Becoming Classy and Sophisticated

Halloween Costumes at Wholesale Prices

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:44:59 PDT

With Halloween right around the corner, it's time to find a great costume without spending a fortune. I hate spending serious money for a costume that my child may only wear once. That is why I love the costumes from Wholesale Halloween Costumes. These are perfect for that fright-night of Trick-or-Treating and to wear afterwards for imaginative play.

My sweet daughter decided she wanted to be a pirate for Halloween this year. She picked out the perfect costume and is asking daily when she gets to wear it! And countless times she has pulled it out to show her friends.

This costume is only $22.90 and includes the dress and pirate hat! Certainly a great deal!

Emily Post Etiquette

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:51:46 PDT

I have always had a special interest in etiquette and it certain is one of those things that a woman needs who is trying to "Become Classy & Sophisticated!" I have an old copy of Emily Post's 'Etiquette' book on my desk to refer to when the occasion arises. Let me say that there are many times that I have looked back and wished that I had taken the time to refer to my book before certain events. Too often I find myself in a situation where I simply don't know what to do. Thankfully I have this wonderful book to refer to after the fact.

I'm sure that many of us have had this same situation! If you do, you can enter a contest by the Emily Post Institute.

Here's the information that you need to enter!

Prize Details

Join William Morrow and the Emily Post Institute as we celebrate the release of Emily Post Etiquette 18th Edition with this essay contest.

The grand prize winner will receive a Barnes & Noble Nook Color with digital editions of her entire backlist. Three runner-ups will receive a copy of Emily Post Etiquette, 18th Edition and a set of specially designed note cards to commemorate the release of the 18th edition.

Click here to pre-order your copy of Emily Post’s Etiquette 18th Edition today!

Contest Instructions

To enter, write a short essay (between 200-300 words) about a time when you wished you had Emily Post’s etiquette advice. Was it your most embarrassing public moment? Maybe an office faux pas you wish you could take back? Or a time when you didn’t know you should have brought a gift or written a thank-you note? Maybe you needed Emily when you just wanted to know the right thing to say or do. Do tell!

Ten semi-finalists will be chosen by public vote, at which point The Emily Post Institute will select a Grand Prize winner and three finalists. Entries are judged on originality, creativity, humor, grammar, and sincerity. All judging criteria are weighed in equal parts.

Prize Eligibility

Only persons who are at least 18 years of age can enter.

Contest Starts

August 17, 2011 @ 09:00 am (EDT)

Contest Ends

September 12, 2011 @ 05:00 pm (EDT)

Need more Details?

Read the Official Rules

Tips: Dressing for a Friend's Wedding--Celeb Stylist Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 07:08:02 PDT

Weddings on your calendar this spring and summer? Not to worry, celebrity stylist, host of the Style Network’s show “How Do I Look?” and Yoplait Light Two Week Tune Up spokesperson, Jeannie Mai, provides her expert advice on how to prep for a wedding this season.

Color and cuts: When it comes to being a guest at a wedding, think about the colors of celebration. Bright jeweled colors of turquoise, royal blue, purples, or even pinks are gorgeous, and create an inviting ambiance towards the family and friends around you. Because weddings can run long, and you're never sure how long you'll be standing or sitting, make sure what you're wearing is comfortable. Fashion forbid you wear anything that's going to have you fidgeting or adjusting and not focusing on the festivities!

Day vs. Night: Day weddings give you that perfect excuse to wear a fabulous frock. Think breezy, hemlines that end above, at, or below the knee - they can all be appropriate. The only day don't? Thick lycra or opaque tights. Unless you're a 9 year old girl hunting for Easter eggs. Night weddings are definitely a reason to vamp up your look. Dresses can be flirty and fun, but makeup should definitely be enhanced for the lights. Be brave with a bolder lip, play up those eyes with false lashes, dare to go there! A wedding is just another word for a party :).

Cooler/ Warmer weather: For cooler weather, think layers. If you're wearing a dress, it's essential to have accessory pieces to keep you warm like a cashmere wrap, shawl, capelet, or cardigan. Blazers look great over dresses with the sleeves rolled up, and leather jackets can totally play up a cute frock. For warmer weather, think open toed or strappy sandals to keep your look cool, and definitely wear your hair up. The worst is feeling your hair stick to beads of sweat running down your back. Ick!

