A Beautiful Giveaway: Handmade Jewelry

While visiting my favorite mommy blog, SimpleMom, I discovered a beautiful giveaway.  She loves these simple yet feminine pieces made by Lisa Leonard.

Lisa has been making jewelry since high school, but decided to turn her craft into a small business so she could stay home with her two precious boys.  Many of us have done that as well (or are looking to do that very thing now) through various outlets:  marketing our talents, joining a direct sales company, freelancing and consulting, etc.

I am inspired reading stories of other moms who take initiative to earn a living doing what they love and be home with their children.  Not all of us have that option nor desire it, and that's okay.  We all have a different purpose for which we were created.  

Check out Lisa's beautiful, handcrafted jewelry.  She is giving away three $50 gift certificates to use at her online store.  All you need to do is click on the link I've provided above and follow the instructions in SimpleMom's post.

Keeping My Resolutions: Organizing 15 Minutes a Day

I've got to get organized! I've got to get organized!

Does this sound familiar? Most of us have this mantra running through our brains when the New Year arrives. But for me it's everyday, regardless of the time of year. I'm still working on completing my office/school/craft room.

I started on it when we moved in July 2006.

I do find, however, I get energized about organizing again while I'm making all my other resolutions. It's like the year is a clean slate. I can wipe away all I didn't accomplish previously and begin anew.

But I don't need to wait for a new year. I've discovered I have a blank palette each new day.

Whether it's one 15-minute organizing session or several throughout the day, I feel great about sprucing my space in such a short amount of time. It's easier for me to feel good about my home and myself when I break tasks down into manageable steps. If I've accomplished at least one task on my list, then I give myself permission to let the rest go. Understand, this is not anywhere near easy to do.

Hello, my name is Melanie and I'm a recovering procrastinating perfectionist.

I have ADHD and am OCD. I self-medicate with Starbucks and Dr. Pepper while pouring over awesome blogs like SimpleMom and Nesting Place. When my husband attempts to help, I sound like Rainman, mumbling and shouting. What'd you do with my stuff? Where's my stuff? I TOLD YOU NOT TO TOUCH MY STUFF!!

He rarely does this anymore.

I don't think 15 minutes is a magical number. You can do it for 5 or 30 minutes. What's important is giving yourself a time limit and praising yourself when you're done. Be careful not to look at every other cluttered space and beat yourself up. Nester has great advice on this here.

She has numerous examples of how she tried something that didn't work and moved on to the next idea. (I think all her ideas are great and want to be her when I grow up.) But she's right--just like her blog states--"it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful" and there's no wrong way to get it done.

Your home is a reflection of you so make it what you want it to be. If it doesn't work for you, try again; it's your space. Own it. Make a plan of attack and stick to it. Your home will look great and clutter-free in no time.

Now, if only I could figure out how to keep the family from using it.

How about you? Do you have any tips on getting organized?

"Sound Mind, Sound Mom" Book Club

What a great idea! I've often thought of joining or starting a book club in my local coffee shop or bookstore, but really, who has the time? Between homeschooling my children, running a home business, being wife and mom, and making time for myself once or twice a month with girlfriends, I just don't want to take the time to be away another night.

That's why this book club is so great. Every Thursday you go to the forum to discuss the chapter you just read. Tsh asks questions, as well as those in the forum. This online community is nice too because Tsh doesn't put up with any of the negativity or attacks you find on other forums. She'll delete ya right off the page; so watch what you type! (I'm assuming this; don't know it from personal experience. Yes, I know this will be hard for some of you to believe.)

I love hearing others' perspectives. I learn things I didn't know, find challenges to my current thinking or get the opportunity to share why I believe/think/care...the way I do. Plus, I find out how many women really are going through the same things and I'm not alone.

Check out SimpleMom's book club. We're currently reading Your Money or Your Life. Great place to start with the current economy. Hope to see ya...er, read ya, in the forum.

Great Green Giveaway!!

My favorite mommy blogger, Simple Mom, is hosting an awesome giveaway this week.

For those of you who are, or have become, environmentally aware you'll love this. Several companies are giving away reusable shopping bags. They all vary as to the type of material they are made of: recycled plastic bottles, canvas, and oilcloth.

Most are very stylish for that hip, green mom on the go. And some are quite practical for keeping with us everywhere we go. (Ever gotten to the check out only to realize you left your bags at home?) I have several times...Ugh!

Check out Simple Mom's giveaway here. Follow the instructions and you could be on your way to toting a chic, eco-friendly bag making you the envy of all your friends.

Have a great day and stay green!