Cuppa Jo

Remember The Dee Burger Clown

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 20:13:00 -0400

Dee's Drive-In, Bountiful, UT

These photo's bring back happy memories that only my brother can relate to.

The BEST cherry turnover ala'mode ever!!! Thanks for the memories dear brother of mine. :)

And the jingle was: "Let's all go to Dee's ... Let's all go to Dee's ... That's what Daddy says and the family all agrees. Dee's!"

Here Comes That Rainy Day Feel’n

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Wed, 3 Jul 2013 19:35:00 -0400

It’s been an extremely wet week here in Georgia, which promises to also be a wet 4th of July. I found some of these pix on pinterest and others from around the net. They are all here to express the joy of a summer rain fall and to serve as a reminder of how good it feels to play in the rain. There is joy, laughter, dance, and romance…everything to make you feel bubbly or butterflies…take your pick.
Disclaimer: Nothing here is intended to infringe on anyone’s copyright. Some pix contain a link-back to its original website. However I couldn’t always find the original sours. If you are the original owner and would like your photo removed, please send me a gentle email and it will be removed no questions asked.

Tips On How To Care For Your Skin

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 22:17:00 -0400

This is something I received in a newsletter. If I knew who the original author was I’d surely give them credit.

Our skin plays an important role in our health; it’s actually our body’s largest organ. Skin helps keep body temperature even, protects our organs and provides a pretty package for our body parts. Unfortunately much of the time we don’t take care of our skin the way we should, especially during the winter months, when skin can become dried out, itchy and uncomfortable. Here are some tips on keeping your skin healthy, feeling and looking great.

1. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week

Before stepping into the shower, brush your dry skin with your loofah, body brush or exfoliating gloves to help remove the loose skin and prepare your skin for the exfoliating process. Begin with the soles of your feet. working your way up your body. While in the shower, scrub your body in a circular motion with a natural exfoliate made from sea salt or sugar. You can purchase this, or make it yourself. When you reach the bikini area, don’t scrub too hard because the skin is very sensitive in this area. You can use a body brush to exfoliate your back and other hard-to-reach places. Be gentle on your face, particularly around your eyes and mouth, use an exfoliating product especially formulated for the face. Don’t forget about your hands and feet, you want them to look and feel soft and smooth too! Rinse your body with lukewarm water; follow by the coldest water you can stand.

2. Moisturize every day

After stepping out of the shower, apply a moisturizing body lotion all over. Make sure that its free of chemicals and dyes and if its scented make sure its from a natural source. Better yet, buy unscented and put a few drops of your favorite essential oil in it to personalize your scent. Keep the lotion out on your counter to encourage use whenever you feel you need it. If you’re worried about aesthetics, find a pretty decanter to keep it in.

3. Wash your face at night

All day long our face is exposed to dirt, toxins, and oils from the air, telephones, fingers, etc. Even if you don’t wear makeup, be kind to your face and wash it before bed. As we sleep our skin repairs itself, washing and moisturizing provides a perfect pallet for renewal. You will notice a difference in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines just by making sure your face is clean at night.

4. Drink plenty of water

Water is an essential part of eliminating toxins from your body, without enough of it toxins can build up in our skin causing breakouts and other skin problems.

5. Eat a healthy diet

The old adage “you are what you eat” not only applies to our overall health and nutrition, but how our skin looks and feels as well. As the largest organ in the body, our skin can benefit from the good nutrition.

6. Exercise regularly

By increasing blood flow, exercise helps nourish skin cells and keep them vital. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to working cells throughout the body, including the skin. In addition to providing oxygen, blood flow also helps carry away waste products, including free radicals, from working cells in the skin.

Spring is an excellent time of year to take a walk or a hike, smell the fresh air and take in all the colors as they bloom. Exercise will help to relax you and the fresh air will give you energy. Also, the rhythm and repetition of walking has a tranquilizing effect on your brain, and it decrease anxiety and improves sleep.

aroma therapy body scrub

ingredients

2 C sea salt or granulated sugar
1 C sweet almond oil, grape seed oil, coconut oil, or olive oil
8 to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil

instructions

Add salts or sugar to a bowl and slowly begin stirring in the oil until mixture is smooth, but not goopy. (You may not need the full cup of oil.) Add essential oil and any other fun additions. Mix well, Spoon into a decorative container or jar with a tight fitting lid.

