365 Things to do this year

Back to School Safety Tips

2014-08-05T08:22:00.002-07:00

We start school August 20th but surrounding counties have already gone back. Following these safety tips will keep our kids safer

1) Be on the look out for children crossing the street.
2) Obey the Speed Limit.
3) Be aware of busses and obey the flashing light system. Yellow indicates bus is preparing to stop. Red means the bus is stopped. WHen the extended stop arms are deployed you should NEVER pass a bus. States have specific laws so make sure you know yours!
4) Come to a COMPLETE stop at intersections with stop signs. No California roll stops!
5) Reverse responsibly and check your blind spot before backing up.
6) Watch for bicycles. They are harder to see and many young riders do not obey the rules of the road.
7) Remove distractions which may prevent you from keeping your eyes on the road at all times. Yelling at your kids on the way to work because they forgot their homework is a distraction! So are texting (illegal in many states), earbuds or talking on the phone.

If your child walks to school
1) Cross only at cross walks or at corners. Teach your children to NEVER cross between parked cars. 80% of pedestrian deaths occur at non-crosswalk locations.
2) Walk across the street. Running can cause you to stumble, drop an item and place yourself at risk.
3) Stay on the sidewalks when they are available
4) Look both ways before crossing the street. Even when the light is with you
5) Make eye contact with a driver before crossing the street, especially in states which permit turning right on red.
6) Put down the devices. Texting and walking or wearing your earbuds prevent you from being safe when your are on the street walking.
7) Obey the traffic helpers around your school

Carpooling
1) Turn off your car while waiting in the carpool line to save on fuel.
2) Get out of your vehicle and converse with other parents
3) OR be productive: Read a book, make your grocery list, prepare a joke to tell your kid when they get in the car, count your blessings, do your Kegels...

Time for a Water Break

2014-02-16T12:55:00.003-08:00

I am in training to run a half marathon (13.1 miles) in late April. We are training and have our first run (5K) this coming weekend). Proper hydration keeps your body functioning properly, keeps your skin more youthful and is required for overall health.

Age plays a role in how much fluid intake is needed to stay hydrated:

1 cup equals 8 ounces
Children age 4-13 years of age: 5 to 8 cups daily
Teenage boys and adult men : 13 cups
Teenage girls and women: 9 cups

Active people should drink 2-3 cups of water 2 lours prior to exercise and 1-2 cups of water every 20 minutes of exercise. Sports drinks are recommended for activities lasting longer than 1 hour to replace fluids, electrolytes and carbohydrates which provide energy for muscles.

Much of your fluid intake can result from the foods you eat. The following foods are high in fluid:

Watermelon: 92%
Carrots: 82%
Broccoli: 91%
Tomatoes: 94%

Know the signs of dehydration:

dry mouth
dizziness
decreased urination
urine is dark yellow
feeling of tiredness
muscle cramps

Advanced dehydration may result in no urine production, excessive thirst and confusion.

Fireplace Safety

2014-01-25T08:49:00.001-08:00

Baby-it's cold here in Louisville this morning! Negative 9 degrees with 35 mile an hour winds and 5 inches of new snow. Here are some tips to keep you safe and warm if you use a fireplace to help heat your home.

Have your chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned annually by a CERTIFIED Chimney specialist. This is vital to prevent the buildup of creosote which can cause fires.
Keep your roof clear of leaves, pin needles and branches which hang near the chimney, flue or vents.
Cover the chimney with a mesh screen spark arrester to prevent wayward sparks from
Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home to prevent bug infestation
Keep the hearth free of decorations, newspapers and flammable materials in the event of a wayward spark
ALWAYS use a metal screen
NEVER use flammable liquids to start a fire
Don't be tempted to burn cardboard boxes and trash in your fireplace or wood stove
Never leave a burning fire unattended. Extinguish a fire before leaving your home or going to bed
Soak hot ashes in water and place them in a metal container to transport
Have working Smoke alarms which you test when you change your clocks twice a year
Have a working fire extinguisher in your home

Now, enjoy a cold winter day in front of your home fireplace.

Resolution Fatigue?

2014-01-19T15:13:00.002-08:00

If you are like MOST Americans you've given up keeping your New Years Resolutions! But you can resolve to start anew month, day or hour! No need to WAIT until January 1

Here are a few hints to get you back on track if you Resolutions are to DIET, LOSE weight or EXERCISE more

1) GO meatless one day a week, DO a Sugar free day or give up snack foods one day a week. It's easier to go without toady if you know you can indulge a little tomorrow

2) Get the idea of the PERFECT PLATE in your mind. Use a visual if that helps.-25% lean protein (beige), 25% whole grains (yellow) and 50% vegetables and fruits (green or red). And 9 inch plate is ideal for cutting back on portions.

