Spring Cleaning for your Life Part Two - Freshening up your Attitude

Mondays  signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week.

Hopefully by this Monday you've taken some off time during the glorious Easter 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 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

Unforgiveness

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 how 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 am 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

 

Spring Cleaning for your Life - Part One Out With the Old

Happy first day of spring! 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you allowing toxic relationships to run your life?

Do you surround yourself with people who control your thoughts?
Are you hanging on to any bad habits?
Do you have a poor attitude?
Are you allowing fear to keep you from stepping out? Is discouragement keeping you from your dreams?
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, please feel free to comment below. 

Making the Most of Tuesday: It's almost New Years!

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.

Do you feel overwhelmed on Mondays? Do you feel the weight of your week beginning to pull you down before you even have a chance to get started? I'm challenging you like I often do here at Vintage Indie, to Make the the Most of your Monday AND your week. You already know that Monday is the start and more often then not if Monday goes well, the rest of your week has a leg to stand on.

 

Are you crawling out of the piles of wrapping paper, sugary treats, and leftovers? I know we are. I mentioned yesterday on my Facebook that the Lego store puked on our living room. I wasn't kidding, but the joy and excitement of the build is something that brings joy to this mama's heart.

The VI family has been spending lots of time with daddy during his winter vacation and getting plenty of rest and days full of play before the new year begins. Speaking of the new year, can you believe it is ALMOST New Year's! I can hardly believe it. This year seem to have flown by as fast at the last one. Why does this happen the older I get? Either way there isn't anything I can do to change it, so my thought is enjoy it. Enjoy it to its fullest!

I've heard some some buzz of post Christmas "blues".  I've been thinking about that lately. I'm the kinda gal who's motto "it's over when it's over" and our tree is down the day after Christmas.  I like the feeling of cleaning up, organizing and starting OVER with the new year. This doesn't signify that I'm unhappy with the previous year, but New Year's is like spring  to me. A fresh start for new things to grow and develope but on a bigger level than Mondays. It is a fresh start to your LIFE!

You have the opportunity to not just "set goals" and the typical New Year's resolutions, but to change your life for whatever needs changing. I don't want to sound cliche though, which is why you're reading this now instead of January 1st. I want just want you to start thinking about that concept. Whether you're starting January 1st or giving yourself until February or just taking it one day at a time. The truth is you can do it.

Of course, I'd be lying if I said it was all you, you, you, you who can make it happen. For my life, I've learned that "³ I can do all things through Christ^[b] who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13. Of course there is more to this scripture and I encourage you to read it below, but how amazing it is the God has placed in his Word for us, that through Him, I (we) can do all things. This next year, I'm encouraging you to " ³³But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33. 

These very tools are all of the power you need within "self" to change what needs changing, to fix what is broken, to feel refreshed and restored.  A new year is time to celebrate, to make memories to last a lifetime and to grow as a wife, mother, sister, daughter, son, father, husband or friend. 

I know in the depths of my heart that if you seek Him, you will find the fulfillment that you need to lay a solid foundation for a wonderful new year. 

Blessings to you and your family, 

Gabreial Wyatt

 

Editor's note: Whenever you read or see a scripture quoted in a book or article, I suggest looking up the whole chapter to read the quoted scripture in its entirety so that things are clear and not construed in a misguided light.   

Philippians 4 

Matthew 6

 

Making the Most of Monday: Fitness Challenge

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.

Do you feel overwhelmed on Mondays? Do you feel the weight of your week beginning to pull you down before you even have a chance to get started? I'm challenging you like I often do here at Vintage Indie, to Make the the Most of your Monday AND your week. You already know that Monday is the start and more often then not if Monday goes well, the rest of your week has a leg to stand on.

 

I haven't talked much about fitness here at Vintage Indie, but I do believe it plays a big role in our "organic & whole living" lifestyle. From the very beginning of Biblical times, it was set out for us to work the fields and tend the soil. With so much technology and everything at our fingertips, we aren't getting the daily exercise we would be if we were actually working the soil and tending the land.

Today I'm challenging you, and hope that you'll challenge me right back to create some sort of fitness in your daily life. Often times, we can get wrapped up in our computer chair and daily life that we forget to think about how our bodies need to move and need to build muscle, myself included. I remember last year when I was working out with a personal trainer, I felt SO good. I really felt my best. Not only was I eating clean and watching what I put in my mouth, but I was sweating, moving and building muscle. Too bad after vacation was over, I never picked back up on my fitness goals, and here I am today wishing I would have never stopped. I think I've been in this cycle for years now.

