While celebrating the day with family and friends, please remember the true reason for the season, the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!
Make it AMAZING!
Rhonda
Selasa, 25 Desember 2012
Senin, 24 Desember 2012
It's Time to Settle In, Count My Blessings and Enjoy My Lovelies!
Today started out great! Pete and I didn't get moving until 10:30am or so, and when we did it was one laughing moment after another. We weren't rushed to do anything and it was wonderful. Once we finally got out, we just knew with it being Christmas Eve, we were going to be in traffic, in line at the stores, and just in utter frustration. It was quite the opposite! I don't know if it was because we were in such a great mood or because it was a very light and easy day, but we encountered only the loveliest of people, got some great last minute gifts at incredible prices, and totally enjoyed being out together (ALONE! A very rare moment)! I'm so glad it worked out this way because I love shopping on Christmas Eve and Pete doesn't care for shopping on any day! He was a real trooper and really got into it by purchasing a few last minute gifts without any prodding from me! If he felt pressured into going, he never let on for a second!
Now that we're back home, it's time to prepare for tomorrow. We'll wrap the last of the gifts, watch some of our favorite Christmas classics, and begin cooking! I love this part of the day when everyone is home, the house smells good from the food that's being prepared, and there's lot's of chatter, laughter, and well, the occassional argument between siblings! Hmmm, before I get started I think I will take a little nap! We all know it is going to be a long night!
I hope you all have the most AMAZING holiday with your family and loved ones!
Rhonda
Image and Quote via my Pinterest boards
Jumat, 21 Desember 2012
Organizing a Stress Free Party by Preparing Easy To Cook Recipes from Your Food Storage
It is common for most of us to create a grocery list of items to buy when we are planning a party at home. Most of our pantries simply do not have all the ingredients needed to make a couple of dishes that could feed all of the guests. However, if you must organize a party using the food you have from your food storage, here are a few tips on how to pull it off.
Choose Simple Recipes
There are hundreds of simple holiday and party recipes you can whip up using preserved or canned ingredients. From canned beans to frozen turkey, you can create an easy Christmas dinner from supplies you have on hand. Your creativity may be tested if your ingredients do not match the recipe requirements perfectly, but you can easily find substitutes among the ingredients you already have in storage. Recipes with 4 to 5 ingredients are always best, and choose those that can work with canned or preserved ingredients.
Choosing What to Include in Food Storage
An important element when it comes to have all you need for a party even if you are drawing from stored food reserves are the choice of food that you have in store. Plenty of canned ingredients, as well as frozen meats are always first options. You can get your fill of sugars by canning overripe fruits using sugar or natural honey. Sugar and honey are natural preservatives, and the principles of making fruit jams are very basic and very easy to learn. Packaged pie crusts, taco shells, and dumpling wraps which can be frozen are readily available as well, and will be perfect compliments to a holiday dinner with friends and family.
Advantages of Having the Right Food Storage Plans
Having the right storage plans for your food is very important if you have to have ample supply within easy access at home. This even makes party planning even more easier since you have eliminated the need to go shopping. However, food spoils easily, so make sure to use food containers are designed for long-term storage. Choose reusable plastic containers marked with 'PP' or 'LDPE', which means that the plastic will not leach chemicals into the food. Check for adequate sealing around the rim for plastic and glass containers to ensure that the container is airtight, especially if you are planning to store food for months. Also, avoid heating the food directly on the plastic container since this could leach more chemicals into the food as well.
Make it AMAZING!
Rhonda
Make it AMAZING!
Rhonda
About the Guest Author
Agnes Jimenez is a professional blogger and writer. She writes for many online establishments and supports those ones that offer practical lifestyles to consumers. As a frugal living and emergency preparedness advocate, she recommends FoodInsurance.com for budget conscious individuals who are looking for easy food storage plan ideas. You may connect with Food Insurance in Facebook.
Kamis, 20 Desember 2012
Comfort and Joy with a Couple of Stories To Boot!
