by ThallenBLiving on December 28, 2011
Don’t worry… I’m still alive! I hope you all didn’t think I forgot about you! Boy can the holidays be hectic! I’ve been working hard and cooking up a big surprise that I can’t wait to share. Can you believe that 2012 is just around the corner?! Even-numbered years are my favorite so I’m just bursting at the seams for all that 2012 will bring. I’ve also been trying to come up with a few goals for the new year, but I’m still narrowing them down…
Have you set any New Year’s Resolutions yet?!
by ThallenBLiving on December 15, 2011
This past week has been busy, busy, busy for me! But, in an effort to show that you’re never too busy to say thank you, I’m here just in time for “Thankful Thursday!”
This week I’m thankful for family and friends who keep me grounded, even when life seems to go haywire! Everyone needs a support system of at least a few people who will listen to your problems and rejoice in your triumph. If you feel like you don’t have anyone like that in your life, I challenge you to become that person for someone else. The love you give out will be reciprocated… It may or may not be by the same person, but it will definitely return to you in some way or another.
Who are you thankful for?
by ThallenBLiving on December 12, 2011
Last night, my hubby and I decided to have a late dinner. We’d had a pretty heavy lunch, so we wanted something light yet filling. I suggested we heat up some canned Hormel Veggie Chili… but Hubby decided that was too bland. Apparently, it needed a little bit of his own flare! He went into the kitchen and got to work… Hubby ended up seasoning and baking a chicken breast and cutting it up into the chili. He also tossed a few pieces of delicious garlic toast in the oven. The result? A hearty meal, packed full of flavor, yet light enough to keep me from feeling stuffed. I must say, he always impresses me with his creativity in the kitchen!
Do you have a favorite “made-up” meal?
by ThallenBLiving on December 11, 2011
By the time Friday evening came around, I was beyond tired… I was EXHAUSTED! Whenever I feel like this, there is nothing left for me to do other than grab a seat on the couch, turn on some music (or mindless tv!) and relax. It’s really a shame that in today’s culture we feel the need to push ourselves to the point of exhaustion. For many, work/life balance has become an idealistic goal far beyond their reach. Well today, I take a stand and say no more! Repeat after me…”I am worthy of rest! I have to take care of myself so I can better give to others!”
Join me this week in making sure you get enough rest and relaxation. Even if it’s just a few minutes, take the time to have a nice cup of tea, read a good book, or take a warm bath. I promise, it’ll make you feel a whole lot better!
How do you relax?
by ThallenBLiving on December 7, 2011
Happy Thursday… What better way to celebrate than by having a “Thankful Thursday” post?! This week, I’m thankful for the following things:
Tickets to attend a live taping of The Martha Stewart Show– Word’s can’t express how excited I am!
Long Showers– Nothing relaxes me after a long day like a hot shower!
Miniature Peanut Butter Cups– I keep them in my desk drawer for an afternoon pick-me-up 
What are you thankful for this week?!
by ThallenBLiving on December 6, 2011
‘Tis the season for parties! However, it can be awkward to eat, drink and be merry at someone else’s house… especially if you tend to be a bit clumsy. In the event that you (or someone you invited) spill, break, or otherwise destroy something in another person’s home, this is how you handle it:
- Acknowledge. There’s nothing worse than trying to hide what you’ve done. The hostess will eventually find the ruined item, and she may accuse the wrong person. Besides, you never know who’s watching!
- Apologize. Once your accident has been discovered, show remorse for what has happened. Being arrogant only makes matters worse. Even though you may not have served red wine or set out the good china, this doesn’t mean you should make your hostess feel bad for her choices.
- Offer to Fix/Pay. You break… You buy! Plain and simple.
by ThallenBLiving on December 5, 2011
Photo credit: Oprah.com
2012 is fast approaching, which means its time to give thought to what you’d like to accomplish in the new year. I’m somewhat hesitant to call them “resolutions” because it seems so cliche… Besides, aren’t New Year’s resolutions made to be broken?!
