Ozeri Rev Digital Bathroom Scale

Every year in January I get my life back on track and I work hard at focusing on healthy eating and exercise. After taking the last few months off from working out at the gym I am more than ready to get back into my healthy routine. This year I am taking part in a weight loss challenge with a group of friends and it's nice knowing I'll actually have an accurate weight to report. You see, last fall I took part in a similar challenge and I had to use our old rickety scale that we purchased several years ago at an estate sale. While I am into antiques and I enjoy vintage items this scale was a bit too vintage! I constantly questioned if I was reporting my accurate weight each week.

Thankfully we recently got a new bathroom scale--the Ozeri Digital Bathroom Scale--and I absolutely love it! Our new scale is sturdy, sleek, beautifully designed and very modern. Yes, I have to add that last detail--modern!

Another detail about this scale that I like is the size. My husband and my sons are all pretty tall...6' and taller...and they have big feet...shoe sizes 11, 12 and 13. The platform of this scale is large and they can stand on it without having toes or heels hanging off the edges. A good advantage for taller folks who have a large frame and a wider stance.

This scale also has a daily alarm, but I don't think I'll be using that feature. In my opinion it's not a good idea to weigh yourself every day while trying to lose weight. Doing so is too discouraging since your weight can fluctuate greatly from day to day depending on a multitude of factors such as what you eat to the amount of fluids you intake to female hormones issues and so on. But some people may very well like that feature so I'm sure it would be an advantage for some people.

Overall, I'm very happy with our new scale. Aside from being very pretty it shows both a dial reading and a digital reading. This will be helpful for my weight loss challenge...since it's a competition between friends every little ounce will help get me closer to a win. Yay!

While it might sound crazy, I am actually excited to start this challenge so I can weigh myself on this new scale! Every little bit of motivation helps when you are trying to live a healthy lifestyle, right?

More interesting things to share soon! Until then,

Strive to be positive...

I know it's hard to have a positive outlook on life. Every time you turn around you get negative messages from T.V., the radio, newspapers, magazines, etc. And all of the beloved social networking sites display drama every other minute...it's difficult to shield yourself from it all.

I stumbled across this quote from The Daily Guru in my email this morning that I, from the depth of my soul, believe is true...

"Thoughts are like boomerangs. What you throw out there into the Universe will always come back to you." -- The Daily Guru

You must make it your own personal mission--every day--to keep healthy thoughts in your mind. I learned about practicing positive thinking years ago. And only recently I realized again how important it is to have a positive attitude and how it can change everything in your life.

You and only you can make yourself happy. Starting your day with a simple thought like this, "Today is a great day!" really can help. Just repeat it over and over again several times early in the morning.

I'm not saying your day will be perfect but it will be better than if you start out swimming in negativity!

Go on and give it a try! I have a feeling it will work for you.

Okay...more happiness on the way...until then,

What's your 'Real Age'?

Have you ever tried to figure your Real Age? I saw a show about it on Oprah years ago. The Real Age test is a unique calculation of your body's health age. Created by top doctors, including Dr. Mike Roizen and Dr. Mehmet Oz it is powered by the latest medical research.

When I first learned about this test it left me curious as to what my real age would be but I feared the test would take a long time to complete and time is always of the essence for me. But the test itself was fairly simple...you answer a series of questions that will tell a little bit about your health and your day-to-day habits -- what you eat and drink, who you see and talk to, and how you handle big and little stresses and challenges. Then the results show you how young or old these lifestyle choices are making you. Finally a couple of weeks ago I decided to take some time and give it a try to find out what my Real Age is.

In reality I am 46 years old, but after taking the Real Age test they figured that due to my lifestyle my body's health age is 42 years old. That wasn't too bad, but I'd sure like for that number to be lower. Perhaps with my going to the gym every day now and becoming more responsible with my food choices I can reduce that number.

One thing about taking the Real Age test that some folks may not appreciate is the continuing emails that you will get after you get your initial results. Personally I don't mind  these emails because they are full of healthy lifestyle tips that I am very interested in at this point of my life. However those of you who won't like getting the continued emails you can simply unsubscribe from them.

I found the test and the website to be pretty interesting. If you decide to give it a try let me know what you find out. And by the way...the test didn't take nearly as long as I thought!

More sharing soon...until then,

Getting back into the swing of it!

Goodness! I don't know what my deal is but this week I'm having a hard time getting back into my routine.

I think it's simply the same thing that happens after we get back from our summer vacation...I need a vacation from my vacation!