So I'm watching Million Dollar Decorator's last night, (I DVR'd the series), and it's about Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Mary McDonald, and Kathryn Ireland's participation in the Greystone Mansion Show House featured in Luxe Magazine. Everyone who really knows me, knows that I totally get a kick out of Mary McDonald! She is a hoot! During the first season, after the episode aired where she designed a zig zag floor for her client Jill, Jill requests that Mary pay an immediate visit to her home to see the floor. Mary walks in and exclaims, "I love it"! Jill dryly said, "I don't". Well, Gillian and I would go back and forth with this exchange and also threw in when Mary said, in reference to another client, "Clients don't know what they want. I know what they want"! I sent Mary a message on Facebook telling her how Gillian, six years old at the time, and I would imitate her and had a blast doing it; she replied by telling me, "I'm not so sure a six year old should be watching me"! She went on to say a few other things that were totally hilarious, and I loved it! Sadly, she was kinda right! LOL!!!
Anyhoo, I was blown over when I saw that she was doing the grand hallway in the mansion! Needless to say I was glued to this episode to see if what they were going through was reflective of what I am going through now...and yes! Thank goodness it's not just me feeling a wee bit stressed by this whole process! At the end of the episode when Mary warns not to do a hallway, hmmm...you're a bit too late with that piece of advice Mare!
The holidays can be pretty stressful. When my kids were younger; yes, I know they are only twelve and seven, but when they were much younger, I would almost obsess over making a perfect holiday season for them, beginning with Thanksgiving. I would do many of the things that my parents would do with my brother and I while growing up. Those memories are some I will treasure for the rest of my life! A friend of mine and I were talking about how we would wake Christmas morning and already have certain toys already put together and ready for us to enjoy! I'll never forget when my brother got a train set and my dad spent the night mounting it to a big piece of plywood and placed it on casters to make it easy for him to roll under his bed when he was done playing with it. That same Christmas, I was for some reason, into wanting to be a secretary or something? Hmmm, doesn't sound quite like me but let's just go with; I had an L-shaped corner desk already set up with a typewriter, Bugs Bunny pencil sharpener, and Bugs Bunny task lamp styled nicely for my enjoyment! So, this is what Pete and I did for Noah and Gillian. They're older now, not to mention times have totally changed and we don't get to do this anymore...
The wonderful thing now is they love being together as a family and doing things! I'm so glad Noah is still very much a family guy. I hope he stays this way. Gillian, well she's a bit dramatic, but this kid loves to give. I have not taken them shopping yet; yes, I know time is ticking! I actually love the energy of last minute shopping. I know, sounds a little crazy, but what can I say! I digress, Gillian has written everyone in the family letters and placed them under the Christmas tree. I have to share this! In her letter to Santa, she immediately begins it by apologizing for being bad and explaining to him that she just can't help it! She also ends it with what she wants for Christmas! She wasn't gonna let that slip by! Afterall, the whole confession part of the letter was calculated, don't you think? My mom asked her if she'd been good, and she told her quite simply, no! Hey, at least my kid is honest!
I actually like to prepare holiday meals! These are pretty much the only meals I get excited about cooking. Don't get me wrong, I cook and sometimes actually enjoy it depending on the day, mostly my mood, or the occassion! I'm not much of a baker, though. I wish I were. Maybe one day when I grow up! Maybe, just maybe (far away, longing look in my eyes). Until then I'll just enjoy the goodies that my friends bake for me, as well as the ones I can pop into shops and bakeries and purchase!
I'm sure many of you can relate to needing a nice little something, something at the end of the day; hmmm, or maybe during the day to assist in bringing you down a couple of notches and helping you shake off the dust of the day! I don't think there is anything wrong with that! My fav thing to do though, is to curl up on a cold day in front of the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate, some scrumptuous pastry, and my faux fur throw! This time of year, I love to go into the room where the Christmas tree is and just sit there and admire the beauty of the lights and the sparkly refection of the ornaments. For some reason, it calms me, centers me, and reminds me that my life truly is amazing and I am more than blessed to have the family, friends, colleagues, aquaintances, etc., etc. Everyone that crosses my path has a reason for doing so, and I am very humbled and grateful for them.
Make it AMAZING!
Rhonda
Rabu, 19 Desember 2012
A Show House Update...