Amazing Nails

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Fri, 1 Mar 2013 14:08:00 -0500

I fell in love with the art of doing nails while training for my master Cosmetology license. The sad thing is that after a many years of having acrylic, silk, and gel applied to my nails I developed an allergic reaction to the chemicals used in all of these processes. It didn’t’ show up until I was almost finished with school and now I can’t get near the stuff without itchy, burning fingers. However, it hasn’t dulled my love of the art of applying polish and I’ll continue to learn new and fun ways to apply bling to my natural nails. On another note, I do have to keep my nails short, more of a sport length, since I’m also a licensed Aesthetician and doing more with skin care than with hair.

Oh…and I just have to say to all the non-professionals out there…you paint barns, but I POLISH nails, you wash cloths, but I SHAMPOO hair, and last but not least, you pluck chickens, but I tweeze eyebrows. So don’t ever say the word ‘paint’ when referring to nails ~ it’s POLISH, or don’t tell me you haven’t washed your hair in a week ~ it’s time to SHAMPOO it, and for God’s sake don’t pluck your eyebrows ~ you TWEEZE them. That verbiage is the best way of distinguishing an amateur from a professional.

The Hottest New Patented Technology in Nail Color.

7 Nail Essentials from Celebrity Manicurist April Foreman

Summer 2013 Top Coats

Don’t you just love these lattice nails?

For some really amazing nails, Click the link to see them ==> http://www.naillicious.net/

This is so pretty! Do you want to try this?

Some exotic professional & non-professional designs along with simple yet interesting custom ideas to try at home. Click the link to see them ==> http://bit.ly/YlGYj3

Newspaper Nail Art. This step-by-step video will show you how to create newspaper nails. It's a very simple technique!

For all you beginner nail art admirers, see nine ways to play with your digits - no skills required ==> http://beautyblitz.com/9-quick-nail-art-ideas#slide-1

Easy Quick Nail Art Design Red Black & Silver

Good looking nail art–Subscribe to LOVE4NAILS

I ♥ this pink to purple ombre! What do you think?!
Click the link to see more images ==> http://www.thepolishedmommy.com/2013/02/springtime-rainbows.html

The key to working with holographic polish is how you hold the brush.
For detailed instructions, click the link ==> http://www.thepolishedmommy.com/2013/01/how-to-apply-holographic-polish.html

Base color is China Glaze For Audrey then stamped with Orly French Tip White using BM317.

http://www.thepolishedmommy.com/2013/02/all-wrapped-up-for-audrey.html

Shellac is a nail product that lasts for at least 14 days without chipping, scratching, or smudging. Click the link to read step-by-step application process ==> http://bit.ly/15fnqTA

Nail Art's New Wave: "Pop Fizz" nail art pattern! Click the link to see step-by-step slideshow and get ready to become a pop star ==> http://bit.ly/15NQnrb

Perfect Roses. Love it! Click the link for step-by-step tut how to achieve the perfect nail art DIY roses, also where to get the complete nail art kit ==> http://bit.ly/XAML8q

Nail designs can easily be done at home. Click the link to learn how to do nail designs ==> http://bit.ly/X9LTbk

There are a lot of cool ways to do your nails with nail pens. They're easier to manipulate than nail polish brushes. Click the link to learn ==> http://bit.ly/WrufMc

OPI launched a new polish collection. It is called Mariah Carey Collection. Click the link to see more shades of this OPI liquid sand polish ==> http://bit.ly/15jsMgO

Decorate your own nails at home easily and quickly with just a few simple tools and your own nail polish. Click the link to find out ==> http://bit.ly/13ZJwXZ

Ready to move beyond the old smooth polish look and into something a little more edgy? Click the link to see how to give yourself a caviar manicure ==> http://bit.ly/VQC6pv

Inspired By: Burberry = Iconic and timeless tartan plaid
Click the link to see what you need to complete this look ==> http://bit.ly/XJE5JN

Strawberry nail art is one way to add the pretty sweetness of the strawberry to your fashion look. Click to learn how to create Strawberry Nails Art with an easy how to tutorial using very little tools and supplies ==> http://bit.ly/VRrR4n

How to Use the Last Bit of Nail Polish ==> http://bit.ly/ZH7yWR

Esthetics videos found on YouTube

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 15:09:00 -0400

As a soon to be Esthetician (Aesthetician), I wanted to create a list of the various YouTube videos I’ve collected on my playlists so far. I thought that perhaps this list might help other aspiring Esthetician’s as well. If anyone else out there in cyberspace finds other videos that would be helpful, please feel free to leave a comment.

