupon for the items you need.

4. Plan your route. Knowing where you're going, especially when you plan to make several stops, can save you both time and money with the high cost of fuel.

5. Map it out. Make up a list of the aisles in the store, and the grocery items in each. You'll be able to easily pick up the items on your shopping list aisle by aisle, instead of in a random, disorganized fashion. This will help you get in and out of the store in no time.

6. Get help from the teens. When you are shopping with older children, divide up the list and have them pick up items from the other aisles. If at all possible, leave the little ones at home. They almost always add to impulse shopping. Plus your focus then needs to be divided between the grocery shopping and making sure the kids aren't pulling things off the shelves, or putting items you don't wish to purchase in your cart.

7. Keep 'em cool. Keep a bag or cooler in the trunk that can hold your perishable items. This will ensure no melted and leaky ice cream packages. Generally shop for groceries last when doing the errands--this way the frozen things won't have a chance to melt.

8. Instruct the Baggers. Request that the Bagger pack all perishables together in the bags so you can grab them first when you return home. This also gives you the option of leaving the non-perishables to unpack at your leisure.

9. Think about your calendar. Look over your schedule for the upcoming week to see if there is something unusual you will be using in a recipe, or an event that may be coming up for which you need to purchase a card or gift. Put that on your list also.

10. Carry the recipes with you. Carry your family's favorite recipes with you on little index cards that have the ingredients listed. You can see what is needed on the recipe card and get the items you don't already have. Saves unnecessary stops at the grocery store during the week for that one forgotten item!

11. Do a bit of prep work. When you get home and unpack your groceries, do some preliminary meal preparation. Cook meat and then package it into meal sized dinners. Wash all your fruit and veggies. Cut the veggies so you can just put them into the dishes you plan on making. This can be a real time saver for your meal preparation.

12. Double up. Plan on cooking a double recipe for some meals. Eat one and freeze the other for a busy weeknight dinner.

13. Create a meal plan. By having a meal plan for the week, along with the items needed list, you should have a quick and easy shopping adventure each and every week.

14. Think outside the box. There is also another solution for grocery shopping. There are various agencies and many supermarkets that can do it for you. If there is just not enough time in your busy schedule, using that service once in awhile, or all the time if you budget permits, might help you get caught up with your To Do list.



For more of the organization and cleaning tips visit

http://organizedhome.com/

http://www.getorganizednow.com/

"BEFORE YOU BUY" checklist( and my Own Philosophy on buying stuff...

Before you buy, always ask yourself.

1. Do I really need it? If not, Do I really love it?
2. Is it worth the time and money to dust,store,clean, otherwise maintain?
3. How many hours will I have to work to pay for it?
4. Could I borrow it from the library,friend or anywhere else?
5. Is there anything I already own I could possibly use instead?
6. Are the resources that went into it renewable?
7. Is the product socially and environmentally friendly? ( not made with child labor, or from virgin timber)
8. Can I recycle it when I'm through with it? Or will it help clog a landfill?

_____________________
I have this printed out and on my wall since 2001 from ESCAPE from AFFLUENZA (PBS.org)


I have created some more thought for my own reminder

Before I Buy it List

1. Do I need it now?
i.e. I have waited for my kids to grow up before we bought a new couch. That's about 3 yrs ago. They are now 14 and 13. I bought second hand twice before and it served as well for the price I bought them and given it to some friends.


2. Is it on sale or reasonably priced and how long can I use it for that price?
1.e. If it's a beautiful long dress for $100 and i will use it only once or twice then I am not buying it. If it is something i can wear for an equivalent of $1 a day then it is worth it...which means i have to be able to wear it at at least 100 days. That goes to my other items at home.The couch which we bought for $1,500 will last me about 5 yrs and that is 365 x5 which is $1,825, then it's paid for it. It is now on it's third year and that includes the furniture protection plan for 5 yrs.

3. Can I really afford to pay for it in cash?
or maybe installments without interest will be the great. It is same as cash.

4. Do I really love it and can live with it?
It has to appeal aesthetically to me and fit my taste and/or surrounding...or I can wait more.

5. Is it easy to maintain and recyclable?
No dry cleanings and chemicals for me to maintain it's beautiful look. If I can donate it and or repair it or re purpose it then it's a go.

6. If I can have it free...it's better.

Quiz: What’s Your Spending Style? My result: Sensible Spender Congrats! You’ve got your priorities straight when it comes to your finances. You’re diligent about saving money, but you also know that it’s okay to splurge a little every now and then. Check out Getting Savvy About Saving for more tips on maintaining a bright financial future.

Take this quiz!

MY BEAUTIFUL DOG BRIGHTY....

I miss her so much. Christian sent these ones last night. She is so beautiful and sweet. I am so missing her a lot.

RETREAT

I went for a much needed out of town retreat and shopping. I did not elaborate or told anyone where I went and what I did. They don't have to know and I need my privacy. It was an amazing day to knowing myself again.