Okay, so as some of you may remember, back on November 12th, I shared with you my presentation that I submitted for the 2013 Cathedral Antiques Show Inspiration House titled A Show House Presentation. Well, to bring you all current, if you have not read that fantastic posting, I proposed for a hallway on the lower level of the home where the Cathedral Counseling Center has offices. What began as one portion of the hallway has now turned into the entire lower level hallway plus the entry! You will definitely have to go back to read the earlier posting I did to really appreciate how this story will end!
Main Hallway (before)
I have been working pretty closely with Rick Anthony Bonner, who is one of the Co-chairs of the Inspiration House with Cindra Brown, and also one of the featured designers in the Inspiration House, keeping him abreast of my plans for the additional space. Floor and Decor (Southlake; Morrow, Georgia), so generously donated flooring for my area, and Rick, Cindra, and I were all totally excited! Rick, Jacqueline Glover, and I met with Virginia Pansing Plummer, the director of the Cathedral Counseling Center, to talk about my plans for the centers hallway, and for me to learn more about what the center does and how it operates. Let me tell ya, Ginny (Virginia) is very passionate about what the center offers and it showed in her excitement and delivery of the information! She was a little fireball! "Nothing great was achieved without enthusiam"--Unknown.
Main Hallway (during flooring installation)
It was after that meeting that I met with the general manager of Floor & Decor, Tony Toomer, and Jackie (Jacqueline) to discuss the possibility of a larger donation for the lower level, when they decided to become a corporate sponsor of the Inspiration House! I was thrilled! After listening to Ginny speak just one day earlier about the center and the types of counseling that is offered, I was so excited to be able to assist her and the center in anyway that I could to make it a more warm and inviting place for the counselors and their clients!
View leading to the Entry Hallway (Before)
I've minced no words about my faith and belief in God here on my blog, so if you don't feel like reading more of how God works, then you may want to stop reading right now! Still with me? Okay, that makes me happy! Things are beginning to be revealed! I didn't, of my thought and decision making, submit for this space! As I said in that earlier posting, I was led by the Spirit to propose for this space. Although, I will say, then I thought for completely different reasons! Please go to that posting to refresh your memory or get brought up to speed because I'm telling a very important story here and I don't want to lose those of you who are still with me!
View of the Entry Hallway (during flooring installation)
I am now seeing that God had a much bigger plan in mind when I proposed for this space. Who could have known, but Him, that I would end up doing all of the transitional spaces and the entry? Who could have known that I would find such amazing people to work with and who were just as excited about my vision for the space, but Him? Wait a minute, did I just give myself credit for my vision? Surely not! It was truly divine inspiration. The finishes, the flooring, the entire concept was God using me to assist Ginny and the Cathedral Counseling Center in creating a place where healing can begin. Where peace of mind can be had. Where people, no matter what their need or whatever it is they are dealing with, can receive the counseling they need in order to have a better sense of well-being. Design isn't just about making things "pretty"! It goes so much deeper than that, and I am so glad that I walk in the spirit and obedient to what He tells me to do, because this is as much for me as it is for the counseling center! How?
Back Hallway (Before)
In a posting that I did in mid October, It's Good to Let go of the Plan and be Lead from Within, I talked about how I was lead to stop at the track on my way home from dropping my son off at school, and what that did for my spirit. Anyhoo, I shared this with someone whom I'd mentioned somewhat tricked me into proposing for a space in the house; I told them, one of the most important things this experience has shown me was that I really underestimate myself. I don't give myself enough credit. For some reason, I don't trust myself to do all the things that God has equipped me to do. It also came to my attention since being involved in the Inspiration House, I've not ever really stepped out on faith! Sure, I know that God is capable of making all things possible, but for some reason I still thought I needed to assist him. Can I just tell you how I truly didn't know how all of this was going to get done, and yet, here I am.
