Applesauce

I never thought I would make homemade applesauce! Last night when my oldest was recovering from the 24 hour flu, she requested applesauce. I always keep the mini applesauces on hand. No applesauce to be found in my house! So I found a recipe on the internet & whipped it up for "dessert". Here it is:

Homemade Applesauce

Peel & core 5 apples. Throw in saucepan with 3/4 cup of water & 3/4 cup (or less) sugar. Cook for about 15-20 minutes. Mash with a fork & serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon!

I love recipes that only have 2 ingredients! Let's just say it was a big hit & it required very little effort~that's my kind of cooking! get cooking~Cathy M.

Mood Lifters

As the days grow shorter with the approaching winter season, it is important to recognize some "mood lifters" to keep us mentally healthy. I have a tendency to hibernate at this time of year. It takes my blood awhile to thin, so that I am not unbearably cold. If you, like me, have added stress & worry over family & friends then you need to put aside for a few minutes & build into your day a few "mood lifters".
Exercise
Years ago I read an article about walking and depression. In summary, the article spouted the mental benefits of walking 3 times per week for 20 minutes. The "walking only" group had more success than the group that took anti-depressants. Our local mall offers early hours for walkers. Check to see what is available to you. Even a quick walk around the neighborhood would be beneficial! Certainly we all know that we need physical exercise, but often it is difficult to schedule. I have had good success with finding dvd's that get you in shape in 20 minutes/day! My current favorite is the Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred. I got mine at Target, but also available at Wal-Mart & online. So try to get some type of exercise at least 3 times a week to lift your mood!

Wardrobe

Yesterday was a rather gray day here in North Central Ohio. I decided to pull out a wardrobe item that I haven't worn in awhile. To be honest I don't think this item is "in style" currently. As soon as I saw it (them) I was instantly lifted & it got better as I put them on. It was like talking with an old friend. Here is a pic:

So, even if you don't have pink cowboy boots, I am sure you have something in your wardrobe that will make you smile; a power tie, a fun scarf, a soft winter hat... you get the idea!

Food

Do you know what a cutie is? It is a mandarin orange from California & readily available at your nearest supermarket. My oldest daughter requested them from my grocery trip. I don't often eat them, but decided to try one. They take about 3 seconds to peel & let me tell you it was heavenly! I felt like I was immediately transported to a tropical island. Go get a bag & put them in your fridge. Have them on hand when you need a little boost.

Organization

Tackle a small organization problem. Organize receipts & label with a sticky note & paper clip. If a closet is a problem then tackle one shelf. Don't try to organize the whole garage at one time. Just tackle one little area & you will feel better. This stackable shelf from Closetmaid (available @ Wal-Mart, Target etc.) is wonderful inside closets for shoes or on top of existing shelves for clothing. It only takes a couple of minutes to assemble it.

Now you are armed with a few quick, inexpensive "mood lifters". Put them on your list & get going! Energized~Cathy M.

Monday-Make your list!

Welcome to my first blog! I will be writing snippets about my life as a busy Mom & wife, small business owner, techie, paper lover, amateur gardener, and ski (water & snow) enthusiast. I hope you enjoy it & that you check back often!


Ah, Monday! I start out each Monday with a list of the day's activities & then morph it into a list for the week. Many people are already overwhelmed with the holidays, but I am feeling upbeat with my list(s). My list for today is on red, green & white paper from my favorite company Donovan Designs, www.donovandesignsinc.com  I am a retailer for them & love the cheeriness of their papers! If you get a personal note from me, it will most likely be on their paper. My 7 year old daughter was recovering from the stomach flu yesterday & she drew the cutest picture of a Christmas tree with ornaments hanging off of it! I had to use it today for my list:)



As I mentioned I am sort of a techie. I love the internet, email, ipods, cameras, making movies on my computer & pseudo techie stuff. I am not the person to call when your computer breaks, but I can't live without my electronics! Get the picture? So back to the list making...I have found that I have to make my list on real paper. I just found a new pen that is awesome!! If you like super bold ink then try the uniball gel impact 1.0. They can be a bit pricey, but it is worth it!


I haven't checked anything off my list yet today. I have however, made two important phone calls & have started my first blog. Some things just cannot be measured by the checkmarks! What doesn't get done today can always be added to tomorrow's list!I am smiling each time I look at the hand-drawn tree & ornaments. Good luck with your list & don't forget to add: Read "checkitoff" to your list!~Peace, Cathy