Vintage Indie

Making The Most of Monday: Fall's Breath

If you are new to the magazine, Making the Most of Monday is a regular part of our features. Mondays  signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week.

Hopefully by Monday you've taken some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spend quality time with loved ones and friends, which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

 

Tell The Sky by irenesuchocki

I love fall, do you? Although, I will be missing summer when the first snowfall lands, I'm cherishing this autumn season.  In October we celebrate Fall Harvest rather Halloween. For us it is a time to gather, comfort and pull one another closer. It is almost as if we are preparing like a bear would for winter. Some of you may not feel this way during the fall months as your climates don't allow you to do so, but I'm here to encourage you to enjoy fall's breath.

Falls breath is a time for cleaning, organizing and slowing down the pace. I enjoy fall cleaning just as much as spring cleaning. It prepares our home for the winter months ahead and restores a calming routine to life, rather the hustle and bustle of summer. If you're looking to prepare for winter, consider a book review that I posted here awhile ago. A Guide to Green Housekeeping by Christina Christina Strutt This is one of my favorite resources for fall cleaning.

Another way I slip into fall is with a brew of sweet apples, cinnamon, orange peel, cloves, cardamom pods and water. Fill a pot of water with apple slices from two apples, a peel from one to two oranges, two cinnamon sticks, 4-5 cloves and a crushed cardamom pod if you have one. Keep this mixture on a low simmer during the day or in the evening time, being sure to keep adding water as needed. The fragrance created from this natural air freshener will fill your home with a delightful calming effect.

As your making your way through the week, consider how you plan to inhale fall. Include your family in this seasonal change and prepare your home and heart for the warmth needed for winter. You'll be happy that you did. 

xoxo - Gabreial

Making the Most of Monday: School's in Session

Hey everyone!

I hope you enjoyed a lovely weekend. This week will be very limited here at Vintage Indie, as it is the first week of school. I'll still be posting sporadically as well as a few guest posts. We're excited for this school year and can't wait to dig in.

I hope you have a lovely and peaceful week. If you have any inspiring news to share or if would like to let us know how you are making the most of this Monday, please leave us a note we'd love to hear! 

xoxo Gabreial

Making the Most of Monday: Big Leaps!

If you are new to the magazine, Making the Most of Monday is a regular part of our features. Mondays  signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week.

Hopefully by Monday you've taken some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spend quality time with loved ones and friends, which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

If you missed the last Making the Most of Monday click here for "Encouragement"

I titled this weeks Making the Most of Monday " Big Leaps" because our family is making some huge changes. They are going to be in effect next week, and I'm getting more and more anxious, excited and a little nervous.  If you aren't sure what I'm talking about, this is a more personal subject and I've posted about it to my personal blog.  I have to keep reminding myself, I've organized, I've researched, I've taken notes and done my homework. The rest, well in my personal belief is up to God. My family and I have been having major discussions for other changes and big leaps and many things I don't have the answers to.

So what do you do when the unknown is taking over your brain? I have to have faith, because that is the only answer I've got besides I don't know, I really don't know. I guess this post could be titled Encouragement Take Two. Sometimes it is great knowing I have a mom who is a phone call away when I just need someone to listen and to be there for me, my husband does a great job of this as well. It is just nice to have an ear. Have you lent your ear lately? 

Times are tough and although blogging can seem glamorous, it doesn't change the fact that life is real and things are happening all around us beyond our control.  Although I did entitle this Big Leaps, I'm hoping that you'll see through my nerves and be encouraged to help a friend, or lend your ear. You never know when someone may just need a little encouragement or allowed that little bit of time to get some things off their chest. 

Have a great week everyone!

xoxo Gabreial       

Making the Most of Monday: Reader Discussion - Encourgement

If you are new to the magazine, Making the Most of Monday is a regular part of our features. Mondays  signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week.

Hopefully by Monday you've taken some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spend quality time with loved ones and friends, which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

If you missed the last Making the Most of Monday click here for "Set Your Own Pace"

Encouragement

 I posted to Twitter this morning, " What kind of encouragement do you need today?"  Often times, I look to others for encouragement in many areas of my life. Whether it's fairly simple topics like restoring a piece of furniture or more serious areas like, parenting, working from home etc.

Reader Discussion -

What area in your life are you seeking encouragement? I'd love it if you could post them below and maybe myself or one of our lovely readers can help.

In the meantime, here are a few places I visit for encouragement.

Starr Strung

NieNie ( This family, touches my soul on so many levels. They have such a great testimony of faith & perseverance. Prepare yourself with tissues.)

The Lazy Organizer

Michelle Wegner

Centsational Girl  (love her tutorials)

Inspireco

Nature Moms Blog

I realized that this list could go on and on so I had to stop here. So what kind of encouragement do you need?

Have a great week, I look forward to this discussion with you.

xoxo Gabreial

Making the Most of Monday: Set Your Own Pace!

If you are new to the magazine, Making the Most of Monday is a regular part of our features. Mondays  signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week.

Hopefully by Monday you've taken some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spend quality time with loved ones and friends, which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

If you missed the last Making the Most of Monday click here for "Set Backs"

Set Your Own Pace

Hey everyone!

How was your weekend? Are you refreshed, refueled and ready for another week? I'm ready for the weekend to rewind and start all over again. Its been a remodel and redecorate month in the Wyatt house and I'm ready for it to be over. Although once that project is finished we'll have yet another one to start.