3) Start with the right breakfast. I keep a box of granola in my desk and use warm water when I forget to bring my yogurt. I check off Breakfast on my daily to do list

4) I also check off my vitamins, calcium and other supplements.

5) Ditto on my water intake. I feel better when I am properly hydrated. Men require about 16 cups of fluid a day while women require about 11 cups of fluid (your fluid intake can be liquids other than water. You'll know you're properly hydrated when your URINE is almost colorless and you are urinating every 90-120 minutes.

6) Move-walk around your building once a day, wear a pedometer to get 10,000 steps a day, take a b risk walk when you are feeling stressed, Walk the dog, take an exercise class or sign up to do a fun run.

Get ahead of the Game

2014-01-13T10:37:00.000-08:00

I have good intentions but often fail to get birthday and anniversary cards in the mail BEFORE the special event. I always have a stash of cards on hand because I create cards as a hobby so I don't have a good excuse except that the day to day to do lists prevents me from executing this important task. This year I am taking a different approach:

1) I will buy all the birthday cards I need for the coming year this week
2) I'll review my "Birthday calendar" for the upcoming month the last week of this month
3) Pull cards from my existing STASH
4) Address envelopes
5) Add the date the card needs to be mailed in the area where I place the stamp
6) Seal the envelope UNLESS I need to write a personal note closer to the mailing date
7) Place the cards with the bills to be mailed (yes, we still mail several bills)
8) Put cards in mailbox on Sunday
Viola! No missed birthdays or anniversaries! Less Stress

For card making ideas, check out my creative blog

http://whimsiewear.blogspot.com/

The year of less

2014-01-07T06:17:00.001-08:00

This year I am going to do more with less!

This means using up what I have, finishing projects instead of acquiring stuff to make something else and giving away those items which I no longer use. I admit I am a bit of a hoarder-I keep broken potter and STUFF because I may be able to use it in a craft project. I "collect" cardboard boxes because they are good to store stuff in and I also keep flat cardboard because I can use them as paint protectors. I buy stuff when it is on sale to use as gift or for Christmas shoe-boxes, etc so I have drawers FULL of items. It isn't saving money if I never use it! I have drawers of fabric, yarn, craft supplies and beads.

This is going to be HARD!

What do you have in your closets, drawers and under the bed?

What are your plans for these items in 2014?

This year I resolve to

1) Make decorative seasonal pillow cases out of my fabric stash

2) Finish my googly eye picture frame

3) Use up most of my yarn before buying more--

I want to learn to knit or crochet hats, washcloths and a pumpkin

(I bought an adorable pumpkin knitting project in November and I MUST make before it turns warm)

4) I will use up some beads and make earrings for a November craft show and make 20 sets to donate

5) I will begin making my GIFTS in January (not sure what I should make yet--your ideas are welcome!

Please leave your comments and get started!

Christmas Cheer-cheap!

2013-11-06T12:41:00.002-08:00

I always log on to the Library this time of year and reserve all the Christmas books, recordings and DVDs I can think of. That assures me I will have Holiday reading, listening and viewing materials I need over the Holidays. The books get me in the mood, DVDs keep our family entertained on a snowy evening or while we are wrapping gifts and the music works when we can't find a station this early in the season that plays all Christmas music all the time!
Best of all in this season of excess...it's FREE!

Here are a list of some books/DVD and Music we enjoy

A Christmas Carol
Mannheim Steam Roller-music
Trans-Siberian Orchestra-music
Charlie Brown Christmas
It's a Wonderful Life
Irving Berlins White Christmas
Holiday Inn
Miracle on 34th Street
Debt Proof your Christmas by Mary Hunt
Unplug the Christmas Machine
The Christmas Shoes
National Lampoons Christmas Vacation
Christmas with the Kranks
Christmas books written by Debbie Macomber
Elf
The Polar Express
The Perfect Holiday
Santa Claus is coming to town
The Santa Clause
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Cartoon and Live versions, the book and the SONG!)

Check Good-reads, Amazon or your library catalog for other ideas. Please REPLY as I'd love to hear your recommendations!

Transitions

2013-10-25T05:36:00.000-07:00

It is officially Fall here and last night we had our first hard freeze! A week ago we were wearing shorts and complaining about the heat when we were running! What a difference a week makes! But...I love this time of year.

