~Tell All Tuesday~

How To Effectively Use Your Space

With budgets being tight these days for most people I thought this would be a great subject to write on. Aren't we always wanting to know how to better use the space we have?

So when I saw this picture it confirmed my thoughts.... I am going to share with you how to use your space effectively. 

When you look at your room and wonder how you will get anything else in the space then ask yourself this: "Do I have insufficient storage space or ineffective storage space?" 

Here is the difference:

Insufficient storage 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. 

So before you begin reading the ideas below determine this first:

Do you have things you don't like, are outdated, etc., and need to get rid of or Are you storing things you enjoy, will use, and like.

Some Easy Ideas

1. 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  my children's room I added a shelf for shoes and then to hang pants and shirts that can be reached.

2. 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. 

3.USE STORAGE UNITS. Storage units, which can be picked up from housewares or hardware stores, and are great space savers. Your spices can be removed from drawers and placed on a spice rack. There are racks for canned goods. Some of these hold over 40 cans! There are coffee tables on the market with storage space hidden inside them as well. Under bed containers are perfect for storing quilts and linens. Be creative and make use of these great tools! 

4. 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.This is great for office items.Tools can be placed on pegboards. Shelves can be installed for picture frames and knick knacks. 

5. PUT FREQUENTLY USED ITEMS WITHIN ARMS REACH. Whenever possible, store regularly used items where you use them most. You shouldn't have to walk from one room to another to retrieve items you use every day.  

6. 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. 

7. 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. Make sure you have a filing cabinet for any home or office. Portable file boxes that hold hanging file folders also come in handy and can be stored easily in the closet. 

 8.REARRANGE. Everyone is different, and has different needs. Make your home or office work for you. 

If you have a space you love but aren't happy with the way you have your furniture then try rearranging to where it better fits your need. So think about your surroundings and make them work for you, even if they seem a little out of the ordinary. 

9. ROTATE. You may have many items you love in your home or office, but not enough space. Rotate them. Put some of the things you like the most out and storage the others, then switch after a few months.

So think outside the normal for you to create the best space possible.

I found this 1-9 chart idea here

{Good Morning Monday}

I hope everyone was able to stay warm this weekend. It was freezing!!!

I can not believe how cold it has been this past week. Since we live in Florida it isn't like we have this weather often so when we do have hard freezes we don't know what to do.

Even though it was cold we did venture out this past weekend.

I thought I would share with you today an experience I had over the weekend.

Taking my oldest child to the ER.

That is right.... This is the second time....

He is my accident prone child. I don't know what it is but he is always hurting himself. I think it's that he doesn't pay attention sometimes to what he is doing and ends up running into walls and stuff.

Well anyway--

This past weekend we did have an interesting trip to the ER. This time it was not for something as minor as the last time though.

While visiting my hubby's grandparents Ethan had a collision with the stairs. As most of you know he is a bit clumsy and runs into all sorts of things. While we were in the process of packing up to leave Grandmother and Granddaddy's house Ethan was running toward the kitchen and tripped. They have this medal stair nosing--that is right,Gus said it is called a medal star nosing--known as a medal edge on the step. Well when he fell we were all standing there and saw it happen. As soon as his head hit it and he started screaming...Gus grabbed him up quickly and ran to the kitchen, while the rest of us ran around getting rags and basically not knowing how to react. Gus took one look at it and said we needed to get to the hospital.

So we quickly loaded up and I sat in the back seat of the car with Ethan while holding the rag tightly on his head.

Gus dropped us off at the ER door and met up with us after parking the car.

I of coarse signed him in and then anxiously waited.

 I didn't know what it looked like because I hadn't had a chance to look at it yet so I thought I would take a peak while waiting. I took one look and started to tear up. 

At that time, Gus came walking up with Tucker and took Ethan for me. I didn't want Ethan to see me tear up so I quickly walked down the hall.

I thought I would be stronger then what I was but it was hard to see him wanting to go to sleep and crying.  

It was deep and I just prayed that they could easily fix it without Ethan giving them a hard time.

Well he did great. He was so brave and they were able to fix it with no problems.

They cleaned the wound, glued it and put 3 strips on it and then topped it with a bandage. We will need to follow up with the pediatrician Monday morning but he should be fine.

Here are some pictures taken on Gus' phone while in the ER.

 

He isn't out of it in this picture. He is just blinking.

 

You can't tell how deep it is here but when you looked at it in person it was definitely deeper then what the closeness of the picture is showing. 

 

 Here he is when they were almost finished. He did wonderfully!!

Hopefully we will stay out of the ER for a long time.. These trips are not fun. :-(

A Reminiscing Friday

Woohooo.....