Do you ever feel like you can't catch up with the world? Is this fast paced life is taking over your sanity? With Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and every other site out there we feel a need to be connected to everyone all of the time. What about peace? Do you have any?

Are you rushed with breakfast, trying to catch up and late for lunch? Are you to busy thinking about dinner to complete the project you started yesterday? ( have I made it to 20 questions yet?) What I'm trying to get you to see is the constant treadmill of life that we're all living. It's non-stop and so faced paced we're having trouble keeping up.

I don't know about you, but I need a reminder that I'm in charge. I set my own pace to life. Daily routines feeding kids, laundry, business and work they're important and deadlines do have their respective roles, but what about everything else?

First and foremost am I enjoying life? Are my children benefiting from my happiness or are they suffering for my over-scheduling? This may sound a bit strange to you, but one of my main goals for us is to limit our TV time to a couple of hours a week, max. My heart wants to teach my children a love for a slower paced life. Home cooking from scratch, a love for books, enjoyment for simple things like laying in the grass with mom and dad talking about the clouds. I want them to enjoy and appreciate their surroundings as well as learn from them. I want history to be on our list of daily discussion rather than the latest and greatest television character. I want to mold my children not the tube! 

For me, setting my own pace means reevaluating priorities in our home and keeping our relationships strong. Think about this for a moment. If you work a full time job and only have so many hours each night to spend with your kids, what would you really like to do instead of sitting in front of the television? I'm going to do my best to see that my wishes and desires are met, but doing it at my own pace no matter what everyone else in the world is doing. What about you? Are you up for setting your own pace?

Have a great week everyone!
xoxo - Gabreial

Making the Most of Monday: Set Backs

If you are new to the magazine, Making the Most of Monday is a regular part of our features. Mondays  signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week.

Hopefully by Monday you've taken some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spend quality time with loved ones and friends, which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

If you missed the last Making the Most of Monday click here for Date Night Makes the World Better, Period.

This week, set backs. Have you ever faced a set back?

My husband and I have been working on putting new baseboards in our home. The prior set up took up about 6 inches of floor space all the way around our floor. You couldn't put furniture up against the wall and everything seems to be just floating. Well, this turned into quite the project and with my lack of staining experience, the project has grown even further. Now we have to re-sand to achieve the color that we are looking for as well as grind layers of polyurethaned grout off of beautiful brick.  Needless to say, this set our room baseboard makeover back another week. At first, I was upset and of course so was he but once we realized being upset wasn't going to change anything, we tightened our "boot straps" and got to work. The extra work will pay off since we won't be settling for something we dislike.

Are you suffering from a set back? I use the word suffering lightly here as we really aren't suffering at all we just added a little more to our workload. In all honesty it isn't something we can't handle, and not worth complaining over. It will just take time.

I think most of us confuse suffering with waiting. Set backs happen all of the time with many different things in life. I think it is how we handle them that makes all of the difference. For one, it is an opportunity for us to show our children patience. OK, does mom and dad really have the patience that they preach to us. Are we setting a good example for them? Most importantly, we recognized much quicker that it's not worth the agony and frustration and we moved on, actually saving time. 

Are you dealing with one of many, life set backs? How are you handling them? Are you showing patience or are you wasting time murmuring and complaining?

Making the Most of Monday: Break

Hey everyone, happy Monday!  Did you have a great weekend? I've been trying to play catch up all day, including postponing the usual Making the Most of Monday feature.

  We had a great weekend and spent Friday the 3rd at the Coney Island Balloon Glow. Our boys had such a great time. If you are in the area you should really consider taking your kids next year. Plan to get there early so that they can ride the rides with no wait until the crowds show up in the late evening for the balloon glow.

My two loves on the Frog Hop

We sat right underneath these balloons, with our blanket and pizza!

Night Photo of the Balloons Illuminating

This long weekend also sparked some house remodeling/redecorating. We are in the process of replacing the baseboards in our lower level. It has turned out to be quite a project. I also scored a great dining hutch and I can't wait to get it all set up and fill it with my Pyrex collection. Hopefully pictures will be coming soon. Until then, enjoy your evening. I'll be back tomorrow with some great vintage/indie features for you.

xoxo Gabreial   

Making the Most of Monday: Date Night Makes the World Better. Period.

If you are new to the magazine, Making the Most of Monday is a regular part of our features. Mondays  signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week.

Hopefully by Monday you've taken some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spend quality time with loved ones and friends, which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

If you missed the last Making the Most of Monday click here for Are you REALLY enjoying life?

Date Night Makes the World Better. Period. 

Today's Making the Most of Monday is for the parents who read. I just want to remind you about date night. Did you forget about it? Me too! Guess What?, there's hope, it still exists! 

We all know that marriage alone is hard work. (If it isn't for you, then please email me all of your secrets). Top marriage with bustling children and you have yourself a life! I'm a happily married woman and I'm happy to proudly boast that it is wonderful. It isn't perfect by any means, making it wonderful takes work, patience, time, honor and love.

Do you ever get caught up in routines day after day and sometimes forget about each other?  I hope I'm sending you a little reminder to make a date night.

