Holiday Express Train

             

      I feel like we are rushed through everything.
Two days after Christmas I ran to the store to get a few things that we were out of and
they already have Valentine candy and decorations out. Two days after Christmas, Valentine's
Day is the last thing that is on my mind!!!

Life with today's technology makes life easier than ever. I get it. I appreciate it. Email is instant.
Instant messaging, obviously, instant, chat boxes, instant. Microwaves, popcorn in 3 minutes. The
Keurig, (which I have), coffee in about 45 seconds. Facebook, Twitter, etc.... quick! Need info?
Google has answers in seconds!

Sometimes I feel like we can never settle for very long in our thoughts, our events, activities, and so
forth. Everything is hurry up, act fast, do it now, and move on to the next thing.

There have actually been times over the years that when the power has gone out, it sort of felt like
a little blessing. We were put on pause. Things stopped. Had a chance to look around. Enjoyed the
peace and quite. Nice. Then as soon as the power kicks back on, the tv is back on, computers up and
running and off to the races again.

I feel like I am on the Express train!

This is just my two cents at the moment and I just had to be honest that when the power goes out,
it's not the worst thing that could happen.

Differences Between the Habits of the Rich and the Poor

According to another website ....................

Tom Corley, on his website RichHabitsInstitute.com, outlines a few of the differences between the habits of the rich and the poor.

1. 70% of wealthy eat less than 300 junk food calories per day. 97% of poor people eat more than 300 junk food calories per day. 23% of wealthy gamble. 52% of poor people gamble.

2. 80% of wealthy are focused on accomplishing some single goal. Only 12% of the poor do this.

3. 76% of wealthy exercise aerobically four days a week. 23% of poor do this.

4. 63% of wealthy listen to audio books during commute to work vs. 5% of poor people.

5. 81% of wealthy maintain a to-do list vs. 19% of poor.

6. 63% of wealthy parents make their children read two or more non-fiction books a month vs. 3% of poor.

7. 70% of wealthy parents make their children volunteer 10 hours or more a month vs. 3% of poor.

8. 80% of wealthy make Happy Birthday calls vs. 11% of poor.

9. 67% of wealthy write down their goals vs. 17% of poor.

10. 88% of wealthy read 30 minutes or more each day for education or career reasons vs. 2% of poor.

11. 6% of wealthy say what’s on their mind vs. 69% of poor.

12. 79% of wealthy network five hours or more each month vs. 16% of poor.

13. 67% of wealthy watch one hour or less of TV every day vs. 23% of poor.

14. 6% of wealthy watch reality TV vs. 78% of poor.

15. 44% of wealthy wake up three hours before work starts vs. 3% of poor.

16. 74% of wealthy teach good daily success habits to their children vs. 1% of poor.

17. 84% of wealthy believe good habits create opportunity luck vs. 4% of poor.

18. 76% of wealthy believe bad habits create detrimental luck vs. 9% of poor.

19. 86% of wealthy believe in lifelong educational self-improvement vs. 5% of poor.

20. 86% of wealthy love to read vs. 26% of poor.

Doubt Kills Dreams

Love this quote.

What would you do if you knew you would NOT fail?

Being Strong

You must keep going.

I read not long ago that when life is going great, 

give it time, that will change. And when life is feeling

really hard, give it time, that will change too.

Lamp Shade Made From Paint Sticks

You can make a lampshade from about 50 paint sticks (depending on the size of your shade) and a simple cheap lampshade frame using hot glue and stain. 

The cool thing about these lampshades are that it looks great, but costs almost nothing to make. All you need to have is glue, paint sticks,  lampshade frame, and then cover them with a coat of stain or paint. 

( I would stain the sticks first)

Cheap, easy craft, and something to make a little change in a room!

Little Ivey Saying Her Prayers

Here is our little Ivey saying her prayers.

She was my gift 3 years ago and within a couple of weeks became very sick. We almost lost her.

My little angel. Actually, her name is Ivey Halo. We just love her!

It's Not About The Money or Presents at Christmas

              I have had money and then there were times, that we didn't have the money.
I ran to town earlier to pick up just a few things that we had needed, and the store parking lots were packed with last minute Christmas shoppers.

It really got me to thinking of years past when we would have just a truck load of presents under the tree and then going from house to house to unwrap more and more presents.  I just wonder if my kids remember all the hundreds of gifts that they have received over the years. I know that I sure do not remember. A few gifts stick out in my mind. Maybe it's because we have pictures of those gifts at the time, but, what I remember most is the people that were always around me.

