2 Year Cancer-versary!

*A REPOST FROM 2 YEARS AGO!  CELEBRATING 2 YEAR SURVIVORSHIP TODAY!

I. FEEL.SO.THANKFUL.

Thank you for sticking with me through it all.  

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August 31, 2010

As some of you might have noticed, I have not posted in awhile. 

I've been a bit busy--- getting diagnosed with breast cancer.

How's that for getting to the point?  

I want you to all know that I am ready to fight this thing.  I have so many who love me, and I have so much to fight for.  The last few days have been surreal and quite honestly, some of the hardest of my life.  I've already learned so much about myself, life, and love.  I know this cancer thing is going to be a great teacher in my life.  I've decided to allow it to do just that, but at the same time, will be doing everything in my power to kick it the heck outta here.

The tumor is quite large, 4 centimeters. {*update...MRI showed it to be 6 centimeters}  There may be lymph nodes involved, we are still in the initial testing phase.  I had a CT scan and a bone scan today, the CT scan did not show any other areas.  Praise God!  I will get bone scan reports on Tuesday.  Next week will be a busy week of MRI, PET scan and meeting with my Surgeon, then Oncologist.  We will know the exact stage the cancer is in and the plan of action by next Thursday.  I've been told by my doctor to be ready for aggressive treatment, which she guesses will include chemotherapy first, to shrink the tumor, then surgery.

I've had many different moments the last few days.  I have felt intense fear and anxiety to the point of physical sickness, but also moments of sweet peace and thankfulness.  It's quite a roller coaster, a scary one that quite frankly I would really like to get off of.

We told my three girls tonight (ages 11, 9 & 7).  They were so very sweet. We cried together, they came to us for hugs, then they held each other. They asked lots of questions.  We were very honest with them and will continue to be.  They took it in a much more calm manner than what I expected, which was nice.  They are processing and will continue to do so.  We spent the last 10 minutes of our family meeting dreaming up a Halloween costume for their bald mama!:)  The best we came of with was  twins...my husband is bald.  :)

This blog has always just been about my life.  If we make a craft, I share it.  A new recipe, I write about it.  Thoughts in my head...out they come down onto a post.  I really don't know any other way to blog other than just share my life, so this blog is about to have a new subject added to it.  Cancer is life right now, it is pretty much an all consuming fight, so I ask you to bear with me as I write and fight.  I won't be able to post as often, and the subject matter will be pretty real as I really don't know how else to be.  Thank you so much for being such great readers and such an encouraging community.  I will let you as much as possible how I am doing.

Before I sign off, I'd like to tell you that the ONLY way I am getting through any of this is by the help of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He is my everything. He is faithful. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.  I will praise His name no matter what happens. He has so clearly told me that He is with me, and will never leave me or forsake me.

Whole Wheat Soft Pretzels & Pretzel Bites

I've posted this recipe before a couple years ago here at New Nostalgia.  I remember loving the recipe but also remembered how time consuming it was to make all those long ropes of dough into pretzels.  I had a craving for soft pretzels and decided that I could cut the time down a bit by making pretzel bites.

{Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites}

I also realized this recipe makes a TON of dough, and that I didn't have to make them all at once.  In fact, it is ideal to only make what you will eat because fresh out of the oven is by far the best way to eat these soft pretzels. I love making them so that they finish baking right as my girls walk in from their school day.  Their faces say it all when they come home to the smell of freshly baked pretzel bites. I made half the recipe and put the other half into the freezer.

I stuck with this recipe because it uses whole wheat flour and honey instead of sugar.  I substituted almond milk for dairy milk-- you can use whatever you desire.  We slathered them with vegan butter while they were just out of the oven, and sprinkled some with salt and some with a cinnamon/sugar mixture.

{Pretzel Bites with Salt--Awesome with Trader Joes Bruschetta Dip}

It has been a few days and we have a friend coming over after school today, so this morning I took the leftover dough out of the freezer and it is now room temperature and starting to rise.  It will be perfectly ready by the time school is out.

Now, these pretzels are certainly on the healthy side, and super good.  BUT.  If you are wanting the type of pretzel you find in the airport or mall, these are not it.  These are more of a super yummy & soft bread stick.  They are perfect with soup or chili.