I’m all for setting high-reaching, yet achievable goals… Goals that will inspire us to do better, act better and feel better. I’ve also found that goals are better when you can monitor your progress. For example, “I will lose 5 lbs” is better than “I will become thin.” I am also a fan of writing out goals, collecting photos and constructing vision boards. The process of finding pictures that represent what you want your life to look like is spirit-lifting in itself. It’s like getting a sneak peak of what it will be like to have accomplished your goals!
Here’s how to construct a vision board:
- Pick several themes that you would like to include (i.e., love, wealth, health, friendship)
- Look through magazines or browse the internet for pictures and words that represent what you want. For example, in the love category you may find a picture of a couple walking hand-in-hand or the words “In Love!”
- Arrange your photos so that they are visually appealing and paste them on your paper. I’ve used poster board, construction paper, and typing paper before… It’s up to you!
- Put the year you’d like to achieve these goals in the center of the board or somewhere it is easy to see.
- Place your board in a place that you look everyday… like in your closet or bathroom. That way it can inspire you each day to follow your dreams!
Do you have any New Year’s resolutions yet? Have you ever made a vision board?
by ThallenBLiving on December 4, 2011
Velvet hangers tripled my closet space! I know I sound like an infomercial, but it really is true. I picked up a pack of 25 for $12.99 at Home Goods the other day. I wasn’t sure if they would be sturdy enough to hold up my winter clothes. I also wondered if they would actually give me noticeably more space in my closet. Needless to say, these velvet hangers did both– they are strong and streamline. After trading out my wooden hangers for velvet ones, I was so impressed that I doubt I will ever go back to bulky, cumbersome hangers again. If you’re interested in purchasing some, Home Goods had several different brands and they were all reasonably priced. They come in many different colors, but I opted for black so that I could mix brands and they would still look uniform. I will definitely purchase some more to finish switching out my clothes.
What type of hangers do you use?
by ThallenBLiving on December 1, 2011
On Tuesday I gave up on Shellac… I just couldn’t take it any more! For some reason I felt like nail polish shouldn’t last that long, so I decided to peel it off
It all came off in one sheet, with little fuss or effort. I would still recommend using nail polish remover so that your nails don’t peel afterward. All in all, taking off Shellac is no different than taking off a thick coat of regular nail polish.
I don’t have any plans to Shellac again any time soon… a little overrated in my opinion! Hopefully these posts will help you decide whether you want to try. Comment below if you do!!!
by ThallenBLiving on November 30, 2011
I’ve found the perfect do-it-yourself gift idea: Cookies in a Jar! I came across this while browsing the internet the other day (the photo above is from www.Make-It-Do.com). The idea is simple… Fill mason jars with the ingredients of your favorite cookie recipe. All the gift recipients will have to do is pour out the ingredients and add egg, butter and vanilla. These are so simple to make and so unique because each giver’s recipe is different!
Here’s what you need:
- Quart size mason jars (these can be found at local craft stores)
- Festive fabric and ribbon
- Cookie ingredients
- Labels (or double-side tape and paper)
What to do:
- Clean and dry mason jars and lids. Measure and add ingredients to the jar. On a computer, print out what you want your label to say. It may be a good idea to include the ingredients in case someone is allergic. Cut and tape labels to jar. Cut fabric in squares large enough to cover the lid of the jar. Cut ribbon long enough to wrap around the fabric at the neck of the jars to hold the fabric in place. Tie the ribbon into a secure knot, then make a bow
Don’t worry… I’m still alive! I hope you all didn’t think I forgot about you! Boy can the holidays be hectic! I’ve been working hard and cooking up a big surprise that I can’t wait to share. Can you believe that 2012 is just around the corner?! Even-numbered years are my favorite so I’m just bursting at the seams for all that 2012 will bring. I’ve also been trying to come up with a few goals for the new year, but I’m still narrowing them down…