This past weekend my husband and I decided to go out for date night. We did something a little different for dinner and tried a new cuisine that we've never had. Guru India, a newly opened restaurant in our area. Holy moley, I love me some Chicken Curry! It was so delicious, like the delicious that makes you want to go back the next day. (I'm thinking of take out for lunch!) Anyway, it was so much fun trying something completely new together. We dissected it through all of our senses and opinions. This kept the conversation about that moment in time.

It was so nice not to think about work, the kids, responsibilities for an hour or so and just talk. We followed up date night like little kids and seen the new Transformers movie. By the way it was AWESOME. I loved it, almost better than the first. The best part though, is that we just enjoyed each others company. We were reminded why we love each other so much you know, before all the kids and bills and responsibilities. Today I feel fully refreshed, and thinking I won't wait so long until the next date night.

Sometimes all it takes is sending the kids off to bed early (it won't hurt them) grabbing a movie and whipping up some of your own fresh air popped pop corn. Date night can be what you make it, but you have to remember this time is about you. You need to be alone, work on the two of you. Remember those little details that brought you together in the first place. You'll be so thankful that you did.

Do it! Plan a date night for this weekend!

What do you do for date night? Have any great ideas? I'd love to hear them!

If you are new to the magazine, Making the Most of Monday is a regular part of our features. Mondays  signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week.

Hopefully by Monday you've taken some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spend quality time with loved ones and friends, which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

If you missed the last Making the Most of Monday click here for Are you REALLY enjoying life?

Date Night Makes the World Better. Period. 

Today's Making the Most of Monday is for the parents who read. I just want to remind you about date night. Did you forget about it? Me too! Guess What?, there's hope, it still exists! 

We all know that marriage alone is hard work. (If it isn't for you, then please email me all of your secrets). Top marriage with bustling children and you have yourself a life! I'm a happily married woman and I'm happy to proudly boast that it is wonderful. It isn't perfect by any means, making it wonderful takes work, patience, time, honor and love.

Do you ever get caught up in routines day after day and sometimes forget about each other?  I hope I'm sending you a little reminder to make a date night.

This past weekend my husband and I decided to go out for date night. We did something a little different for dinner and tried a new cuisine that we've never had. Guru India, a newly opened restaurant in our area. Holy moley, I love me some Chicken Curry! It was so delicious, like the delicious that makes you want to go back the next day. (I'm thinking of take out for lunch!) Anyway, it was so much fun trying something completely new together. We dissected it through all of our senses and opinions. This kept the conversation about that moment in time.

It was so nice not to think about work, the kids, responsibilities for an hour or so and just talk. We followed up date night like little kids and seen the new Transformers movie. By the way it was AWESOME. I loved it, almost better than the first. The best part though, is that we just enjoyed each others company. We were reminded why we love each other so much you know, before all the kids and bills and responsibilities. Today I feel fully refreshed, and thinking I won't wait so long until the next date night.

Sometimes all it takes is sending the kids off to bed early (it won't hurt them) grabbing a movie and whipping up some of your own fresh air popped pop corn. Date night can be what you make it, but you have to remember this time is about you. You need to be alone, work on the two of you. Remember those little details that brought you together in the first place. You'll be so thankful that you did.

Do it! Plan a date night for this weekend!

What do you do for date night? Have any great ideas? I'd love to hear them!

Making the Most of Monday: Are you REALLY enjoying life?

If you are new to the magazine, Making the Most of Monday is a regular part of our features. Mondays  signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week.

Hopefully by Monday you've taken some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spend quality time with loved ones and friends, which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

If you missed the last Making the Most of Monday click here for "Slow Down for Summer" 

Are you REALLY enjoying life?

I've recently been thinking about enjoying life and the true meaning of what it means to be happy in this life. I was shown at a young age, that money can't buy you love or happiness. Instead you have to dig deep within and fulfill those desires with the relationships around you and the things that are naturally available to you. This is one of those life lessons that I hope to pass down to my children.

Consider this; how free would you feel if you woke up content within your heart? Maybe the house, car and job you desire isn't what you currently have, but you found that place where you can accept and enjoy where you are at right now. You know that you desire better things in life, a deeper understanding but you've accepted this day in time for what it is right now.

Did any of the above apply to you? Today, I'm encouraging you to really enjoy YOUR LIFE where YOU are at right now this day and time. Enjoy the long ride to work that you've driven for ten years. Enjoy the home you live in. Enjoy the co-workers you've been given. Enjoy the process of making dinner for your family. Resolve to just enjoy LIFE at this moment in time. 

It is when you are content with where you are at, when change sneaks up to fulfill your desires.

Gabreial Wyatt

Editor in Chief

Making the Most of Monday: Slow Down for Summer

If you are new to the magazine, Making the Most of Monday is a regular part of our features. Mondays  signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week.

Hopefully by Monday you've taken some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spend quality time with loved ones and friends, which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

The last time we visited Making the Most of Monday, I discussed Summer Break Life. My oldest finishes school in two days and that means summer break starts. I can hardly stand all of the excitement for outdoor days full of warm sunshine and laughing boys. I mentioned that things here at Vintage Indie were going to have to change and I'm not quite sure how much or when, but I've been mulling it over quite a bit. My family and I have also made some big decisions and big changes will be coming in the next couple of months so I'm taking each day at a time with it all. I know I'm not telling you much but I don't think I'm in any position to make any announcements yet.

