Take a Chill Pill...

Here's a great printable manifesto from TheSmileCollective.com.au!  I try to do all of these things everyday.  I am trying to eat less and have started a beginning runner program. I have been looking at ways to trim down the budget and spend less (More to come on that.) My stress level has gone down as I've been exercising more, but my biggest antidote to stress is date night each Friday with my husband and a couple of great friends.  I highly recommend it! If you don't have a husband, a girl's night is also wonderful stress relief.  Laughing truly is the best medicine. Showing gratitude is a perfect stress-relief. Last, but not least is meditation. There are many kinds of meditation.  Prayer is one kind of meditation and is a wonderful way to start the day. I also enjoy finding a quiet spot and focusing on one point for just 5 minutes while I clear my mind. Some people find looking at a candle helps them to focus.  Whatever you choose, make sure to take your "medicine" everyday.  It will keep your life simple and positive and peaceful. Have a wonderful day! Simplicio!  ~ Holly

You can print your own Manifesto for a Simple Life here:


http://thesmilecollective.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/A-Manifesto-for-A-Simple-Life.pdf

What's for Dinner?

Tamale Pie

Preheat oven to 350.

Brown 2 lbs hamburger, place in 9X13 inch pan.

Stir in 1 jar salsa (We use Pace), a cup or more of frozen or drained, canned corn, a cup of shredded cheese.

Mix up 2 jiffy boxes of corn bread (according to instructions on box) and spread over meat mixture. Cook for 30 minutes.  Garnish with shredded lettuce and sour cream.

Abracadabra!  You have dinner ready.  You're welcome!

Do You Remember?

Do you remember? There was a time when moms only allowed children to eat sugar cereal for dessert, a time when kids ran through dandelion-filled lawns barefoot and pretended to be orphans just for fun. There was a time when TV only had a few channels which only came in clearly if you adjusted the knob just so. TV held little power over kids who would rather be running from friend's house to friend's house in neighborhoods filled with small homes which stood side by side in companionship. Neighbors had one car garages, and most had to park outside.  They waved and greeted one another as they came and went. Internet addiction didn't exist, because the Internet didn't exist. Kids hoola-hooped and shot hoops. Imagination was alive. Mothers picked lilacs and set them in jars on their tables as center pieces.  If you remember this time, welcome.  If you don't, but you wish you did, welcome.

While it's impossible to recapture the past, compared to the jumble of activities and hurried rush of being everything to everyone that women face today, there is something to be gained from looking back.  Our purpose in writing this blog is to help women today regain some sanity by simplifying their lives, by stepping back and remembering the things that really matter and by encouraging you to let go of the things that don't.

Our favorite book is Harry Potter, and although we wish there was a spell to transport us all back to a simpler and easier time, we offer you this instead: recipes, ideas, and solutions to help all who enter here to regain the magic of living a simple, joyful life.