I’ve tried to keep my lists as professional as possible and have tried to exclude the MANY video’s out there done by amateurs who are just doing a product review (although there may be a few exceptions included here). Also, I don't necessarily endorse all the products used, but if it's on my list, then I found the information useful.

Be sure to click on the name link, which is below the number of video's found in that category. You'll be taken to my playlists called ~ w8t4meSloopy2~ with the same picture as the one here on the left (except it has a black background). Check it out and if you have any questions feel free to contact me.

An Empty Chair...Thank You Clint Eastwood!

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 20:47:00 -0400

We all have an opinion and a right to have that opinion. I received this from a friend and it just so happens that I can't agree more. It's time for a NEW change...cuz the old one just ain't happ'n!

*************************************************

Initially the Democrats had a field day ridiculing Eastwood's routine with the empty chair. It appears Eastwood may have been somewhat more clever than they anticipated. Look at what his routine spawned.

It's A Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 23:29:00 -0400

My son and his wife's announcement that they're having a girl. Super cute and super creative!!!

So excited to have another grand daughter to love and spoil. xoxoxo

4th of July

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Wed, 4 Jul 2012 00:50:00 -0400

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG,
OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
AND TO THE REPUBLIC, FOR WHICH IT STANDS,
ONE NATION UNDER GOD,
INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY
AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!

For all of our other military personnel, where ever they may be
Please Support all of the troops defending our Country.

And God Bless our Military who are protecting our Country for our Freedom. Thanks to them, and their sacrifices we can celebrate the 4th of July

We must never forget who gets the credit for the freedoms we have, of which we should be eternally grateful.

I watched the flag pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
And then he stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil
How many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of Taps one night,
When everything was still,
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant 'Amen,'
When a flag had draped a coffin
Of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the Children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and Husbands
With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.

Enjoy Your Freedom
& God Bless Our Troops

Paula Deen’s Baked French Toast Casserole

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Mon, 4 Jun 2012 11:36:00 -0400

This yummy casserole is great for saying “Good morning” to company at breakfast.

Servings: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours 45 minutes

Difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients

dash salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoon sugar
1 cup milk
8 large eggs
2 cup half-and-half
Butter, for pan
1 loaf French bread (13 to 16 ounces)
Praline Topping, recipe follows
Raspberry Syrup, recipe follows

Praline Topping:

1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2-teaspoon ground nutmeg

Raspberry Syrup:

1 cup raspberry preserves
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons raspberry liqueur (recommended: Framboise)

Directions

Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1-inch thick each. (Use any extra bread for garlic toast or bread crumbs). Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9X13 casserole dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices.

In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat with a rotary beater or whisk until blended but not too bubbly. Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread Praline Topping evenly over the bread and bake for 45 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with Raspberry Syrup.

Praline Topping:
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well. Spread over bread as directed above.

Raspberry Syrup:
Combine ingredients in a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Stir until warm and thinned out like syrup.

Tools You May Need

Casserole dish
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoons

End the Deficit

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Wed, 9 May 2012 03:05:00 -0400

Warren Buffett, "I could end the deficit in 5 minutes," he told CNBC. "You just pass a law that says that anytime there is a deficit of more than 3% of GDP, all sitting members of Congress are ineligible for re-election. The 26th amendment (granting the right to vote for 18 year-olds) took only 3 months & 8 days to be ratified! Why? Simple! The people demanded it. That was in 1971...before computers, e-mail, cell phones, etc. Of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took 1 year or less to become the law of the land...all because of public pressure.
Warren Buffet is asking each addressee to forward this email to a minimum of twenty people on their address list; in turn ask each of those to do likewise.

In three days, most people in The United States of America will have the
message. This is one idea that really should be passed around.

*Congressional Reform Act of 2011*

No Tenure / No Pension. A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.
Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security. All
funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for any other purpose.
Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.
Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.
Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.
All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/12.

