The Squeaky Life

Fall Happenings

2013-08-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

The fall or autumn season is upon us which means Back to School, football, falling leaves, hurricanes, and holiday readiness.

first day of school

I created small gifts for the kids' teachers and assistants. The first day I gave the teachers a Spark packet and water to get them geared up for the day!

Today, I gave them a painted Ball jar with their favorite type of pencils (those cost more than the glass jars!).

In my small booth at a local shop, I have been joined by a friend who creates adorable hair accessories. I am working on new items for fall and the upcoming holiday season such as banners, burlap table runners, chalkboards, and what ever I dream up.

For Back to School, I have created AdvoCare baskets geared for the returning college students, teacher gifts, and the local fitness buffs.

I grew up on the coast and my parents are still there so I watch with concern with every tropical development in the Atlantic. I cross my fingers that we are spared this hurricane season.

This post is for the BBA's Monthly Challenge as suggested by Linda! Read more about the challenge here.

QUESTION: What do you look forward to during the fall season?

Reuse an Old Cabinet Door

2013-08-16T10:19:00.000-05:00

Back in June the BBA's Monthly Challenge was on upcycling something old into something new. I forgot to post my challenge back in June but wanted to share it now. I took an old cabinet door I salvaged from ReStore and gave it a new purpose.

I sanded the door, painted it, and then painted on the vines and word love. After the door dried I distressed the door with sandpaper, attached two hooks, hung the chain on the salvaged hinges and voila! Done.

QUESTION: How often do you see old with a renewed purpose?

Attending a Business Conference

2013-08-12T07:57:00.000-05:00

My husband and I attended a large business event this past weekend.

At the incredible Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

With 27,000 other individuals wanting to live life on their terms by helping others reach their dreams. It was huge.

The idea was for each to Catch the Vision of our dreams and hopes for the future. For me, it is replacing a full-time teaching salary so that I do not have to go back to work full-time. It is the ability to take the kids on vacation and not worry that water bottles are $8.00 at the amusement parks, it is about me taking charge of my health, it is about me working from home, and it is about helping other women make a difference in their family's lives.

I left the event armed with information and ready to grow my business to the next level but more importantly, ready to make a difference. Over the next few weeks I will share what Emmitt Smith, Walter Bond, Erik Wahl, Michael W Smith had to say but I will also share the stories of those like us. Women that decided that they, too, wanted to work for home and are now making more than they could have ever dreamt possible.

Because when you work hard and focus on your goals anything can happen.

QUESTION: What are goals for the next year?

Why Women Need More Muscle

2013-07-15T07:30:00.000-05:00

There is this fallacy that if a woman lifts weights she will become some muscle-bound male looking weirdo. It frightens off many women from strength training when they have weight loss and fitness goals which is unfortunate because having muscle is vital to making a gal look good.

One pound of muscle weighs the same amount as one pound of fat.

But they don't look the same, take up the same amount of space, burn calories the same, or make the skin above them look the same. Muscle rocks.

By strength training, we allow our bodies to strengthen bones, we burn more calories (hello, metabolism!), and we take up less space. This means that we get to buy clothes that are smaller in size even if we don't see the numbers on the scale change.

So, the next time you fear those dumbbells remember that you want to fight osteoporosis, look good in your shorts, and be all kinds of strong.

QUESTION: What do you to reach/maintain your fitness goals?

When Harry Sleeps

2013-07-13T14:25:00.000-05:00

Harry Potter adopted us.

And I love him. Even if I am allergic and he sheds horribly whenever he insists on rubbing against my legs. Which my husband thinks is hilarious.

I am not sure my husband appreciated my attention to Harry Potter while we working on the front yard to replace old pavers and edging. Because instead of helping I was taking pictures of something adorable.

QUESTION: Are you this cute when you sleep?

Salad with Goat Cheese

2013-07-11T19:02:00.002-05:00

I am all about finding my healthy self. This means eating more vegetables and finding healthier alternatives to calcium that my body can handle. I am forever thankful to the doctor which suggested goat cheese.

A salad of greens, cucumber, zucchini, shredded carrot, and red cabbage is made fantastic with a bit of freshly shredded mild goat cheddar.

The cheese is easier to digest than 'traditional' cheese from a cow and the slightly salty flavor of the one I used for this salad makes a dressing unnecessary. I squeeze a bit of lime or slightly drizzle a great olive oil over the greens and I have a great side for my meal.

QUESTION: What is your favorite kind of cheese?

