Posted by Nicole on January 6th, 2009 in this and that
Every year I FORCE my husband’s side of the family (since we spend almost every Christmas with them here in Tucson) to sit down on New Year’s Eve and share their New Year’s Resolutions. I love it because everyone always puts up a fight, but once we get rolling, everyone starts to brain storm and get inspired.
Here are mine:
1. Be intentional in making time to have friends over for dinner, meet a friend for coffee, etc.
2. Go to a cash only/envelope budget system.
3. Be more consistent with physical activities. (And put my new Wii Dance Dance Revolution to use!)
I guess some people see resolutions as just another place to fail. Like, if they don’t reach their goal or make a lasting change, then they failed completely. So why even try, right?
I think too many times we play it too safe…we don’t take enough risks. The fear of failure and ridicule keeps us from branching out and trying something new. Really, what is the harm in trying? I’m not saying, sell everything and go play the slots. But what about…
training for a marathon
starting a blog
learning to knit
hosting a dinner party once a month
joining a choir
getting healthier
learning German
What is the harm in trying and who would it hurt if you failed?
I’ve come to the place in life where I am no longer worried if someone from the sidelines will criticize me for trying something and not succeeding.
So, the question today is:
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Posted by Nicole on January 5th, 2009 in this and that
Its already the 5th of January and I still feel like I’m in trying to wrap up the end of last year. So much happened in the last few weeks of 2008 that I haven’t had a minute to breath in the new year. Do you ever feel like that?
This “Christmas Morning at Grandma’s After Math” photo basically sums up the past few weeks.
There are those times in life that we go and do and are so busy that our house and schedule looks like a tornado blew through. It happens every April (3 out of 5 of us have birthdays that month) and December…and several other times throughout the year. I always seem to need a full day to regroup. You know, to answer emails, clear the toys and clothing items and empty cups out of the car, do laundry, remove the stuff from the central hub dumping zone dining room table so people can actually eat there again…
That day for me was Saturday. It started with picking up and putting away, then moved to reorganizing the linen closet (btw…anyone have my 13 lost pillow cases? How does one loose pillow cases?), then my office closet started calling to me, which reminded me that I need to go to the Post Office, and the bank. And the grocery store.
I felt like I was living When You Give A Mouse A Cookie.
So now its Monday morning, I’m back to blogging, back to work, kids are back in school, DH is back to…er, on leave for the next couple of weeks while his shoulder heals up from surgery.
So I’m almost back to normal. Are you?
Posted by Nicole on January 1st, 2009 in this and that
Happy New Year, folks.
Sorry I’ve been MIA. Besides Christmas and surgeries, we’ve been spending 99% of our time with my husband’s family visiting for the holidays. Its been a lot of eating, laughing, silliness, fort building (kids), shopping (adults) and just spending time together.
On Monday, all 13 of us went to see the Tale of Despereaux. There were 6 kids in our group, ranging from 3 to 12 years old.
I loved the movie. There were some big names in the cast: Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman, Tracey Ullman, Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver. The animation and graphics were simply amazing and the message was meaningful and virtuous.
Both my nephew and son had read the book and they were disappointed that some of the details were left out (but then again, when aren’t they?). It was a little more “dark” than some of us had expected; meaning, its not a sweet, lighthearted, Winnie-the-Pooh type story. There are some more serious themes throughout. But don’t worry. There is a happy ending.
I would definitely recommend it as a movie for the whole family.
Posted by Nicole on December 26th, 2008 in this and that
The surgeries were successful,
Christmas has come and gone.
Enjoying family and friends,
Its even snowing today in Tucson!
Posted by Nicole on December 21st, 2008 in this and that
My Oldest came through his surgery with flying colors. Two titanium plates later, he is home resting comfortably already playing Wii. Tomorrow is surgery #2 for DH.
Thank you for all your prayers and well wishes.
