Friday Five - April 11

Happy, happy, happy Friday, everyone!! Linking up with the Five on Friday party!!

1. I've been cleaning like crazy lately (spring cleaning bug?), and I really cannot rave enough about this little beauty that I found at Bed, Bath and Beyond:

It's a pure clean bath stone cleaning block, and it is AMAZING!!! If I had known how well it would work, I would have taken before and after pictures. We had this weird little blue ring around the drain in our downstairs bathroom sink that was there when we bought our home, and NOTHING could get rid of it. I thought it must be a permanent stain. Just a little scrubbing with this stone, however, and that ring was GONE!! Woo hoo!! There was also some kind of adhesive on the shower tile from the previous owners (not sure what they had glued on there), and once again, nothing else we tried worked, but this stone removed all of the adhesive with almost no elbow grease!! Oh yes, I am a fan!! :)


2. I ran across this little tip for peeling an orange. Whaaa....? I love it!!!!

3. Somehow I managed to catch a stomach bug this week (lucky me!!), and one of the few things that helped to settled my stomach was Sobe's Yumberry Pomegranate water. It's always been my favorite flavor, but I didn't realize that it has ginger in it!! No wonder it helped settle the rumbly in my tumbly! Thank you, Sobe! :)

4. Spring!!! I am deliriously happy that the weather is finally warming up!! This past winter was so brutal!

5. OverDrive Media Console - I am ashamed to admit how long I had a Kindle before I found out about this app!! How could I not know about borrowing eBooks from the library for free? Helllooooo?! And it doesn't have to be on a Kindle. It works with any eReader. Score! My assumption is that I'm the last person on the planet to hear about this, but I've talked to several people who were also unaware, so just in case someone else didn't know, I thought I'd share! :)

Santa Fe Chicken

One of my New Year's resolutions was to try some new recipes this year. Today I realized that I haven't tried any new recipes yet and we're halfway through March! Eeeek! So I pulled out a few cookbooks and magazines, and decided to try one called Santa Fe Chicken from a Taste of Home magazine. It was a hit with my husband, and bonus, it was super easy to make! Score!! Details below.

Yield: 4 servings

1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
1-1/4 cups chicken broth
1 cup salsa
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 oz each)
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
chopped fresh cilantro, optional

1. In a large skillet, saute onion in butter until tender. Add broth and salsa; bring to a boil. Stir in rice and garlic powder. Place chicken over rice; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

2. Turn chicken; cook 10-15 minutes longer or until a meat thermometer reaches 170 degrees. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with cheese; cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro if desired (we did not).

Enjoy!

Show Us Your Life - My Favorite Apps

Good morning! The latest in the Show Us Your Life Series at Kelly's Korner is about our favorite apps. Here are just a few of mine. :)

1 - iXpenseIt - This app has not only helped me create our budget each month, but it's also been eye-opening to look back and see just how much we spent on, say, going out to eat. When we need to trim our expenses, this helps us to see where we can cut back.

2 - Shazam - I use this one a lot more than I thought I would. How often do you hear a song on the radio and wonder what it's called or who sings it? This will tell you. And if you really love the song and want to buy it, it links to the iTunes store where you can download it. I admit that every time I use this, in my head I hear Gomer from Andy Griffith saying, "Shazam!"

3 - Aviary - Just discovered this photo editor, but so far I'm loving it! It's so much fun! Soooo many options! I also just discovered Snapseed and am having a hard time deciding which one I like better. Previously I was using Camera+ for photo editing on my phone. Decisions, decisions!

4 - Nexercise - I LOVE this app! You can track your motion while working out or log a past activity and you get mPoints for everything you do. You can then redeem those points for gift cards! So many ways to stay motivated, whether it's going for the gift card or a little friendly competition between you and others using the app or trying to do better than you were doing a month ago (competing against yourself?). There are so many ways to get extra points, too. It's awesome!

5 - Tabata Timer - Another app that I just discovered. It cycles through four minutes of doing activity for 20 seconds and resting for 10 seconds. It makes sounds to alert you when your 20 seconds of activity are almost up and when the 10 seconds of rest are almost up. I've used it a few times for sprints, holding yoga poses, squats/lunges. You could use it for anything. 

6 - Emoji - It adds a fun little "picture" keyboard to your phone, so any time you can type, you can add little smiley faces or flowers or animals or food or whatever. 

So there you have it! There are more, and it was hard to narrow it down to just a few, but I tried. :) Have a wonderful day!

Jeff Foxworthy's 10 Questions a Husband Should Never Answer (Humor)

Ran across this clip and just had to share. So funny! The video is from Married People Media. They offer marriage resources for churches.

 

Thought for the Day (T4D) - Boldness

"Be bold. If you're going to make an error, make a doozy, and don't be afraid to hit the ball."

~ Billie Jean King

Friday Five - August 2 (late)

So I'm a little late on this, but better late than never, right? :) Linking up with the Five on Friday party!