All the years of growing up and up to the very recent holiday, my best memories are being with the family. The parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and our own children. That is what matters. That is what means the most. If I woke up Christmas morning with a hundred gifts around the tree and if I was the only person here, it just wouldn't mean much of anything.

People spend so much money during the holidays on gifts. Some go broke or further in debt in doing so.

I truly think if you want to really have a Merry Little Christmas, just surround yourself with those that you love. Those are the precious times that you remember. The laughs, the stories, the hugs....just being together will always mean more than money and presents, and those are the things that will last a lifetime.

Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Pork Chops

Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Pork Chops 4 bone-in pork chops!

 10 oz. pineapple juice 1 tbs vinegar 3 tbs brown sugar 1/4 cup ketchup 

Place pork chops in crock pot. 

Combine pineapple juice, vinegar, brown sugar, and ketchup. Pour over top of pork chops. 

Cook on high 4 - 6 hours or low 6 - 8 hours.

Very tasty recipe! Enjoy!

Can You Really Work From Home

I get asked this a lot. Even after I have told someone that I have been working from home for over 8 years, they still manage to come out and ask me this question. For the first couple of times, it caught me off guard. Being that I just told them how long that I have been working from home, they still will ask that question. Sounds a little odd maybe, but after some time and some thought, I realized they are wanting reassurance. And, realistically people needing reassurance is understandable.

So many people would REALLY love to be able to stay at home and earn an income, but they don't really have the slightest idea of how to get started, where to get started and if it really is possible for them. Some people don't feel that it is real for them or it is something that 'they' could do.  People can even may be a little intimidated by it because they have never done it before. Many have fear. However, I think all these thoughts or feelings are quite normal. We all can often have fear of something that we know little about or have never done ourselves.    I was one of them!

I won't go in to all the things that you need to look for when looking for a home business, I already wrote an article about this topic.

Basically what I did want to share was that all these thoughts, feelings, or fears that you or someone may have is to be expected! It's only human to be cautious. It's only human to be fearful of the unknown. It is your minds defense mechanism kicking in to take care of you!

As I said, I too had these fears 8 years ago. I wondered, I thought about it, I was thinking can I? Should I? What if?

I would never consider myself as a brave person or as someone who just jumps into something head first. But, what I can tell you is that had I NOT tried, had I NOT took a little leap of faith and further explored if this was something that I could do, I would forever been wondering if it WAS something that I could of done.

Right now thinking back on the possibility of me not at least trying, I know now what a very very big mistake I would of made. Probably one of the worse mistakes that I would of made. This has been more rewarding for me then anything that I have ever done....and on so many levels!

You ARE always ONE choice away from changing your life....and believe me, as a once fearful, shy, apprehensive individual that I once was, if I can do it, you can too. You can not move forward standing still, and just taking one single step really can lead you to where you really want to be.

WELCOME TO ...

Our Home

Our Business

Our Life

Click on the tabs above to learn more on working from home, recipes, health, crafts and more.

Visit us often for daily or weekly updates.

These Are All True

Cat's Claw Nature's Anti-inflammatory

This herb is well known for it’s ability to protect and strengthen the immune system. It contains alkaloids that exhibit anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well.

Good And Evil

Can't Stop Laughing

For The Birds

         For The Birds

Using a wire hanger, apply some apples and hang

from a branch in the winter to feed the birds. (or other critters) ?

Come Play With Me

Here Ivey is wanting Micky to come out and play. Micky is not having it. She's too comfy.

Do You Have A Home Business...Who Knows?

There are many avenues that a person can utilize when working from home and building a business of their own.

I find it a little heartbreaking when I talk to other people that have been working from home for quite some time and they get frustrated that they are not doing as well as they thought they would.

There are hundreds and hundreds of home businesses out there these days and when I visit website forums or message boards, it amazes me of how many people don't know what to do once they got started with a business that they were so excited about.

You really need to have the mind-set as if that business that you just started was down the block on the corner. How is anyone going to know that you are there and what you do or what products or services that you have to offer? Just having a sign out front is not going to be enough for people to know that you exist.

I have often heard even if someone reads your sign one time, it's not always going to be something that sticks with them. Statistics show that someone needs to see your sign, or your ad or any other form of advertisement up to 7 times before it becomes locked into their memory. If commercials only played one time, how many would you remember?