So, I'm back to work, but only partially. I decided to take a few days to figure out my new year routine. We bought a family pass to a local health club as a surprise for our kids for Christmas. Our kids are so inspirational to me because they seem to be developing a serious desire to exercise. I guess I can take some credit for that since I've been a devoted walker for years. Then this past spring I actually started running which is something I hadn't done since my early 20's. But that only lasted 3 months. I really don't like running! I'm a walker.

Anyways, my husband and I went in yesterday for the first time. I have to figure out when I'll fit this workout time into my days. Over the spring, summer and fall I always make time to walk in our local park and I feel good about the amount of exercise I get during the warmer months. But it's so hard to get out for a walk when it's so cold and snowy! So I committed to myself that I will make it to the gym at least 3-4 times a week over the next few months. I have to do this...I get so lethargic in the winter and being that I'm in my mid 40's the weight is coming on and it's getting much harder to take off. I have to get this time in or else I'll be struggling with my weight forever.

Once I get myself back on track I will tackle the orders that came in during my holiday vacation.

I'll have more to share soon... for now it's time to get ready to go to the gym and regain my energy level!

More fun to come...until then,

Only Positive Thinking...

I tried something new this morning...I got the idea from this blog:

http://www.alteredpages.blogspot.com

It looked like fun so I thought I'd give it a try...

A few years ago I bought a really old falling apart geography book at a flea market. This old book has been sitting in my garage and for some reason I finally decided to pull it out last week. It's been sitting in my work area waiting for me to use it for something. Then this morning I found this blog, saw what they were doing and thought I'd give it a whirl...

The story behind this altered page...

This past week or so I've been helping my 15 year old daughter cope with anxiety. I hate to say it but she's inherited this awful curse from me. My sister has the same issue as did my mom. So here we are...now it's my daughter's turn. My heart breaks for her...she's only 15! I didn't have my first anxiety/panic attack until I was well into my 20's. But it's such a different world now. So we've been spending lots of time talking and the one thing I stress more than anything is the power of positive thinking.

Well, this subject must have been sitting in the front of my subconscious mind because as soon as I started looking for words that resonated within me I chose all positive words...

...the image is hard to read, so here's a list of what I circled:

rich
valuable
thrive
pearls
great
excellent
high rank
important
ranks high

...hence the name of my page...Only Positive Thinking!

This was a fun exercise and I recommend that you try it! It's relaxing and a good way to start your day. :D

More fun on the way...

Stumbled upon this quote today...

...and just wanted to share it...

"People pay for what they do, and still more for what they have allowed themselves to become. And they pay for it simply; by the lives they lead." - Edith Wharton

More good stuff on the way...

Back at it!

My stained yet colorful brushes welcomed me back to work today!

The sun was at a great point in the sky this afternoon and I glanced up very quickly and the pretty colors that stained my brushes caught my eye.





I haven't painted since before the holidays and I was kind of slow moving and not too motivated to get back to work. But when I glanced up and saw the pretty colors I instantly felt better and got a sudden burst of energy! Every little bit helps on these cold winter days.

More to come soon...until then,

Appreciation

Today's Daily Guru email...I think you'll 'appreciate' this...

Appreciation

"You can never get to peace and inner security without first acknowledging all of the good things in your life. If you're forever wanting and longing for more without first appreciating things the way they are, you'll stay in discord."
-- Doc Childre and Howard Martin

"Generally, appreciation means some blend of thankfulness, admiration, approval, and gratitude. In the financial world, something that ‘appreciates’ grows in value. With the power tool of appreciation, you get the benefit of both perspectives: as you
learn to be consistently thankful and approving, your life will grow in value."
-- Doc Childre and Howard Martin

More to come...until then,

Quotes for the creative soul...

From today's Daily Guru email...

Believe You Are A Creator

"Every moment of your life is infinitely creative and the universe is endlessly bountiful. Just put forth a clear enough request, and everything your heart desires must come to you."
-- Shakti Gawain

"By believing passionately in something that still does not exist, we create it. The non-existent is whatever we have not sufficiently desired."
-- Nikos Kazantzakis

Enjoy!

HOPE...

What a sweet sight!



Last night I went over to my mom's house for 'my shift' in taking care of her. I was pulling her bedroom drapes over so I could close her window and I spotted this darling bird's nest! The eggs are such a brilliant shade of blue...I couldn't take my eyes off of them. Sorry to say that the picture doesn't really do the color justice. With the window screen between me and the nest I couldn't get a clearer shot. And I certainly don't want to disturb the nest.