It's time to get out the sweaters-I have one on today! Take time this weekend to make the transition to this season

1) Remove summer decorations from around the house
2) Change out the door decoration
3) Buy some pumpkin spice coffee, air freshener, candles or body wash
4) Buy a bag of your favorite Halloween Candy
5) Remove summer clothing and place it in a less accessible spot in the closet and drawers
6) Take any summer clothing to the dry cleaners so stains will not invite damaging moths or fabric wear and tear
7) Change to your "winter linens". DH put flannel sheets on the bed and I am replacing the summer weight comforter with our winter comforter.
8) Change up your candles
9) Check your wood supply if you build fires.
10) Bring in any outdoor plants to avoid frost damage. Pull the last of the vegetables from the garden!

Enjoy the changing season!

Diana

Pick your Pumpkin

2013-10-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

Our church hosts a pumpkin patch each October to raise money for youth missions. Next year the high school youth group will be heading to Imperial, Pennsylvania for a week of home repair.

This photo is only a small example of the 48,000 pounds of pumpkins we unloaded earlier this month. Our patch is open from 11:30 am-8 pm daily.

So...get out and pick a pumpkin from a local patch, charity (like ours) or the grocery. You don't want all the good ones to be taken!

A pumpkin should not have any soft spots and (IMHO) should have a have a stem. Don't pick your gourd up by the stem or you could find your self with smashing pumpkins. Store in a cool place until ready to carve (we carve only a day or two before Halloween)

I bought 20 pumpkins for a work "pumpkin-carving" event. Will post pictures later!

Happy Pickin'
Diana

Take time to enjoy nature

2013-10-08T10:05:00.003-07:00

Fall is my favorite time of the year and I am blessed to live very close to Creasy Mahan Nature Preserve. http://www.creaseymahannaturepreserve.org/ where I can take a hike. I love to walk the wooded trails and view the changing season, hear the crunch of the leaves underfoot and enjoy the smell of wood-smoke from the nearby homes and occasionally catch a glimpse of some wildlife (wild turkeys being my favorite but I've seen Squirrels, deer, coyotes, all kinds of birds, frogs and an occasional snake). Something about being in nature soothes my soul.

A few years ago I assisted my younger daughter as she created a leaf identification book for a local contest. I think I was more into it than she was and would detour to get leaves from an unusual tree ( the Broom tree being my favorite!) I still try to identify leaves as I walk through the woods.

Did you know the Sassafras tree has 3 different types of leaves on its branches?

So, this week-as the leaves as changing take time to enjoy the view! Visit a local park, your own back yard or make a weekend of it. You'll get some exercise at the same time!

Learn something about the Affordable Care Act aka ObamaCare

2013-10-01T09:30:00.002-07:00

Top 20 things you should know about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or ObamaCare

1. You must have health insurance in 2014 or pay a penalty (few exceptions)

2. You can continue to subscribe to PGXLs plan or explore the Health Care exchange options

3. For most people, the new plan will cover more, for older people they may cost less, there willnot be lifetime limits and out of pocket yearly expenses will be capped

4. Preexisting and chronic conditions will not exclude you from coverage

5. Children can be on your plan until they are 26 years old

6. You can only sign up during the open enrollment periods (this year it lasts from October 1, 2013-March 2014

7. You can skip coverage and pay the penalty…and if you are injured, etc. you will bear the full cost of the treatment

8. If you reside in Kentucky you can compare the offerings in the Marketplace at kynect.ky.gov. In Indiana it is healthcare.gov These sites will help you determine if you qualify for free or lower cost insurance.

9. If you make up to $45,950 you may qualify for a subsidy that will reduce your premiums (you must purchase through the Exchange to receive the subsidy)

10. Other lower cost solutions are available through brokers, etc. Shop around

11. Expect more emphasis on wellness programs

12. Expect new arrangements between insurers and providers (hospitals, doctors, etc.) which may lead to better coordination of care, fewer choices, etc. You’ll begin hearing about ACOs-accountable care organizations which will move payments away from fee for service toward incentives that reward providers for keeping patients healthy.

13. Call ahead to schedule appointments-more people insured means longer wait times for the available appointments

14. Don’t expect immediate cost savings

15. Expect more pressure to adopt healthy habits—you may be incentivized to adopt in the form of lower premiums, gift cards, etc.