I titled this post Slow Down for Summer because you may notice a slow down in posts here at Vintage Indie this summer as we pursue more family time.   We've been busy planting a family garden with my parents and plan to visit every week to do our share in weeding, although I'm not sure if papa will leave any weeds for us, since he enjoys tending it so much. 

 I have some exciting surprises for you in July and August that I think you will really enjoy, more on that when we get closer to July. I know you count on a heavy volume of posts throughout the week but I've had to make the decision to slow down a bit to enjoy life a little more with my youngins. Time is flying by me and they are growing into little men more each and every day.  I think we could all use more time away from the computer screen, don't you agree? 

I hope you'll join me for this summer slow down. I truly appreciate each and every reader that visits Vintage Indie. It truly means so much to me. It has given me so many opportunities to meet so many wonderful people and do what I love. Please continue to visit often as we will still be posting articles and features as well as contributions from our contributing editors, just slowing it down a bit.

Have a great week everyone!

xoxo Gabreial

If you are new to the magazine, Making the Most of Monday is a regular part of our features. Mondays  signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week.

Hopefully by Monday you've taken some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spend quality time with loved ones and friends, which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

The last time we visited Making the Most of Monday, I discussed Summer Break Life. My oldest finishes school in two days and that means summer break starts. I can hardly stand all of the excitement for outdoor days full of warm sunshine and laughing boys. I mentioned that things here at Vintage Indie were going to have to change and I'm not quite sure how much or when, but I've been mulling it over quite a bit. My family and I have also made some big decisions and big changes will be coming in the next couple of months so I'm taking each day at a time with it all. I know I'm not telling you much but I don't think I'm in any position to make any announcements yet.

I titled this post Slow Down for Summer because you may notice a slow down in posts here at Vintage Indie this summer as we pursue more family time.   We've been busy planting a family garden with my parents and plan to visit every week to do our share in weeding, although I'm not sure if papa will leave any weeds for us, since he enjoys tending it so much. 

 I have some exciting surprises for you in July and August that I think you will really enjoy, more on that when we get closer to July. I know you count on a heavy volume of posts throughout the week but I've had to make the decision to slow down a bit to enjoy life a little more with my youngins. Time is flying by me and they are growing into little men more each and every day.  I think we could all use more time away from the computer screen, don't you agree? 

I hope you'll join me for this summer slow down. I truly appreciate each and every reader that visits Vintage Indie. It truly means so much to me. It has given me so many opportunities to meet so many wonderful people and do what I love. Please continue to visit often as we will still be posting articles and features as well as contributions from our contributing editors, just slowing it down a bit.

Have a great week everyone!

xoxo Gabreial

Making the Most of Monday: Summer Break Life

If you are new to the magazine, Making the Most of Monday is a regular part of our features. Mondays  signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week.

Hopefully by Monday you've taken some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spend quality time with loved ones and friends, which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

This week: Summer Break Life

Many of you may have children getting ready to end the school year for their summer break, me included. For some of us, well most of us it means re-evaluating our time. For me, I want to spend the most time with my children as I can for the summer so I'm re-evaluating how I organize my time here at Vintage Indie. I'm considering a couple of options and making sure I do what's best for my family. Are you having to make arrangements for your children this summer? Did you decide on camp, grandma's, daycare? Summer break can be wonderful in its flexibility, but are you being flexible with it?  I hoping this is just a reminder to make plans to spend more time with your kids when you can.

Did you know that the average recess time in public schools is between 24–30 minutes per day? That was actually an old number taken from a survey in 2006 from The Center for Public Education, it could be even less where you are at.  I remember when recess was well over 25 minutes sometimes 45-60 minutes and children were given more time to release the energy that that needed to burn off lunch and more. To me this is alarming and even another important reason why we need to get out doors this summer. I'm thinking with only 25 minutes to burn off energy, I can see where it would be rather difficult to sit in a chair all day especially when PE is only once a week.

Anyway, let's get back to Summer Break Life. I'll be taking some time to organize our summer break assuring we are getting plenty of exercise and less TV.

What about you? What are some of the things that you like to do during summer break with your kids/grand-kids?

Making the Most of Monday: I have a queston for you!

If you are new to the magazine, Making the Most of Monday is a regular part of our features. Mondays  signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week.

Hopefully by Monday you've taken some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spend quality time with loved ones and friends, which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

Reader Suggestions: 

So far, the reader survey has shown that everyone is kind of split about Making the Most of Monday posts so for now they'll be sticking around. For those of you who like Making the Most of Monday I'd like to find out what you would like to see here on Mondays? Whether you are looking for encouragement in your personal life, business, parenting I'd love to know. Please feel free to email me privately, you don't have to say much if you don't want just a little "Hey I'd like to see this on Making the Most of Monday".

For me Making the Most of Monday is a lot of self checking, making sure I'm in order for the week as well as hoping to inspire you, so if you have suggestions PLEASE feel free to email me or leave an anonymous comment if you'd like and I'll make sure not to publish it.

Have a great week this week, I am SUPER DUPER swamped with the exciting Vintage Indie Market  launch coming this Friday and all kinds of other things but don't worry I have some great things lined up for you this week.

If you haven't done so already, please please please take the reader survey! Thanks so much.

XOXO  - Gabreial

Making the Most of Monday: Rest

If you are new to the magazine, Making the Most of Monday is a regular part of our features. Mondays  signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week.