My mom has lived in that house for almost 50 years and I can honestly say that I don't think there's ever been a bird's nest outside that window. I can't help but think that maybe the nest is our sign of 'HOPE' for the future...it's a tiny little message reminding us that 'life goes on'.

With my mom declining slowly but surely we all feel a huge sense of loss. But these sweet little eggs gave me a great sense of joy and peace. I saw them and realized we'll have joy and happiness again. The vessel from which this message came to me might be something teeny, tiny, but it still holds the same meaning.

I'll try to remember to take my camera back to her house once they hatch...how sweet it would be to see the baby birds!

More goodies to come...until then,

Uncomfortable?

"A piece of sand is very uncomfortable in the mouth of the oyster, but the outcome is a beautiful pearl."

A 'comforting' thought for tough times...

More on the way. Until then,

A wonderful little book about prayer...

I want...I need...to share this lovely little book about prayer...

'This Little Prayer of Mine' by Anthony DeStefano.

"With engaging rhymes and beautiful illustrations, This Little Prayer of Mine assures children that God is always near--watching, listening and eager to respond to their requests."



Yes, this is a book for children but I quickly learned this morning that it will surely help adults, too. It certainly helped me!

As my readers know I've had a few life altering and eventful months...taking care of my ailing mother has been overwhelming to say the least. But also in early March my sister-in-law passed away very suddenly and her death ripped a huge hole in my entire family's life. We are all still reeling from the shock and worrying like crazy about my brother and his young son.

Another issue for me...along with so many others...is this economy! We all know many businesses have been in the dumper for quite some time. My business has definitely slowed and I know that many of my readers are small business owners and can certainly relate.

Then along with all of these aforementioned life issues I have 3 kids with very busy schedules. My youngest son is playing Little League and my teenagers...my daughter and oldest son...are on the middle school and high school track teams. My calendar is completely filled for the month of April and we're only into the first week! Some days I feel like I'm in the middle of a nightmare!

So the last few days and weeks I have felt very overwhelmed and confused about my life. I've been in that self-pitying 'why me' mode for some time now and I know I need to get my act together and snap out of it. But when I try to take a moment to sit in the silence there is so much going on in my head that it's a struggle to let go of the craziness running through my mind.

Then finally this morning I made it a priority to start pulling myself back together. I decided that I would pick up this darling book and work at getting the positivity back in my life. To get the process moving I put the t.v. on mute, sat down in my comfy chair and read this gem of a book in the beautiful silence. Within a few minutes I felt my attitude starting to shift. My energy changed and started flowing in a direction I so desperately needed. I loved the whole book but this is my favorite line...it is so fitting for my recent state of mind...

"Whenever I feel all mixed up, unsure of what to do, please show me what the right path is and help me follow you."

My eyes immediately filled with tears. That is exactly how I've felt lately...'all mixed up and not sure what to make of the madness in my life'!

There are so many other parts of the book that apply to my life even now as a full blown adult!

Using a sweet and rhythmic style, Anthony DeStefano relays his message in a way that children will understand. He parallels his little prayer to everyday situations that are relatable to children as well as adults. His delicate manner of writing will help any child to see that he or she can call on God anytime they may need His love. He also includes the importance of offering sincere thanks for all the blessings life has to offer.

This adorable book is sweet and not 'preachy' in any sense of the word. The illustrations are gorgeous...the colors are fabulous...the message is perfect for children and grown-ups alike! What else can you ask for?!?!

I teach CCD and this coming Sunday is my last class for the year. I am having a small party for my kids and I plan to read this book to them. Every week it's my mission to do my best to plant tiny seeds of faith into the minds of these children. I'm confident this book will help me to end the year on a loving and appropriate note.

Please click this link...it will take you to Anthonly DeStefano's web page where you can read more and see a variety of other well know people who also endorse this lovely book:

http://www.anthonydestefano.com/landing/blogs/Jan2010.htm

Or if you just want to buy it now click this link...it will take you to Amazon where you can purchase the book immediately:

http://www.amazon.com/This-Little-Prayer-Anthony-DeStefano/dp/0307458040/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264516732&sr=8-1

It absolutely darling and I'm confident you'll fall in love with it just like I did!

More cute and fun stuff on the way...until then,

Incredible...please, please, please watch...

I get emails a couple times a week from the The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur. He has very interesting and outside-of-the-box ideas about starting and growing a business. He uses lots of humor to relay his messages...as you probably could guess from his name!