Tune Up ahead of time: Everyone wants to look and feel their best before attending a wedding, so think a few weeks ahead to ensure you feel your best on the big day. For example, the Yoplait Light Two Week Tune Up plan a quick way you could lose 5 pounds in 2 weeks (find more details on the plan at Yoplait.com) for that added boost before attending any big event. You can also find a coupon for Yoplait Light atwww.Yoplait.com/TwoWeekTuneUp.

You can find more of Jeannie’s fashion tips at Facebook.com/Yoplait.

What's Hot for Spring?

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:39:11 PDT

I'll be the first one to admit that I really don't know much about styles. I like to look at different magazines or store displays and typically purchase whatever I think looks good. That probably isn't the best way to do things. When I receive an opportunity from Yoplait and the celebrity stylist, Jeannie Mai for some great tips; I certainly can't say no to the opportunity.

Spring Fashion File – Celebrity stylist, host of Style Network’s makeover show “How Do I Look?” and Yoplait Light Two Week Tune Up spokesperson, Jeannie Mai gives you the rundown on how to spring forward this season

Transition from winter to Spring

· Take the opportunity to do a little spring cleaning. You can freshen up your wardrobe by adding a few new pieces that follow spring trends, and wearing them with basics and staples like a great pair of jeans. It’s also a good opportunity to get rid of anything you haven’t worn in over a year.
· Freshening up can also mean a quick tune up if you’re feeling a little weighed down from the winter months. For example, the Yoplait Light Two Week Tune Up plan a quick way you could lose 5 pounds in 2 weeks (find more details on the plan at Yoplait.com) to look and feel your best while rocking spring trends.

Trends for your tresses – what’s hot for hair

·         My favorite is the low bun. Straight from Guido Palau, who created the look for Nina Ricci's spring show, he recommends starting with a center part. Next, pull hair into a low ponytail, making sure to cover the ears. Then twist the ponytail into a loose knot. Remember, a too-tight style will look overly austere, so keep it loose for a touch of bohemian flair!
·         For a change, try something serious with a more severe side part.
·         Also, from an off-to-the-side swoop to thick, Jane Birkin-esque '70s fringe, bangs are SO back!

Must-haves for makeup

·         DYING over the new makeup trends set for the spring/summer 2011 season! They’re absolutely fabulous if you wish to look dazzling with the gorgeous pastel eye makeup trend that’s so perfect for the warm season!
·         You've probably seen the outbreak of Peacock collections that MAC and Shu Uemura both have launched this season so it is no wonder that color is totally in. Experiment by adding one different color shadow to your look for the day, you don't have to look like a peacock going to work, right? Unless that’s what you were aiming for.
·         Nude has always been pretty much in but this season, try going for bolder lips like fuscia, red, or hot pink. I love taking a powerful lipstick and then lightly dab the color onto my lips so it leaves a semi-stain, just bitten look. Take a tip from Fendi's Spring 2011 collection, featuring a matte bright orange. Bright lips are in babe so pucker up!

What to put in your wardrobe

·         Spring 2011's floral trend sees pieces set to brighten up wardrobes in bright botanicals, oriental blooms and ditsy prints. Clash them to make a statement.
·         It’s time to wake up and smell the roses, guys and gals…..and the poppies and the lilies and the peonies too. Bold flower-power prints are hot off the runways from designers such as Jil Sander, Erdem, Jaeger, Kenzo, Vivienne Westwood, Mui Mui, Dries Van Noten and Antonia Marras.
·         Think palazzo pants, sheer blouses, or handbags and shoes, these botanical beauties are here to brighten up our spring and summer. Also, feminine prints are rediscovered on another one of Mai faves, floaty maxi dresses.

All about accessories

· If I had to pick one stand out musty that will be mine for the season, it’s the belt purse. There are the years when a particular style of clutch is on trend, and then there's 2011. It's out with the clutch and in with a belted alternative. It’ll be this year’s casual fashion trends, the belt purse is a statement piece of daytime wear that quickly went from the catwalks of Hermes and Pucci to the streets.

