Category Archives: Magazines

My Friday Favorites 06.24.16

Posted by Maureen in Apple Green, Color-Coded, Magazines, My Favorites, TV and tagged with , , , , , , , , ,

Happy Friday! I hope today is the start of a great weekend for you and yours.
Here are the things I am loving this week!

On TV – Netflix released season 4 of Orange is the New Black a week ago. Last year, I binged watched through the weekend finishing season 3 in 48 hours. I vowed to make the show last a little longer this time and I stretched it until Wednesday. This season was by far the most heartbreaking yet. Unfair judicial and prison systems, racism, corporate greed, privilege, religion and mental illness were just a few of the timely topics unearthed in these 13 episodes. No spoilers here.


On the Page – Real Simple Magazine’s July 2016 issue is full of summer fun.  Great tips on how to actually relax on your vacation, gaining control of your inbox, and party tricks for your summer get-togethers. Of course, the “Ask the Organizer” section is always a fav of mine!

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On the Web – I’m a teacher and it is my first full week of summer vacation. But that doesn’t mean my brain stops thinking about the classroom. Especially this summer as I am switching grades and teaching 4th grade for the first time in 20 years! I bookmarked this article Dollar Store Dos and Don’ts for Teachers by Genia Connell on Scholastic.com. It is so easy to buy something because it is inexpensive. This article has test driven lots of Dollar Store items for you!  

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In the Kitchen -Meal prepping is something I am completely committed to during the academic year, but it always seems to fall to the side in the summer. Anna Nguyen, Philadelphia’s Healthy Kid blogger shared Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Liz Coover’s  5 Tips to get Meal Planning Into Your Family Schedule. Time to get back into a routine! I roasted summer squash and zucchini for the week and made tuna that we can grab easily to make basil wraps.

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On Instagram – This week I picked a color of the week and posted pics of my favorite apple green things!  I loved searching for other #applegreen photos and I pushed the like-heart a LOT!!  I loved, loved, loved these apple green canisters in Edita Trinkunaite’s kitchen. Check out her other amazing food pics on her IG @edita.trinkunaite

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What are you loving this week? Leave me a comment and let me know. Thanks for reading.

My Friday Favorites 04.22.16

Posted by Maureen in Gifts, Instagram, Kids, Magazines, Nashville, TV and tagged with , , , , , , , , , ,

Happy Friday! Here are all the things I’m loving this week!

On TV –  This week’s episode “Didn’t Expect It To Go Down this Way” on Nashville was filled with drama from Autumn playing Scarlett and Gunnar against each other to Maddie trying to emancipate Rayna and Deacon. But Juliette is back in full force! Once she sees sparks flying between Avery and Layla on stage she got herself right where she wanted to be – back on the tour with all of them. Don’t throw dirt on her grave just yet!

On the Page – Family Fun Magazine May 2016 – Ideas for all my favorite May events – Mother’s Day, Teacher Appreciation Week and Cinco de Mayo, plus an article on how to declutter using color?!!? Yes, please!

Family Fun Mag May 2016

On Instagram – Check out these APPetizing cupcakes from @DuffsCakeMix originally baked by  @courtney_frederiksen

social media cupcakes

On the Bucket List – Time to start thinking about summer vacations! This list ranges from Sesame Place to Buckingham Palace. I WISH each destination had a picture – but still an awesome comprehensive bucket list!  40 must see places to take your kids before they are grown from the Today Show Parent page. 

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Hope you had a great Friday and that it’s a start to an amazing weekend. What are you loving this week? Leave me a comment and let me know! Thanks for reading. 

My Friday Favorites 04.08.16

Posted by Maureen in Birthdays, Color-Coded, HGTV, Home Decor, Instagram, Magazines, My Favorites, TV and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I’m two days late with my favorites this week! Between catching up on all my TVs shows on the DVR and watching / celebrating Villanova basketball win the National Championship – I didn’t have time to write this post! But, I still loved some things this week – so here we go…

On TV –  Funnyman Cyrus is back with some one-liners that made him the loveable/hatable character we all obsessed over in Season 1. But other people made some big mistakes on Scandal this week…Abby, Vice-President Nichols and Olivia, who may have thrown away her white hat forever. 

On the Page – HGTV Magazine‘s May issue is full of all my favorite things – tips, tricks and COLOR! Check out the Pop of Color article that shows how to decorate using twelve different vibrant colors like hot pink, yellow, and lime. The article isn’t online yet, but here are other ideas from HGTV about using pops of color.

shop for a pop of color

On the Web – Kids Birthday Party Planning on a Budget from Sunshine and Hurricanes. This is the time of year when I start thinking about my daughter’s June birthday. I’ve done the over-the-top party stuff and have kept it simple by asking a few kids to the movies. Here are some good tips on how to not break the bank – which at the end of the birth-day – is totally unnecessary!