16. Business are NOT required to insure employees THIS year (that mandate was delayed). However, in 2015 employers with over 50 employees will be required to insure or pay a penalty

17. Undocumented immigrants will not receive subsidies

18. Hospitals will be using their emergency rooms as places for the uninsured to sign up

19. Keep reading all the information that is pouring forth to keep up on the latest changes

20. The free market will continue to exist-perhaps in a more robust fashion than ever before

Clean the Vacuum Cleaner Head

2013-09-30T09:44:00.001-07:00

I have daughters, they have hair and it clogs the vacuum cleaner head--frequently.

I have to CUT the hair out of the head each week and remove it so I get a clean sweep (pun intended).

Clean your vacuum cleaner head each time you vacuum to avoid a problem

Go to a High school or College Football game

2013-09-07T16:07:00.005-07:00

I just spent 3 hours in the blazing sun watching my favorite college team, The university of Louisville, beat Eastern Kentucky University. We began the day with sweet-rolls, sausage balls and bloody mary's as the game began at noon. After a rout (we won 44-7) we tailgated again with Sliders, chips and dip and cold beer! Grab some friends, some food and head for the nearest stadium.

We throw the pigskin in the parking lot, eat, talk, laugh, eat, make new friends, get sunburned, and did I mention we eat? A good time!

Make Monthly Bucket List

2013-08-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

I made a bucket list of things I wanted to do this summer and since summer is officially over and I have put away my white shoes and straw purse...It was time to take inventory of how I did

It was simple and included some of the following:

New restaurants I want to try
New recipes
Crafts I want to make
Projects I need to complete
Books I want to read
Movies I want to rent or see at the theater
Number of miles I want to walk/run

It was great to have a list to refer to when we wanted to go our to eat...we tried several new places.
We completed several household projects (rebuilt the deck for example) and completed several craft projects!

I like the idea of several bucket lists for different purposes
YOUR REAL BUCKET LIST
What is the Legacy you want to leave
What are the few things that you don't want to leave undone

but it feels like my life will have more variety, purpose and focus if I have these smaller lists.

Let me know what is on your list!

I'm off to make the fall bucket List...which already includes:
Household chores (gutters, new furniture as DD is moving into an apartment and we are donating some stuff)
E-baying some stamp sets
Tailgate food to try
Several fall recipes including Cincinnati Chili and ham and cheese sliders
and getting RID of our hot tub

Just don't stand there taking up space...DO something!
--Diana

I'm Baaaaccckkkkk....

2013-08-22T18:02:00.000-07:00

I've made a new school year resolution to blog again. I have been so busy (perpetual excuse, so I am not going to EVER say it again!). I have made it my goal to blog at least 3 times per week on my various blogs.

whimsiewear@blogspot.com services my creative side (mostly stamping and fiber crafts-knitting). Devotions by Diana, Dining with Diana, Frugality Girl & 365 things to do this year (you are here) round out the bunch. To date I have written a few posts and have them scheduled.

If you blog, journal or have some other passion that is languishing because you are too busy why don't you
1) Write down your goal
Goal: Blog 3 x per week

2) Write down what hinders you
Barrier to Blogging: busy, not enough time

3) Brainstorm several ideas to overcome the barrier
Put it on a list and cross it off when I do it (I love lists)
Get up earlier (nope, 5:30 am is early enough)
Devote Monday mornings to blogging (get to work 15 minutes early)
Use items written for other projects (devotions)
Upload all the photos on my phone
Take photos before I teach my stamp class
Etc.
I include anything I think of no matter how wacky! Often times those crazy ideas actually work!

4) Practice which solutions work until you find one that fits

I find that I make time for the things that are important to me (running, cooking, sleeping, stamping/knitting, etc.) If blogging is truly important then I should carve out time for that FIRST (Mondays work).

If I dream it I can do it!

--Diana

Clean out your medicine cabinet

2012-01-05T05:39:00.000-08:00

I always clean out my medicine cabinet (which is actually a drawer) the first of the year.

If you don't have a place where you keep all your medicines, now is the time to invest in a plastic storage container and sequester all your health care items in one convenient place. You can keep this in your linen closet or under the sink for easy access.

Remove the entire contents from your medicine stash.
Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth to remove dust, grit and stray hairs.
Carefully review each package and discard any the are past their expiration date, you can no longer identify because the original packaging is gone, any prescriptions that were not fully consumed at the time of issue or you no longer have children requiring the infant Tylenol drops!

Place medicines of like kind (cold and flu treatments or pain killers for example) together in a small divided box or on the same shelf.
Assure you have plenty of adhesive bandaids, neosporine, benedryl, acetaminophen or ibuprofen on hand and then replace any items that you discarded and MIGHT need in the near future.