Need more style advice?

· Check out more of Jeannie’s tips for maximizing your wardrobe – like choosing a go-to staple dress or making your accessories work double-time – visit www.Facebook.com/Yoplait

Great Costumes at an Even Better Price

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:08:23 PDT

Like most little girls, Olivia loves to dress up. Since she was quiet young you would find her in costume of some sort, although the favorite has been princesses.

We started to give Olivia simple chores around the house when she turned three. Small tasks such as make her bed, pick up toys and help with the baby. She did this gladly and was even more delighted when she received some money for her help. After many months of savings her money, her first purchase was a Snow White Dress. Once again she is saving her money to purchase a Cinderella dress.

I was given the opportunity by Costume SuperCenter to review one of their costumes. How could I refuse the opportunity to get a new dress up for Olivia! I spent several days going over the website and looking at all the different costumes. I was very excited by the fact that these costumes look great and are at an honest price. I made a huge list of all the girl costumes that I loved, but found it hard to narrow it down to just one selection. There is a large selection of Disney Princess costumes that certainly would make our day! I finally gave Olivia the opportunity to decide which one she wanted.

After a quick delivery, today we got to try out Olivia's new Ariel Mermaid costume for girls. It is beautifully made and one that I will last a long time. I love the description of this costume on the website. "Look at this stuff, isn’t it neat? Now you can make her collection complete and get some great pictures too! Get ready to transport your daughter into a watery wonderland under the sea with this licensed Disney’s Ariel Little Mermaid Deluxe Child costume! The Ariel Mermaid Deluxe Child Costume includes luxurious sea dress with mermaid-like tail."

It's a little big right now, but she'll get plenty of play out of it!

I know that for Halloween this year, I have found a great resource to find a huge variety of costumes!

Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 06:49:02 PST

The winner of the tax software is #2 and #4. I have been given two to giveaway! Yay for two winners!

I will email Dogmom Diva and Abbey for their addresses!

Have you Filed your Taxes Yet? Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 19:30:28 PST

Tax Season. Either a time of happiness or a time of sorrow. For me, if I am prepared and have all my documents in order and organized I can be satisfied. I'll admit that I also get really nervous this time of year too. Worrying if I filed my return correctly and if I'll end up being audited. I haven't been the best of keeping track of receipts this past year, but I will make amends.

One thing that certainly can help with this whole process is a good software program to use. Office Depot has generously offered one of my readers H&R Block Deluxe software which retails for $44.95.

About H&R Deluxe Software

Do-it-yourself tax software!

Get personalized guidance for all your tax situations.
Step-by-step interviews guide you through a customized experience relevant to your taxes.
Specifically designed for investors and homeowners. Get help with mortgage interest and the sale of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, learn how to maximize charitable deductions, plus get audit support from a tax professional.
One state program download included.
Five FREE federal e-files included.

Office Depot has a great site where you can go to get a plethora of tax-related information and tips, and they are also offering customers 25 free copies of their tax return (coupon can be found here) until 4/15/11.

Last Minute Tax Tips from Office Depot’s Finance Expert, Farnoosh Torabi

Good news is you have three EXTRA days this year to file, due to April 15 falling on a holiday in D.C. this year.

1. File Online. Go green and save time and money. Choose from a variety of affordable online software to help you file your taxes [H&R Block At Home Deluxe & At Home Business] Note that taxpayers whose adjusted gross income was $58,000 or less in 2010 can file electronically for free through the IRS web site at freefile.IRS.gov.

2. Boost IRA Savings. Contributing to a traditional IRA is one of the last ways to really reduce your 2010 taxable income before April 18. You have until the very last day to contribute to this retirement account and deduct the amount from your taxable income. The dollar limit contribution for 2010 is $5,000 is you’re 49 or younger. $6,000 if you’re age 50 or older.

3. Remember the Basics. Be sure to sign and date your 1040. Review your personal identification – social security, address, business ID (for business owners), etc.