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On Instagram – Loving these pink lockers and vintage map from cameo_gypsy. I’m thinking I need some lockers in my new laundry room!

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On the Scoreboard –  My alma mater, the Villanova Wildcats, won the NCAA National Championship by defeating North Carolina with a buzzer beating three pointer! Congratulations to Kris Jenkins for hitting the winning shot, the rest of the team, and Coach Wright for an amazing season. V for Villanova, V for Victory.

Here is me with two of my college roomies – partying like it’s 1993!

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winning at the buzzer!

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Championship Parade in Philadelphia

Hope you are having a fabulous weekend. What are you loving this week? Leave me a comment and let me know what you are reading, watching, and pinning! 

My Friday Favorites 03.25.16

Posted by Maureen in awkward, Instagram, Kitchen, Magazines, My Favorites, TV and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

FF apples grn

On TV – This week on MTV’s Awkward we found out what really happened to Matty and Jenna during their first semester off in college. Their destiny is not so unrealistic (high school couple decide to stay together but grow apart) but of course it is not this simple – add in 100% of Jenna / Matty drama and you get the real story…which she only reveals to her ex-boyfriend / current hook-up Luke!. Not sure how I feel about enemies Tamara and Sadie becoming besties in New York, but Jake and Lissa staying in their hometown and reuniting is a funny, if not awkward development.  

(Full disclosure – was this my favorite? Or only thing I watched?  On my DVR I have 4 to 5 episodes of EACH of these shows to watch: Chicago Fire, PD and Med, Law and Order, SVU, How to Get Away With Murder, Scandal, Quantico and Suits!) 

On the Page – March’s issue of Better Homes and Gardens is packed from cover to cover. Things that got a post-it note from me: striped manicures, ombre shower curtains, cocktails to party like it’s 1965, clutter patrol, and What Are You Afraid Of? (an article on how to conquer the most common fears.) 

BHG_marchOn the Web – I don’t know how you feel about it, but I cannot stand when this image pops up on my phone. And it ALWAYS appears right when I want to take a great pic (but apparently never when my students get a hold of my phone and take 50 selfies of themselves.) Good Housekeeping tells us 12 iPhone Storage Tricks That Everyone Should Know.

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On Instagram – One account I seem to always hit the like-heart on every picture is @jensfreshvintage This week I heart, heart, heart the aqua wellies she is dreaming about. I went back and forth with what color wellies I wanted this season and ultimately went with a hot pink – but these aqua ones are delicious, too!! 

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In the Kitchen – Now that the calendar says it’s spring and Easter is this weekend – it seems only fitting to start baking some delicious cakes! Check out 25 Layered Cakes That Are On A Whole Different Level from Buzz Feed’s Community page.

On the Scoreboard – We are in the thick of March Madness which is one of my favorite sporting events to watch. I’m cheering for my alma mater, Villanova University,  who has made it to the Elite Eight. As any true Villanova fan will tell you, we have had our share of heartache watching our team over the years. Could this be the first year since I was in seventh grade that ‘Nova actually wins the championship?!?!?!  Good luck Villanova Wildcats who take on Kansas tomorrow night. V for Villanova, V for Victory.

Happy Friday! What are you loving this week? Leave me a comment and let me know. Have a great weekend!

My Friday Favorites 02.19.16

Posted by Maureen in Better Homes and Gardens, Home Decor, Magazines, My Favorites, TV, Uncategorized and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

On TV – The last two weeks of Grey’s Anatomy have been great, but I do not want to hear anymore – “put Meredith and Alex together” possible story lines. Please Shonda Rhimes – do not do this! Maybe Episode 10 should have been called – “All I Want is You and You and You and You.” I loved Meredith’s  Wizard of Oz reference – “they were all there.”  When her therapist states you aren’t married anymore and you aren’t a widow either, he follows it up with the question – Who are you? She says she doesn’t know. And this is why I believe Cristina had to leave, Derrick had to die – so the show could answer that one question. 

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On the Page –  It’s the end of February! It’s that time of year when all the March magazines start arriving with bright colors like green for spring! Time to organize and spring clean. 