I did just have a close friend (Hey ya Tom!) post a pic of some awesome looking pretzels he made on Facebook today.  They are the real deal, dipped in a soda wash to get that awesome brown color & texture on the outside that you see on mall pretzels. The recipe looks pretty simple to make, so I will be trying that one soon.  You can find that 'real deal' recipe here.

On to the pretzels I made:

Whole Wheat Soft Pretzels

Ingredients:
1 c. very warm water
2 Tbls yeast
2 tsp honey
2 1/2 cups milk (I used Almond Milk)
1/2 cup butter (I used Earth Balance)
1/2 cup honey
4 tsp salt
8 cups whole wheat flour (more if necessary)

Butter
Coarse Salt
Cinnamon/Sugar Mixture

~In a large bowl, mix 1 cup very warm water, 2 Tbsp yeast and 2 tsp honey.  Stir.
~Let sit a few minutes.
~Melt 1/2 cup butter in a large saucepan.
~Add 1/2 cup honey, 4 tsp salt and 2 1/2 cups milk.
~Heat this to 120 degrees.
~Pour milk mixture into yeast mixture and stir.

~Stir in 8 cups flour, 2 cups at a time. Add more flour if needed.
~Knead dough for 5-10 minutes.
~Put into a bowl, cover and let rise for 1-1 1/2 hours.
~Pull out of bowl and knead it a few times to get the air out.

To make pretzel shape, pull a fist size piece of dough out of bowl, roll into a snake, then twist into a pretzel shape. (for how to, click on over to Heavenly Homemakers,) This is where I found the original recipe.

To keep it simple, make pretzel bites. Make a snake with the dough then cut into bite sized pieces.

Bake 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

When just out of the oven, brush with melted butter & sprinkle with cinnamon/sugar mixture OR coarse salt.

Enjoy and let me know if you try the recipe!

Guest Post: Toby And Max Jewelry

I'm really excited to share this post with you.  It is from one of our most faithful Sponsors,  - Sandy of Toby and Max jewelry.  She shares a bit about her heart, her business, and a fun new "Pin It to Win It!" giveaway! I loved hearing about the history of her jewelry making, and her heart behind the jewelry really touches mine.  How awesome is that Bumpy Road bracelet? --AMY

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Wow - this is the first time I've ever gotten to blog on someone else's blog! (Unless, of course, you count the blog I "co-author" with my beautiful and beloved poodle, Oscar.) I'm delighted to step in for Amy and tell you just a little about me and the beautiful jewelry I've been creating for the last 30 years.

My name is Sandy Comstock, and I'm the designer and artist-in-residence for Toby and Max Jewelry. I named my company after my two rescue dogs, Toby and Max, and launched my career as a sterling designer in the early '80s with Saks Fifth Avenue stores. Shortly thereafter, I became a signature artist for Robert Redford's Sundance Catalogue. Over the years, my designs have been featured in Coldwater Creek, People Magazine, FeMail Creations, Niche Magazine, and even included in the coveted Emmy Awards gift bags!

But what I love MOST of all is creating beautiful jewelry that speaks straight to your heart, jewelry that nourishes your soul and encourages your spirit. Each of my designs are hand-stamped with inspiring messages and positive reminders of the very things that you and I all hold near and dear to our hearts - love, health and healing, friendship, family, hope and happiness, encouragement .... each one a talisman that can be worn daily and cherished.

And oh how I LOVE hearing that a piece of jewelry that came directly from my own heart has spoken to yours! It means SO much to me to know that my jewelry has inspired and strengthened others. One of my most personal designs, a sterling cuff I call "Bumpy Road", is hand-stamped inside with the words "It Will be Alright." I created this bracelet at a time in my life when I really needed some encouragement, someone to tell me that I was going to make it through the challenge I was facing, that everything was going to be alright. This bracelet gave me the strength to press on, and many of my customers tell me it has done the same for them. Fifteen years later, I still wear it everyday.

Another best seller and a BIG HIT with my "mommy friends" is a darling little pendant I designed that I call "To the Moon and Back". I can't begin to count how many moms and grandmas I've heard from who tell me that this is exactly what they tell their little ones every night before they tuck them into bed ... "I Love you to the Moon and Back"!

It's no secret that I'm a BIG dog lover! My poodle Oscar is the Number One man in my life! And many of my designs convey my love of all animals - "Be Good to Yourself, Get a Dog", "Protect My Dog", "Be The Person Your Dog Thinks You Are", and "Rescued & Loved" are just a few of the designs in my Dog Lover line.