4. Opt for Direct Deposit. Another perk to filing electronically is that if you're expecting a refund, you can get your check sent directly to your savings account. And because you avoid snail mail you can probably get paid a week early.

5. Add Up All Your Write-Offs. Deductible expenses here and there can add up to big savings come tax day. Job hunting-related expenses such as relocation (50 miles away from current home), travel and meals, copies, faxes, are eligible for a tax deduction. Also, if you are self-employed you may receive deductions for insurance paid out of pocket and any self-employment taxes. Don’t forget deductions for student loan interest and medical savings accounts, too.

6. Make a Copy of Your Return. It will come in handy when filling out next year’s return. Plus if you apply for a mortgage or a refinance, banks will want to see your tax return. Keep returns for an average 3 years from when it was filed, during which time the IRS is most likely to audit (if at all).

7. Stay Organized. As soon as you’re done filing make sure you keep all your paperwork organized. Your return, your paystubs, your receipts, will all come in handy down the road if (and I hope this doesn’t happen) the IRS decides to audit your return or if there is a discrepancy between the IRS records and what you claimed and you need to prove that, indeed, you filed everything correctly.

8. Out of Time? Get an Extension. If you absolutely can’t make the April 18^th deadline this year, you can request a six-month extension by filling out the IRS Form 4868.

Would you like to win the H&R Block Deluxe Tax Software? All you need to do is:

Become a Follower of this blog
Give me one way that you organize and prepare yourself for tax season

You have until Wednesday, February 16th at midnight to enter.

Good Luck and Happy Tax Season!

Interview with Farnoosh Torabi (free eBook)

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 19:37:34 PST

Last week, I was given the opportunity to interview Farnoosh Torabi, the personal finance journalist, author and TV personality. I was elated to ask a few finance and office organizational questions that you my find helpful. It is important to me that I keep my family in a good financial state. Just one more thing on my path to Becoming Classy and Sophisticated.

Take a moment and watch the interview, sponsored by Office Depot.

On side note, I was looking at her website and found a free offer for her new book, Psych Yourself Rich.

Returning Injury-- Thought Provoking

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 19:27:17 PST

I recently read a book by author, Becky Due that I simply had to share with you.

Returning Injury is about Rebecca who after years of fearing her past finally finds the strength to put it behind her. Her husband, Jack, leaves town on business leaving confident Rebecca at home. She chooses to spend her time alone catching up on work for her PR Firm which works with women. Preparing a proposal for her client you read about some disturbing facts about abuse (various forms) and what it does to women. Quickly you are pulled into her past and fear that it will catch up with her.

Suspense novels have never been a favorite genre of mine, but Returning Injury kept me reading. I would find myself sneaking in to read just one more page and before I knew it, I had finished the book. Certainly hard to put down! I love that this story was very thought provoking. I related to Rebecca in so many ways and kept asking myself if I am safe and what can I do to be more "powerful". I will be taking a self defense class next month to empower me a little more.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway on the previous post.

Progresso Souper You Debut GIVEAWAY

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 16:17:56 PST

Available in 40 delicious flavors with 100 calories or less, Progresso® Soup can help curb your hunger, making it easier for you to stick to your weight management plan all year long. With hearty ingredients like pasta, beans, corn and rice, and flavor-packed vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and peppers, Progresso Soup varieties with 100 calories or less offer a good source of fiber and a full serving of vegetables.

To help kick off a new outlook on the New Year, Progresso is excited to announce the return of the "Souper You™ Debut" contest! From January 3rd through March 16th, you and your readers can visit Progresso on Facebook to enter for the chance to win a full makeover in New York City.

Three grand prize winners will be awarded a trip for two to New York City from May 20th-22nd. The prize includes roundtrip airfare, a two-night stay in an NYC hotel, a full makeover, a guided wardrobe shopping spree with a personal consultation at a New York City department store, and $1,000 in spending money.

To enter, you’ll need to do the following:

Go to Progresso on Facebook to learn more and enter the contest
Submit your essay (200 characters or less) telling Progresso why you love their soups that contain 100 calories or less, and why you deserve a chance to win a trip to NYC for a full fashion overhaul
In addition, please submit a photo of yourself that visually reinforces the theme of your essay

Once the 10 finalists are announced, you can visit Progresso on Facebook from March 30th through April 13th to vote for your favorite.