A little peek of new flooring installation (Entry Hallway & some of main Hallway; view from the stone room)
Back to the counseling center! We are living in a time where someone we know, even ourselves, at one point or another have needed or need someone to talk to. We have very real challenges and obstacles that we are facing, and reaching out for assistance on how to navigate and cope with those challenges is a courageous and smart thing to do. There should never be any shame or embarrassment attached to admitting that you just cannot do it alone and you need help. We, as a community, as a nation, and as world need to realize that we all want basically the same things and reach out to one another to figure out how best to accomplish them. The counseling center provides services for all who need them regardless of what community you live in. They assist with challenges such as *Couple and Family Conflict; *Depression; *Addiction; *Anxiety and Stress; *Questions of Faith, Spirituality & Values; *Trauma and Abuse; *Loss and Grief; *Personal Growth and Transition; *Parenting challenging children; *Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents; *HIV/AIDS and othe illnesses.
Peek of flooring installation (Main Hallway and Back Hallway; view from one of the offices)
I know this was a pretty long posting for me, but it was one that was placed on my heart to do. For those of you who hung in there to the end, thank you! I do hope that you will spread the word about the Cathedral Counseling Center and the wonderful work the counselors there do, as well as come out and show your support for the 2013 Cathedral Antiques Show and Inspiration House. This year the proceeds will benefit Refugee Family Services, a community-based organization that has met the needs of the metro Atlanta refugee community for over 20 years.
Make it AMAZING!
Rhonda
*I will be featuring pictures as progress continues, as well as the wonderful people that are making all of this possible. This is truly a team effort and one that I could not do without each and every one of them! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
*Special Thanks to Corporate Sponsor Floor & Decor (Southlake; Morrow, Georgia) and Escobedo Painting and Flooring!
Selasa, 18 Desember 2012
What if Ornaments Were all You Had?
Happy Holidays everyone. I’m so excited to be here on Rhonda’s blog sharing a few holiday decorating ideas with you.
When it comes to decorating for the holidays, there are a thousand and one approaches you can take! Most people opt to use lots of different elements like garland, ribbon, pinecones, branches and holiday pics to make their holiday décor come to life. Most years, I tend to be on the side of “more is better” but this year I took a slightly more simplistic approach to my décor and decorated primarily with just ornaments. During the process of decorating and to challenge my creativity in order to achieve the stylish look of Christmas that I love so much, I had to pose this question to myself, What if Ornaments Were all you Had?
Well, that question can easily be answered and decorating for Christmas can be easily be done with just ornaments. If you need proof, I’m here to share some inspiring Christmas decorating ideas where Ornaments are the Star of the Party!
Group a collection of ornaments all in the same color family together in glass bowls and jars to create a dynamic centerpiece for your coffee or dining table.
The chandelier over your dining table is the perfect spot to showcase beautiful holiday ornaments. Hang ornaments from clear fishing line to give the impression that the ornaments are floating.
A cluster of ornaments hung in front of a window will not only add cheer for those inside your home, but for anyone that passes by.
Add a little holiday cheer to the backs of your dining chair with a dangle of holiday ornaments. If you’re having a holiday dinner, let the guest take home the ornaments off their tree as a festive party favor.
Who says a holiday wreath has to be made of evergreen boughs? Use your craftiness to create a stunning ornament wreath that will definitely had shine and shimmer to your home.
A tree decorated with ornaments collected over the years is probably one of the most meaningful ways you can décor. Use a variety of shapes, sizes and colors and make sure to bury some ornaments deep into the branches to give your tree lots of depth.
Want to really make a statement with ornaments, then create an ornament garland to hang over a window or down a staircase. A chicken wire form will create the base your need to wire on all the ornaments with ease.
Scatter ornaments along the mantel for a simple yet stylish holiday look.
And finally, create your own version of a holiday chandelier by grouping different styles of holiday ornaments together in a tiered cluster. Hang from the ceiling over a doorway, above a bed or in a hallway for an unexpected holiday touch.
I hope you’re inspired to pull out a few of those ornaments in the attic and create some new looks in your home this holiday!
Happy Holidays & Happy Decorating!
All of these images and more holiday inspiration can be found on the ConfettiStyley Merry, Merry Pinterest board!