The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen. Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term's), then go home and back to work.

If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will only take
three days for most people (in the U.S.) to receive the message. Maybe it is time.

THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!! If you agree with the above, pass it on.

Why GOD Made MOMS

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Wed, 2 May 2012 17:19:00 -0400

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom like me.

What kind of a little girl was your mom?
1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What mom needed to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms and dads?
1. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
2. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends.
3. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

WHEN YOU STOP LAUGHING-- SEND THIS TO OTHER MOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS, AND AUNTS....and anyone else who just needs a good laugh! !!

Women in Fantasy–Art by Nubia

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Tue, 1 May 2012 15:04:00 -0400

(couldn’t find part 3)

Women in Fantasy - part 4

More PowerPoint presentations from Nubia

Women in Fantasy - part 5

More PowerPoint presentations from Nubia

Women in Fantasy (6)

More PowerPoint presentations from Nubia

Women in Fantasy art (6)

More PowerPoint presentations from Nubia

Green Fantasy

More PowerPoint presentations from Nubia

Get A Grip On Clutter

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 00:58:00 -0400

I’ve copied this article only to keep it on hand, and to remind myself that my home is to be a retreat not a case for clutter:

How to De-Clutter Your Home—for Good

By Julie Morgenstern
Expert Content | September 26, 2011

Convinced your clutter is the result of your own sloppiness, laziness, or incompetence? Not true! Thinking that way inaccurately puts the blame and shame on you—and prevents you from finding the right solution. In my years as a professional organizer, I've learned that most people desperately want to get organized, but are held back by hidden obstacles they don't understand. Clutter is actually caused on three different levels.

Level 1: Technical Problems

All messes can be attributed to at least one technical problem. Technical problems are simple mistakes in your organizing system that can be as easy to fix as changing a light bulb. Identify your problem area, and try one of these solutions to get started.

Items Have No Home

Simply put, you can't put things away if there's no place to put them. If items are piles all over the place, it is likely that you never designated a particular spot for them. In other words, the item has no "home."

Solution: Take the time to assign each item a single, consistent home, e.g. hats always go in this basket; scissors always go in this drawer. Label everything so you'll always remember where it belongs and easily find it when you need it.

More Stuff Than Space

If your closets, drawers, cabinets and shelves are all packed full—and you still have lots of surface piles—you've got more stuff than storage space.

Solution: You've got two options: (1) Lighten your load, or (2) Add more storage space. Make sure you're using the space you do have as efficiently as possible. Find hidden pockets of storage between cabinet shelves spaced too far apart, under the hanging clothes in your closet, on the insides of closet doors. Maximize vertical wall space and look for dual function furniture (end tables, coffee tables and ottomans) items that feature storage.

Storage Is Inconvenient

Is it too much of an ordeal to put things away? If you have to go climb a ladder, move a piece of furniture out of the way, or cross the length of your house just to put something away—you'll never do it.
Solution: Store things where you use them to make them easily accessible. For example, if you do your bills in the kitchen, store your financial files and calculator there, not in the spare bedroom upstairs. Look for where your piles are and create storage there.

Organizing Is Boring

Lets' face it—organizing and putting things away everyday is a dull, repetitive chore.
Solution: Make it more appealing and fun by adding a sense of personal style. Get containers you love instead of withering baskets, broken-filing cabinets and leftover moving boxes. Don't underestimate the power of pizzazz—it can make a big difference in whether you feel inspired to use and maintain your organizing system.

Level 2: External Realities

These are environmental forces that limit how organized you can be. Recognizing them empowers you to address the true source of the problem, and stop feeling like there's something wrong with you. Identify the source(s) of your disorganization and use the solutions below to put them into perspective.

The "Other" Person
There's nothing more frustrating than having your organizing efforts undermined or disregarded by someone you live or work with.

Solution: Whether it's your spouse, child, roommate, co-worker, or employer, appeal to their own priorities by finding out what the clutter is costing them—your spouse may hate being late for work everyday, your child may be frustrated by losing game pieces, your boss may be embarrassed in front of visiting clients. Design systems together so you both have ownership—and they'll be more motivated to put things away.