Today's email included a link to this video featuring Will Smith sharing his wisdom. Although I think most people like Will Smith you certainly don't have to be a fan to appreciate what he's saying! Please, please, please take 10 minutes to watch it. Anyone who has any kind of dream at all will find this video incredibly inspiring!




More to share soon...until then,

I hate winter...BUT...

...it definitely has it's moments...

I stepped outside this morning to take the kids to school and saw this gorgeous morning sky. As usual the photo never does justice to the real thing. But it gives you an idea of what I saw.



More sweet stuff coming soon...until then,

Still learning...

The first part of my day wasn't so great. An issue has come up and it's something that I just have to learn to deal with and accept. I not going to delve into the story of what happened...regurgitating the issue isn't worth the stress that will be brought back into my day.

But I will share a lesson I learned and it's one I hope I never forget...

All morning my stomach was in knots. I stewed and stewed and stewed about this issue. I was very bothered and most of my morning and the early part of my afternoon was pretty crappy. Every so often my inner self would say, "Jane, there's nothing you can do. Just pray that you get through this issue with grace." But then a few minutes later I'd be stewing and angry again.

Then out of the blue I got an email from a man who has written and published a few books. His first two books were written for adults but recently he wrote a book for children. His problem is he isn't sure how to market a children's book. He asked if I'd be willing to blog about it for him.

Now, mind you he's a total stranger and I've never met him. But after doing a bit of research my instincts were pointing to the positive position of my internal compass. I looked over his website and felt comfortable offering to help him. I responded and things are in the works so I will be blogging about his new children's book soon.

Regardless of all of this here's my lesson for today...

Most of the day I was so miserable and crotchety and moody and didn't want to talk to anyone. My stomach was in knots and I wanted to cry and scream. But something amazing happened...once I started helping this guy...this total stranger...all my cares went out the window!

I was so wrapped up in thinking of ways to help him I forgot about my troubles. I felt excited and happy because I love to help people figure out ways to promote and network online...it's something I've been doing for almost 10 years and I enjoy it.

After I was done emailing him I left to pick my kids up at school. Then we came home and I wondered around the house a bit trying to remember what I was doing before I left. I almost laughed at myself! I easily forgot about my troubles simply by lending a helping hand.

I'm amazed that all it took to perk me up was to help someone in need.

So my lesson is this...

...if you find yourself having a bad day, hosting a huge pity party, worrying, stressing, wanting to scream and cry try to remember how simple it is to get past the anger you feel. All you have to do is help someone. And it doesn't even have to be anything grand! Something as simple as agreeing to blog about a product helped change my mood dramatically!

Then I had another thought...I couldn't help but think that maybe this guy was God's answer to my prayer. I guess I'll never know for sure, but that's what I'm choosing to believe. I said a prayer and God sent me someone who needed help. I helped this man but in the end he helped me.

Amazing! I feel so much better!

I hope you get something out of this story and maybe use it in your life someday!

More interesting stuff on the way soon...until then,

'Spread the Love', Sun., Jan. 24, 2010

The Handmade Artist's Forum Etsy Street Team's 'Spread the Love' Featured shop for Sun., Jan. 24, 2010:

In A Beautiful Daze
http://www.etsy.com/shop/InABeautifulDaze

And here's my favorite item in her shop:

Hope - Mounted Original 5x7 Art Photography Print



FABULOUS!!! She has a beautiful variety of other artwork, too. I had a hard time deciding which piece to showcase so paying a visit to her shop is a MUST! You won't be disappointed!

More love to share tomorrow...until then,

Overcoming Obstacles

Just came across this wonderful quote about overcoming obstacles...

Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are.

Wow! I can certainly appreciate that right about now! With all the stress I'm feeling in dealing with caring for my mom I am trying to focus on the fact that I am strong. I know that I'll get through this a better, stronger and wiser person.

The other day Oprah was talking about the fact that everyone has problems. She expanded on the subject and shared something that Camille Cosby said when talking about her son Ennis' death...Mrs. Cosby said, "Sooner or later everyone has to walk through the fire."

EVERYONE has some problem at some point in his or her life. And if you are fortunate enough to admit that you haven't had any real struggles then guess what...appreciate your blessings! But at the same time brace yourself! Someday...maybe sooner...maybe later...you'll get a great big pile of doo-doo dropped right smack dab into your lap. I promise! Just remember to pray for the grace to get through with your sanity in tact once you reach the end of the struggle.

Okay...that's the end of my little lecture!

But hey...wasn't that a great quote?!?! I loved it!

More to come...

Lynwood Jewellery

Time to share the inspiration of another fellow artist and blogger from the Handmade Artist's Forum.