When You Dream Big

2013-06-28T14:04:00.000-05:00

When you dream big, big things can happen. You have to get past the fears, insecurities, denials, and what-ifs to transfer the dream to reality but it can happen.

Your dreams can lead you to your knees.

Your dreams can lead you to tears and heartache.

Your dreams can lead you to joy.

It is in my heart to encourage women in their faith and to take steps toward realizing that God has a plan for each of them that is not limited by our dreams, ideas, or limitations. And this morning I took a big step and told people that I wanted something done to support women that had a need. I worried for a moment that I was stepping on toes, going out of bounds, or asking the impossible.

And within an hour movement happened.

It would be easy to say that it was me and my phone call and almost relentless search for how can we do more. But I would be wrong.

I was given a dream and the desire and I obeyed. I believe that God heard these women calling out for help and he is answering.

Don't get caught up in thinking that your dream is too big or too impossible or too out of bounds. Dream and live your purpose.

QUESTION: What will you dream and take action on today?

Farmer's Market A Weekend Recap

2013-06-24T06:30:00.000-05:00

Our Downtown Farmer's Market is a great place to look for veggies, fruit, breads, meats, cheese, and artisan wares. I like how I can choose things that are non/minimally processed, local, sometimes organic, and I get to talk to the growers face. to. face.

my garden does not produce anything this pretty

Located next to the river and under trees it is a great location to meet up with family and friends.

the "entrance"

On our last visit we picked up a little of every thing including a special soap that we heard would help our son's eczema. The woman I spoke with mentioned that this one particular kind of oatmeal soap from this booth was the only thing to help her grandson and she was buying more. And since I had tried all kinds of expensive soaps, lotions, and medicines recommended by the doctor that really did not work I thought why not? (See the dog statue in the background? They make special soaps for furry friends, too).

Speaking of furry friends, there was a booth for an animal rescue organization which was celebrating its birthday. I kept wondering who MARC or TOBY or what ever the guy's name was until my hubby pointed out that it was the acronym of the agency.

Neuter your pets please!

The fruits and vegetables are always so pretty even if I have no idea what they are or how to use them.

I like how they sliced the ends.

With the Texas starting to beat us down I wonder how long I will get to see these great looking things. Hopefully the rain will keep on coming... And since we decided to work on our front yard this weekend I am questioning our intelligence (do you know how HOT it is by 9:30 in Central Texas?)

QUESTION: Do you shop at your local farmer's market? And what did you do this weekend?

One Minute Journaling Prompt for this Week

2013-06-21T06:30:00.000-05:00

Do you remember tests where you had to write for one minute without stopping and it could not be only one word written over and over? I saw a post where someone wrote for one minute and I wanted to give it a try. This is the prompt for this week's One Minute Journaling:
What leaves me in awe today?

"I am in awe that a group of women, most that I have never met, would trust that I could lead them not only in prayer but in a book study. I am in awe of the fellowship, sharing, insight, and vulnerability that these precious ladies bring each week. I am in awe that God chose me to encourage and be a shoulder when I don't always feel worthy."

QUESTION: What leaves you in awe today?

Creating a Light Table for Preschool

2013-06-19T08:40:00.003-05:00

Follow my blog with Bloglovin I wanted an easy and inexpensive way to create a light table for my preschool class. Thankfully, for the internet, I found different ideas and took what I could do (and find) and created my own light table.

I found a clear plastic container with a frosted lid. I already had metallic spray paint (of course) and sprayed the inside of the container. This is to help with reflecting the light up to the lid.

I then picked up three battery operated lights from Walmart. I chose three long florescent lights that would fit along the long sides of the container and one in the center. Luckily, the church was able to give me all of the batteries I needed which saved me money.

Presto. Once I figured out where the batteries went in the lights (embarrassed to say that took a long time) I turned on the lights, put the lid on the container and magic happened.

The kids had a blast working with the different colored shapes. And figuring out how different colors if added on top of one another created another color. They then made 'pictures' with the different shapes.

What is great about using a plastic container is that it houses the lights and whatever I want to use for the table.

QUESTION: How can you use a light table?

Body Fat and Muscle Mass Measurements in the BOD POD

2013-06-15T14:55:00.002-05:00

Nothing can be more humiliating than standing in compression tight undies and a sports bra to be told how fat you are. James and I decided to do just that by utilizing some of the latest technology to measure our fat and muscle mass while we focus on our weight and fitness goals. We opted to use BOD POD.

Annie and Justin of CenTex BodyCheck are super friendly and very knowledgeable. Both are quick to help and provide guidance with the results. I loved how Annie used her background (getting a Ph.D in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition) to help me use the results and my health history for my eating plan. She was also GREAT at explaining the numbers of our measurements.