An Unrealistic Workload

Running a home, taking care of kids, helping your aging parents, and holding down a job are huge responsibilities. If you're trying jam 20 hours worth of tasks into a 10-hour day, it's going to be nearly impossible to stay organized. Who has time to clean up?
Solution: Track yourself for a week, noting everything you get done, as well as what you don't. Then take a hard look to see what tasks on your list are superfluous. If everything must get done, get help. Consider delegating tasks to other family members, or hiring an outside service.

Speed of Life/Technology

Technology has sped up the pace of life, allowing us to work faster, learn more, do more, and be reachable 24 hours a day. It's easy to get caught up in the frenzy of pursuing every opportunity, but perpetual motion will burn you out.
Solution: Apply the brakes from time to time, and be willing to say "no" occasionally. Just because emails and calls arrive instantaneously, doesn't mean you need to answer them immediately. Don't be afraid to turn off the ringer on your phone, or the message alert on your email, and slow down to keep your life in order and calm.

During Transitions and Life Changes

Each time we go through a major life change (getting married or divorced, moving, having a family, switching careers, starting a new business, going back to school,) we experience a breakdown of our organizational systems. It's inevitable—we are dealing with a new set of realities—and it takes time to process the information and to actually see what there is to organize.
Solution: Wait for things to settle a bit, so you have a clearer idea of your new priorities and needs, before setting up any new organizing systems.

Limited Space

Living or working in a tiny home or office with little storage space will challenge even the most organized person. If you are already down to just the essentials—and have utilized every square inch of space—you may have simply run out of room. Trying to store more things than is physically possible will only increase your frustration.

Solution: If the needs of your (growing) family or (changing) job have increased, it may be time to look for a bigger space. Until that's possible, use an off-site storage facility to hold off-season items, memorabilia, and other items you don't need to access daily.

Level 3: Psychological Obstacles

Hidden internal forces may be pulling you towards disorganization—no matter how much you crave control! You may be subconsciously sabotaging your organizing systems and holding yourself back. If you see yourself in the categories below, try one of the solutions to get started.

Need for Abundance

Did you grow up with scarce resources and feel like you never had "enough" (money, clothes, food, attention, or love)? If so, possessing large quantities of stuff now, as an adult, is probably comforting. It gives you a sense of fullness, comfort, and security while the idea of a spare, clutter-free environment makes you feel anxious and empty.

Solution: Instead of fighting your personality and forcing yourself to throw things out—try celebrating the abundance by organizing everything you own. Once everything is accessible and orderly, it may be easier for you to see what's truly excess and part with items bit by bit. No matter what you'll have the chance to enjoy your belongings, instead of feeling lost under them.

Sentimental Attachment

Do you get so emotionally attached to objects, it's hard to get rid of anything—even if you don't use it anymore? When items symbolize a part of ourselves, a time in our lives, or people we knew, it can be tough to let go. Saving some items is fine, but if you save everything—you won't be able to enjoy any of it.
Solution: Limit how much you keep for sentimental reasons and hold on to only the most important 20 percent in each category: kid's artwork, old clothes, etc. Make letting go of the rest easier by giving it away to a friend or charity. Remember, you can still own all of the memories of your past without holding onto every physical reminder of it.

Conquistador of Chaos

Some people keep their lives or spaces disorganized because they love the thrill of coming to their own rescue and seeing their way through almost impossible situations. Often, people like this grew up under challenging circumstances and more so than anyone know how to handle a crisis. Actually capable of setting up wonderful organizing systems, they are always dismantling them and starting over-in search of an even better solution.
Solution: Instead of constantly rebuilding your organizing systems, direct your talents to a new challenge. Learn a language. Become a better parent. Get involved in your community. Put those expert-problem solving talents to better use than living in constant chaos!

Thriving On Distraction

Clutter can serve as a wonderful and convenient distraction from life's more complex challenges. In other words, as long as you have a closet to clean or a stack of papers to sort, you can avoid thinking about more perplexing problems.
Solution: If you are using clutter to distract yourself from bigger problems, search for a more direct way of coping with major stress. Reach out to a friend or professional who can help you sort out the real issues you're avoiding, and then you'll begin to enjoy your orderly home again.

Need for Retreat

If your disorganization gets so extreme that you won't let anyone into your home or office, or if you frequently turn down social invitations to spend all your time "organizing" and "re-organizing" your stuff, consider whether you are using clutter as a protective shield—a way of insulating yourself from the outside world. It can be okay to want some private space, but living in that chaos may increase your anxiety level.