So, I'm encouraging you to get back on the trail of daily fitness. I'm walking/jogging today and using one of my favorite workout videos.I also joined SparkPeople, where I plan to track my calories again. The truth is, I remember how much it helped me keep focused before. Have you used SparkPeople? Maybe we'll create a team and do this together!

What do you do for daily fitness and how do you plan to stay on track? 

Happy Monday to you, and here is to getting fit for health's sake!

 

Gabreial

Making the Most of Monday: Meet my new little brother...

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.

Do you feel overwhelmed on Mondays? Do you feel the weight of your week beginning to pull you down before you even have a chance to get started? I'm challenging you like I often do here at Vintage Indie, to Make the the Most of your Monday AND your week. You already know that Monday is the start and more often then not if Monday goes well, the rest of your week has a leg to stand on.

 

Welp, Monday is almost over, but that doesn't mean your week has to be bad no matter what kind of day you had! If all else fails and you're ready to go to bed, maybe this picture of my new little brother will help to cheer you up.

Meet "Clutch"

He's actually in my moms purse heading for a ride on the motorcycle. He loves it! He's such a sweetie and a lovely addition to our family. Babies and puppies, does it get any cuter?

 

xoxo Gabreial

Making the Most of Wednesday: Authentic

I've missed Making the Most of Monday here at Vintage Indie lately. Mostly, because I don't feel the need to publish something inspiring or from the heart unless I'm truly feeling it, just for the sake of a feature. Today's Making the Most of Monday fell on a Wednesday lucky for you. It is hump day after all.

I just finished watching this documentary called Divided. I'm bringing it here because I have been blessed with this platform to share "real life" with you. It touched my heart and my way of thinking. I hope that if you've had questions about the topic of authentic faith and the role of the family in youth ministry that you'll gain some inspiration and guidance from it as well.

 

 

Divided Trailer from NCFIC on Vimeo.

 

From the movie website; As you look on the church landscape, youth are leaving the faith in droves. The modern church, overall, is struggling to reach the next generation with the gospel. What has happened? Whether for good or bad, men, for many years, have been inventing solutions or brainstorming ideas without fully relying upon the foundation of God’s Word. God, however, is greater than man, and as the heavens are above the earth, so are His ways higher than ours and His thoughts than our thoughts (Is. 55:8-9). We have substituted the greater for the lesser – God’s wisdom for man’s ideas. Jesus said that he who hears His Word and does it, is like a man that built his house upon a rock, and when the storm came, it stood firm. On the other hand, he who rejects His Word, is like a man who built on the sand and when the storm came, the house fell (Matt. 7:24-25). Shouldn’t the church, as a whole, abandon the sandy ideas of man and shamelessly return to the firm rock of the Word of God? God’s Word sufficiently identifies how youth are to be reached. For more information on this issue, please see the film Divided, which is a documentary on age-segregated youth ministry in America. Watch it for free (for a limited time) at www.dividedthemovie.com. For an in-depth study, the book A Weed in the Church delves into the topic and more thoroughly handles the Scripture passages that address ministry to young people.

 

xoxox Gabreial

Making the Most of Monday: A busy week ahead? Don't fall apart.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Do you feel overwhelmed on Mondays? Do you feel the weight of your week beginning to pull you down before you even have a chance to get started? I'm challenging you like I often do here at Vintage Indie, to Make the the Most of your Monday AND your week. You already know that Monday is the start and more often then not if Monday goes well, the rest of your week has a leg to stand on.

One of my favorite things to do in the mornings to start my week is to listen to husband and wife ministers, Charles & Hillary Price of Living Truth. This is one of the ways I recharge and refuel.  You can listen to past Sunday's services on their Podcast and also find older archives on YouTube. Doing the dishes, folding laundry and cleaning seems a lot less mundane and fulfilling when you're recharging you heart. If you're struggling in any part of your life, I encourage you to listen to Hilary's message from Nazareth March 29, 2009. Although, I encourage you to listen to any one of the topics and fill your cup.

 

On my bookshelf this week;

31 Days to Clean - Having a Martha House the Mary Way. ( I'm not very far into this book so I do not know the scripture references, versions or details)

The Handbook of Vintage Remedies (review coming soon)

Blessings to you my friends,

Have a lovely and fulfilling week.

xoxo Gabreial

 

 

 

Making the Most of Monday: Weekend in Memories

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.

