Time to clean house

Well . . spring is approaching and I find myself needing to clear out the clutter in my life. It started with a major overhaul of my closet . . . and now it has spread to other parts of my life and home as well.

A few months ago, I decided to start couponing - hard core - and got a big binder complete with clear pocket sheets where coupons could be inserted. Next thing I know, there are coupons everywhere in my house. I would work several hours a week - sometimes even purchasing an extra paper or two - and then scan the papers for "THE BIG DEALS" like you see on Extreme Couponing on television. Guess what??? They are few and far between and the next thing you know - my life is run by little slips of paper ALL OVER THE HOUSE, THE CAR AND IN MY HEAD!!! What was the advantage of all this stress? Maybe 10% of my grocery bill, IF I'm lucky. I think my hourly rate is more than that . . .

A message from my pastor several weeks ago encouraged me to "clear out the clutter" that isn't necessary in your life. That is what I am trying to do now. I am over 50 - and it seems more and more I see people my age with illness and death. I want my remaining years to be good with as little stress as I can manage. I want to be here for my family - and I want to be happy and help my family be happy. I tried to pass off my "COUPON BOOK" to a family member - but this person declined and that's ok. I'm not ready to throw it away just yet. We will see if I am able to make some progress toward minimizing clutter and stress in my life. Stay tuned! : )

Body heal thyself

Hello! Here I am again talking about my health. Do you battle with chronic pain and fatigue? I have never been diagnosed with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue. I have been diagnosed with chronic reactivated Epstein Barr virus and Hashimoto thyroid disease (autoimmune thyroid disease). Occasionally I have pain - pretty bad pain in my feet. I have recently lost 26 pounds (thanks Weight Watchers) and I thought my foot pain was behind me. NOT!!! The last couple of days have been very trying for me. I have much to do to prepare for the holidays, and yet here I am at 3:15 on a Sunday still in my pj's. : (

Do you have any advice for me on this? I appreciate your input.

Thanks!

Amy

Losing weight

Well! I am down about 25 pounds and have been "on a diet" since about March of this year. I seem to have lost my motivation to stay on plan (Weight Watchers), but I start out every day thinking I am going to do well that day. I will try to post regular notes regarding my progress. If you have any encouraging words to say, I would appreciate it. I will also try to post recipes and hints when I can. I believe Weight Watchers is the best plan available and if you stick to it, you will succeed.

: )

Thanks for reading!

Amy

Coconut Milk Shampoo . . . Love it!!!

Have you ever tried this Coconut Milk shampoo by Organix? I have been couponing pretty heavy lately, and have been picking up cheap, cheap shampoo . . . and I have decided that free/cheap isn't always the best deal - especially if you hate the product. This week, Walgreens has the Coconut Milk shampoo on sale 2 for $7 . . . and I just had to try it. I used it for the first time today and love it. It really takes me back to the days when I used to suntan with coconut oil . . . because the shampoo has the fragrance of coconut. It left my hair very clean, shiny and silky. I think I have found my new favorite product.

First Day of my new pledge to stay on task . . . Here's the news

SO . . yesterday I pledged to start staying on task and to stop wasting so much time. I am happy to say that I wasted "less" time today than yesterday . . but I still have much improvement to make. I have deleted several Facebook games and vow not to go there again . . . I have projects to do at home and vow to get them started. It's a New Day - as Jennifer Hudson says. My projects include . . . losing weight, getting organized and eating healthier . . . I have a new passion for Pinterest and some cute ideas posted there. Feel free to follow me.

TGIF

Many years ago, I would tell my Daddy that I was looking forward to Friday. He used to say that I was wishing my life away. That seems like only yesterday. Well . . I still love Fridays. In fact, Friday is my favorite day of the week. I can anticipate the whole day Saturday on my own - my day with only my things to do. The problem with that is . . I am always thinking on Friday of all the things I want to accomplish on the weekend, then Sunday rolls around, and guess what? You guessed it! I didn't accomplish anything I needed to do. Well - I'm turning over a new leaf! From now on, no more slacking . . . it's time to get with the program and get a few things done. What do you do to stay on task? Do you make a list? I would love to hear from you.

Have a blessed weekend!

Much to be thankful for

Every day, we deal with individual struggles - financial, relationships, work-related, health. I deal with these too, but every day - the headlines keep my "pity party" in check. God has blessed me so much and I am reminded of this every day. When you start feeling sorry for yourself - just turn on the tv - watch the news - or read your newspaper. There are many people who are suffering and your name isn't there. God Bless you Today!