Solution: Don't organize your whole space all at once. Go slowly. Start by creating one clutter-free room in which you keep nothing but items you use and love. If the experience feels good, create another room like that, then another. Remember, an organized work or living space is a much nicer "retreat" than a cluttered one.

A Senior Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 11:28:00 -0500

This is too cute not to share…

Several days ago as I left a meeting at my church, I desperately gave myself a personal TSA pat down. I was looking for my keys. They were not in my pockets. A quick search in the meeting room revealed nothing.

Suddenly I realized, I must have left them in the car. Frantically, I headed for the parking lot. My wife, Diane, has scolded me many times for leaving the keys in the ignition. My theory is the ignition is the best place not to lose them. Her theory is that the car will be stolen. As I burst through the doors of the church, I came to a terrifying conclusion. Her theory was right. The parking lot was empty.

I immediately call the police. I gave them my location, confessed that I had left my keys in the car, and that it had been stolen. Then I made the most difficult call of all, “Honey,” I stammered. I always call her “honey” in times like these. “I left my keys in the car, and it has been stolen.”

There was a period of silence. I thought the call had been dropped, but then I heard Diane’s voice. “Ken” she barked, “I dropped you off!” Now it was my time to be silent. Embarrassed, I said, “Well, come and get me.” Diane retorted, “I will, as soon as I convince this policeman I have not stolen your car?”

How to Stay Young

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:17:00 -0500

Throw out nonessential numbers.

This includes age, weight and height.
Let the doctors worry about them.

That is why you pay them.

Keep only cheerful friends.
The grouches pull you down.

(keep this In mind if you are one of those grouches)

Keep learning:
Learn more about the computer,

crafts, gardening, whatever.

Never let the brain get idle.
"An idle mind is the devil's workshop."
And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!

Enjoy the simple things.

Laugh often, long and loud.

Laugh until you gasp for breath.
And if you have a friend who makes you laugh,

spend lots and Lots of time with HIM/HER.

The tears happen:
Endure, grieve, and move on.

The only person who is with us our entire life,

is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive.

Surround yourself with what you love:
Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes,

music, plants, hobbies, whatever.

Your home is your refuge.

Cherish your health:
If it is good, preserve it.
If it is unstable, improve it.
If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

Don't take guilt trips.
Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county,

to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

Tell the people you love that you love them,

at every opportunity.

Purple Hat Angel

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Tue, 8 Nov 2011 10:15:00 -0500

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER

by Erma Bombeck (not verified)

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love you's." More "I'm sorry's."

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it live it and never give it back.

Stop sweating the small stuff.

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.

Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

Not For Sissies…One Liners

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Sat, 1 Oct 2011 13:04:00 -0400

SO MANY MEN, SO FEW WHO CAN AFFORD ME.

GOD MADE US SISTERS, PROZAC MADE US FRIENDS.

IF THEY DON’T HAVE CHOCOLATE IN HEAVEN, I AIN’T GOING.

MY MOTHER IS A TRAVEL AGENT FOR GUILT TRIPS.

PRINCESS, HAVING HAD SUFFICIENT EXPERIENCE WITH PRINCES, SEEKS FROG.

COFFEE, CHOCOLATE, MEN … SOME THINGS ARE JUST BETTER RICH.

DON’T TREAT ME ANY DIFFERENTLY THAN YOU WOULD THE QUEEN.

IF YOU WANT BREAKFAST IN BED, SLEEP IN THE KITCHEN.

DINNER IS READY WHEN THE SMOKE ALARM GOES OFF.

I’M OUT OF ESTROGEN – AND I HAVE A GUN.

GUYS HAVE FEELINGS TOO. BUT LIKE…WHO CARES?

NEXT MOOD SWING: 6 MINUTES.

AND YOUR POINT IS?

WARNING: I HAVE AN ATTITUDE AND I KNOW HOW TO USE IT.

OF COURSE I DON’T LOOK BUSY…I DID IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.

SO NOT START WITH ME. YOU WILL NOT WIN.

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT, SO PLEASE SHUT UP.

ALL STRESSED OUT AND NO ONE TO CHOKE.

I’M ONE OF THOSE BAD THINGS THAT HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE.