Visit the Facebook page to download a coupon for $1.00 off four (4) cans of Progresso Soup and to check out makeover videos provided by MyStyle.com and the Style Network. Be sure to also "Follow" Progresso on Twitter to keep up with the latest news from Progresso.

For my readers, Progresso through My Blogspark, is giving away a great prize pack. It contains a VIP coupon for a free can of Progresso soup, as well as a yoga mat, water bottle, set of aerobic bands, sport headband and two sport wristbands.

To enter, simply leave me a comment. That's it! You have until Saturday, February 5th at midnight to enter.

Yoplait Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 18:14:39 PST

And the winner is: #2 Congrats Kendra!

Yoplait Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 20:30:48 PST

Luckily, Yoplait is committed to making it easier for women to add more calcium to their diet every day with the newly reformulated Yoplait Original style yogurt.

Now with two times the amount of calcium of the leading yogurt, that’s 50 percent of the Daily Value in one convenient 6-ounce cup, Yoplait Original yogurt provides women with an easy and delicious way to get the calcium they need. Yoplait Original also contains 50 percent of the Daily Value of vitamin D, which helps with the absorption of calcium. Yoplait is committed to women’s health and is proud to offer a product that has even more of the calcium and vitamin D they need for strong, healthy bodies.

In an effort to further educate women about the importance of maintaining strong, healthy bones through an active lifestyle and a diet rich in calcium, Yoplait is partnering with TV host and celebrity mom Nancy O’Dell on a one million cup giveaway of Yoplait Original yogurt, beginning December 13th. Visit Yoplait on Facebook to sign up for your free cup and make a personal commitment to meeting your calcium needs each day. While you’re there, take a moment to enjoy daily calcium tips from Registered Dietitian Katherine Brooking and healthy lifestyle advice from Nancy O’Dell.

Yoplait Original Style yogurt is available in 4-cup packs and easy-to-store 8-cup fridge packs in 23 delicious flavors including Strawberry, French Vanilla, Harvest Peach, and Blackberry Pomegranate.

Enter to win a prize pack from Yoplait. In it will include: A coupon for a free sample of Yoplait Original yogurt, as well as a duffel bag, speed rope, water bottle and sport towel.

All you have to do is make a comment! You have until Saturday, Jan 22 at midnight to enter.

The coupon, prize pack, information and giveaway were all provided by Yoplait through MyBlogSpark

Deep Cleaning

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 10:28:22 PST

Typically most New Year's brings a desire to do a little better. For many that desire means to eat healthier, make it to that 5am workout class and make many other changes to our lives.

I don't know what it is, but that annual change is not happening in my life. Yes, I want to be healthier and use my treadmill but I just can't focus on that change right now. It simply is not the right time in my life. I am hopefully that it will be the right time very soon!

Instead I have a desire to sort through every inch of my house. I want to deep clean, scrub everything, toss anything I haven't use in the past month and simplify. I have done wonderful at this goal! I have completely cleaned and reorganized my office, laundry room, halls (4) and starting the master bath and we're only a week into the new year!

It is important to me that I keep a clean and fully functioning house. It's difficult to work in my office when my desk is cluttered with papers. I can't properly do laundry when I have extra items that do not belong in the laundry taking up valuable space. You see my point that by having a clean house I can do my daily tasks much easier. Plus I can't imagine that a classy person who keep a cluttered or dirty house.

Deep cleaning to me is very personal; same for organization. You can't go off of someone else's suggestions to clean and organize because it may simply not work for you. You can try the suggestions, but don't get frustrated if it fails. You must think through the process and discover the right answer for your office, kitchen, bedroom, etc.

So I will share my deep cleaning skills with you with the understand that this may not work for you.