Here are some ideas of getting yourself out there to get noticed:

• Newspapers (classifieds, notices, or maybe your local paper will do an article on you)
• Business Cards (place them at stores, post offices, church, gyms, clubs, etc)
• Fliers (can be made right from our own computer or from a local company)
• Car Magnet
• Signs (can be placed in yard or other locations after getting permission)
• Go to job fairs or business expos
• Logo gear (pens, pencils, calendars, magnets, etc)
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Start a blog
• Join websites that have forums or message boards
• Put a signature at the bottom of your emails that contain your website and information
• Search for websites in your niche that allow advertising

There are countless ways that you can get your business out there. Most do not take much time and many do not cost much money. However, you do have to invest in a little of each if you want people to invest their time or money in you. Are you open for business? Who knows?

My Ivey Girl

We have 4 Chihuahuas in our home. This is our youngest, she is now 3 and weighs about 3 pounds.
Everyday is a good day when you have cute, adorable animals to play with. They are so gentle, so sweet and so loyal and so precious.

If We Wait ....... Words To Live By

This is so true. We tend to put things off for a "better time".

The time is now.

DIY Suncatcher

     This is a craft project that I am wanting to try. A DIY Suncatcher using plastic beads. You could get so creative using different colors and shapes. Here are the instructions:

Layer cheap plastic beads in cake pans (no lining required).
Melt at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. 
Let cool & then flip them out. Drill a hole for hanging.

You may want to google other bead/suncatcher ideas of how this done to compare. 

Differences Between a Work At Home Job and a Work At Home Business

Make note that there is a difference between work at home jobs and work at home businesses.

I have worked at home for over 8 years now and people are still confused of the differences.

If you are wanting to work from home doing a JOB. You will NEVER pay a fee to do that job. So if they ask for one, run! Working a job is no different then you going to lets say Burger King. You would not pay to work there !!

When deciding to work at home with your own business and if you are partnering up with a company, there is most likely always a fee to cover the cost of materials or such to get you started. I have seen them range anywhere from 10.00 to hundreds of dollars.

I chose to work a business and for several reasons.

I like being my own boss and working around MY life and family.
I love the idea of building a business of my own because the income potential is MY choice.
I also really appreciate all the tax deductions!!

I did not start out a business that I began on my own. I chose one that was introduced to me. It is one that has been around for  many years. When you are looking for a home business to do, you will want to check on several things:

*Credentials (with BBB, awards, recognitions etc)
*History (how long have they been in business) Note: Most business fail in their first 10 years so look for one that has been around for a while.
*How it works & what you will and will not be doing
*Compensation Plan
*Look at their growth and stability
*Ask for their annual income statistics!

Do your research and ask to talk with others that are working with them as well.

You can really work from home and earn an income to build your dreams into a reality. 

Kitchen Measurements Cheat Sheet

Print this out! This is one cheat sheet that definitely come handy in the kitchen.

Follow my Cook It Up board on Pinterest. So glad someone pinned this!

Join me on Pinterest. One of the best websites ever!

Took Me 47 Years To Try Brussel Sprouts

   I had no idea what I had been missing. These are so very good!.I don't know why it took so long for me to try these. I guess hearing from others that they were not all that good and so sometimes people can tend yo make up your mind for you. I still have foods like that on my list of 'not gonna try it', but, I'm learning to go ahead and try it. Just once.

Ingredients

• 2 lb Brussel Sprouts
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• sea salt
• pepper

Instructions

1. Clean the brussel sprouts by trimming off the ends and peeling the outer layer of the sprout off. Cut each one in half.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
3. Once heated, add the halved brussel sprouts to the pan and saute for about 7-8 minutes on each side until the outer part is a caramelized brown and the inside is soft and fully cooked.
4. Add the garlic half way through the cooking.
5. Reduce the heat to low and add the lemon zest, juice, salt and pepper.
6. Stir to combine and taste. Adjust seasoning if needed. Add the cheese on top and serve.

Facebook Fun

 I know many of us are frequent visitors of Facebook. It can be addicting, but a great place to stay in touch with friends and family, post pictures, play games, stay up to date with news and everything and anything else that can be imagined.....including fun posts to fill in about yourself or others. This post here was to share about your relationship. Ohhhh the memories..........

1. I've known Austin since I was 5
2. We got together when I was 20
3. We were 'getting serious' and about 3 months later he asked me to marry him. 
4. We got married the following year, that was 27 years ago on 7-11-87.
5. We left Akron in 1999 to move down to my parents land in southern Ohio. They gave us some land that we could call our new home. (thanks mom and dad) 
6. We always have each others back. He's strong when I can't be. He speaks when I can't find the words. He is my best friend.
7. I did not like him when I was 5. I thought he was a mean little boy.
8. We often are opposite. hot/cold, tired/awake, cranky/happy, I say black, he says white, etc...we tend to balance each other out.
9. We have 2 girls. They adore him and all team up on me. They think it's funny. The 3 of them together, really are brats.
10. I'd do it all again.

