• Friday, February 27, 2009

    The little girl in me is screaming . . .






    Much to my delight, I spent many summers and weekends at my girl cousin's house. We are separated by months in age and were always interested in the same things . . . much like sisters. Aside from the tropical yard with lush grass that had an awesome ditch that ran along it which was more like a little creek complete with tadpoles and little fishes, she had the most awesome little girl's playhouse. For little girls in elementary school, it was paradise! I always looked forward to my visits . . .

    As I cruised the internet today, I ran into Linda MacDonald's blog,
    Restyled Home, where I found her post on the most inviting playhouse for little girls and big girls alike. It quickly took me back to those days of being a little girly girl at my cousin's playhouse.

    What a lucky little girl . . . I remember thinking what an awesome feeling it must be to have my own little place to hang out in. awwww the memories her story took me back to.

    This big girl would love to hang out in that beautiful and comfy looking playhouse!


    UPDATE:

    Unfortunately, Linda MacDonald has made her blog available to invited readers only :(




    Here are more awesome dollhouses . . .










    http://rilane.com/outdoor/15-amazing-outdoor-playhouse-ideas/

    https://www.hayneedle.com/product/8x16mansionplayhouseplayhousefloorkitloft.cfm


    http://www.poshtots.com/baby-furniture/posh/ultimate-posh/victorian-playhouse/18/1376/1360/519/poshproductdetail.aspx


    http://lashuts.blogspot.com/2015/02/build-shed-playhouse.html

    http://furnikidz.com/wood-outdoor-playhouse-by-green-house/










    Thursday, February 26, 2009

    Stuck in a rut?

    Nine Simple Ways to End Boredom and Feel Reenergized

    By Dr. Annette Colby, RD
    Annette@AnnetteColby.com or www.AnnetteColby.com


    Ever feel stuck in a rut and not sure about how to get out? If so, you're not alone. It's easy to get bored in the comfort of doing the same things in the same way at the same time. Here are nine simple and practical ideas to get out of a boring routine, and back into the enjoyment of life.


    1. Conscious Breath
    It all starts with breath! Conscious breath. Taking a conscious breath relaxes and energizes. Breath after breath, real life comes forth again. It brings you back into into the present moment, out from the past, and out from the future. In the here and now, breath brings energy, relaxation, and clarity. Breath in deeply, slowly, and consciously, and exhale. Do it again! Feel the difference?

    2. Do Something You Aren't Doing Now
    It's easy to get into a rut with the same uninspiring routine every day. You get up out of the same side of the bed, shower and wash your body parts in the same order, drive to work on the same route, then come home to watch television on the same spot on the sofa every There is an easy way out. Do something you aren't doing now. Do something different! Something big, something small, something silly, something out of the ordinary. Wear one black sock and one red sock. Wash your feet before you wash your hair. Hold your tongue instead of bickering with your spouse. Take a walk to the neighborhood grocery store instead of driving. Do one thing different and make a positive difference in your life today life.

    3. Talk to Yourself Lovingly
    Self-talk tends to gravitate toward the negative. This self-critical self-talk rut can rob you of your enthusiasm for your dreams and leave you feeling less confident. It's not necessary to control your negative thoughts or to only think positive ones. Instead, look into the mirror regularly, focus on what you're doing right, and speak constructively to yourself. Realistic constructive self-talk can reduce stress, leave you feeling more capable, and help you put more enjoyment into your life.

    4. Love Your Body
    It's easy to fall into a routine of neglecting, mistreating, or even hating your body. No matter what your weight or health, do something radically different today. Walk on over to the nearest mirror and have a real conversation with your body. Tell it what a great job it's been doing of helping you go through the experience of life. And no matter how much abuse or neglect you've put it through, it's still done its best to give you a home to live in.

    5. Stop Complaining
    Complaining about how things are is an easy habit to fall into. But complaining doesn't resolve a situation. And deep down it doesn't provide much satisfaction. Next time you find yourself complaining, take a breath and switch your focus to something that is going right or well in your world. What you give your attention and focus to will grow.

    6. Get Outside
    Have you been hibernating indoors? Too many hours sitting behind your computer or in front of the television? The average person spends about 90% of their times indoors. Staying indoors for too long can leave you bored, not to mention unhealthy. Fresh air, sunshine, and natural scenery provide peace, relaxation, greater psychological resilience, and stimulation of all your senses. No matter what the weather is, get geared up and head outside into nature. Sharpened senses, psychological health, and greater connection to your spirit will all get you out of the rut.

    7. Clean the Clutter
    Get your energy moving by taking a good look at your environment. Clutter drains your energy and can leave you feeling uninspired. Are your closets stuffed with too many clothes and shoes? Are your kitchen pantry, shelves, and drawers filled with old boxes of food, stacks of unorganized Tupperware, and trashy catchall drawers? Is your office overflowing with piles of magazines, stacks of paper, and unfiled receipts? It's never easy to start cleaning your clutter. To avoid overwhelm, take fifteen minutes every day to tackle one area. When the time is up, just leave it until the next day. You'll feel successful and your clutter will be gone in no time at all. Think of all the energy you'll free up to enjoy life!

    8. Redecorate
    Give your life a much needed lift by redecorating your living or working space. How about painting the walls a new color? Vibrant colors can leave you feeling invigorated and enthusiastic. Don't feel like painting? Rearrange the furniture and rotate the pictures on the walls. Rearranging furniture is one of the easiest ways to feel refreshed. Rearranging brings variety, clears energy, and helps you sort things out in your head.