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On the Web –This article was spot on for me. I had more than one laugh out loud moments when reading it. I hope my 40+ readers enjoy it! 5 Things That Just Don’t Matter To Me After Turning 40 from Scary Mommy

Sean Locke Photography / Shutterstock

On Instagram – I’m becoming a little bit of an IG shopaholic.  It’s so easy and you can shop right from your couch with a glass of wine – plus it’s a little bit of sport — will I win the prize? One account I follow is Find of the Century. I missed the sale this week and boy am I sorry … check out this adorable vintage child’s umbrella. 

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On the Twitter Feed – The Organizing Store ‏@organizingstor Today’s mini desk-makeover with some of our faves

I’m a little obsessed with the amperstamp symbol lately too. What’s up with that? Here is my little collection I have going on:

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Hope you have a great weekend. Leave me a comment and let me know what are loving this week. Thanks for reading.

Put it on a Post-It!

Posted by Maureen in Kids, Kitchen, Magazines, Organization, Post-its, Schedules and tagged with , , , , , , , , , ,

MyCCL_Put it on a Post-it One way I keep everything organized is by using colorful Post-Its. In every aspect of your life, color-coded post-its can help you keep track of anything!

There are many different ways to use these bright note keepers, but like any good organizational system, it has to work for the person that is trying to stay organized.

Here are some ways I use post-its. Maybe there is a system here that will work for you, or can be adapted to suit your needs.

Nothing makes me happier then when I buy a bunch of new post-its. (Except maybe when I buy new post-its AND new sharpies.)  Isn’t this beautiful?

postits_MCCL1. On your wall calendar, post-its can be used for events without a confirmed date. Move the post-it around until you are ready to commit and write it on the calendar. Also you can leave leaves suggestions for your hubby for your next date night!

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2. Small post-its work great on the back of gift cards to keep track of your remaining balance.

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3. Do you have a journal or another notebook for something like your blog? I use post-its in my blog journal when I sketch out what posts I am going to publish each day of the week.

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4. I never sit down to read my magazines with out my color-coded post-its! I mark any pages that have pictures or articles that catch my eye. I put a second post-it on the cover letting me know what I’ve tagged – is it a paint color I liked? A recipe I should try? Or maybe something for My Friday Favorites?

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5. Post-its can make cute lunch box notes for the kiddos. I like to combine them with Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Schoolbook Cookies to create a game or puzzle to solve before you eat your treat. My daughter is in preschool and sometimes I link the phrases to the themes they are working on at school. Once you spell the answers out, put the post-it clue and cookies into a ziplock bag. Prep a few on the weekends to throw in the lunchboxes.

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6. The insides of our kitchen cabinets and linen closet doors are always covered with lists! When we finish an item, we put it on the shopping list. Sometimes they are color-coded by store, sometimes they are just on different bright colors to make me happy.

lists_postits_MCCL7. If I am driving home and the gas light comes on when I am very close to my house, the first thing I do when I walk in the door is put a post-it on the mirror reminding me I need to get gas the next time I leave. This mirror is on the bottom of our stairs near the front door.  I see it on the way to get my coffee in the morning and it reminds me to leave a few minutes early for work.

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These are just some ways to use color-coded post-its – I am sure there are millions more!  I didn’t even go into how I use post-its in My Color-Coded Classroom! Do you use post-its for anything?  What are some of your tricks and techniques when using them? Leave a comment and tell me how post-its fit into your life!

For more ideas check out my Pinterest Board: Put it on a Post-it

Romy: And I thought of them completely by myself. I mean, all Michele did was say: “What about making them yellow?”

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Image from Fashionista

My Friday Favorites 02.12.16

Posted by Maureen in Crafts, Family, Healthy, Holidays, Instagram, Magazines, My Favorites, Organization, Quality Time, TV and tagged with , , , , , ,

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Here are all the things I am loving this week!

On TV – TGIT is finally back! The winter break finale of Scandal seemed to land us right back to the beginning of the whole story. Many think this show is not as good as when it started. The story line has been up and down, but lately I think the show is at the top of its game. Ever since Shonda Rhimes publicly admitted she knows exactly how and when Scandal will end, I watch every episode through that lens. How is this episode a move on the chessboard to get Olivia and company to the end of their story? The shot from the finale in November with Olivia in the oval standing on the seal, I believe, was the most obvious hint so far. Olivia in the oval – and not as some sidekick First Lady. This week’s episode furthered this theory for me and added a twist. Will it be a Grant / Pope ticket? And I am not talking about Fitz here. And if it is – whose name is first? Did anyone else catch Jake say to the President TWICE while visiting him on The White House balcony – he needs to get a view like that?  Oh poor, one-dimensional Fitz telling him there was only one way to get that view. (I bet Bill Clinton never thought that…)  I think Jake knows better and wouldn’t mind being called the First Man, especially now with his other full time gig of head of the NSA.

