Organization Tools

One thing I tried and failed to do last year was get organized. I read all these blogs about all of these women that just seem so put together, they have their magic binders that help keep everything in balance, and life is magical. Well last year I did make myself a binder, I planned meals for two weeks,and then it sat on my shelf for the last three months of the year.

However this year I am going to try again. I pulled out my binders (I actually made two, one for budgeting and one for various things around the home) and I am getting back to work! I am going to make sure that I keep things on track this year! (Go me!) Last year when I did this I scoured the web for what I felt were some of the best and most helpful tools available for making a home management binder. Your needs are probably going to be a bit different since your family is not the same as mine. However, if you have "Get Organized" as one of your new years resolutions, you might find this helpful as well!

The very first thing I have in my binder is a one page yearly calendar. I went to the same Creative Mamma to get my calendar as I did this year. She does amazing work and you should check her out. I went with her Kawaii Mini Calendar because I think it's adorable and I like to open up my binder to something fun.


She has other options as well, such as doodle calendars and weekly planners, and other fun stuff like printable gift tags. Not only is this mamma creative, but she's talented too.

As the weeks go on, I will share more info with you on how my binder is set up and what else is in it. If you just can't wait, feel free to check out my Pinterest board  Organizational Peace to find out more!

Wordless Wednesday

Family Picture

Happy New Year!

Source Unknown

Happy New Year to everyone! I hope this is your best year ever!

I know things have been quiet around here lately, but I have been working "behind the scenes" to make some arrangements to improve this blog, so keep an eye out for some great new content, and a regular updating schedule! I also have some awesome reviews in the works as well! I am striving to make my 2013 my best year ever as well. The start of the year is always the busiest for me, especially this year. I have my final class before I get my degree, then we have my sons birthday on the 21st, he will be 2 this year! Time flies so fast! I have been planning his birthday for a couple of months now, so I hope it is epic! My father turns 70 in a few days, and I am still trying to figure out something amazing to do for him, any suggestions would be welcome (he lives in Texas, so he's not nearby that makes it a bit harder.)

I don't make new years resolutions, but I do have goals for the new year, I want to pull out my home management binder, and home budget binder that have been gathering dust and put them back to work. I also have a goal of feeling better about myself (I think this is going to be the hard one.)

Do you make new years resolutions? If so what is yours for 2013?

26 Acts of Kindness.

Reblogged from Buzzfeed. http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/26-random-acts-of-kindness

Ann Curry is calling on people all over the world to do 26 random acts of kindness for each of the people killed in Sandy Hook Elementary School. Here's some inspiration from people who have already begun: Ann Curry is calling on people all over the world to do 26 random acts of kindness for each of the people killed in Sandy Hook Elementary School. Here's some inspiration from people who have already begun: Via: usnews.nbcnews.com


1. "Let my 4-year-old pick a car to leave flowers on at Walgreens."  Via: @kristen97805958
 
 2. Via: gramfeed.com
 
3. "Day 2: 100% tip for a server at one of my favorite lunch spots!" Via: instagram.com
 
4. "Instead of asking Santa for something, they brought him a Starbucks gift card." "Instead of asking Santa for something, they brought him a Starbucks gift card." Via: @MichelleBoudin
 
5. "First act of kindness: paying for the car behind us crossing over the bridge." "First act of kindness: paying for the car behind us crossing over the bridge." Via: facebook.com
 
6. "An amazing woman just came in and did this & tipped us $20. There are beautiful people in the world." "An amazing woman just came in and did this & tipped us $20. There are beautiful people in the world." Via: instagram.com
 
7. "Felt awesome to leave this on a car in the parking lot today. Not life changing but kindness is contagious." "Felt awesome to leave this on a car in the parking lot today. Not life changing but kindness is contagious." Via: instagram.com
 
 8. "Day 1: A latte for the kind security guard who stands outside our building, rain or shine, making sure we are safe." "Day 1: A latte for the kind security guard who stands outside our building, rain or shine, making sure we are safe." Via: instagram.com
 
 9. "This notecard and $ was given to my son today this afternoon by a complete stranger. What an amazing idea. I plan on joining in and paying it forward." "This notecard and $ was given to my son today this afternoon by a complete stranger. What an amazing idea. I plan on joining in and paying it forward." Via: instagram.com
 
10. "I can't help anyone financially, so I'm visiting people." "I can't help anyone financially, so I'm visiting people." Via: @ReneNow
 
 11. "Random act of kindness #1" "Random act of kindness #1" Via: instagram.com
 
12. "Bringing comfort food to wounded warriors." "Bringing comfort food to wounded warriors." Via: @viperpilot08
 
13. "Just paid off three families Toys R Us bills, hoping to heal the world with each random act of kindness." "Just paid off three families Toys R Us bills, hoping to heal the world with each random act of kindness." Via: instagram.com
 