    9. Define Fun
    It's a big world out there and there's so many ways to have fun. And so many definitions of fun. Where do you find fun? Is it being creative, being alone, being in good company, enjoying the fresh air, laughing, going on an adventure, or perhaps trying something new? Write down your list of ideas, activities, and actions that bring the fun back into your life. Then go out and have some fun!

    Being stuck in a rut can leave you unmotivated and uninspired. If you find yourself in a rut, use these eight ideas to break free. Simple changes can get you energized, happier, and living life the way you really want to once again.


    (c) 2009 Dr. Annette Colby, RD


    About The Author

    Dr. Annette Colby, RD can help you take the pain out of life, turn difficult emotions into joy, release stress, end emotional eating, and move beyond depression into an extraordinary life! Annette is the author of Your Highest Potential and has the unique ability to show you how to spark an amazing relationship with your life! Visit www.AnnetteColby.com to access hundreds of content filled articles and sign up for a Free subscription to Loving Mriacles newsletter.

    Note: Are you looking for fresh content for your e-zine or web site? Feel free to reprint this article as long as it's kept intact and unaltered (including the 'About The Author' info at the end).

    Saturday, February 14, 2009

    A good night's sleep



    Sleep deprivation has been linked to weight gain, depression, anxiety, heart disease . . . and can result in accidents that can occur from limited mental alertness, which can be very dangerous depending on what you do for a living and even driving around the block. It affects more areas of life than we realize.

    Many people sacrifice sleep since there are so many things to accomplish and not enough time in the day. How about sacrificing less important commitments, and maintain a routine, setting a regular bedtime to get a full 8 hours sleep?

    As a result of living with dysfunctional sleep patterns and bad habits developed from no regular routine, I have come to the conclusion that becoming "normal" involves a "normal routine" . . . not just drifting through life. Even a bird wakes up at dawn, following a routine, even though it is a free spirit like me.

    Here are some facts to help you get a good night's sleep . . .

    The secret to a great night’s sleep start with a dark, quiet and cool room, which will help your body realize it’s time for bed, and will help you stay asleep longer.

    Exercise early . . . you may not be using up enough energy during the day if you can't wind down by bedtime . . . it helps you use your energy more efficiently during the day, boosts your metabolism and helps you think more clearly. The restless feeling you experience at night could possibly be replaced by the need to rest your tired body and mind, eager to hit the sack.

    Watch what you eat . . . are you eating or drinking caffeinated foods late in the day, too close to bedtime? Caffeine’s effects can last up to seven hours . . . start slowing down consumption after noon so that caffeine left in your system will be used up by the time you’re ready to sleep.

    Opt for eating a healthier evening snack, such as fruit or popcorn . . . stop eating at least two hours before you go to bed. The digestive process can trigger strange dreams and nightmares, and disrupt your sleep cycle.

    Stress is linked to a weakened immune system and promotes disease . . . and it can also affect your sleep cycle. Spend a little time clearing your mind, taking deep breaths and try to relax your body before going to sleep.

    Develop a routine that is comfortable for you and stick to it . . . your body and the sleep cycle craves routine and in time will respond accordingly.

    Turn off the television which keeps you awake longer . . . it captivates the mind and the imagination, stimulating your brain with vibrant colors and sounds.

    Chamomile tea promotes restful sleep!

    A full night's sleep allows your body to rest and prepares you for the day ahead . . .

    Thursday, February 12, 2009

    A guide to interior paint colors





    It is time for me to start changing things around the house. The least expensive and easiest way to change the look of a room is to paint . . . perhaps change colors. 

    Click here to go to an excellent resource from HGTV that is all about interior paint colors with lots of tips and inspiration.




    Wednesday, February 11, 2009

    Interior decorating with red






    I absolutely adore this red bathroom!! Actually, I already have all the plans in my head on the new "red" look for my bathroom. I'm known for my bizarre decorating style . . . my current bathroom look is a "beachy Florida style" in shades of hot pink and aqua with a black and white check floor featuring a very retro flamingo themed shower curtain. 

    Red is my favorite color and I indulge myself in the color wherever I can. Take a look around my websites and blogs and the reoccurring theme is RED :-) My mustard gold faux finished stone looking walls with black trim and of course, the black and white check floors are highlighted by an area above my kitchen cabinets in BRIGHT RED . . . it is awesome. I'm still working on it . . . but I will do an entry with photos when it is completed. 


    Tuesday, February 10, 2009

    Start laughing . . . lose weight

    Time for some funny flicks . . . according to a study at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, the metabolic effect of 15 minutes of laughter per day potentially could burn 14,600 additional calories per year.

    Besides that, laughter engages many muscle groups . . . including the abs :)

    Doesn't stress lead to overeating? Laughter reduces the level of stress hormones as well as a stronger immune system
    .

    Monday, February 9, 2009

    Fragrant Bedsheet Powder



    I haven't tried this yet, and honestly, never heard of doing this before . . . but I thought it was an interesting concept.

    If you try it before I do, comment on how it turns out for you.



    Materials Needed:

    Baking soda, cornstarch, and favorite fragrance oil.



    Directions:

    In a bowl mix together 1 cup of cornstarch and a 1/4 cup of
    Baking soda.

    Add 1 tablespoon of your favorite fragrance oil and mix well with your hands.

    If you get clumps of fragrance and powder, rub them between your hands to powderize.

    Store in a glass cheese shaker and sprinkle on your sheets when needed.

    This will not stain your linens.


    Tip:

    Essential oil of Lavender is a great scent to use for this project.

    Not only does it smell great, it's a natural sleep Enhancer!