Featured-image-Ride-Sally-RideOn the Page –  I have been very dedicated to meal prepping for the week on Sundays for a little over a year now. The benefits include eating healthier and saving time during the week. It feels great to have big check on your to-do list before your Monday morning alarm even goes off.  Real Simple’s January 2016 has a great article, Sunday Prep School, complete with tips and step by step directions minimize your time in the kitchen to maximize your time at the table with your family. The article isn’t online yet, but here is one with some more suggestions: 10 Ways to Speed Up Dinner Prep Times. 

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On the Web –This one was laugh out loud funny. This is a perfect guide for Valentine’s Day gift giving for couples who might not have romance on the agenda for the weekend. 10 Realistic Dos and Don’ts For Couples with Young Kids  You can read more hilarious posts like this one on the author, Brooke Arellano’s blog Crazy Mama Drama 

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On Instagram – I love searching the hashtag #colorcoded because I find the best pictures and people! This week I came across- Done & Done Home Decor with this fabulously color-coded, organized, red craft supplies photo – if this didn’t get picked as one of my Friday Favs then seriously, what would? Also their motto is – We organize your life. Sign.Me.Up.

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Have a great weekend and Valentine’s Day. May you not have to clean up anything in your bed after your kids serve you breakfast with love. Leave me a comment and let me know what your Friday Favorites are. Thanks for reading.

My Friday Favorites 02.05.16

Posted by Maureen in Contest, Crafts, DIY, Home Decor, Instagram, Magazines, Moms, My Favorites, Parenting, Recipes, TV and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , ,

FF apples grn

Here are all the things I am loving this week!

On TV – My daughter and I watched Project Runway, Jr. together this season. This week was the finale and the final four designers showed at New York Fashion Week! So much talent in these teenagers even Kelly Osbourne and Christian Siriano were blown away every episode. My first pick didn’t win, but my second favorite did (no spoilers! Didn’t watch? Check out the whole season on demand.) I’m not sure how I feel about “Junior” reality shows, it is a lot of pressure to put on kids. What I appreciate about this show is that the judges got that; they were human when they critiqued the contestants and even cried when they let them go. Fav moment of the finale -the Tim Gunn group hug!

Project Runway Junior finalists Samantha Maya Zachary Peytie Kelly Osbourne Christian Siriano

 

picture from Reality Blurred

 

On the Page –  This is the time of year that we have hand sanitizers hanging from every backpack and tucked into every purse. As a teacher who also has a child in preschool, the worst is waking up in the morning with a sore throat and the looming reality that a cold or flu is coming on. Read Good Housekeeping’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Cold & Flu Dodgers from their January 2016 issue. The article isn’t online but here is one that gives some good tips, too: Your Cold and Flu Survival Guide from A to Z. It’s also The Makeover Issue – with a little dog on the front barking – “Just Paint It!”

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On the Web – This article from Salon will make any daughter laugh and cry – You really are becoming your mother: The science that confirms your greatest hopes and fears

You really are becoming your mother: The science that confirms your greatest hopes and fears

Mom and Maureen

 

Me and my mom at my cousin Trish’s wedding 35 years ago! (Yes, I did stalk your Facebook for an anniversary pic to verify number of years!)

 

In the Kitchen  – All I can say about this is OMG.  Tagalong Pound Cake from You Wash…I Dry. 

Tagalong Pound Cake

On Instagram – There is a fun Valentine’s Day contest happening on Instragram. Tagging your Vaentine’s Day crafts and decor with the hashtag #CraftyCupid.  Here is my favorite this week from The Rusty Nest. Anything with a Queen of Hearts playing card gets a like- heart from me! 

The Rusty Nest

Here is my attempt at participating in the #CratyCupid contest:

my crafty cupid

For my Parenting Toolbox – This article isn’t about what to do for the kids – it’s about what to do for YOURSELF… so just as important in the Parenting Toolbox in my opinion! 23 Ways to Treat Yo’ self Without Buying or Eating Anything from Yes and Yes #1, 4, 5, 6! What are your favs on this list?

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Happy Weekend! Hope it is relaxing and productive. Leave me a comment and let me know what your Friday Favorites are. Thanks for reading.

My Friday Favorites 01.29.16

Posted by Maureen in Better Homes and Gardens, Home Decor, Instagram, Magazines, My Favorites, Organization, Parenting, Pinterest, TV and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

FF pink green brownwho votes for me changing this to Weekend Winners since I can’t seem to post on time?!?

On TV – I used this past week’s snowstorm to catch up on my DVR! I am still loving the #OneChicago shows. I thought adding Chicago Med to my lineup was going to be too much – but of course they cross all the characters over so I got sucked right in!