14. "Jack Maxton Used Cars is joining 26 acts by donating 26 toys honoring victims of Sandy Hook." "Jack Maxton Used Cars is joining 26 acts by donating 26 toys honoring victims of Sandy Hook." Via: @JackMaxtonChevy
 
15. "Students made a sign for our custodian who gives 110% at school and has a wife battling cancer." "Students made a sign for our custodian who gives 110% at school and has a wife battling cancer." Via: @tweaks611
 
16. "#4 came when we visited the local firehouse to deliver a teddy bear our 4 year old picked out for their Toys For Tots drive. We thanked the young man and made sure he passed on our appreciation for the work all of his fellow first responders do." Via: facebook.com
 
17. "We made cookies for our firemen and even got to play dress up." "We made cookies for our firemen and even got to play dress up." Via: @gkimbwala
 
18. "We're sending 26 blankets." "We're sending 26 blankets." Via: @7pQyNFOL
 
19. "A simple one. If this doesn't make you smile, I don't know what would." "A simple one. If this doesn't make you smile, I don't know what would." Via: @BlizzLatt
 
20. "26 cuddly toys for the children's ward at Torbay Hospital." "26 cuddly toys for the children's ward at Torbay Hospital." Via: @OldmanmattG
 
21. "I am a teacher in Connecticut and I was the recipient of a #26Acts today from one of my 7th-graders." Via: @lesleyryoung
 
22. Via: @MichelleBoudin
 
23. "I'm in." "I'm in." Via: @gkoen82
 
24. "Over halfway there! Just left $10 in my favorite childhood book." "Over halfway there! Just left $10 in my favorite childhood book." Via: @KenzAnderson
 
25. "Seattle Children's Hospital donation. #26acts" "Seattle Children's Hospital donation. #26acts" Via: instagram.com
 
26. "The custodian is using tape to hold his shoes together. He works hard and deserves new shoes." "The custodian is using tape to hold his shoes together. He works hard and deserves new shoes." "He was so grateful. His eyes were filled with tears." Via: @Cheri_Garton For those interested, here's a check sheet you can use: For those interested, here's a check sheet you can use:

Beam N Read Review and Giveaway!

Hey Everyone! Sorry I have been sporradic for so long, it has been so busy around here! I really do have a great plan for getting back on track with blogging, you just have to have some patience with me please! I am here today with another wonderful opportunity from Fashionista Events hosted by the lovely ladies behind Still Blonde after all these Years and Modly Chic for Fashion!

I received the BNR LED 6-3 Beam N Read ® LED 6 Deluxe Hands Free Light  for review and I have to tell you that I love my Beam N Read, I have not used it for reading yet, but it has been amazing for my crafting. I have been working on a Waldorf style doll for my son, and since it is only 10 inches, the stitching is teeny tiny, or at least it should be. I’m a novice doll maker, so it’s not perfect. I was really struggling with the hand stitching that I needed to do, but now with the Beam N Read, I am not having any trouble getting the stitching nice and small! I love it! It is so easy to use, and works great! The lights are super bright, I accidently almost blinded my brother and dad when I was goofing off and shined it in their eyes. The filters are super cool too! I was able to work with it in the car while my husband drove, and he didn’t have any issues with the lights bothering him. My mom tried it on and she really liked it and I am thinking this will also be a great gift for my dad for Christmas, or maybe his birthday! I think he will get a lot of use out of it. I know I already am! I am thinking of keeping one in the car for emergencies too, I love the fact that it is hands free, and the strap that goes around your neck is elastic and adjustable, so it’s going to fit anyone. I am also impressed at the fact that it has two settings, unlike a lot of other lights, so I can choose just how bright I want it to be. The one thing I am worried about is tossing it in my bag without the box as there is no switch to keep it off, when you move the light to an angle it turns itself on. This won’t be a problem for most people though, and so far it hasn't been an issue for me, I've been carrying it in my bag for 2 days now with no issue. Beam N Read also has several different option available for everyone- 3 light, 6 light, both (like the one I have and love) with no filters, 2 filters, 4 filters, you can even get the magnifier separate! This is absolutely my favorite new "toy" and I have a ton of other projects it is going to help me with!


So check out these pictures, the first is through the beam and read magnifer, the second is without, the doll is in the same place for both. See how much closer it looks? Sorry they are upside down!

This one is me, sporting my Beam N Read, I’m going to make this trendy! (Thanks to my husband for taking the picture!)

BNR LED 6-3 Beam N Read ® LED 6 Deluxe Hands Free Light 

For 10 Winners valued at $300 and the Rafflecopter shared by all.)
AVAILABLE TO US AND CANADA.
Giveaway runs Nov. 28 12:01 am to Dec. 17, 2012 11:59 PM EST

Sometimes the world ain't so bad.

Toys “R” Us Red Carpet Black Friday Sweepstakes

Toys “R” Us Red Carpet Black Friday Sweepstakes: I just entered for a chance to win the Toys“R”Us Red Carpet Black Friday Sweepstakes!