HOW CAN I MISS YOU IF YOU WON’T GO AWAY?

SORRY IF I LOOKED INTERESTE. I’M NOT.

IF WE ARE WHAT WE EAT, I’M FAST, CHEAP AND EASY.

DON’T UPSET ME! I’M RUNNING OUT OF PLACES TO HIDE THE BODIES.

WHO LIT THE FUSE ON YOUR TAMPON?

I ONLY HAVE A KITCHEN CUZ IT CAME WITH THE HOUSE.

The U and S in Uville

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 22:49:00 -0400

Remembering one of the emails that made rounds after 9/11/01

Every U down in Uville liked U.S. a lot, but the Binch, who lived Far East of Uville, did not.

The Binch hated U.S! the whole U.S. way!
Now don't ask me why, for nobody can say.

It could be his turban was screwed on too tight,
or the sun from the desert had beaten too bright.

But I think that the most likely reason of all
may have been that his heart was two sizes too small.

But, whatever the reason, his heart or his turban,
he stood facing Uville, the part that was urban.

"They're doing their business," he snarled from his perch. "They're raising their families! They're going to church!

They're leading the world, and their empire is thriving, I MUST keep the S's and U's from surviving!"

Tomorrow, he knew, all the U's and the S's,
would put on their pants and their shirts and their dresses.

They'd go to their offices, playgrounds and schools, and abide by their U and S values and rules.

And then they'd do something he liked least of all,
every U down in U-ville, the tall and the small, would stand all united, each U and each S,
and they'd sing Uville's anthem, "God bless us! God bless!"

All around their Twin Towers of Uville, they'd stand, and their voices would drown every sound in the land.

"I must stop that singing," Binch said with a smirk, and he had an idea---an idea that might work!

The Binch stole some U airplanes in U morning hours, and crashed them right into the Uville Twin Towers.

"They'll wake to disaster!" he snickered, so sour,
"and how can they sing when they can't find a tower?"

The Binch cocked his ear as they woke from their sleeping, all set to enjoy their U-wailing and weeping.

Instead he heard something that started quite low, and it built up quite slow, but it started to grow.

And the Binch heard the most unpredictable thing...and he couldn't believe it---they started to sing!

He stared down at U-ville, not trusting his eyes,
what he saw was a shocking, disgusting surprise!

Every U down in U-ville, the tall and the small,
was singing without any towers at all!

He HADN'T stopped U-Ville from singing! It sung!
For down deep in the hearts of the old and the young.

Those Twin Towers were standing, called Hope and called Pride, and you can't smash the towers we hold deep inside.

So we circle the sites where our heroes did fall,
with a hand in each hand of the tall and the small.

And we mourn for our losses while knowing we'll cope, for we still have inside that U-Pride and U-Hope.

For America means a bit more than tall towers,
It means more than wealth or political powers.

It's more than our enemies ever could guess, so may God bless America! Bless us! God bless!

Pass Me The Ball

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Tue, 6 Sep 2011 02:05:00 -0400

This MORNING I SEARCHED MY WALLET. . . .
IT WAS EMPTY.

THEN I CHECKED MY POCKETS. . .
I FOUND A FEW COINS.

THEN I SEARCHED MY HEART. . . .
& FOUND YOU

. . . I Realized HOW RICH
I REALLY AM!!!

LIFE ISN'T ABOUT WAITING FOR THE STORM TO PASS...
IT'S ABOUT LEARNING
TO DANCE IN THE RAIN!

Reason, Season, or a Lifetime Friend

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Sun, 4 Sep 2011 22:40:00 -0400

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support. To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a God send and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire
fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real.. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

I want to thank all my friends for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime. If our paths had not crossed, I' wouldn’t be the person I am today…

GUARDIAN ANGEL

Angels do exist, only sometimes they haven't got wings…we call them friends.

Husband & Wife Week

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Mon, 8 Aug 2011 21:40:00 -0400

Husband and Wife Week --If your spouse is still your best friend, works extremely hard, has been with you through triumphs and tragedies, who loves you when you're at your worst, and whom you are PROUD to be married to, copy and paste this with the date you were married...♥ 8-19-1975 ♥ Going on 36 wonderful years!!!

