Some of my Favorite Things ~ Country Sampler Magazine

                                                                


  I love so many different types of decorating styles, and I try to incorporate them all in my home in some way. But I think Country Sampler Magazine combines my favorites the best. Country, Primitive, Americana, Colonial, it's all there. You'll even find a few splashes of Cottage and Shabby Chic. 

  Any time I get my hands on a copy, I have a special ritual. First, I get a cup of tea or another beverage I enjoy, find a cozy place to sit, and then begin to flip through the pages quickly, to see what catches my eye first. Then, I go back to the favorites and pour over them, looking at every detail. There are great articles and decorating hints in the magazine, but those usually have to wait. The first order of business is all about the decorating eye candy! As I'm looking at each page, I try to think of ways to recreate the ideas I see, using what I already have in my home. I don't think I have ever looked at an issue of the magazine that didn't inspire me in some way. Finally, I read the decorating tips and articles about the homes and their owners. Eventually, I will tear my favorite pages out of the magazine. I have file folders dedicated to each different type of room. I sort the pages and file them away for the next time I need an extra dose of inspiration, or have a corner that needs to be filled. I have to be careful not to look at this magazine before bedtime, or the ideas swirl around in my head so much that I can't sleep!

  What is your favorite decorating magazine, and how do you like to use it?

Some of my Favorite Things ~ FlyLady

Next on my "Favorite Things" list is the FlyLady system for home organization. What is a FlyLady, you ask? Well, she's a who, not a what. Her name is Marla Cilley, and she developed her system several years ago, while raising her son. Every day, Marla shows members how to declutter, organize, and ultimately, eliminate the CHAOS (that's Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) in their homes 15 minutes at at time.

  I discovered FlyLady a few years ago, before I had children. I was a homemaker, and if I do say so myself, my home was always spotless, thanks to FlyLady's system. Fast-forward about five or six years, and three (soon to be four) children later ~ ~ ~ I wish I could say my house is still always spotless, but that just wouldn't be true. Now, when I need peace in my home the most, I frequently "fall off the wagon," you might say. However, it's nice to have a plan in place when the CHAOS becomes too much.

  One thing I want to mention about FlyLady's system is that she sends LOTS of email reminders throughout the day. I have never really minded this, except for when I have been unable to check my inbox for a few days at a time. I have seen many people get really worked up about this, though. They see it as nagging, or as some kind of reminder of their own mothers being demanding and overbearing. This is not FlyLady's intention at all! She created this approach to home organization, or "home blessing" as she likes to call it, out of necessity. It was trial and error until she found what worked for HER. Now, she kindly shares her gathered information with members as a way of helping them to get started in developing a system that works for them and their unique lifestyle. There are tips for all kinds of different life situations (i.e. pregnancy, with toddlers, working mothers, etc.) on the website.

  Another note about the email you may receive upon signing up with FlyLady: There is an option in the settings section to switch to a daily digest, or even no email at all. You can choose to have the website be your only source of information from FlyLady.

  Want to know more? Click on the photo, and it will take you directly to the FlyLady website!

So, I've shared my favorite home organization tool with you. What is your favorite?

Some of my Favorite Things ~ Gooseberry Patch

Hello, all!

    The first two posts from my blog are actually from last year. They were moved over from another blog. Now, it's time to get this blog rolling! Since this blog is about all of my favorite things, I figured I'd start with a series called "Some of my Favorite Things." Catchy, isn't it? ;0)

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                                                                                                        I don't know if you're familiar with this company, but I absolutely adore Gooseberry Patch! I have been an admirer, window-shopper, customer, and all-around cheerleader of their products for several years.

    On their website you can purchase calendars, organizers, and cookbooks with old fashioned charm, wonderful illustrations, and some of the best recipes I've ever tried. Many of the recipes have become staples around our house, and  I have had the honor of having my own recipes published in three of the cookbooks.

    It's not just the products I love about Gooseberry Patch, but the people as well. The founders of the company, Vickie and Jo Ann, make it very apparent that they truly enjoy what they do...and the service is second to none.
  
    There are many ways to connect with GBP. You can become a fan on Facebook, connect with Twitter, subscribe to their blog and eLetter, and watch their YouTube channel. Once you get connected, there are contests going on all the time in which you could win one (or more!) of their popular products. They even have a whole section of "free goodies" on the website, which includes buttons and badges, like the ones I've used here, desktop pictures, free recipes and ebooks, and much more!

  You can take a look at the GBP website by clicking on the button above. Let me know what you think...I would love to hear from you!