 

 

 

 

 

My weekend was so full of life and enjoyment and happy memories that I want to remember them again here with you. 

• Party at a friends house. Laughed so hard my cheeks hurt.
• Youngest Love's First Tee Ball Game.
• Some of the littler guys drew in the dirt with their fingers.
• Watching my son being a team player and encouraging others. Made my heart happy.
• Tried a new pizza place. It was OK. not my favorite, but not bad.
• Family Movie Night
• All of the lights have to be off and the shades pulled. It's more fun that way you know.
• Early Mother's Day gift from a "big kid" for a husband who can't stand to wait to surprise me with anything.
• An Espresso Maker (I'm in it for the froth)
• Early morning lovins on Mother's Day morning with two boys who did chores without having to be told.
• Lots of kisses and hugs. Slowly starting to melt.
• Change of plans for Mother's Day lunch with in-laws.
• Turned out to be an even more delicious food experience. Couldn't have asked for a better meal.
• Shopping Fancy stores with my mother-in-law (window shopping that is)
• Two boys and a hubby who tagged along with cheerful hearts even thought all three hate shopping.
• SUNSHINE
• SUNSHINE
• Did I mention the SUN SHOWED Its Face?
• A lovely new purse from my stylish mother-in-law
• Phone calls from family and my momma who I missed this weekend.
• Planted My Rose Bushes I'm determined to have my version of an English Garden.
• Planted lovely flowers from a neighbor girls fundraiser.
• Sleep.

 

What a glorious weekend and to top it off, good news from the doctor today.

God is Good, He's so Good To Me!

 

I hope you had a lovely and memorable weekend.

xoxo - Gabreial

 

Making the Most of Monday: Owie. On My Bookshelf. In My Kitchen

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owie, can you say that three times fast? I'm still in recovery mode after having my wisdom teeth removed on this fine sunny Monday. I'm not at all happy that they came out. I'm not even sure how necessary it was for all three to go, but the pressure for wisdom teeth removal these days is quite ridiculous and insurance covers more, the more teeth you have out. Go figure! While I'm trying to get some rest and home school my two children I've also been busy with a couple of projects.(doesn't sound like a lot of resting going on, but hubby has been graciously picking up the slack for me everywhere else, I'm a lucky gal!)

Projects, well reading for one. I can't seem to stop. Does anyone out there have this problem? On my bookshelf The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan. If you've seen Food Inc. you should know some of what the first half of the book is about, but the second half has been very eye opening. I recommend this book if you'd like to know some straight facts into the "organic" world of marketing, processing and the organic side of food. I'm not on board with all of Michael Pollan's evolutionist views, but the food facts I appreciate.

Yesterday, I mustered up some strength and focus to finally make our first sourdough recipe from our "monster" aka our sourdough starter. We've been feeding him faithfully and we're excited to be in the kitchen experimenting.

Gnowfglins "Embracing "God's Natural, Organic, Whole Foods, Grown Locally, In Season"  Sourdough eCourse has been fabulous. The waffles turned out light, fluffy, buttery and so so good! The boys have really learned a lot about natural cultures, lactobacilli bacteria and the process of traditional sourdough. When I wake up they remind me to feed the monster, keep an eye on his bubbles and inhale his delicious smell. We're giving pizza dough a try tonight and hope to be on our way to making bread by next week. Baby steps! If you're looking to get a start on baking your own bread and get away from as much processed foods as you can, I highly recomend Gnowfglins. I appreciate what these ladies stand for and their love of teaching traditional ways.

 

What about you? How is your Monday going? Have you read The Omnivore's Dilemma? What did you think? Any good book reccomendations for me?

xoxo Gabreial

Making the Most of Monday: Listening to Your Kids Part 2

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.

 Listening to Your Kids Part 1.

 

 

 

 

Do you ever have those parenting moments when your heart breaks for them? The struggles, the trials and the problems they face. Sometimes they are insignificant and part of growing up, but to them they are everything. Sometimes these trials are more serious in nature and speak to the heart of your child and you as a parent.

I've been faced with a few of these lately and it has been truly hard to swallow. Usually anger tries to creep in, and on some levels it does, and I have to put my hand over my mouth. Thankfully the Holy Spirit brings lessons of forgiveness and love into my heart towards the people who are hurting my children with their words. I'm so grateful when He does, so that I'm able to look at the heart of the matter and grow my children to be stronger men of God for it. I take comfort when I seek peace from the Lord. I hope you can find comfort in Him too.