Add me to Facebook!

Buckeyes ...and I don't mean OSU!

Whoever thought of putting together chocolate and peanut butter was a genius! 

Ingredients:

• 3 oz (6 tbsp) butter, softened to room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 8 oz chocolate candy coating

Preparation:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.

2. Mix on medium speed for 1-2 minutes, until very smooth and well combined. Taste, and adjust the sugar and salt to taste.

3. Roll the candy into small balls about 1-inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment or waxed paper. Chill for at least 30 minutes, until firm.

4. Once firm, melt the chocolate candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring after every 30 seconds to prevent overheating.

5. Stick a toothpick firmly into a peanut butter ball, and dip it partially in the chocolate, making sure to leave a circle on top of the candy undipped. If the toothpick doesn't seem to hold the candy well, use a fork underneath the ball to add stability while you're dipping it.

6. Place the dipped candy back on the baking sheet, and repeat with the remaining balls until they're all dipped in chocolate. If they get too soft to dip with a toothpick, refrigerate the tray briefly to firm them up again.

7. Once all of the Buckeyes are dipped, refrigerate the tray to set the chocolate. Use your finger to gently smooth over the holes in the tops of the candies, if desired. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For best taste and texture, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Do You Think Your Home Is Safe?

 What's In Your Home?

• "Of chemicals commonly found in homes, 150 have been linked to allergies, birth defects, cancer and psychological abnormalities."—Consumer Product Safety Commission
• "A 15-year study revealed that women who work at home have a 54% higher death rate from cancer than women who work outside the home. This has been directly linked to the high concentration of harsh chemicals in the home." —1990 Toronto Indoor Air Conference
• The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) analyzed 2,983 chemicals used in personal care products, finding 884 of the chemicals were toxic. There are better, safer, and cost-effective options for you and your family.

   Don't Be Just Another ADHD, Asthma, or Allergy Statistic

• "About one-half of children diagnosed with ADHD have also been identified as having a learning disability. This disorder is reported to affect from 5-20% of school-age children and over 2 million American children (mostly boys) take the controversial drug Ritalin."—Centers for Disease Control
• "Estimates from a skin test survey suggest that allergies affect as many as 40 to 50 million people living in the United States." —Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 1987
• "Allergic diseases affect more than 20% of the U.S. Population."—American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, 1998
• More than 20 million Americans have asthma today. Asthma accounts for approximately 10 million physician office visits, 400,000 hospitalizations, and 1 million emergency room visits each year.—American Lung Association, 2003; American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, 2000

Did you know that safer alternatives exist and can actually be more affordable than what you are currently using for personal care, hygiene, home cleaning, vitamins and more? 

          Ask me for more information.....for the health of it!

Is Failure An Option

Is Failure An Option

After 8 years of working from home, each day I sit at my desk with so much excitement like an antsy 5 year old waiting for the ice cream truck to come down the road.

I feel like I could never work hard enough. I want to keep going! I want time to pass slower so that I can do more. I want my schedule full, emails over-flowing and instant messages all over the screen!

I know that people loving the work that they do is few and far between. It really breaks my heart when I see people dragging themselves to work. Shoulders slouched, no smile on their face, looking as if they want to be somewhere else and watching the clock. No excitement, no passion, just going from one day to the next.

Life is so very short. We are only here on this earth for the blink of an eye. Why does anyone always continue to do what they do when they are not at all happy about it? I wish everyone would see their potential and realize that they have so many choices. Fear, maybe the comfort zone, something holds them back, why does those things get to win them over? Why do they let the power of those things control them?

So many people would REALLY love to be able to stay at home and earn an income, but they don't really have the slightest idea of how to get started, where to get started and if it really is possible for them. Some people don't feel that it is real for them or it is something that 'they' could do. People can even may be a little intimidated by it because they have never done it before. Many have fear. However, I think all these thoughts or feelings are quite normal. We all can often have fear of something that we know little about or have never done ourselves. I was one of them!

Right now thinking back on the possibility of me not at least trying, I know now what a very very big mistake I would of made. Probably one of the worse mistakes that I would of made. This has been more rewarding for me then anything that I have ever done....and on so many levels!

You ARE always ONE choice away from changing your life..

I rather go through failure then having regrets of never trying. I can get through failure, but regrets never allow you to forget.

I'm willing to fail but I'm not willing to have regrets.

You DO have that choice.

~Dawn