Focusing on the Good!

Okay so the last week has been a whirlwind for me. Life threw me a curveball in the shape of some family drama. All families go through challenging times so I wont bore you with details – I’m sure you all can relate to “family stress”. For now – things have resolved on my end so I am very happy and relieved to get back on track.  Its interesting how stressful events can bring to light some very important facts – for instance:

1. Family comes first!

2. Your To-Do list can wait – most of that crap isnt really important in light of #1 above.

3. You are stronger than you think!

4. This too shall pass… although surely not as soon as you would like!

Has this been your experience too?

Time for an update on our little remodel project I mentioned a week or so ago. You may recall we are re-doing our “mudroom”. Well, its almost done and the built-in organizer cabinet I helped the Finish Carpenter design turned out fabulous. I am so over the moon about it. Scott did a wonderful job as he always does and I thought you might like to see some photos.

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Lower drawers designed for shoes

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slotted upper cabinet for shopping bags

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Charging Station!

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Below Charging Station is a big cabinet with shelves

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Right tall cabinet with organization and memo board

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Tall left side cabinet with storage for an upright vacuum and cleaning bottles

 

Overall shot of cabinet

Pretty nobs and pulls

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Right now the cabinet is painted a lovely off white base.  But we are working on some faux painting ideas to jazz up the exterior a bit. Also, the remaining walls of the mudroom are getting some chalk paint. When thats all completed I’ll take some more fun photos to share. I cant wait for the grand finale’ – I think its going to turn out awesome.

 

Want to see something else pretty? I ordered the cutest flip flops for my daughter and me. They are from Flip Out Sandals – www.flipoutsandals.com. Its a california based company that sells flip flops you can customize with various snaps that screw in at the top of the toe separator. We ordered a pink pair for both of us and an additional black pair for her. Then we got three different snaps that match with either pink or black. They are so cute and we love the fact that we can be match-matchy! Before long she surely wont want to wear anything that matches mom so I am thrilled we can enjoy these together this summer. The shoes were not very expensive – about $24.00 each. Not to bad considering they are very unique and pretty. Plus – with the various snaps you can create several looks with just one shoe.

 

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Hey – an extra foot?!

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the lips are soooo cute

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hearts – go with everything!

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butterflies

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more snaps

 

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This One Trick = More Happiness

Today I’d like to tell you about ONE LITTLE TRICK I implemented that has really made a difference in my life. About 18 months ago I started a routine and regular daily gratitude practice and this has made me so much more aware of my daily happiness. Not that I wasn’t happy before – but I wasn’t nearly as aware of it! Now that I actually take 5-10 minutes/day (its not a big sacrifice of time considering the impact it will have) to write down all the goodness in my life its so much more obvious and apparent to me.

Robert Emmons did a study where he took three groups of folks and asked them to write down one of 3 things. One group wrote down what they were grateful for, a second group wrote down what they were unhappy about and the last group wrote down just something factual about events that occurred in their life. At the end of this 10 week daily trial – the group who were logging down things they were thankful for were 25% happier than the other two groups. Twenty Five Percent!

Trust me – this is worth your time and will have such a positive impact on your life and how you view it. Try it today and make 2013 the year you commit to this practice.

Below is a link to a journal I recommend. This is one of my favorites for those of you just starting out.

http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Abundance-Daybook-Comfort-Joy/dp/0446563595/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1352740279&sr=8-3&keywrds=sara+ban+breathnach

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And if you are looking for something more – check out my website for a book I have designed. It’s a daily calendar and gratitude journal all in one. Its bright, cheery and fun to use – you’ll love it!

All the best –

Jessica

 

 

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Jessica’s Happiness Project

Last year I read Gretchen Rubin’s book titled “The Happiness Project”. I read it right around the Holidays or maybe at the beginning of the year. I loved it! I loved the concept, her style of writing and entire content in general. Each chapter is devoted to a Happiness Concept that the author describes, researches and then puts into play in her own life -sharing the results and challenging the readers to try them out as well. It gave me so many ideas as to ways (most of them small and very manageable) I could bring more Happiness to my own life. And I can honestly say that most of what I integrated into my daily life has “stuck with me” throughout 2012.

One of the books suggestions was to make a list of “Commandments” that are personal and specific to you. Things that are “musts” for you in order to create and maintain more JOY in your own life. Below, I am sharing my list with you. I framed this and displayed it in my closet all year. Reading it frequently reminded me of what was really important for my to focus on daily. I hope it will encourage you to think about your “list” as well. Now is a great time of year for this sort of reflection!

Jessica’s Life Commandments

1. Perfection is the enemy of happiness
2. Hug More
3. Kindness, integrity and humility are appropriate for all situations
4. Exercise is the fountain of youth
5. Making others happy makes me happy
6. Act the way I want to feel
7. Days may seem long but years are always short
8. Show appreciation and gratitude to someone daily
9. When you know better you do better – so keep learning
10. Enjoy the process; therein lies the happiness

Definitely her book has enhanced by personal life in 2012. I really encourage you to check it out if you have not already. It would also make a great gift. And this year – she has another book out entitled Happier at Home – I preordered a copy for myself and one as a gift. I have not read mine yet as I am saving it to read when we are traveling the week between Christmas and New Years. You can order them easily on Amazon.com or just about anywhere else!

Let me know if you read the book? Or are planning to make your list of Happiness Commandments.
Thanks!

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Enhance your life with friends

Enhance your life with friends!

There is so much to be said for spending time with your girlfriends! I think intuitively we all know that our closest gal pals can always make us feel better – no matter what sort of funk we are in. But now – science can back us up on this need for girl time.

Turns out that when we socialize with other women we release oxytocin – that feel good hormone that is often related to feelings of love and arousal. Oxytocin also affects us in other ways like:

Reducing anxiety

Increasing contentment

Increasing trust and empathy

Reducing fear

Promoting feelings of calmness and acceptance

And new studies are now indicating that other benefits can also be enjoyed such as boosting memory, avoiding disabilities and staying mobile.

So, lets not feel guilty about making time to see our friends. All those dates for pedicures, mall shopping, frozen yogurt, movies, cocktails, dinners, workouts, etc. are really time well spent! Especially with the busy and stressful holidays approaching lets all pencil in the Gift of some Girl Time and bring more Happiness to our Holidays!

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