Because I'm passionate about inspiring others, each of my bracelets and pendants contain a special message of affirmation and encouragement ... "I am A Survivor", "One Day at Time", "Live Your Best Life", "Breathe", "Miracles are Real", "I Will Travel Down the Path of My Dreams", and my personal favorite "Bless This Woman". I've given this one often as a gift because I believe every woman needs to know that she is loved, that she is special, and that she is blessed.

So that's just a little bit about me, what I do, and why I do it! I feel so blessed to be able to create meaningful symbols of love and hope and to share them with so many others. And I'd love to offer a special treat just for all you New Nostalgia followers as my way of saying "thanks" to Amy for letting me take over her blog for the day! Visit my website at www.tobyandmax.com and use the coupon code "nostalgia" when you check-out, and you'll receive 20% off your entire order. While you're there, you can sign up for my newsletter and get advance notice of my newest designs and special offers.

And for all you Pinterest pinners out there, here's a fun "Pin It to Win It" for you! Just "pin" your favorite Toby and Max design on Pinterest, then email me at sandy@tobyandmax.com with the URL of the board where you pinned it, and I'll enter your name in a special drawing to win a "Bless This Woman" pendant! The more times you pin, the more entries you get!

Thanks again for allowing me to share Toby and Max Jewelry with you. And remember, "Life Is a Journey ~ Enjoy The Moments"!!

xxoo

Sandy Comstock

Anti-Procrastination Tuesday

Goals This Week:

~load taken to Goodwill
~sunroom clean including windows
~clean rug in living room
~weeds in front yard
~take a detox bath

Goals Accomplished Last Week:
~clean my bedroom
~decide paint color for bathroom 
~winter/fall clothes out of storage
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Since I have numerous bloggers coming to link up today, I wanted to tell you all about Social Spark. I've been making money blogging about interesting products and services via Social Spark. You do not need to be a large size blog to make money. They pay on a sliding scale according to traffic, as your traffic grows, so does your earnings. It is super user friendly and you can decided which offers to accept. I only chose things I would write about here at New Nostalgia anyway.

Here is an example of a post I wrote for them--How To Make A Envelope Note Out of One Sheet of Paper. Social Spark is my biggest money maker on this blog, it has been a huge blessing for our family, and all I have had to do is write an occasional sponsored post! Let me know if you are interested, or click on the link above to sign up.

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Last week's most clicked on links: 

Airing Dirty Laundry @ Making It Feel Like Home

 DIY Stainless Steel Drinking Straws @ A Life Unprocessed

3 Easy Crock pot recipes @ The Daily Me

Why I Eat Chia Seeds @ Gluten Free A-Z Blog

My Fav:

All Natural Moisturizing Facewash @ Hour Homemade Happiness

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Be Inspired, Be Encouraged & Get Something Done! 

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Monday Cleaning Inspiration

I noticed I was collecting a whole bunch of great cleaning tips, and decided to give them their own board at Pinterest.  There are so many great ways to simplify cleaning, from making you own cleaners to having a home cleaning plan.  I am so inspired by all of the great ideas.  Below I will share some of my favorites, but first, this:

Between this song and these pins, I'm ready to clean on this Monday morning!

Source: tipsandpix.com via New on Pinterest

Can print, laminate, and hang up.

Source: realsimple.com via New on Pinterest

Use a dryer sheet to clean glass shower doors.

Source: thekrazycouponlady.com via New on Pinterest

More ways to use dryer sheets.  Pin says they are great for that stubborn ring around the toilet, for shining faucets, and more!  Even used ones work.

Source: onegoodthingbyjillee.com via New on Pinterest

Pour 1/4 cup baking soda in a bowl.  Add enough hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Rub with fingers or sponge.  This is supposed to clean EVERYTHING...stove, oven, pans, stainless steel appliances.

Source: onegoodthingbyjillee via New on Pinterest

Clean those stove burner pans!

Source: behindthestudio.com via New on Pinterest

Got a flat top stove?  Don't buy those expensive cleaners...use this easy method using hot soapy water and baking soda.

Source: susanbranch.com via New on Pinterest

De-tarnish all your silver all at once... line your sink with aluminum foil, add 1/2 c table salt, 1/2 c. baking soda, fill with hot water, then dump in all your silver! Let sit for about 30 min. The tarnish all transfers to the foil!