Never regret love. No matter how blind, it improved your world view. No matter how foolish, it made you wiser. And no matter how generous, it made you more.
Hubba, hubba,
The Universe

And while we're at it, never regret the second scoop - that one's always mine.

Notes from the Universe

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Wed, 3 Aug 2011 13:39:00 -0400

Give with a truly glad heart for the sole purpose of the good it will do, and whatever you give shall return to you, multiplied, as if on wings, covered in sparkles.
Richly,
The Universe

If I told you there have been no mistakes,
that I understand every decision you've ever made,
and that the challenges you've faced, you've faced
for everyone, would you listen?

If I told you that what you dream of, I dream of for you,
that the only things "meant to be" are what you decide
upon, and that all that stands between you and the life
of your dreams are the thoughts you choose
to think, would you try to understand?

And if I told you that you are never alone,
that there are angels who sing your name in praise,
and that I couldn't possibly be any more proud of you
than I already am, would you believe me?

Would you? Even if I pulled your leg, made you blush,
and winked between the lines?

Then I shall...

The Universe
(from the Foreword of Book 1)

STAY COOL THIS WEEK!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:04:00 -0400

The History of ‘Aprons’

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:41:00 -0400

REMEMBER making an apron in Home-Ec?

I don't think our kids know what an apron is. The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, because she only had a few, it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and they used less material, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.

From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.

And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms.

Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.

Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.

From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.

In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.

It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.

Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool.

Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw.

They would go crazy now trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron.

I don't think I ever caught anything from an apron.

Author Unknown

For a great blog about the history of aprons, click below!

A few other places you might enjoy:

http://theopenpantry.blogspot.com/

http://www.theapronshoppe.com/index,fun-apron-stuff,history-of-aprons.php

http://anapronstory.com/

http://www.carolynskitchenonline.com

http://apronmemories.blogspot.com/

Frilly, lacy, sweet, and sexy--aprons defined a generation of happy housewives and hostesses. Today these filmy, finely home-crafted garments are sentimental favorites, evoking memories of Mom, Grandmom, or some other Doris Day-like image of domesticity, and they are highly sought-after by designers and collectors of household linens. Over 200 aprons are featured in this beautiful book, accompanied by detail shots that highlight design elements, stitching, and embellishments. Separate sections are devoted to gingham, floral designs, rickrack, handkerchief aprons, plaids and stripes, and polka dots. Aprons with embroidery, crochet, tatting, lace, and cross-stitching are examined in detail, and a collection of vintage apron patterns is included.

Your New Local Wal-Mart Greeter

noreply@blogger.com (Jolene West) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:59:00 -0400

Jennifer, a manager at Wal-Mart, had the task of hiring someone to fill a job opening. After sorting through a stack of 20 resumes she found four people who were equally qualified. Jennifer decided to call the four in and ask them only one question. Their answer would determine which of them would get the job.

The day came and as the four sat around the conference room table, Jennifer asked, 'What is the fastest thing you know of?'

The first man replied, 'A THOUGHT.' It just pops into your head. There's no warning.
'That's very good!' replied Jennifer.

'And, now you sir?', she asked the second man.

'Hmmm....let me see 'A blink! It comes and goes and you don't know that it ever happened.. A BLINK is the fastest thing I know of.'

'Excellent!' said Jennifer. 'The blink of an eye, that's a very popular cliché for speed.' She then turned to the third man, who was contemplating his reply.

'Well, out at my dad's ranch, you step out of the house and on the wall there's a light switch.. When you flip that switch, way out across the pasture the light on the barn comes on in less than an instant. 'Yip, TURNING ON A LIGHT is the fastest thing I can think of'.

Jennifer was very impressed with the third answer and thought she had found her man. 'It 's hard to beat the speed of light,' she said.

Turning to BUBBA, the fourth and final man, Jennifer posed the same question.

Old Bubba replied, 'After hearing the previous three answers, it's obvious to me that the fastest thing known is DIARRHEA.'

'WHAT!?' said Jennifer, stunned by the response.

'Oh sure', said BUBBA. 'You see, the other day I wasn't feeling so good, and I ran for the bathroom, but before I could THINK, BLINK, or TURN ON THE LIGHT, I had already shit my pants.'

BUBBA is now the new greeter at a Wal-Mart near you!

You probably will think of this every time you enter a Wal-Mart from now on.