It is Finally Friday.

This has been a long week for me. For some reason getting back into the routine of things this week has come slow. Has it for you as well?

I found myself hibernating in my house this week, not just because it has been particularly cold but for numerous reasons. When I woke up yesterday morning I had this urge to get out and smell the fresh air.

I called up my sister and headed over to her house to visit with her for a little bit. We had such a great time letting the boys play and chatting away as we ate lunch.

"Why don't I do this more often?" was the question I kept asking myself as I drove home.

And then it dawned on me last night.....

Sometimes the things that we think is the least important is the most important!

I get so caught up in maintaining my everyday routine from cleaning, laundry, cooking, picking up toys, and wiping dirty bottoms that I forget to look around me at the sweet happy faces that are staring back at me.These sweet little boys that are ready to give a hug at any given second, who adore me because I am "simply" mommy--the one who can heal anything with a kiss-- and will play peek-a-boo and dinosaurs over and over again is the most amazing feeling in the world.

At the end of the day when my worn out little boys are tucked in there beds peacefully sleeping, it touches my heart to see the blessings of God and to know that come morning time, I will have two huge smiles greeting me as I start a new day. 

Oh how I would not trade being a mom for the world.

On this Friday morning share with me and tell me what you like most about today!

Have a great weekend!

Healthy Meal Plan for One Day

As I stared at my computer screen with writers block wondering what I was going to write about last night I decided I would continue on with another day of the "healthy" topic. I know some of you will be glad when this phase of my week is over so you can guiltlessly indulge in your bowl of ice cream or whatever it is you love to eat. ;-)

I know you are wondering and the answer is, "Yes", there are times I must admit, I go through that. Where all I want to do is eat sweets or sit down and have a bowl of ice cream once the boys go down for bed.

Don't we all?

But I wanted to give you an idea of some healthy meals and snacks you could eat for one day. 

Hopefully it will give you a fresh recipe or two.

Breakfast:
A Fruit Smoothie with Protein

Ingredient
1 cup Strawberry
1/2 cup Blueberries
1/2 cup Raspberries
1/2 cup Orange Juice or Soy Milk
1 Banana
1 Tbsp Flaxseed
1 serving of protein powder

Blend together and if you wish you could add crushed ice. If you like your shake really juicy vs. thick then sprinkle in more liquid as you desire.
You could cut out one of the fruits, such as raspberries, and then double another fruit, such as blueberries.

Mid Morning Snack
1 cup Low fat yogurt-
1/3 cup granola

 Lunch
Chicken Wrap 
Ingredient:

1 Chicken Breast (seasoned and baked in oven)
1 15-ounce can small white beans, such as cannelloni or great northern, rinsed (see Ingredient note)
10 cherry tomatoes, quartered
4 scallions, trimmed and sliced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 pita
lettuce

Cook chicken ahead of time in oven. Sprinkle with favorite seasonings. Will take about 20-25 minutes on 350. Then cut up into bite size pieces. Mix all ingredient and lay in a pita with lettuce.
*Serve with fruit

Afternoon Snack:
1 cup of mixed nuts (such as almonds, peanuts,walnuts, etc.)
You could also add some dried fruit but not to much.
OR
1 Fruit such as
an apple, a banana, celery, etc. 
1 tbsp fresh ground peanut butter


Dinner: Peppercorn Chicken with Lemon Spinach 
Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 3 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 1 3/4 pounds)
• 2 to 3 teaspoons coarsely ground mixed peppercorns
• 3/4 teaspoon finely minced fresh rosemary 
• Kosher Salt
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup cooking red wine
  
• 1/3 cup low-sodium  broth
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 pound spinach
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Brush 1 tablespoon mustard all over the chicken. Sprinkle with the peppercorns, rosemary and salt to taste, patting gently so the seasonings stick.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; add 2 tablespoons oil. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 6 minutes, turning once. Transfer to a baking dish (set aside the skillet for the sauce); bake the chicken until cooked through, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, add the shallots to the skillet; cook over medium-high heat until just soft. Remove the pan from the heat, add the brandy, then return the pan to the heat and scrape up any browned bits. Add the broth, bring to a boil and cook until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons mustard and the parsley.

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the garlic; cook about 30 seconds. Add the spinach, season with salt and cook until wilted; add the lemon zest. Slice the chicken and drizzle with the shallot sauce. Serve with the spinach.

How to Start Eating Healthier

As we all know diet and nutrition is a huge key in living and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Maintaining the right diet and nutrition can help improve your overall health. It can also increase your energy levels, help with mood, and prevent diseases.

Knowing that health is such an important part of our life, why is it that we don't always choose to be healthy?