For whatever room you are working in:

First step is to look around and decide what you want to accomplish. Do you want a clean workspace for projects, more counter space, to find the missing vegetable peeler, etc.
Next start on one side of the room and work your way around. This way it doesn't become overwhelming by doing it all at the same time. And you can easily stop and pick up again later. I typically won't deep clean a room in one day. I have other responsibilities that I must attend to.
Start sorting. Put like things together and where you use them most often. Have a box or bag for things you want to donate and another for trash. This is the part to be ruthless! Ask yourself, do you really love this item? Does it make me happy? Have a I used it in the last 6 months? Anything that I'm not using or loving goes.
Do this to all areas in the room, one area at a time. Before putting objects away, make sure to dust and clean out the space. You may need to purchase a few baskets or trays to keep things organized.
After everything has been sorted through and put away it now time to really clean. Start with the ceiling and work your way down.
Clean out the light fixtures and wash or dust the ceiling.
Next comes the walls. I love using my mop for this task. I have a special mop where the microfiber cloth comes off so I can wash it. No pushing around dirty mop water for me! By doing this rather then a sponge, I can wash the walls in a room in about 10-15 minutes.
At this point I will take a Mr. Clean Magic eraser and scrub off scuff marks or dirty finger smudges that didn't want to budge with my mop wipe down.
Next comes the floor boards. I have a steamer that is perfect for this task. It takes the built up dust, which you can't simply dust off because it becomes a part of the floor board, and it rinses it right off. Then I go back over with damp rag to clean up any excess.
Now we're to the floor. A thorough mopping or vacuuming is key. I would love to have a professional come in to clean the carpets but I do that only once a year.
Don't forget to go back and wash the windows.

Happy Cleaning!

New Year's: Look Not behind Thee

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 09:47:25 PST

With New Year's approaching quickly, here is something to think about.

Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 23:00:01 PST

Merry Christmas! May the spirit of the season be with you all year!

Body after Baby update

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 14:30:58 PST

Okay, so trying to eat right during the holidays has proven to be harder than I thought. It doesn't help when I get plates of goodies delivered to my doorstep practically every day or that I made up some delicious gingerbread cookies to decorate. So you can say that I've failed!

No, I won't say that I've failed but rather that I need to try harder. There is always tomorrow (or next Monday after Christmas!) when I can do a little better. Hopefully by then we'll be through all the goodies and everyone feeling well. (I have gotten very little sleep due to a very sick baby!)

Classy Dresses

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 09:48:43 PST

Every so often I dream of a new wardrobe. Today I looked at dresses at J. Crew. I thought I would share my findings with you.

Focus on Eating

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 19:06:57 PST

This past week I have really been trying to focus on my eating. It is important to me that I care for my body the best way that I can. I know that by doing this I will not only have better health but I also am setting a good example for my children.

Tips for staying on track with healthy eating:

Eat mini meals throughout the day. Every 2.5 to 3 hours. I even set a timer in my kitchen to remind myself to eat. I get busy throughout the day doing things that often I forget to eat until I'm beyond hungry.
It's okay to treat myself once in a while. Last week I made a homemade flan that was delicious. I kept a close eye on my calories throughout the day so I'd have plenty for my treat.
When I eat, make sure that I have fiber and protein. This keeps me feeling full longer.
Telling myself throughout the day that I'm doing great! Thinking positively is a HUGE help!
Have a list of quick go-to meals. Like sandwiches or breakfasts.

This week I plan on continue focusing on my eating. It's hard at time to stay in the 1100 to 1300 calorie range at times, but I know I can do it. I will make sure that I have a plan a head of time and keep to it. I will have to run to the grocery store and a very good piece of advice given to me by my Wellness Coach is, "I will only buy what I'm going to eat!" So if I'm going to eat healthy I can only buy healthy.

I'm also hoping to really break in the treadmill that I purchased about a week ago (at a complete steal for $50). I regret saying that I've only used it once.

Are you trying to live a healthier life too? What are you focusing on at this time?

On a side note, I've lost 3 lbs this past week. A little hard work is paying off!

I'm linking up to Body after Baby at Mama Notes.

Rejoice and Be Merry: Nativity Play

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 10:52:41 PST

Schedules and Habits

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 23:00:07 PST

You all know that I am a person who loves schedules and I've notice that life around our house goes so much smoother when we have schedules/routines and follow them. Part of the routines are in place to build good habits with my children.