I have opened my eyes to a more truthful way of dealing and embracing my reality. I know what to get rid off and avoid and am more clear now whom to trust or love more...or not. I am delighted of my questioning and fighting for things I don't agree with. There are situations and perceptions that is against my taste and liking. I know what to do now.

It is liberating when I learned that I don't have to go with the flow that is against my grain. I am my own woman... I shall dance in my own music and not be swayed by others selfish motives.
I am dedicating my life to learning something new everyday. I will leave what doesn't work. I am happy to let go off my insecurities and be the woman i really am.

A retreat for body, mind and spirit is the best thing I have done for myself in a long time. It is a great weekend of accepting, analyzing and renewing of me. I am more powerful than i thought I was and am exercising that spirited hopeful stronger woman's walk to a better reality and future.
I am, afterall, my own and only real person to really believe in.

To wear for Tuesday...

Found an older blog of mine...

http://sweetiehelen.blog.friendster.com/

Recession Depression Proof (your everyday life)

We have to get back to the basics. Stop depressing news from getting into your system and help yourself to remember these simple but effective ways of surviving.

STOP

1. shopping for wants that are not needed fo you to survive.
2. cooking so much food to avoid the risk of throwing it away
3. buying clothes every new season if you still have good quality decent clothes to wear.
4. buying and taking in junks such as junk foods, junk garage sale finds, free items etc.
5. paying others to clean and colour your own nails and hair. You can learn how to do it at home.
6. upping your friends and neighbors in terms on how you will dressed up and what you have. For all you know everybody is busy trying to up others to find time to even look at yours, too.
7. your ugly vice whatever it is such as smoking, drinking, wasting time gossiping, drugging and shopaholic ways and days.
8. negative talks and blaming people.
9. wasting energy in people who drags you down with their too much complaints and hatred with
whatever they have problem with
10....crying. Just scream and shout and exercise to release and just let go. Nothing here is permanent so take it easy..

Go

1. shop for what on sale in food items
2. learn and accept wearing/using used items may it be from you own closets or Value Village
3. use vinegar for most household use for cleaning, dieting and cooking
4. read books and lessen tv time.
5. have an automatic deposit to one dedicated account just for saving money like a piggy bank . All deposits...no withdrawals
6. learn to repair your own clothes. Sewing is simple to learn by hand or machine and it will help you prolong the use of all and any fabric items you might need some mending or hemming.
7. buy local, eat at home and bring own lunch
8. be aware in spending habits and be honestly budget concious
9. walk as much as possible going to shop,work or school. It lessens the stress ,makes you alert and saves the environment.
10. have lovely positive people surround you and your family...it gives out good vibes,good energy and good karma.
11. have beautiful sex with your partner(if you have one) and assure each other no matter what...you will hold and love each other.
12. Love each other. Have faith that lack of money won't dissolve your relationship with others.

My Time

I am sad that the one i care for is not giving me the attention and time that is just for me.
If the one you love is only with you in a day or a night on a weekend, won't you want that window of limited time be for you and him only?

I can not be selfish and I have no right to be...yet that time is mine and his. No kids should be in between and over us. I have no problem with other family members but him being so distracted and spending that closeness to them whom he lives with and wake up with every morning or talk with everyday on the phone is inconsiderate and selfish as it is.

It just proves that someone will be loved and chosen but it would not be me. I'M A BIG GIRL NOW THAT I CAN TAKE IT AND LIVE WITH IT! I just have more love and respect for myself now that I can not just smile and take being ignored and forgotten silently. It takes two to tango and I cannot dance the music of love if I am weeping and alone.

The beautiful thing about this is that I learn to be more open. I am more awake in my conciousness. I give more space for me to breath...and for me to move on.
My focus is not in a good place and it has to be cleared and tweaked. Afterall, I only have one chance to live and a long wait just be a on the sideline for 7 years, is no longer an option.

I think it is beautiful to learn from the lessons of the past and not let myself dragged to a long procession of hopeless romance. My time is precious and not having it in my moments is killing the future of a true unrequited love.

Have you fought for your time lately? Have you waited for as long as you can and still be sidelined? Do you feel like your existence at times is just for his convenience? Were you his priority? Can you wait more ?

I am not in a place of joy when this happens. I am moving to a different direction whether he follows me is his choice and not mine.

I am not afraid.

This is my time.

Perception

I am at work again and looking out on a drizzly parking lot of my Plaza. I had a small talk with Ed, my co worker who is not afraid to give his 2 cents that we end up always head butting with clashing ideas or perceptions,at times.
We are living in a world that is unreal yet real. The things we see is not necessarily the things they are in many different eyes. I may find my old shoes as a rugged and sexy pair and yet others may reflect the broken and tattered stictches on it and therefore garbage worth.