Senin, 17 Desember 2012
Five Easy Steps to Maximize Your Workspace
Monday's are usually the day I post Monday's Office, but today I thought I would share with you the insight of someone who knows a thing or two about creating a more efficient and productive work environment. Please join me in welcoming my guest Kenneth McCall, as he gives us helpful hints, tips, and ideas we can all use in our work spaces!
No matter how large your workspace is, there never seems to be quite enough room to properly store and organize your work materials. Even worse, taking on the project to improve the situation can be overwhelming. There is no doubt that organizing the personal or professional office space will be on many New Year's resolution lists. Sadly, procrastination will leave many of these lofty goals unfulfilled...yet again!
Don't worry. Help has arrived! You really can improve your workspace if you put your mind to it. The best approach is to break down the project into several tasks. Be sure to set aside some time outside of your normal work hours for this project. Here is a blueprint to get you started.
- De-Clutter: The first step is to remove everything from the office or cubicle that you simply don't need or use. This should include both work items and personal items. I know it's hard to get rid of stuff, but you really don't need two staplers, three years of your child's artwork or that framed Certificate of Achievement for learning to use the new copy machine! Be sure to take this opportunity to thoroughly clean the freshly exposed work surfaces that have been accumulating dust and grime for years.
- Digitize: If you have hard copies of documents in addition to soft copies on your computer, toss the hard copy! If you only have hard copies, consider scanning these and storing them on your computer. Be sure to organize your computer files so that you can easily find these documents.
- Furniture & Fixtures: Now that you can visualize your remaining workspace and storage requirements, take a close look at your office furniture. What is your biggest problem? Do you need more desktop space, storage space, room for a guest chair, etc.? If this is a home office, there is almost no limit to furniture choices available to resolve your problems. If you work in a cubicle at the office, ask your administrator for some help. You'd be surprised how accommodating they can be, especially if ergonomic issues are involved. Below are a few tips:
- Many furniture outlets and websites now offer affordable office furniture in a wide array of efficient configurations. Be sure to consider durability if the furniture will get a lot of use. You get what you pay for!
- If you need more durable furniture on a budget, there are creative ways to achieve this. For example, an old door can be placed on two low filing cabinets to create a large, strong and functional desktop. Wood storage cubes can be used for books and materials. Garage sale finds such as armoires can easily be converted to efficient storage.
- Cubicle manufacturers now offer a multitude of accessories to meet your needs. In addition to the standard file cabinets, desktops and binder bins, many manufacturers now offer hooks for your coat, shelves, storage cabinets, trays, lighting, sliding doors, etc.
- Get your "desktop" computer off your desktop! These are best stored under the desk. If you don't want to put it directly on the floor, you can purchase fixtures to facilitate this. Use a clamp-on arm to hold your flat panel monitor. Use a keyboard tray under your desktop. Untangle the computer cords and tie them up neatly.
- Use tall book cases and cabinets to get the most storage from your small space. You can also add shelves high on the wall to store less frequently used items.
- Evaluate your lighting options. Use hanging or clamp-on lights to maximize desk top space. If you are stuck with harsh white fluorescent lights, consider buying fluorescent bulbs with a more pleasant light spectrum. You can also purchase sleeves for the bulbs to adjust their brightness.
- Organize and Prioritize: Divide the remaining work materials into two groups. The first group includes items that you use every day. The second group is less frequently needed. Concentrate on storing the everyday items within easy reach of your normal seat location. Store the other items in less convenient areas. Purchase containers, desktop file holders, trays, etc. to optimize storage efficiency.
- Personalize: OK...now that you have the essentials out of the way, it's time to add back some personal items for comfort and fun. A small plant, family photos, artwork, etc. are all fair game when used in moderation. Be selective! If you are into Feng Shui, you may even consider adding a small mirror in a strategic location.
By following these simple steps, you will find that your productivity will soar. Best of all, these improvements will make you feel better and greatly reduce your stress level. Even your co-workers will thank you for that. Good Luck!
Kenneth McCall loves boats, bikes, and water-skis. When not engaged in outdoor activities he is a managing partner for storage.com, building systems and tools for homeowners and businesses needing self-storage in many cities in Maryland, including listings for storage units in Glen Burnie.
Make it AMAZING!
Rhonda
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