1. Get Out of My House! Six Ways to Slay Clutter

This is a great post from Clever Nest. Who hasn't watched an episode of Hoarders in absolute horror and started decluttering like crazy? I once saw an image making the rounds of Facebook that said, "I don't always clean, but when I do, I've been watching Hoarders," but now I can't find it, so just pretend that I inserted it below, mkay?

2. This picture. I laugh so much every time I see it!

3. Eight Ways to Grow Your Happiness by Letting Go

Some great points by Marc and Angel Hack Life.

4. Nexercise App

This is a great mobile app! You earn mPoints for physical activity which you can then redeem for gift cards!! And it's freeeeeee! Woot woot!

5. Fridays

I loooooooove Fridays!! And Saturdays. And Sundays. Just sayin.'

Thought for the Day (T4D) - Happiness

"Happiness always looks small while you hold it in your hands, but let it go, and you learn at once how big and precious it is."

~Maksim Gorky

Thought for the Day (T4D) - Love and Life

"You will find, as you look back upon your life, that the moments when you have really lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love."

~ Henry Drummond

50 Things to Say to Your Husband to Make Him Feel Great

Saw this article on the Family Life web site and thought I would share. 

Your words can make a difference in the life of your husband.

by Janel Breitenstein

1. Thanks for doing that. It means a lot to me when you serve me in little ways like that.

2. I am such a different woman because of the way you _____ (love me, gently lead me, make me feel secure, etc.).

3. I know you and I haven’t been seeing eye-to-eye lately. But I want to let you know that I accept you whether I agree with you or not, and I’m committed to working on our relationship so we both feel understood and secure.

4. I don’t have a bit of a headache tonight. Interested?

5. I can’t believe how _____ you are. You are so clearly gifted in that area.

6. I’m seeing lately that you may not feel very _____, but I hope you know I still respect you deeply.

7. The way you _____ is such a good complement to me. God knew what I needed when He gave me you.

8. I love it when you wear that.

9. You are my best friend.

10. I am more in love with you than ever.

11. I want to go out with you. Are you free on _____ night?

12. No matter how royally you mess up, I’ll always be glad you’re mine, I’ll forgive you, and I’ll love your socks off.

13. I got the car washed and serviced today, hoping it would just take a little of the load off of you.

14. I’m sorry. Will you please forgive me for _____?

15. It is so cool to watch the man you’ve become since we’ve been married.

16. I’m proud of you.

17. What would sound great for dinner tonight?

18. I forgive you. And I won’t bring this up again, okay?

19. Got a minute? There’s something I want to show you in the bedroom.

20. You handled that incredibly well.

21. You’re right.

22. Got your favorite snack at the grocery store!

23. Just wanted to let you know I’m praying for you.

24. I trust you.

25. Let’s put the kids to bed early.

26. Go ahead and sleep in tomorrow.

27. I had no idea you could do that! You continue to impress me.

28. What do you think?

29. Can I give you a massage?

30. To the kids: I love your dad so much. He is so _____.

31. I love being around you.

32. I got a babysitter tonight!

33. I think you have so much to offer, and I can see it in the ways you _____.

34. I’m so glad you’re home.

35. I saw this at the store, and it made me think of you.

36. Do you feel like I’m understanding you?

37. I love doing _____ with you.

38. I stayed within the budget this month!

39. You are one of the best gifts I’ve ever gotten. I am so humbled God gave me you.

40. You and me this evening: Game on.

41. I got tickets!

42. Mind if I hold your hand?

43. I made your favorite _____.

44. Why don’t you take the night off? I've got the kids.

45. You are so well-disciplined in _____.

46. You still take my breath away.

47. I miss you. Have a great time!

48. Our kids are so blessed to have a dad like you. I love the way you _____ them.

49. You make me so happy just by being you.

50. I love you so much.

Thought for the Day (T4D) - Kindness

"Kindness is tenderness, kindness is love, perhaps greater than love ... kindness is goodwill, kindness says, 'I want you to be happy.' Kindness comes very close to the benevolence of God."

~ Randolph Ray

22 Things Happy People Do Differently

This article has been making the rounds on Facebook, and I wanted to also share it on my blog. You can read the full article here.

There are two types of people in the world: those who choose to be happy, and those who choose to be unhappy. Contrary to popular belief, happiness doesn’t come from fame, fortune, other people, or material possessions. Rather, it comes from within. The richest person in the world could be miserable while a homeless person could be right outside, walking around with a spring in every step. Happy people are happy because they make themselves happy. They maintain a positive outlook on life and remain at peace with themselves. Happy people have good habits that enhance their lives. They do things differently. Ask any happy person, and they will tell you that they …

1. Don’t hold grudges.

2. Treat everyone with kindness.

3. See problems as challenges.

4. Express gratitude for what they already have.

5. Dream big.

6. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

7. Speak well of others.

8. Never make excuses.

9. Get absorbed into the present.

10. Wake up at the same time every morning.

11. Avoid social comparison.

12. Choose friends wisely.

13. Never seek approval from others.

14. Take the time to listen.

15. Nurture social relationships.

16. Meditate.

17. Eat well.

18. Exercise.

19. Live minimally.

20. Tell the truth.

21. Establish personal control.

22. Accept what cannot be changed.

Thought for the Day (T4D) - Happy People

"Happy people...enjoy the fundamental, often very simple things of life.... They savor the moment, glad to be alive, enjoying their work, their families, the good things around them.... Their eyes are turned outward; they are aware, compassionate. They have the capacity to love."