Hopefully by Monday you've taken some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spend quality time with loved ones and friends, which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

 

Making time to rest (sort of).

This Monday, I'm actually not resting at all, I'm working on something personal that will require more of my personal time and more errands to run than usual. More on that later. Although, my body has been asking me to rest and slow down a bit, which I fully plan on doing as soon as I get a chance!

I've been busy with an exciting new business venture, TWO to be exact, so I'm feeling slightly overwhelmed. I know the importance of rest so as soon as I get these personal things under my belt, we'll be taking a little family vacation.

Have you made any plans to rest? Is your body asking you for a few days off of the computer, no TV, no chores, nothing but the warmth of the sun and the dirt between your toes? What do you plan on doing? What if you had a full week to rest, what would you do? I'd love to know.

Have a great week, and catch up on some rest if you can!

xoxo Gabreial

Making the Most of Monday: Resolving to L.I.V.E

If you are new to the magazine, Making the Most of Monday is a regular part of our features. Mondays  signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week.

Hopefully by Monday you've taken some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spend quality time with loved ones and friends, which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

 

Good morning everyone, I hope you enjoyed your weekend. Ours was nice and full of sunshine. It was a very warm 87 degrees and almost felt like summer. I re-learned something over the weekend that I let slip from my mind since last summer and hope to share that with you so you can resolve to live life with your family.

Last year when school let out, summer began in a hurry. A couple months free of schedules and lack of real organization struck me quite quickly and I was a little overwhelmed. I was so used to our schedule of get him on the bus, take care of little guy, work, play, clean, get him off the bus, homework, dinner, baths and bed.  We had this routine in place so that we could keep up with it all and get done what needed to get done. Summer on the other hand was a new ballgame.

Summer meant freedom, we could wake when we wanted to, leave and come back when we wanted to and do whatever our hearts desired for the day.  This meant that there were times when the dishes would pile up, laundry would get backed up, and all of that organization stuff kind of just flew out the window. My mind started to panic because of it and I was certainly getting frustrated on a daily basis.  Does this sound like any of you?

The dishes and laundry bothered me at first because I was so focused on everything needing to be perfect in my eye, but then it hit me. It was ME that was the problem. Did you notice that pattern earlier?  I was the perfectionist who had to have everything in order, before we could even think about doing anything, and I was making everyone else crazy because of it. I realized that my family just wanted to LIVE. They just wanted to experience life. So from that moment on when I truly let go of that thinking pattern,  is when I began to also feel their freedom and enjoy life with them.

We were really LIVING. We were doing things, getting dirty, learning about plants and vegetables at the market, getting exercise on our own and building a strong family foundation with our boys. When it did come time to catch up on  cleaning and laundry, we were doing it as a family and it wasn't such a struggle to get it done.

It took a lot of self control to let go of those things and not let them consume my mind. When I look back on it today, I realize that, that perfectionist way of thinking was holding me back from some of the best memories I now have.

Now don't get me wrong here, I'm not saying that you should just toss all of your responsibilities out the window during the summer or when you have some time off with your family. What I am asking you to do is to resolve to L. I. V. E.

L. earn how to let go of what is holding you back.

I. nclude the whole family in caring for your home and responsibilities

V. ow to build a strong family foundation.

E. njoy LIFE.

Are you going to Resolve to L. I. V. E. ? Tell others about it on your own blog and link to it below!

Have a great week everyone!
Gabreial

Making the Most of Monday: Spring Cleaning for your Life Part Three- Get it together!

If you are new to the magazine, Making the Most of Monday is a regular part of our features. Mondays  signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week.

Hopefully by Monday you've taken some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spend quality time with loved ones and friends, which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

 Spring Cleaning for your Life. Yes, you read that correctly. Today's Making the Most of Monday is Part Three of a three part series that I thought would be a great way to start off spring. If you missed part one a couple of  weeks ago, click back to Out with the Old, if you missed part two click back to  Freshening up your Attitude.

Part Three: Get it together! 

Now that you've purged all of the unnecessary things in your life, and freshened up your attitude it's time to get it together!
It is time to organize your life. What are your priorities?

Here are a few things and people that may be on your list. Faith, Family, Health, Career, Relationships, Hobbies. How are these things categorized in your life? Are you giving proper time and attention to each one? How about the most important ones? Are you neglecting them, spending too much time on the others?

Create a list from most important to least important from the examples above, including any that pertain to you that I left out.  Once you've created your list and prioritized them, now it is up to you to organize your time. 

Just this past week, I made a little announcement concerning Thursday's on Vintage Indie. Each day, I spend time with my family that's a given, but sometimes it is not undivided attention.  So I've decided to make Thursdays a day just for my boys. Some days were going to get out of the house and do special things that are fun, healthy and imaginative . This is just an example on how I've made a change and organized my priorities. Not only will it affect them on the outside and physical, but it will bring us closer building that foundation of communication for those important teenager days. 

So with this, I'm closing this mini series on Spring Cleaning for your Life. I hope you've been encouraged to do some spring cleaning in your heart and mind and you are preparing yourself for a fabulous summer. If you take  it one step at a time, you'll achieve your goals and your desires if you work hard and put your mind to it. 