This week's featured bloggers/artists from the Handmade Artist's Forum Blog Ring is:

Lynwood Jewellery

On her blog Susan shares a mix of hints and tips and problems and resolutions that she and Bev experience on their journey through the Bejewelled and Beguiled world of jewellery making.

Then over in their Etsy shop - Lynwood Jewellery - Susie and Bev handcraft necklaces, bracelets and earrings in sterling silver, PMC, semi-precious stones and beads. Their jewellery is eye catching and unique and perfect for women who appreciate individuality.

Here are photos of a few of their gorgeous pieces:

Bright Blue Pearl Shell Beads on Sterling Silver Bracelet



Arabian Style Bracelet Made From Sterling Silver with Swarovski Beads



Chunky Green Bracelet with Fresh Water Pearls and Green Beads



Oh my goodness! Aren't they so, so pretty!! As you can tell from my choices I love color and I love bracelets!!

Please make a point to visit the Lynwood Jewellery blog and join in the conversation by commenting on the posts. And don't forget to click on over to their Etsy shop, too! You won't be disappointed!

I'll be sharing more good stuff soon...until then,

Quotes to help 'Get it Together and Be Positive'

Wow...I think the universe is trying to give me a kick in the butt.

I'm so stinkin' tired because I was at my mom's last night until 11:00 p.m. That's very late for me...I usually get to bed about 10:00. So to be leaving her house that late I know I'm going to pay for it today.

So I'm sitting here drinking my coffee and trying to wake up. I'm thinking about the busy schedule I have today...aside from the work in front of me, getting the kids back to school, the housework that needs to be done I also have to take my mom to the doctor. Not a big deal, but it takes such a huge chunk of time out of my day.
Needless to say the conversation in my head is filled with negative thoughts. I'm not a morning person, but I know that I have to pull myself out of this cesspool of negativity before I start my day so I begin my mantra...

"Today is going to be a great day. Today is going to be a great day. Today is going to be a great day..."

Then I log onto Twitter and these (3) quotes popped up, one right after the other...

"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see." - Henry David Thoreau

"Focus on what's wrong, you get more of what's wrong. Focus on what's right, you get more of what's right.

"When nothing but problems come you way...take a breather, re-group, figure out where YOUR thoughts, words & actions are. Choose solutions!

When I read those all in a row I said to myself...'Okay! Get it together Jane! Be positive and know in the pit of your soul that everything is going to be okay and today will be a great day!'

It really is up to me and no one else to make my life happy and filled with positivity. So on this day...and every day...I choose to focus on the good. I hope these quotes help you channel the positivity into your life, too!

More to come soon...until then,

Decluttering and Cleaning

I haven't taken time yet to read about The Happiness Project but I hope to have a chance sometime soon.

But one thing I picked up on as I skimmed the website was dealing with decluttering and cleaning. This is a big issue with me. I've never been the neatest or tidiest person, but the past year or so I've really tried making it a point to get rid of clutter. Now that my kids are getting older and into their teen years I have to admit that it's a bit easier to keep up with. Long gone are the tiny little Lego pieces scattered about the house. And the tiny little Barbie brushes and shoes are now sitting in a toy box unnoticed for a few years. Now we deal with big toys...XBox controllers, Ipods, Cd's and their cases, etc. These things are bigger and don't kill your feet if you happen to accidentally step on one.

But getting back to the subject at hand...getting rid of clutter is very freeing. And cleaning gives me a similar feeling. After I finish cleaning a room I sit there and look around and wonder why I don't do it more often. I feel very accomplished and good about myself.

Here's an excerpt from my favorite book 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho that deals with cleaning:

"You didn't have to do any cleaning," he [the crystal merchant] said. "The Koran requires me to feed a hungry person."

"Well then, why did you let me do it?" the boy asked.

"Because the crystal was dirty. And you and I both needed to cleanse our minds of negative thoughts."

When I read that it made so much sense. Very often I'll procrastinate and let the cleaning or decluttering go for a while. I notice that when I sit around looking at all that needs to be done, I get very down on myself. I feel like a loser and wonder why I can't keep up with it.

When I read that excerpt from 'The Alchemist' a few months ago I appreciated the message and haven't forgotten it. I hope I can take this thought and carry it into this new year and make it a regular habit to declutter and do my best to keep our house neater and cleaner. I know, in turn, I'll feel better about myself. Although it's definitely going to be a struggle with 'my new normal'...taking care of my mom...I'll do the best I can.

Okay...I have to be on my way, but I'm sure I'll have more to share soon...until then,