Source: momoutnumbered.blogspot.com via New on Pinterest

How to remove scratch marks from dishes.

Source: ehow.com via New on Pinterest

The appliance repairman told me using the self-cleaning feature takes years off the life of an oven. The best oven cleaner! Cover bottom of oven with baking soda, then pour vinegar so it's all wet. Let sit around 20 minutes or so then wipe all of it out with damp cloth or sponge.

Source: areal-lifehousewife.com via New on Pinterest

How to clean that oily, sticky residue off of appliances.

Source: aprrilsopinion.blogspot.com via New on Pinterest

Amazing Grout Cleaner. 7 c water, 1/2 c baking soda, 1/3 c ammonia, 1/4 c vinegar. Spray on, scrub, wipe off.

Source: chaoticallycreative.com via New on Pinterest

Washing windows.  I so need to do this.

                                                                 Source: etsy.com via Clean Mama on Pinterest

Are you a checklist person?  I am.  Clean Mama Printables are a check list lovers best friend.

Source: flickr.com via New on Pinterest

Want your house to smell heavenly? Boil some orange peels with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and cook 

on medium heat.

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Would love to see you there!

His Words To Me

I just found this in one of my old journals. It was before my cancer diagnosis. I remember reading it when I was sick and clinging to the verses.

  I love truth that Scripture brings.  I wrote the verses out like they were speaking directly to me.  I encourage you to put yourself into the verses, too, for I believe His word was made for all of humanity.  You & me.

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My Beloved-(my name, Amy, means beloved)

There is no condemnation for you, for you are mine and I took care of that long ago--Romans 8:1

I did this so that in the ages to come, I could show you the incomparable riches of my grace, expressed in my kindness to you, my child, through my son, Jesus Christ.--Ephesians 2:7

For you, Amy, are my workmanship, created to do good works, which I, God, prepared in advance for you to do--Ephesians 2:10

For my grace was poured out on you abundantly, along with faith & love. --I Timothy 1:14

I have saved you and I have called you to a Holy Life--not because of anything you have done but because of my own purpose and grace.  This grace was given to you in Jesus Christ before the beginning of time--I Timothy 1:9

And I, the God of all grace, who called you to my eternal glory in Christ.. after you, my child, have suffered a little while...I will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. --I Peter 5:10

For in my son, Christ, all the fullness of myself, the Deity, lives in bodily form and you have been given fullness in ME, for I am the head over every power and authority!--Colossians 2:9-10

You are full, complete washed and pure.  

Never separated from me

You have every spiritual blessing 

You are my workmanship, created for good.

I know the plans I have for you 

--says the Lord.

2 Ingredient Sparkling Lemonade

This is the easiest beverage to make, and tastes great!  I have used it for 2 parties in the last 2 weeks, and I got positive feedback both times.  Both kids and adults love this.  

All you have to do is buy frozen lemonade concentrate, and in place of water, use sparkling water!  

That is it!  The sparkling water adds fizz and sparkle, but does not over-sweeten like adding a lemon-lime soda would.  It is delicious and super refreshing!

I love to use Lemonade Concentrate from Trader Joes.  It is the only brand I can find that does not contain high fructose corn syrup.  The brand of sparkling water really does not matter.  Add a slice of lemon to each glass for pretty!

Sparkling Lemonade
1 can Lemonade Concentrate
Sparkling Water
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Make lemonade according to directions on can, using sparkling water instead of regular water.  Add a slice of lemon if desired to each glass. Serve over ice & enjoy!

Hummus Sandwich Heaven

This amazing hummus sandwich is brought to you by a guest of mine that I'm really excited for you to meet.  It is not just any ol' sandwich, it has creamy hummus and crunchy green apple and chewy dried cranberries oh yum...but I'm getting ahead of myself.

Let me introduce you to the maker of the beauty--Kasey of In Kase You Were Wondering.  Kasey and I are "in real life" friends, meaning, I know her in real life, not just a cyber relationship. What is funny is, most of our friendship has been built online! We know a lot of the same peeps, we go to the same church, she makes amazing food at a coffee shop I love and go to, but I feel I know her heart through what she shares on Facebook and her blog. Usually bloggers need time to 'find their voice,' before their writing really takes off.  Not Kasey. She has a gift to keep things real, to write in her own voice, AND she is one of the few bloggers I know that make me laugh out loud more often than not with her posts.
 