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On the Page – I have a stack of January and February magazines sitting on my bedside table to read this weekend! Better Homes and Gardens February issue has a great article, Finding Your Calling, about starting your own business and doing what you love. The exact article isn’t online, but you can find a lot of it right here: BHG.com Entrepreneur.   

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On the Web – Pinterest Announces the Hottest Home Trends of 2016 from Pop Sugar I love the idea of not seeing any electrical cords around the house, I’m into graphic throw pillows (from The Vault Files,) and we can thank Joanna Gaines for the obsession with white all over the house. What do you think of these Pinterest trend predictions? 

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For my Next Home Project – This week we are starting our master bedroom closet renovation. We are making our two small closets into one large functional one! I have been scouring the internet for ideas of what kind of closet organizer I want inside. I’ve been spending a lot of time on The Container Store’s Elfa Design Center. Goals: no more shoes everywhere in my room and a way to store ALL of my handbags so they are easily accessible! 

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On Instagram – This little treasure is mine!! I purchased it during an IG sale – only to find out that Olivia’s #1 babysitter, Lauren, already bought it for me! If you love vintage treasures for your home, you must check out one of my favorite vendors In With the Old Goods both on IG and her Etsy shop. (And if you want to start living a healthy lifestyle check out Lauren, too!)

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On my Playlist- I know I am probably late to this game, but I have found and love The Mixtape Radio station on my iPhone. I play it in the morning while getting ready for work to jump start my day. It’s like I am stepping back in time to a school dance!

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For my Parenting Toolbox – In my house right now it is all about selecting a kindergarten for our daughter. The applications, the school visits, the interviews – I asked my husband this week – is she applying to college? What are we looking for? A school she will like to go to everyday and develop a love of learning. These articles really hit home with me this week. I found both articles in the Parent section of The Washington Post, the first was originally posted on Role Reboot: No, my kindergartner won’t be doing that homework assignment and Kindergarten the new first grade? It’s actually worse than that.

Real Simple Daily Thought– preach JLo!!

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Happy Weekend! Hope it is relaxing and productive. Leave me a comment and let me know what your Friday Favorites are. Thanks for reading.

My Friday Favorites 01.08.16

Posted by Maureen in Blogging, Books, Crafts, HGTV, Home Decor, Instagram, Magazines, My Favorites, New Years, Organization, Parenting, Resolutions, TV, Uncategorized and tagged with , , , , ,

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I was going to just start My Friday Favorites as if I have been blogging all along, but I will acknowledge that I have not written My Color-Coded Life for six months. I have gone through these spells before and I am back ready to share all the organizing, remodeling, rearranging, and TV watching I have been doing!

On TV – The best new show I’m watching is Quantico. The show follows the newest FBI recruits as they train at the Academy. There is a simultaneous story being told that shows that once this class becomes actual agents, one is accused of a terrorist attack on Grand Central Station. You end up watching for clues in both storylines.

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On the Page – HGTV January / February Magazine – new year, new decorating possibilities, this issue is full of ideas.  DIY Wall Art Projects, Lots of Style on a Little Budget, and my personal favorite -Style with What You Already Have (I really don’t need more stuff!!) The only bad thing, waiting until March until the next issue. 

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For the Parenting Toolbox – I’m always searching for books with strong girls and women to read to my daughter.  A Cup of Jo posted this blog with a great list 18 Children’s Books with Female Characters. I have only read six of these – so off to Barnes and Nobles with our Christmas gift cards we shall go! 

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For my Next Home Project –  I’ve tackled the linen closet and our front hall closet. Now it’s time for a total redo of our bedroom closet. Of course I’m doing a lot of research including Essential Organizing Products for Closets. Color-Coded hangers??! Yes, please! 

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On Instagram – One of my favorite crafters on Instagram is damasklove. Her DIY projects are incredible, but the main reason I hit the red “like” heart on almost every one of her posts is because the colors are always so beautiful! Exhibit A, check out this door! 

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On the To-Do List– Last year you followed my along on my New Year’s resolutions journey.  For the most past (at least half the year, I didn’t do so bad!) I have joined a 90/100 Challenge to start this year. It means to give 100% towards your goals for 90 days.  The tag line is Results not Resolutions and I kind of like the sound of that. Here is what I am giving 100% to for the next 90 days:

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see? blogging once a week is one of my goals!

Real Simple Daily Thought–

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Happy New Year! Happy Friday! Hope you have a great weekend. Leave me a comment and let me know what your Friday Favorites are. Thanks for reading.