I know you can do it!

xoxo  - Gabreial       

Making the Most of Monday: Spring Cleaning for your Life Part Two - Freshening up your Attitude

If you are new to the magazine, Making the Most of Monday is a regular part of our features. Mondays  signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week.

Hopefully by Monday you've taken some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spend quality time with loved onesand friends, which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

Spring Cleaning for your Life. Yes, you read that correctly. Today's Making the Most of Monday is Part Two of a three part series that I thought would be a great way to start off spring. If you missed part one a couple of  weeks ago, click back to Out with the Old.

Part Two: Freshening up your Attitude.

A couple of weeks ago, I asked you to write down a list of things that are cluttering your life. This week, I'm going to ask you to take a big step. Together we are going to let go of that old way of thinking, living and reacting and be out with the old, once and for all. 

I've put together a list of words. Words that you may harbor in your own heart that keep you from living up to your potential.

Jealousy

Bitterness

Resentment

Unforgive-ness

Denial

Hatred

All of these words are very powerful and can affect your attitude, your way of thinking and how you portray yourself. The bottom line is, you control your attitude. The previous sentence is short, but holds a lot of power. Once you have full realization that attitude is a choice whether good or bad, you've already begun the process to living a better life. Below I've included a few powerful quotes. I encourage you to take a moment to think about each one.

The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That's the day we truly grow up.
  - John C Maxwell

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
 - Marianne Williamson

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.

 - Ralph Waldo Emerson

The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.
 - William James

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning ow to dance in the rain.
 - Author Unknown

I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.
 - Jimmy Dean

Are you ready to change your attitude? Its all about controlling what you are thinking about and what comes out of your mouth.

I have to admit some days it's hard to wake up ( being that I'm not a morning person at all) and smile at my bright eyed children and give them that positive and happy attitude that they need for a successful day. If I woke up in a bad mood every day and already bad mouthing what lies ahead or the obstacles they may face what kind of attitude am I teaching them? What kind of foundation and I laying for their day?

I hope you'll freshen up your attitude this week. Get rid of old thinking habits. Get rid of negative words and feelings your harboring. Realize that you have control over your attitude. If your thinking bad, acting bad it is probably going to turn out bad. If you are thinking good, working hard and remaining positive, I bet no matter what you face, you'll get through it a hundred times better.

Make a choice, to Make the Most of Your Life today.

 - Gabreial

 

Making the Most of Monday: Spring Cleaning for your Life - Part One Out With the Old

Spring Cleaning for your Life. Yes, you read that correctly. Today's Making the Most of Monday is Part one of a three part series that I would like to do for the next couple of weeks.

Part One: Out With the Old
Are you holding on to bad clutter in your life? I'm not talking about piles of paperwork or unfinished business. I'm talking about life's clutter.

I've put together a series of questions below. Take a moment to think about each one before you give it a serious yes or no.

1. Are you allowing toxic relationships to run your life?

2. Do you surround yourself with people who control your thoughts?
3. Are you hanging on to any bad habits?
4. Do you have a poor attitude?
5. Are you allowing fear to keep you from stepping out?
6. Is discouragement keeping you from your dreams?
7. Are you holding on when you know you should let go?

During this crazy economical time it's easy to get lost in the stress of bills, and money money money. It's also easy to loose yourself along the way, while you are going through the process. I'm hoping these questions provoked your mind into thinking about what is really cluttering your life.

With anything that life sends our way, we need to remain mentally strong. You need you, family needs you and friends need you. Are you prepared to help you? Are you prepared to give them what they need?

This week, think about these questions. Write down a list of things that are cluttering your life. After your done, be prepared to be out with the old so that you can live up to your full potential. 

If you'd like to participate this week, I've included the Mister Linky below for you to link to your own blog about this topic. If you'd rather leave a comment below, please feel free.

Making the Most of Monday: Sewing Seeds

Can you believe that THIS Friday is the first day of Spring? I know, me either. I can almost taste it! This past week, I was driving along on my way home from the grocer and remembered my local farmers market. Do you have one of those where you are? I can't tell you how much I miss the fresh veggies and fruit that the market brings. I can hardly wait.  Stay tuned this week, I have a super fabulous giveaway coming to help with spring cleaning!



This week's Making the Most of Monday post is on the heavy side, but sometimes heavy is what we are feeling and I think we are all feeling a little heavy these days.

 I would like to encourage you to sew "seeds", I'm not talking about literal seeds, I'm talking about seeds of good things. I can't tell you how much it pains me to watch the news. I literally have a hard time even turning on the TV. There is so much bad going on and so many people hurting. Crimes of the unthinkable are happening more and more all over, and it doesn't seem to be letting up any time soon. People are hurting, feeling lifeless and feeling let down. People need compassion, kindness of strangers, they need direction and they need help.  They need someone to listen rather than offer an opinion, they need change.

Vintage Indie is here to promote Modern Life, Vintage Perspective and as crazy as this may sound Vintage Perspective isn't just about antiques and vintage goods, but if you look a little deeper it can also mean the perspective of our founding fathers. The values that were laid before us. I love what I do here, supporting independent businesses, work at home parents, people who are doing what they do to make the best life that they can for their family. The rest are the small joys in life, they are the things that make us happy. We enjoy scouring the antique shelves for our next "lucky" find. We enjoy the fabric of a torn apron that sparks our imagination of a kitchen it once lived. We enjoy these things because we are free to.