O has had a horrible habit of getting up at all hours of the morning and begging to watch TV and drink chocolate milk. When I say all hours I truly mean all hours. This past week I was woken up at 3am and at 5am with these requests. Beyond tired, I decided it was time to fix this.

I made up a little schedule of simple pictures for O to follow. I moved my alarm clock into her room and set it up to ring (with classical music) at 7:00 am. She knows that she can not leave her room until the music plays. Second she must make her bed, say her personal prayers, and go potty all before she gets mom and dad. We're still working on her following this to a T, but I've seen a HUGE improvement.

A few days ago I heard the music playing in her room but O hadn't come out yet. This being rather odd, I went in to check on her. She was still laying in bed and pleaded to me, "Mom, don't turn off the music, I'm listening to it!"

Hopefully soon waking and immediately making her bed and saying her prayer will become life long good habits for her and no more middle of the time requests for TV shows.

Keeping Healthy

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 11:59:33 PST

Now that Thanksgiving is finished (oh, how I LOVE Thanksgiving!) it's time to start thinking about the 4000 calories that we consumed that day. Or if you're like me and celebrated two Thanksgivings there is an average of 8000 calories consumed! I refuse to get down on myself for the fantastic feast that we had because it is something we do only once a year. But now it's time to focus on the rest of the year and ourselves.

It is very important to me that I learn to eat right and live a healthy lifestyle. If I want these things for my daughters, then I need to start now while they are young. I have heard that children will reflect whatever lifestyle they are taught. So if we eat junk food and watch TV for countless hours then they will grow up to live that way but if we live healthy lives the odds of them doing the same are much higher. I wasn't exactly taught the best eating habits growing up but I am fighting to give myself and my children a better life.

picture from losexweight.com

This is only one of my reasons for wanting to be healthy. Others include having higher self esteem, being able to run and not get winded,and being able to fit into smaller clothes.

Because Classy Women take care of themselves, I am joining up with Mama Notes with her Body after Baby challenge. Yes, my baby is 13 months old and I have long lost the baby weight, but everyone is still welcome to join in the challenges.

My plan for the next 8 weeks of this challenge is:

Plan out all meals and snacks. Pretty simple, but this one gets me into trouble.
Keep a food log.
Eat every 2.5 to 3 hours to keep the metabolism high and hunger at bay.
Workout 30-45 min 5x a week
Pass up the Christmas cookies that soon will be coming around. My children will enjoy them but not I.
Drink my 8 glasses of water a day.

What I am hoping to gain for this experience? Simple, some good solid habits.

My plan for this week (December 1 to December 7):

Plan out menus for the week. (done)
Go grocery shopping (I really dislike this task!) (done)
Cook up a bunch of chicken breast to use throughout the week on salads. Freeze some to use later. (done)
Make time every afternoon to workout. Perfect time is while L is napping.

What are you doing to take care of yourself?

How to Hold a Fork

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 23:00:01 PST

Today we started our proper dining training with how to hold a fork and use a knife. This may seem rather basic but too often I have seen people stab at their food with their hand so tightly clenched around the fork that it looks nearly barbaric. I'm sorry for those who are fond of this method, but it looks rather childish. Yes, O is only 3 1/2 but I want her to learn how to properly hold her fork and properly cut her food.

Their are two ways to hold a fork, one is the zig zag or American method where you switch hands with your fork when you cut and eat. The European manner is to hold the fork and knife, in the left and right hands respectively, throughout consumption. Once a bite-sized piece of food has been cut, it is conducted straight to the mouth by the left hand. There is no need to put down the knife. Although, the zig zag is considered improper outside North America. Because of my love for travel I prefer the European method and will teach that to my children.

To teach O, I found that using smaller cutlery was much easier than using adult sized knives. The set I purchased from Ikea is no longer on their website but a similar one would be perfect for little hands.

O's attempts at the European Method.

I began by showing O how to hold the fork and the knife and then helped her hands get into the proper positions. She was excited to try to cut her pancakes. I did have to remind her to use her fork and not her fingers several times, but it's a work in progress.