I think that I find beauty in anywhere. I am not afraid to say that am partial with white people, artisans, eccentrics, trucks,classical,fashion, bags with many pockets and flat & leather shoes. I am friends with a Jamaican woman, Iranian ladies, a Chinese girl and a couple of Filipina. I am saying that because though Jamaicans are not white, it is my personal preference and perception that she is one of the girls I can live,love undestand and agree to disagree with...yet I prefer dating a white mature guy.I think they are funny, stable and self-assured and they look good when sunburned and beside my Asian look. Yes, That is my perception. having said that I admire the talent and looks of Will Smith and Michael Jordan and yes, M. Jackson.

Yes...what my eyes can see may be not to my liking and awesome to you but they are all form of God's incredible creativity and they are beautiful in their own ways and in different eyes that behold them.

You may judge my perception but life is not what it seems. Nobody is perfect therefore having my unique perception can be just as good or or as bad as anybody else's.

Philosopher Eddi

NOTE: I tansferred a copy of this note in My Helen and the Boys blog. Please read my mothering of four boys from here in afar on the said blogspot.


My son wrote a note about his personal history and I am amazed how great of a writer is he at 13. I made him known that I am very proud of him and that he should continue to write and always do it.
When he was a lot younger, my routine to him is asking him to write me a love note or love letter. When he is angry ,I encourage him to write it down. I see some snippets of those note sometimes around the house. I am able to know him more when i read his piece about how he see things and how he feels.

He is an incredible young man. Uniquely Eddi and every one who knows him will just nod their heads and agree that he is eccentric in his own clever and annoying way at times. He even diagnosed himself with ADD. I researched it and he was no way anywhere near the description but I always thought there is something really so different about him that it frustates his brother so much. My son have no OCD as i see it, he is not weird in things he does but he is unique in his decisions and learning methods and seeing the world at times. We fought for what he thought is the right way and the better way...when all he wants is to be the winner in the discussions and attacks on tackling chores the Eddi ways.

He tells me he loves me and becomes quietly obedient when he learns he is wrong or misjudge the situation. He is an amazing literary genius in the making and my father who exuded in intelligence and philosophy would have been proud.

I am blessed yet so much trial and frustrations will still be in the offing bringing up a smart philosopher of his own making. I am ready as i am proud to have him test my witts and parenthood.He is, afterall, doing what he knew he thinks is just and proper...the Eddi way.

Back to old school regimen

back with my Retin A and vitamin A intake. Hope it will help.
If you are 40plus,can yo, please, share your beauty regimen to me...and maybe I can do something diferent?
My skin goes from restful and blushing to pale and bumpy.
I hope to have no more for my coming birthday.
I love photographs and having my pictures taken with or without make up and I want my kids to remember a happy pretty mother jumping for joy rather than sulking in the corner and depressed for the embarassing zits(trust me..i did that too). I just want to be happy and clear soon.

Adult Acne

I have no skin problem when i was younger. This pimples really bothers me a lot even if it's only one at times. I still continue to use my Retin-A once or twice a year and it helps.My only concern is that it get more stubborn as I get older.

I don't smoke, drink and never done drugs and anything that can be bad for the skin.
I am always wearing hat, sunscreen and moisturizers. I use acne wash for face and I use toners( Marcelle..which is amazing to feel).Internally, I take vitamins and eat lots of fruits. I still have these eruptions at least once a month and have tried the popular Pro-active(it worked yet i don't like the regimen i have to go thru everyday to maintain it's effectivity).
I just found out that those advertised product are better for younger skin so am doing a research to find the best for adult skin ( at least for me). I will let you know what happens...say maybe in three months. I guess we can't really hurry up beauty when you are my age.

I just thank God that there are great pharmacological findings and pharmaceutical geniuses that concocts new and effective treatment medicine for skin disorders and tantrums. I just thank God there is me.

More Intuned

I believe we have a certain feeling or connection that leads us to do somethings we never even thought of doing. We have our own instinct that we refer to as coincidence or just pure luck.
This week most of what I have gone thru is not coincidence. I knew it will happen I knew... what others were thinking or saying when they are looking in my eyes.I knew God's hand is guiding me. I knew my angel or inner guide is here.

Have you listened to yours lately?
Have you done something that contradicts your instinct and regretted doing so?

Be open and listen.
You may have a better day everyday.

Today is a NEW day.
I want to be better.
Where do I start?

Wardrobe change is an easy no brainer tactic that will kick start some great and better changes I want to see happen.

I am crawling and standing for a new change. I am building on character of solid foundation.
I will be the change the has to happen..that change that I want to see and feel.
Reinventing some styles and fashion collections i have and plan to buy is a fun way of feeling new and looking fresh. My kids like that too.

Look Better
Last night I did my Neutrogena rejuvenating cleansing and went to a lotion trance after my shower.
This morning I look so fresh and refresh and my pores are finer.
I look at my before(after the cleansing last night)
and after which is when i woke up this morning. I like it.

I greeted God a good morning and thank him
I picked a phone call from a guy I totally disagree with and started a friendly conversation.
No fight...no smirking...so that is good for my new day.
Today is a nice day. I will smile and greet people when i walk to work. That should make their day a great pleasant start for all the activities they are to face.