Posted by Nicole on December 17th, 2008 in Polls, this and that
Since the Bike Accident Post-Op Clinic will be opening on Friday, I did a modified decorating job this year. No outside lights, no cute figurines and garland around the house, no Christmas card (go ahead, gasp).
BUT, I did get the tree decorated and the stockings hung. That’s it. I mean, really. The two muscles in the house are going to be out of commission after Christmas and I don’t really need another HOA letter in March asking me to “Please take down your Christmas lights, already”.
It still feels like Christmas…even if its not as elaborate as years past. Here’s my tree:
And some of my favorite ornaments:
Head over to We are THAT Family and check out the Mr. Linky of trees that she hosted this weekend. (And it might not be too late to add your own!)
Posted by Nicole on December 15th, 2008 in this and that
Let’s think about this: This time of year is one of the busiest for dear ol’ mom. There’s cleaning, decorating, gift buying, grocery shopping, school play attending, cooking, baking, wrapping…on top of all the other daily chores. And a lot of that time is spent away from home, in your car, driving from store to store.
Safeway is offering a few ways to help make this season a little easier…and cheaper. Shopping with Safeway’s Club Card lets you earn gas rewards whenever you buy groceries, prescriptions, and even gift cards (I heart gift cards and I hope everyone on my Christmas list does too because they’re all getting one this year! ;)).
From now until December 25, you can earn PowerPump Gas Rewards for every $100 in gift cards purchased with your Club Card at Safeway stores. There are so many gift cards to choose from…over 300 in fact (including Best Buy, The Home Depot, Macy’s, iTunes and more). You might even consider purchasing a few for yourself, just to receive the double gas rewards at the pump. Sneaky, no?
Find a participating store near you, at www.Safeway.com/PowerPump and enter your zip code.
And good luck with that to do list…
Posted by Nicole on December 13th, 2008 in this and that
Ok ladies (and gentlemen), here’s a list of the winners from my Holiday Giveaway Extravaganza! Each winner was randomly selected using Random.org. Thank you all for entering…I hope you had as much fun entering as I did reviewing and giving these products away.
Land’s End Gift Card: #63 - Natalie
Leatherman Tools:
Hybrid Pruner - #57 - Marcy
Juice 2 - #120 - Kimberly
Squirt S4 - #135 - Jessica
Build-A-Bear Workshop Gift Card: #38 - Lisa
HP PhotoSmart Express Gift Cards:
#9 - Karen
#6 - Elaina
#4 - GraceFULL
#1 - Erica
iTunes Gift Card: #94 - Melissa
Dymo® Caption Maker: #13 - Brooke
Clorox 2: Stain Fighter/Color Booster:
#14 - Shan
#1 - Johanna H.
#9 - Linda F.
#11 - Shannon
Snapfish Prints Gift Card: #9 - Michelle R.
Etsy · Bead Whimsy Jewelry: #7 - Holly
Madagascar 2 Dog Tags:
#11 - Byron
#7 - PsychMamma
The Children’s Place Gift Card: #132 - Lisa
I will contact each of you for your shipping information. If you see your name here first, just shoot your info my way. Merry Christmas!
Posted by Nicole on December 12th, 2008 in housekeeping isn't for the weak, this and that
Like everyone else, we’ve been invited to plenty of parties this holiday season. And of course with each party comes the need to come up with something yummy to take. I have my old standbys but its nice to try a new recipe on my friends.
Ocean Spray and Heinz have created some wonderful party recipes that you really need to try. And the best part is they’re quick and easy and take very few ingredients.
If you like meatball appetizers, you’ll love this one. I just made it and its was DE-lish! Here’s a video to show you just how quick and easy it is to make:
I love brie cheese and think I’m going to try this one soon.
Check out all the other yummy and easy recipes at Ultimte Party Meatballs. You can also enter to win $3,000 for your next shindig…just by completing their entry form. Easy breezy. And if I win, you’re all invited to my house…
Posted by Nicole on December 10th, 2008 in this and that