I'm not endorsing FoxNews or Glen Beck in any way, but if you haven't seen the 9.12 Project from Glen Beck, I encourage you to check it out and see what you think.

In the meantime think about sewing a "seed" this week in someones life, you never know if your act of kindness may save a life, heal a heart or offer hope.

Much love,
Gabreial   

Making the Most of Monday: Planning Ahead

Welcome to another week here on Vintage Indie, I hope you had a wonderful weekend.

This week I'm making the most of Monday by planning ahead for meals this week. Feeding my family good wholesome, fresh, organic meals are important to me, and this is easier achieved if planned out correctly. 

One of the best ways to assure you don't get in the out-to-dinner or fast food rut is to plan ahead. I've posted my meal plan this week over at my personal blog if you'd like to join in, I'd love to know how you meal plan.

Did you join in last weeks Making the Most of Monday with determination? If so, how is it going for you?

Inspiration for Planning Ahead:


Four steps to achievement: Plan purposefully. Prepare prayerfully. Proceed positively. Pursue persistently.
 - William A. Ward

What are some other ways you are planning ahead?

Making the Most of Monday: Determination

You are probably wondering, what does determination have to do with this magazine?  Well, we are all living in this modern world right? Modern Living, Vintage Perspective?

Goals, success, these aren't new concepts. Whether it's personal or business we all have one common ending to finish, to succeed, to complete.

If you look up the word Determination in the Websters Dictionary you'll find this.

": the act of deciding definitely and firmly ; also : the result of such an act of decision b: firm or fixed intention to achieve a desired end <a woman of great courage and determination>"


How do you like that last part? A woman of great courage and determination. Go girls right! Just kidding, I hope anyone reading this male or female will be inspired and determined to do what they need to do.

For this Making the Most of Monday, I've become determined, something personal as a matter of fact, I'm determined to work out again every day accept for Sunday which is my day of rest. I fell off the wagon months ago and it is time to get back on. So, I'm determined and here's why.

1. I'm determined to feel better.
2. I'm determined to make sure I do everything I can, to be the healthiest I can be
3. I'm determined to keep up with my husband when we run together, (who has been running most of his life).
4. I'm determined to be a strong woman.

Starting today, yes on a Monday! I encourage you to write down why you are determined and your reasons behind it. Keep it posted somewhere as a reminder, that you've become determined and you aren't going to let anything hold you back.

Let's encourage each other, why are you determined today? Join in, in the comments below.

Making the most of Mondays - Sweet Reminders

As some of you know, I'm a pretty positive person when it comes to Monday's. In fact, I'm one of those people who may have you thinking, "shut up already it's Monday". Well I hope to change your mind about Monday's and hope that you can fall in love with them like I have.

Mondays to me signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week. Hopefully by Monday you've taking some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spent quality time with loved ones and friends which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

New to MMM? Visit this link for the original set up for it.

If you enter your URL in the Mister Linky box below, please be sure to include a link directly back to Vintage Indie at each Monday's URL in your post or to our home page http://vintageindiemag.com.  Now lets get started! (Check out the handy how-to link below)

I found this quote and it was such a sweet reminder. I hope that it helps you make the most of today and this week.

"Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation".
 - Brian Tracy

What about you? Do you have any sweet reminders you'd like to share?

Visit THIS LINK for information on how to participate, (it's easy peasy, trust me)

Making the Most of Monday - Are your kids suffering from toy overload?

As some of you know, I'm a pretty positive person when it comes to Monday's. In fact, I'm one of those people who may have you thinking, "shut up already it's Monday". Well I hope to change your mind about Monday's and hope that you can fall in love with them like I have.

Mondays to me signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week. Hopefully by Monday you've taking some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spent quality time with loved ones and friends which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

New to MMM? Visit this link for the original set up for it.

If you enter your URL in the Mister Linky box below, please be sure to include a link directly back to Vintage Indie at each Monday's URL in your post or to our home page http://vintageindiemag.com.  Now lets get started! (Check out the handy how-to list below)

This week is all about getting your kids organized. I'm not sure if you are facing toy overload at your house, but it had become an all consuming issue here at ours. Ask yourself these few questions.

1. Is cleanup time a stressful event at your house?
2. Does it seem like it takes them hours to clean-up their toys?
3. Do you tell them over and over, clean your room?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, we may have a simple solution for you.  Soon after my husband and I realized that our kids were getting overwhelmed during clean up time, we knew we had to do something about the toy overload.  The fact is they just had too much stuff. Play time would go something like this, get one toy out play for a second, launch across the room and get another. They weren't enjoying the toys that they did have, and most of all when it was time for clean-up it was become a fiasco.

So what was our simple solution you ask? GET RID OF TOYS! Sounds mean you say? Well think about it like this. Are they too old for half the toys they do have? Do you pull your hair out when it is clean-up time? Can you see your kids floor? Again, simple solution GET RID OF TOYS. Make it a family affair!

We explained to our boys that there was an easier way to keep their room clean and who doesn't like easy chores right?! Right from there they were on board. We explained some of the toys you have  are taking up room in your toy box need new kids to play with. This was also a great chance for us to talk about giving and how they could change the life of another child by giving. So we organized into three groups.