Our Bible lessons tend to just stem from what we're facing in our lives at that moment. Some of these trials are all new to me as a parent and I find His Word comforting. James 2-8 is not an easy lesson for those of us living in this world, but it's is where we can find true joy in this life when we're faced with difficult life lessons.

James 2-8 (NIV) ² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Have a great day,

Gabreial

Making the Most of Monday: Listening to Your Kids

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.

 

 

 

 

It seems like I've been in a heart tugging mood lately. Just recently my oldest son and I went to the grocery store together. I like to have him come along, he's such a good helper at the store. Usually when it is just the two of us, he's the one who remembers my list. Ya know, the one I wrote out and left on the counter at home.

As soon as we hit the door, he started chatting and didn't stop until we left the store. I laughed and smiled and laughed some more. He's such a detail oriented kid and I'm constantly amazed at all the things he remembers and things that interest him. During these moments I feel God is really speaking to my heart and telling me I'm doing a good job. I've taken him out of the box that the school was putting him in and he's growing and expanding his brain in a way God meant for it to grow. Please know I'm not saying all schools are this way, I know a lot of them aren't and are full of caring teachers not wrapped up in testing and money. I'm just talking about my boy.

On our way home he said something that really tugged at my heart. He said, " Mom, I know what I want to be when I grow up. I just don't know if it is what God wants me to be, a Lego designer". I told him, "You never know son. God could want you to be a Lego designer. He may put you in an office with people who need Him and you may be the one to share Christ with them".  

Conversations like these remind me I need to spend more one on one time with each of my children. They need that connection with me. They have heartfelt feelings and glorious desires that are often overlooked during a mundane homeschool week.

This week, I'm encouraging you to listen to your kids. Spend a little one on one time with them. It may tug at your heart and give you joy like it has given me.

Have a great week!

xoxo Gabreial

 

Making the Most of Monday: Refreshing the Spirit with Your Spouse Part 1

 

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.

 

Well hello lovelies, how are you on this fine Monday? You remember I love Monday's right?

I'm thrilled to be back with Making the most of Monday today. It is often very hard for me to only talk about materialistic things here at VI, so I'd like to get a little personal with you every once in awhile. Is that alright?

My husband and I attended a conference this weekend. No kids, just us.  Three days of getting into God's word together and learning about love, respect, honor and meeting each others needs. Although at times, certain parts of it were hard to swallow, we all want everything sugary sweet right? The most important part I took from the conference was living our marriage according to God's Will and not ours.

I needed that nudge, that subtle reminder that everything in life can be found in the Bible. He's created a road map for marriage if we just seek it. I was so inspired by the weekend that I plan to do a personal Bible study myself to refresh my spirit on what the Bible says exactly about my role as a wife and my role in our marriage.

I'm pleased to say my husband and I are happily married. We're going on eight years this year and every year that goes by it gets a little easier. We start getting more and more comfortable communicating what we want/need from each other and often times we sail through weeks with no disagreements. Let's get real though, we're not perfect. We're not Adam and Eve before the fall. We're descendants of Adam and Eve and therefore not perfect. We were created in His image, but we didn't stay that way.  Our job is to realize this and build and grow a strong relationship with our spouse once we've figured that part out. 

I encourage you to think about a couple of words I mentioned earlier. Love, Respect, Honor. What do they mean to you in your marriage? Are you meeting your spouses needs? Are you living your marriage according to God's plan or someone else's ideas of what that should be.

Ladies if I may pick on you for a moment. We need to take a hard look at how we show respect for our husbands in front of others. Have we talked bad about him behind his back? Are we showing honor to him when he's not around. Do your friends dislike your husband because you've made him out to be something he's not. Whatever the case may be, we need to take back respect for the husband/father role in family. Hollywood has done its best to cast a poor light on the dad as being the dummy and I'm frankly sick of it.

Take a stand for your man. Start giving him the respect he desires and watch him melt your need for love.

 

Here are a few scriptures to get you started.

Matthew 19:6 NIV

⁶ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Ephesians 4:29 NIV

 ²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Hebrews 3:13 NIV

¹³ But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

xoxo Gabreial

Making the Most of Monday: A Farmer's Fair Weekend!

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.

 

Well hello lovelies, how are you on this fine Monday morning? You remember I love Monday's right! Around here Monday is a heavy school day, with no interruptions. As we prepare for our school day, I wanted to talk about my weekend for a minute.

This past weekend my husband & kiddo's and I headed to the 2nd annual Farmer's Fair. It was such a fabulous event.