I have been thinking about health a lot lately since my husband has was diagnosed with Gout in 2009. For him it is a hereditary thing and it is something he will have to live with for his life. We are in the process of figuring out what he can and can not eat and how he can loose weight slowly without increasing his uric acid.

It is definitely not easy to all the sudden change the way you eat but it is certainly something we have do.

So that being said, women have a way to there husbands belly. Don't we ladies?! What we cook and make for our family is what they will eat. I think it is important for us, as women, to create healthy meals that our husbands and families can eat and enjoy. Now don't get me wrong, we will have those easy go to meals, our pizza night, do a quick run to Chic-fil-a every now and then-- but to do it in moderation is the key.

Here is a quick list that you could go by if you are just starting out with wanting to eat healthier and you don't know where to start: 

 Increase Your Intake of These:

Fresh Vegetables
Vegetable Sources of Protein (beans, legumes, and nuts)
Whole Grains
Fresh Fruits
Soy-based products
Homemade Soups that are low in fat and salt 
Homemade Sauces, etc. 

Cut Down on the Following:

When you are out grocery shopping, look at the labels of the food items you are buying. This is important! Learn what is in your food and what you are really eating. 

Cut down on the following:

Caffeinated coffees, teas, and sodas
Carbonated sugary drinks
Foods labeled ‘Enriched’
Dairy and Dairy Products
Red Meat
Foods High in Sugar 
High Fructose Syrup
Foods High in Salt
Hydrogenated Oils
preservative rich foods

It is simpler than you think!

One of the main reasons why people tend to shy away from there healthy habits is the fear of it being time consuming, expensive and a complicated process. The truth is, maintaining good nutrition is often simpler than you think. It is all a matter of simple substitutions and paying attention to what and how much you are eating.

Lastly, keep in mind that being healthy does not mean that you have to completely give up your favorite sweets or dinner meal but to learn how to eat healthy a majority of the time. Also, don't eat the same foods over and over again, try a variety of food so you won't get tired  of eating the same things. 

So--the next time you go to the store or sit at home and make your grocery list--determine right then that you are going to choose a new way of eating.  

If you have questions or comments about any of this please write to me and let me know. I would be happy to answer any of your questions or help with a list of foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas. 

I will try to post some healthier recipes this week and next week to get you on the right track. 

Good Luck!

Apple- Cinnamon Oat Bran Muffins

APPLE-CINNAMON OAT BRAN MUFFINS

 

I know that most of us are wanting to get back into the routine of eating better. Along with the holidays comes eating sweets, eating more then normal, and eating foods we wouldn't normally eat. As I was thinking about this and setting a goal for myself these next couple of weeks, I decided I would give you a recipe that is pretty healthy and would be a good snack or breakfast.

So go ahead and give it try....

Ingredient:

1/2 C oat bran

1 C whole-wheat flour

1/4 C ground flax seed
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 egg, beaten
4 tbsp canola oil
1/4 C sugar
1/3 C applesauce         
1/4 C chopped pecans

Directions

 

1.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2.

In a large bowl, whisk together bran, flour, flaxseed, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3.

In a separate bowl, whisk together egg and oil until smooth. Stir in applesauce and sugar. Combine mixtures and fold in pecans.

4.

Spoon batter into paper-lined muffin cups. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool on a wire rack.

{Good Morning Mondays}

Welcome Back!

I trust that you all had a wonderful and blessed Holiday....

It was definitely a great one for us.

We had our newest addition joining us this year and it was certainly so much fun!

It makes for an interesting Christmas with two young boys but we wouldn't want it any other way.

I love having the little ones run around and I just beamed with joy as I watched them play together over this Christmas and New Years Holiday break.

Oh what a joy children are!!!

I will make todays post pretty short since I have a sick husband at home and little ones running around but I do have some things I certainly want to write on --so more on those later.

~But for today~

First off today--I would like to know if anyone had made any new year resolutions?!?! If so... write in and tell if you have and what your resolution is.

Second--I have a picture for you.....

Remember back when I gave you pictures of those ornament wreaths, well I have a picture for you of the one I made.

And third--I went the night before Christmas Eve to get a trim and came home with pretty short hair. Well for me it was short. I have had shorter hair before but it was not what I had my mind set on at the time. So I would like to know from you all if it is a keeper or should I grow it out?

I do need to go back and get it fixed b/c it is longer on one side then another and it needs to be stacked more in the back but let me know what you think...

Of course this is the only one I could find--and it is of me getting the appetizers ready for Christmas Eve with my side of the family.

Always in the kitchen :-)

I hope to hear back as to what you all think and also to see if you made any new years resolutions....

Have a great Monday!