Attitude of Gratitude

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 23:00:01 PST

I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Today I am grateful for my good friends, my safe home, my beautiful children and my loving husband. Even though today is a day to give thanks and express our gratitude, I hope to do these things more every day. In my opinion a classy person is someone who is humble and expresses their gratitude often.

To help with this goal of having an Attitude of Gratitude, here are a few ideas that you can do.

Keep a Gratitude Journal. Every week, if not daily, simply write what little things you are thankful for. It could be small things like being able to sleep in today or larger things like being able to go on vacation. On days when you're feeling down, go back and read about the little blessings in your life.
Have your children start Gratitude Journals as well. At a recent Cub Scout activity I was asking my boys what they were thankful for. One turned to me and said that he wasn't really grateful for anything. After I mentioned several things he saw all the wonderful blessings he did have in his life. If our children have a regular reminder to sit and think about their blessings, they will have an Attitude of Gratitude as they get older.
If your children are not old enough to write or talk about being thankful for things, at bedtime when you are tucking them in mention a few small things like having a special dessert that night or playing with their favorite toys.
Take the time to send a thank you card to someone who has touched your life for the good. It could be a teacher from 20 years ago or a neighbor who was helpful today.
I've seen this done around Thanksgiving but it certainly can be done at any time. Make a gratitude tree from paper or even a few tree branches. Cut out leaves and on each one write down something that your thankful for. Put it in a place where you can see it often.
When praying, try to expresses gratitude for the little blessings in your life as well as the big things.

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

How do you express your gratitude?

The Gift of Good Manners

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 14:11:15 PST

Part of being a classy person is to have good manners. Good manners goes much deeper than simply saying please and thank you. In my opinion the whole basis of etiquette is to show respect, something that our society is greatly lacking. When we have good manners we are showing respect for ourselves and other people.

Someone mentioned to me recently that they felt most people who use etiquette actually act like snobs. Perhaps there are some who do take it to a different level but most people are mistaking politeness, charm and manners for something else.

In a way I do see a distinction between people who are well-bred and those who greatly lack even basic manners. But even if you are not raised to be well-bred and understand the rules of etiquette, you can still learn. In my opinion you can be poor and still treat others with respect. The opposite is also true that you can be wealthy and have horrible manners. Money really does not play a part in having etiquette!

Etiquette has been heavy on my mind lately. This is something very important to me as I want to have good manners. I know that I fall short at times, but even more importantly I want my two young daughters to have the social graces that are becoming harder and harder to find. Is it no longer a part of society or are we simply too busy thinking of ourselves?

I have been searching for local child etiquette classes but results have come up empty. I want to think that there is a market for this, but obviously not in my part of the country. So I am resulting to coming up with my own lessons.

I have several etiquette books and my favorites are Emily Post's Etiquette and for teaching children, Emily Post's The Gift of Good Manners and from Sheryl Eberly 365 Manners Kids Should Know. I am hoping to choose a topic for us to work on together and as the occasion arises look up and learn specific things.

In our home the basic manners of saying please, thank you and apologizing are in force. O, my 3 1/2 year old actually has very good manners. I have decided that one area that we all need a little help is with dining. Too often my children begin without me or I am left to finish my meal alone. And it's time that O learns to keep the food on her plate!

Today we begin!

A New Beginning

noreply@blogger.com (Nicol) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 14:11:15 PST

What is more consistent than change? After much thought I have decided to completely redo this blog and focus a little more on one topic. I hope that you'll continue to join me as I start anew.

Life as we know it is a journey. A miraculous and wonderful adventure and one that I hope to live to the fullest. I'm not one just to sit back and be comfy with what I have. I want more and I'm not speaking of material things but rather of becoming.

"Becoming" is going to be something different for everyone and that becoming can change as we change. As we are drawn to different ideas and thoughts you may find yourself like me wanting to become and do more.

Of course becoming anything, and in my case classy, is not an easy task. Truthfully this will be a lifelong accomplishment as I try and fail. But that is life! Without life's experiences can any of us truly become what we want? I don't think so.

So please join me on my journey as I try to improve myself and Become Classy. I hope to share my thoughts, experiences, failings, goals, tips, ideas and more.