The keynote speaker happened to be Mr. Ed Beagley, Jr. himself, but we didn't make it in time to hear what he had to say, (hubby had to work in the morning). Anyway, the event was fun, totally up my alley and full of great local food, information and ideas.

Highlights included Dolce Vita Gelato Cafe & Coffee 517 6th Ave.
Dayton, KY 41074

We split a refreshing NO EGG, NO DAIRY Pink Grapefruit gelato. It was more like a sorbet, but creamy at the same time. It was so delicious. I can't wait to make my way to Dolce Vita to try their other flavors. Rumor has it they offer Lemon, Lemon Basil, Hazelnut and other innovative combinations.

Other new to me places included the only 4 start restaurant CHALK food & wine located at 318 Greenup St., Covington KY 41011.

Fab Ferments was also there, I tried the local Sauerkraut and treated myself to a jar of their hot KimChi. It is delicious, if I do say so myself. Do any of you eat KimChi? If so, how often and with what? We also picked up a jar of their Grape & Purple Carrot Kombucha, my boys have been sipping it slowly. I think it is an acquired taste for sure.

We also tried samples from Kenny's Farmhouse Cheeses, delicious raw cheeses were had there. I hope to plan a field trip there very soon.

I'm just thrilled that there are local restaurants that care about fresh, organic and wholesome ingredients. I hope to visit each one of them soon. I'll let you know how it goes. In the meantime, have you sought out any restaurants in your area using local, fresh wholesome ingredients?

I'm almost finished with a fabulous book I've been reviewing. Stay tuned for that this week and for your chance to WIN a copy of the book. It will take away any doubts that you have on affording, real, wholesome and nutritional food for you and your family. No processes junk!

 

Have a great week, I'll see you back here soon.

 

xoxo Gabreial

 

 

Making the Most of Monday: Back to School Again...

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.

 

Well hello lovelies, how are you all? Are you making the most of this Monday? We're back to school this week so my schedule has completely changed here in blog-land. As you can tell, posts will be coming quite later in the day.

I mentioned organization awhile back and I haven't forgot about that. I've just been well, trying to get organized! One of the main goals I've had is to meal plan and prepare things ahead of time so that dinner time isn't so hectic around here. What about you? Are you a meal planner?

Among all of our back to school organization and getting things swinging in homeschool land, I've also been attached to a new read. Real Food on a Real Budget by Stephanie Langford. I'll be reviewing the book in full here as well as a GIVEAWAY! I can already tell you that I love it! It is full of great, great ideas and practical too. Just a heads up in case you'd like to go ahead and snag your own copy.

I've truly been inspired lately and have been having fun freezing (instead of canning) for the winter. As a matter of fact, I have a whole case of apples calling my name. - Toodles!

 

What are you doing to prepare for winter?

xoxo Gabreial

Overflowing

Wild Hydragea

I haven't made the most of Monday this week or the last Monday or probably, even the Monday before that so today, I'm going to make the most of Wednesday. I don't often find myself getting too personal here at Vintage Indie, but some days I simply must. I hope this is OK with you.

Some days I feel so full, that it overflows and I need to share it with you. I want you to know that there is a true real person behind this screen. A person who has dreams, aspirations, difficulties and tough situations just like the rest of you. A person who cares. A person who wants to do good for others. A person with a truly tender heart for others. There are so many people in my life, including people of whom I've never met who have truly touched my life. They have inspired me in various ways to be a better wife, mom and friend. They've inspired me to be true to myself and comfortable in my own skin.

I believe that God has placed these people in my life for a reason.  I truly believe that He has a plan for all of our lives and I have to thank Him, my Heavenly Father for the special path he's paved just for me. 

Today I woke up with peace and joy. Overflowing JOY. This isn't the kind of joy or happiness that you can buy, I'm talking about real joy. It's not even something that happens very often, but when it does it is some-kind-of-special. I wrote about it awhile back over at my church website. If you're in need of some uplifting real joy and peace, I encourage you to have a read. If not, it's no big deal. I just want to encourage you to make the most of this Wednesday, today, right where you are at no matter what your situation is.

Start today with a giving spirit and try to make the most of this day, by showing kindness and even love to others, even when they don't deserve it.

Have a great day,

Gabreial

Making the Most of Monday: One more day please!

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 lovely readers, how was your weekend? Our weekend was fine, but I sure could use one more day. We ran all weekend and I need to catch up on so much. Laundry, cleaning, filing and organizing you know how it is sometimes. My goal for the week is to get paperwork under control. What goals do you have for the week?