She is a new blogger, so if you visit her site and like what you see, will you subscribe, like or add your name to her email list? Please? I don't think you will regret it...I love having Kasey in my life and I know you will too!

On to that sandwich...this sandwich came up on my Instagram feed, and my mouth started watering.  When I saw who posted it, I knew I had to know how to make it.  So I made a request, and look what happens when you ask nicely! {and Kasey-- it was no joke! :}

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A Guest post by Kasey of In Kase You Were Wondering:

I don't think I've ever blogged about a sandwich before. I don't know why I haven't either, because I LOVE me a good sandwich. But tonight, I had a first...a request (even if it was maybe just a joke) to blog about a delicious sandwich known as (drum roll...) the hummus sandwich. Thanks for the inspiration, Amy! :)

This may be something all you healthy eaters have always known about, but remember I am fairly new to the whole healthy eating gig. My idea of healthy used to be not eating ALL the french fries from McDonalds....that's kind of a joke, but not really. I didn't used to even know what hummus was. Now, I've eaten so much of it that I actually had to take a hummus hiatus...or better known to me as a hummaitus. I'm getting off track here, I can see that...

I make this at the coffee shop I work at and I don't think I'm doing a disservice to the place by sharing with you how it's made. Anyone with eyes can look at their sandwich and identify each ingredient. It's not that hard. But I will say...{click here to continue reading, & for a Hummus Sandwich Heaven how-to}
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My Fall Morning Routine-Revised

I have posted my morning routine before, but as life changes, so do routines, and I thought it was time for an update.  I have felt it change, morphing on its own into a more simple routine as I have learned to be more efficient with my time in the mornings.

Here is my new Morning Routine list:

{In My Room-7:15}
~Give Day To God
~Make Bed

~Read 1 Chapter of the Proverbs

~Get Dressed/Hair/Makeup/Teeth

{In Kitchen}
~Make Girls Lunches

~Empty/Fill Dishwasher

~Make Coffee

~Make Lemon Water

~What's For Dinner?
~Supervise Girls Breakfast & Vitamins 

{2 Daughters Leave for School, 7:45, I Wake up Youngest}

{Whole House}
~Reboot Laundry

~House Pick Up

~Wipe Glass Tables
~Wipe Bathrooms

{Take Youngest to School -8:45}

{In Office}
~Breakfast/Vitamins/Coffee (yes, I eat at my desk)
~Go Through Email
~Check Calendar


{Whole House}

~Clean Mama Daily Cleaning Goal or Zone Work
~5 Minute Hot Spot
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Here are some additional thoughts on each item on my list:

Make Bed

I do this right when I get out of it!  

{my prayer bench is now at the end of my bed, which leaves no room for the workout mat--oh darn.}

Give Day To God

This is a quick acknowledgement at my prayer bench, a prayer that God would use me how He sees fit, and that I would be mindful of Him throughout the day.

{prayer bench.  Curious?  Read more here.}

One Chapter Of Proverbs
This is also done at my prayer bench. My Grandpa did this everyday.  There are 31 Chapters in Proverbs, so whatever day of the month it was, that was the chapter he would read.  I now do the same.  Proverbs is such a great instructional guide to living.  I love the small reminders, and pray that it will help me grown in wisdom.

Get Dressed/Hair/Makeup

Sometimes I even shower...lol. {Actually, most days I shower at the gym}

Make Girls Lunches 

My girls are very independent and responsible thanks to their age (12, 11 & 9),  and their own charts and morning routine, so the only thing I have to do for them in the mornings is make their lunches and occasionally help them with their hair.

Empty/Fill Dishwasher

Gotta start the day with a clean kitchen.  This is the only way I can motivate myself to cook.  No cooking means no eating healthy, so kitchen must start out clean at the beginning of the day!

{I've been making Iced Lattes lately. Love this one- 3 ingredient Mocha Almond Iced Latte}

Make Coffee

My favorite.  I get giddy about this.  Mmmm..the smell!

{5 Reasons To Drink Lemon Water In The Morning}

Make Lemon Water

While coffee is brewing, I make a quick glass of lemon water.  I won't let myself drink coffee until I have had a full 8 ounce glass of lemon water.  A great way to start the morning.