The BOD POD is very easy. Simply wear the garments they suggest (think bike riding shorts and the tightest sports bra or compression clothes). We were provided a tight cap to cover our hair. Our height and weight were taken and then we stepped into the BOD POD capsule.

That's it. Super simple and easy if not glamorous (which it is not).

he does not know I am including this pic!

James and I both left with the results, a plan, and excitement (which is ironic since we were wearing compression clothes in front of a stranger). We both actually had a lot more muscle mass than anticipated (and more than the average Joe and Sally) so have less fat to lose than originally thought. Meaning, we are healthier than we imagined. And that is always good news.

We go back in several weeks to see how we have managed with our individual plans. James is able to do CrossFit and will be using AdvoCare protein shakes and vitamins with his eating plan. Since I am unable to exercise due to my spine/bone issues, I will be focusing on meal replacement shakes, vitamins, and a healthy eating.

QUESTION: What are doing to help with your fitness and health goals?

Connect with us on our Facebook page and share your health goals!

Honor Your Calling

2013-06-08T13:10:00.000-05:00

the kids art that I then added to for this post...

We are all called to do something with our lives. For some, the call is brief and may be only the gift of a smile or kind word. For others, the call for our purpose is a heart ache that sucks the breath out of our lungs and leaves a flutter in our gut. We wake with the thoughts of our purpose and we go to sleep with the same thoughts.

What does your heart ache for?

You need to honor your calling. It is why we are here. You have a gift that has been given to you that will not look like the person next to you. Your purpose is part of you.

When you honor that call you feel the most alive.

When you honor that call others often recognize it in you and tell you so.

When you live your purpose you change your world.

QUESTION: What is your calling?

4 Ways to Use Your Skill to Give Back

2013-06-08T13:07:00.005-05:00

Last year I felt a rather sharp thumping in my head and chest. I was not having a heart attack or a migraine; I was feeling the call to do more with my life in a purposeful way.

If you are anything like me then there is a chance that you aren't sure what you can do. And if you only look at what you do for a living then you will most likely find skills you can use to be a "professional giver."

1. Use your talents for a cause. If you are a writer then you can help write grant proposals for a non-profit. If you are a teacher you can help inner-city youth that are struggling. If you are a baker then consider helping with a group that feeds the home-bound elderly. If you are friendly then be a greeter at your church or at a local function.

2. Encourage your employer to get involved. My husband's company formed a partnership with a local school and allowed employees to leave to help with struggling students. They also have a division that educates farmers about new tools and management. One local business had a collection box for old coats that were then donated to a local shelter for children.

3. Mentor with your experience. We all have learned many things through our experiences and can share that information with others. Big Brothers Big Sisters and teen youth groups are just a sample of what you can do as a mentor. Once I began selling online and purchased supplies wholesale, I found myself asked on several occasions about the process. Be open to helping others.

4. Use the internet. I know several women whose vocation and calling is not in an office but online. They use social media and websites to get their message across for the benefit of a cause. One mother I met creates flyers and notices about the importance of restraints for child seats for an organization in another state--online. Now you can help and you don't even need to get dressed to do it!

None of these have to take a lot of time, energy, or money but they do utilize skills that you are already using. So why don't you use them to help others?

QUESTION: What is a skill you can use?

A Craft for Kids -- Bulletin Board Circle

2013-06-08T12:37:00.002-05:00

There are days when it is simply too cold to play outside with the kids. And since I am always in search of things to keep me organized here is something to keep you organized and the kids entertained!

Supplies: At first I was going to get corkboard but thought I would try a round styrofoam circle from the craft store. If you do use corkboard be sure to check if you need to add an old piece of cardboard behind it to protect the wall if it is thin.

*fantastic fabric--I am using Jennifer Paganelli's Sis Boom fabric *glue--NOT hot glue--it will not be nice to the styrofoam *scissors *stick pins *decorative brads/tacks *ribbon

What to do: *Cut the fabric around the circle so that it will wrap around the disc neatly. Glue. (The kids can do this messy part:)

*Cut your thinner grosgrain ribbon and figure out placement. I held down with pins.... *Glue the ribbon strips to the back. I used pins to hold while the glue dried. *I covered the back mess with a piece of art paper. You can use fabric...Glue down. *Stick the decorative brads/tacks in the four corners.

*Add the wider ribbon around the circle with glue.

*Add a loop for hanging and...

You are done! I like how it coordinates with the calendar I made of the kids.