New Year-New Goals

2012-01-03T11:19:00.000-08:00

I just love the new year when I set some new goals for the upcoming year.
Here is what is on my plate for the coming months:

WORK UP
I'm training for 4 races, including a half marathon. I am old and slow so my goal is to cut 12 minutes off my race time and run the Mini (13.1 miles) in 2 hours and 46 minutes.

USE UP
Save money by using what I have: Including craft supplies, yarn and the items in my pantry and freezer!

CLEAN UP
Keep clutter at bay (especially on the planning desk in the kitchen and the chest at the end of our bed.
I also have plans to clean out the basement, my closets and drawers.

SAVE UP
Increase our savings to 6 months of expenses

LOOK UP
Memorize one bible verse a week (John 14:21a)

SHUT UP!

GIVE UP!
be more generous
do ONE LESS thing daily to cut down on the frantic pace of my life and the stress this creates
See SHUT UP
Surrender to God's will

Take time to stop and smell the roses!

2011-11-16T09:12:00.000-08:00

I have been running 100 miles an hour (well, at least I ran 13.1 miles in under 3 hours at the recent Louisville Sports Authority half marathon, my first!) and now it is time to SLOW down. Hard to do with the holidays approaching--so it will take some planning on my part!

Here is my plan to keep me grounded:

Start each day with some quiet time and devotional reading
Add a little exercise
Prioritize my TO DO List (Must do Today, should do this week, Can wait) and try to get at least all of the MUST dos DONE!
Spend meaningful time with DH and DDs
End each day with a little quiet time
SAY NO!

Honor a Veteran

2011-11-10T06:45:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 11th is Veterans Day. Take a moment and give thanks for all the freedoms we take for granted, remember the sacrifice of those who have defended our country, pray for our nation and its leaders.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kX_3y3u5Uo

2012 Goals

2011-11-08T12:22:00.000-08:00

I mentioned that it was time to begin planning our goals for 2012 and got a look of pure terror back from my husband. He is a procrastinator and I tend need plenty of time to plan...so, since we need to do some major things like replace windows, I thought I'd better work on getting him on board now.

We'll actually commit our goals to paper around New Years... but id doesn't hurt to start theprocess now!

Follow me!

2011-11-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

I just updated this blog to include a follow me on Pinterest button, a subscribe and a search button! Get more information in your inbox and share my ideas on www.pinterest.com!

Take a Drive

2011-11-02T10:48:00.001-07:00

There are still leaves on the trees in my area so I am taking a drive to enjoy the autumn beauty before it is too late!

Create your Christmas Card list

2011-11-01T11:19:00.001-07:00

Only 54 more shopping days...so it;s time to being addressing your card envelopes
Take a look at your address boo, the list you saved from last year or whatever means you commonly use and determine who you'll be sending to this year
Then address 5 or so envelopes a week until Thanksgiving to stay ahead of the game!

Get your BOO on

2011-10-31T07:48:00.001-07:00

Today is Halloween so get dressed in a costume, give out candy to trick-or-treaters, eat Chili or Carmel apples, drink apple cider, carve a pumpkin and watch a scary movie! BOO!

Clean your Gutters

2011-10-27T06:13:00.000-07:00

The leaves are coming down at our house and the gutters are filling up. I need DH to clean them out so they'll flow properly this winter. If you don't have a handyman to clean out your gutters and you are unable to do them yourself, please consider hiring someone to remove the dead leave (or perhaps live plants) from your gutters to maintain the health and wellbeing of your roof and home!

Issues Caused by Clogged Gutters

Leaking Basements and Cracked Foundations: Clogged gutters are the number one cause of basement water problems. Roof water overflows and accumulates around the foundation. If this happens, basement leaks may be moments away, and excess water against the foundation can weaken the footings and lead to cracks.
Rotted Wood: When gutters have debris piled up above the flashing or shingle line, the debris can hold moisture on the fascia board. The moisture can also affect the roof sheathing and framing beyond the fascia. The debris acts like a wick and brings water in the bottom of the gutter up to the fascia. Many homeowners have spent THOUSANDS of dollars replacing rotted wood that an inexpensive professional gutter cleaning by Action Gutter could have prevented.
Animals and Wood Destroying Insects: Lack of cleaning will also cause water to pond in areas dammed by debris. This condition is ideal for breeding mosquitoes. Bugs love moisture. Plants, birds, insects and even mice will make a home in gutter debris.
Sagging Driveways: Clogged gutters and downspouts can also cause driveway and walkways to sag and crack.
Mold Prevention: Mold is a huge issue today and this is yet another problem that clogged gutters can pose.