• Keep
• Give Away
• Broken/Trash

After we narrowed these down and we let them keep their favorites and of course new toys that had received for Christmas the avalanche started to dwindle and my smile started coming back. Next we purchased small to medium plastic tubs with lids and labels to sort toys. Each boy has a separate tub for their trucks & cars, legos, trains, action figures, play food and then one large bin/toy box each for larger toys ( you get the idea).  (Important Tip - What doesn't fit, doesn't stay). Last we set explained to each one where everything goes.

Most importantly, we don't worry about messy rooms during the day. In the evening before bedtime we tell them ONE time only they have a half an hour to clean up and put away their toys. Any toy that doesn't make it goes to the " toy jail" and goes missing for awhile.

Just these simple changes has relived their overwhelming feeling of there is just too much and their attitude of  I can't do it so I won't.  They both help clean up each others rooms and make sure their things are put away in the correct bins. Once again, life is good.

How do you keep your kids organized?

Visit THIS LINK for information on how to participate, (it's easy peasy, trust me)

If this helped you, I'd love to know. Please feel free to leave a comment.

Making the Most of Monday (Tuesday) - Feel Good About Your Week TODAY!

Due to technical difficulties yesterday Making the Most of Monday is being published today (Tuesday).

As some of you know, I'm a pretty positive person when it comes to Monday's. In fact, I'm one of those people who may have you thinking, "shut up already it's Monday". Well I hope to change your mind about Monday's and hope that you can fall in love with them like I have.

Mondays to me signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week. Hopefully by Monday you've taking some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spent quality time with loved ones and friends which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

New to MMM? Visit this link for the original set up for it.

If you enter your URL in the Mister Linky box below, please be sure to include a link directly back to Vintage Indie at each Monday's URL in your post or to our home page http://vintageindiemag.com.  Now lets get started! (Check out the handy how-to list below)

This week I have something for you to ponder. What do you think about this statement?

Don't spend your life stumbling in the dark. All you need to do is turn the light on. 

Making The Most of Monday and Birthdays

 

As some of you know, I'm a pretty positive person when it comes to Monday's. In fact, I'm one of those people who may have you thinking, "shut up already it's Monday". Well I hope to change your mind about Monday's and hope that you can fall in love with them like I have.

Mondays to me signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week. Hopefully by Monday you've taking some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spent quality time with loved ones and friends which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

New to MMM? Visit this link for the original set up for it.

If you enter your URL in the Mister Linky box below, please be sure to include a link directly back to Vintage Indie at each Monday's URL in your post or to our home page http://vintageindiemag.com.  Now lets get started! (Check out the handy how-to list below)

This Monday signifies something special for me. As it's my birthday!

Today I'll be taking the day off to enjoy some special time with my wonderful husband and our boys (don't worry new posts are still coming). It also signifies a fresh start for a new age. I'm hoping with each year that goes by I can become a better wife, a better mother and be more inspiring to all of you. I plan to focus more on strengthening my faith and growing into a stronger woman of God.

These are just personal goals coming from my heart, that I've set for myself for this age. I hope it gives you a different view of your birthday this year. With age comes knowledge and with faith comes peace into the years ahead.  

Now it's your turn, how will you make the most of Monday and your birthday this year?

Visit THIS LINK for information on how to participate, (it's easy peasy, trust me)

Making the most of Monday

1. Sojourn (Laundry)

Powered by... Mister Linky's Magical Widgets.

MMM - Making the Most of Monday 1.12.09 Blog Carnival - Life's Curve Balls

 

As some of you know, I'm a pretty positive person when it comes to Monday's. In fact, I'm one of those people who may have you thinking, "shut up already it's Monday". Well I hope to change your mind about Monday's and hope that you can fall in love with them like I have.

Mondays to me signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week. Hopefully by Monday you've taking some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spent quality time with loved ones and friends which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

New Years resolutions come and go, and we usually only think about them at the start of the new year, but often they get lost in the midst of life. Making the Most of Monday will give you a chance to set reachable goals, plan ahead for the week in an effort to minimize stress, and get the most out of your time. Think of Make the Most of it Monday as your chance to set mini goals for the week, plan ahead things you really want to get done in your business or personal life, so when Friday arrives you can feel good about what you've accomplished.

If you have your own blog, personal or business come back here on Monday's and post a link to your "Make the Most of it Monday post. Whether you are telling the world about what you'd like to accomplish that week, or more of a personal jot-it-down type of list, everyone will be able to click and see what you have planned and maybe some of your ideas will inspire them to set their own goals. 

If you enter your URL in the Mister Linky box below, please be sure to include a link directly back to Vintage Indie at each Monday's URL in your post or to our home page http://vintageindiemag.com.  Now lets get started! (Check out the handy how-to list below)

This week poses some challenges as I have a lot of errands and various things to do besides writing and working on Vintage Indie. This week is all about " curve balls". Organizing my time was my goal for last week, today I'm taking that one step further.

Life throws us curve balls and frankly I'm happy about it. If every day were the same thing over and over, I think I would start to get bored or even lackadaisical. Well, life does throw us curve balls, but it is how we handle them that makes all of the difference. This week if things change, I'm going to take a deep breath and handle them with grace. I'm going to do this stress free and without frazzling everyone else. I'm making a commitment to have a crazy peaceful week. 

Now it's your turn! 

Visit THIS LINK for information on how to participate, (it's easy peasy, trust me)