~ Jane Canfield

Thought for the Day (T4D) - Face Your Deficiencies

"Face your deficiencies and acknowledge them; but do not let them master you. Let them teach you patience, sweetness, insight. When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another."

~ Helen Keller

Thought for the Day (T4D) - Laughter

"Wholehearted, ready laughter heals, encourages, relaxes anyone within hearing distance. The laughter that springs from love makes wide the space around it—gives room for the loved one to enter in. Real laughter welcomes, and never shuts out."

~ Eugenia Price

Thought for the Day (T4D) - Stubborn Joy

This quote was on my thought-of-the-day calendar, and I loved it so much that I wanted to share it.

"Jesus embodied a stubborn joy. A joy that refused to bend in the wind of hard times. A joy that held its ground against pain. A joy whose roots extended deep into the bedrock of eternity." ~ Max Lucado

"A stubborn joy." I love that thought. Some people seem determined to be unhappy no matter what, so why can't there also be people determined to be happy, in spite of what may be going on around them? Hope you find a little joy in your day today! :)

Scuff Marks on Patent Leather Shoes

You don't have to know me for long to know that I'm a shoe girl. I love, love, love shoes and I try to take good care of them, so I don't get scuff marks very often. Recently, though, I noticed scuffs on a pair of pink patent leather shoes. Eeek! What to do?

I wasn't sure if they needed to be handled in a special way because of the patent leather, so after a bit of research, I decided to try a little hand sanitizer and a Kleenex. Voila! It worked like a charm and the shoes looked as good as new! I didn't even need to give it any elbow grease! Yayayay! That made me happy! :) They say you can also use rubbing alcohol or non-acetone fingernail polish remover. So there ya go. A quick tip to make your patent leather shoes scuff-free!

Friday Five - October 12

1. Miss Manners Meets the Internet

I read this post over at Less Cake More Frosting over a week ago, and since I'm still thinking about it, I thought I would pass along Ellie's good advice. She makes a very interesting point about giving credit to the blogger who had the idea rather than saying, "Thank you, Pinterest!" It also never hurts to have the reminder to embrace Thumper's (okay, Thumper's dad's) philosophy:

2. 24 Grooms Blown Away By Their Beautiful Brides

Real, spontaneous emotion from the first time a groom sees his bride on their wedding day. Love, love, love this!

Source: joeelariophotography.com

3. Witch Hat Cookies

Check out this idea from the Explore, Dream, Discover blog. Keebler Fudge stripe cookies (turned upside down), and Hershey Kisses attached with orange Wilton tube icing. Brilliant! 

4. DIY Felt Pumpkins

Adorable idea from Clean & Scentsible!

5. Random Things I Learned About Marriage the Hard Way

Great thoughts from Rivera Douthit at Grace[full] Conversations.

Happy Friday!

I Heart Macro - Summer Meets Fall

As I've mentioned before, photography is not my gift, but I love this time of year when there's still a little bit of summer hanging on, but fall is bursting forth everywhere at the same time. Here is my humble attempt to capture one representation of each. You can join the macro fun by clicking the button at the bottom! :)

Little Touches of Fall 2012

It's week two of celebrating fall at The Inspired Room. This week is about fall around the house. I haven't changed things much from last year so far, but I've been making lots of little tweaks and edits and my mind is constantly thinking of things that could be done, so who knows what it will look like in another week? :) (All photos enlarge when clicked.)

Once again, the Happy Harvest sign is near the front door to greet visitors.

A little fall touch on the fireplace.

A simple fall tablescape.

Mmm, candy corn!

What's fall without yummy candles? Love this copperish holder from Bath & Body Works!

Leaf-shaped tealight holders from PartyLite ages ago.

Happy fall y'all!

The Inspired Room Fall Decorating Party

Mountain Jewelry

My husband and I have spent the last two weekends in the mountains enjoying the beautiful fall scenery. I was mesmerized by how the aspen leaves shimmer in the breeze and remarked that they look almost like nature's bling. That's when my husband said that his grandpa always called the changing aspens mountain jewelry. I can totally see why. I wish a camera could capture that shimmer, but photography is not my talent, so I would not be the one to even attempt it. Nevertheless, here are a few photos for your viewing pleasure. :)

I played with the photo below in Picasa and sort of stumbled across a couple of settings that gave it this glowy effect. I kind of like it, though. It gives it almost a dreamy look.

 Have a wonderful day!