Supervise Girls Breakfast & Vitamins
There is something about us all in the kitchen together in the morning that is positive.  I like knowing what each girl chose to eat for breakfast, making sure they got at least one fruit.  I also have them tell me when they are taking their vitamins so I know they get them into their little bodies each day!

What's For Dinner?

It is good for me to think about this at the beginning of my day.  Especially when thawing meat is involved or if I want to use the crock pot.  It eliminates last-minute-before-dinner trips to the store because I check to make sure I have all I need at the beginning of the day. 


Reboot Laundry

A load a day keeps the smellies away!  I am working hard on this one.  It really is doable if I just make myself think about it, which is why it is on the list.  I make sure I set the timer in the kitchen when I come back upstairs as a reminder to go switch loads.

House Pick Up

This one is super easy and a habit.  I just go into each room and make sure there is nothing in there that does not belong, a quick pick up.  Of course, I ignore the growing "Hot Spots" those will be taken care of later.  It is only easy because part of my girls morning and evening charts is "pick up personals," which means they go into each room of the house and get anything they have left out and put it away, leaving very little left for me to pick up.

 Wipe Glass Tables 

I have a kitchen table and dining room table that both are glass.  They need wiped numerous times a day, especially after my girls have had breakfast at them. 

Wipe Bathrooms

I use Flylady's "Swish & Swipe" system.  Basically, you keep toilet bowl cleaner in the container of the toilet brush, so everyday you just grab it and do a quick swish (not a good idea if you have small kids, unless your cleaner is non-toxic).  I also take a paper towel and vinegar spray to quick swipe the mirror and sink area.  "Swish & Swipe" keeps the bathroom company ready with just seconds a day. (I do deeper bathroom cleaning once a week, this just keeps it shining throughout the week).  

{my go to breakfast--Overnight Chia Oat Pudding}

Breakfast/Vitamins

Pretty self explanatory.  I need a good breakfast and to remember to take my vitamins.  I love this time of day, sitting down at my desk with coffee and breakfast, checking in on my social media and chatting with some of YOU!

Go Through Email
If I don't do this daily, my inbox becomes a mess.  Still learning this one... MY INBOX IS CRAZY right now.


Check Calendar
I do this as part of my evening routine, but a quick peek in the morning is always good, too.  I use iCal on my Mac. 

{Clean Mama Has a Free To Do List Printable, which is very fitting for this post!}

Clean Mama Daily Cleaning Goal

After sitting at the computer for awhile, and before doing any time consuming photo editing or post writing, I get back up and get my body moving again.  I have been using Clean Mama's Cleaning Routine and I have loved it.  If you like her on Facebook, her fun symbols will come through on your news feed each day, which is a great visual reminder of what to do each day!  Check out her Etsy shop for more amazing free printables, and for a discount, look to the left in my sidebar and you will see her offer of 20% off for New Nostalgia customers.  Love me some Clean Mama!

Zones

A part of the Flylady System that I love is called "Zone Work"  It eliminates spring cleaning and instead divides your home into zones that you work on, one zone a week.  You set a timer, and spend only 15 minutes in each zone each day.  The key to this is stopping after 15 minutes, trusting that there is always tomorrow, or knowing that zone will come around again in a few weeks. So doable!

 5 Minute Hot Spot
Also part of the Flylady System, a "hot spot" is any spot in your home that erupts into clutter easily.  For me, it is our study closet, our desk, our stairs, my trunk, certain drawers, an area that collects clothes in my bedroom...I could go on and on.  Spending 5 minutes a day in a hotspot keeps these areas under control.  I am amazed at how well this one works.  Again, the key is stopping after 5 minutes and knowing you will have 5 more tomorrow..  


________________

There are a lot of things on the list that we all do everyday. Seeing them listed makes it seem like a lot, but really, it is not.  Many of them only take a minute or 2.  This is what works for me, it is not for everyone, and it would look different if I had to leave for work every day. It really, really makes a difference in my day when I do these things regularly and purposefully. This list keeps me on track and helps things run smoothly around here!

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If you are an App person, an app that I am head over heels for is called the HomeRoutine app.  It allows you to custom make zone and routine lists, and gives you stars for each thing you accomplish that day.  It keeps to do list for the day, for tomorrow and for later.  It is so handy and has really been a fun way to keep my home up!