We visited the Burlington Antique Show yesterday, it was another great show. If you live in the area (Burlington, KY) you should give it a go. It is the third Sunday of the month. They open up bright and early for you to shop and close at 3 PM. I'm just glad the rain held off. I hope to have some photos for you very soon.

Today is a fun day for me. We're finishing up our spring study in our home school and an exciting announcement is coming your way at noon. I hope you'll stop back, because I'll need your vote! This will make one charity very happy. 

How is your household product challenge going? I've started a spreadsheet to document the products that we're using. It starts by listing the product name, followed by where to purchase, price, grade from Skin Deep, a link to the product on Skin Deep and the date that this information was posted. Not only does this help me keep inventory of what were using, but helps me keep track of pricing and formula changes. I'll be back later to share a couple of tips with you on how to search products that may not be listed on Skin Deep.

Until then, have a beautiful day everyone and please come back here at noon to hear my announcement!

xoxo Gabreial

Making the Most of Monday: Well, hello Monday!

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.

Well, hello Monday!

How is everyone this morning? I have to say, I'm feeling pretty darn good this Monday morning. We had our first weekend of doing absolutely nothing or anything that we didn't want to do in a long time and boy was it nice. Monday is here though and that means a new week. This week, I'm super busy with homeschooling activities and becoming more frugal. A friend of mine has been inspiring me lately, although I haven't told her, but my goal this week is to get on the frugal wagon! I think I'll pick her brain a bit and find out more of her tips and tricks.

Speaking of frugal, It has been a couple of days since I mentioned Swag Bucks to you, but I wanted to let you know that it is in fact real and it works. I've already earned a $5.00 gift card to spend at Amazon, just for searching the internet. My frugal friend also sent me another link today called Groupons. I've signed up and I'm pretty excited about the savings there. It is a group coupon website where the more who purchase the more you save type of thing. If you aren't in the Greater Cincinnati area, don't worry there are many other cities to choose from. From this site I've learned about a organic fresh fruit and veggie delivery service that I had no idea was in my area. Check it out for yourself Groupons. 

FYI: Frugal doesn't mean cheap, it means your smart. 

What about you? What are your goals for this week? Do you have any frugal tips to share?

Disclaimer: If you click on any of those links up there they are affiliate links. 

Making the Most of Monday: O Monday, Monday, wherefore art thou Monday?

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.

Well, hello Monday!

It seems as if I've been missing you. Friday turns into Saturday so quickly and Saturday into Sunday just as fast, that Monday just gets lost into the mix. I've been missing my Monday fresh start as each day blends into the next. Selling a house on top of everyday tasks seems to have swallowed you up! I'm also adoring sweet, sweet sleep. My body was calling for it and boy, I'm so glad I found some this morning. Amidst the puppy's accident in his den at 5am, I think I've recovered quite well. In fact, I'm feeling refreshed and renewed.

What about you? Have you lost Monday? I vote we take it back and start over, I needed Monday back just as bad as Saturday!

This past weekend has been such a whirlwind, we went to our first ever homeschool convention with over 13,000 people in attendance. It was so rewarding, eye opening and a lot of fun. My mom joined me for the half day and full day on Friday. Her presence and help was wonderful. Don't you just love how moms can do that? They just fill in the the holes, smoothing things over, making you feel on top of your game. I truly appreciate my mama. Thanks for going with me mom. On Saturday hubby was able to go and he picked up where my mama left off and we had a blast.

One of the most invigorating and wonderful speakers we heard at the convention was John Rosemond. His talks were not on homeschooling at all, but parenting. I haven't made Vintage Indie much of a parenting blog, but I'm going to change that for just a moment. If you are a parent looking for help, change, a refresher I highly recommend John Rosemond. He has published several books and writes a column appearing weekly in more than 200 newspapers nationwide including The Charlotte Observer, Miami Herald, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Hartford Courant, Omaha World-Herald, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Raleigh News and Observer, Durham Herald, and Albuquerque Journal.

We actually attended all five of his sessions at the convention, five hours worth of good, good parenting information. His advice is not typical, not your typical ten-step program for parenting, but a liberating and eye opening experience for parents of today. If you are one of those parents, tired of the psychology mumbo-jumbo shoved down our throats these days, pay his website a visit or check out one of his books. I don't think you will be disappointed. 

John's sessions from the convention will be appearing sometime soon on thehomeschoolchannel.tv which is a live streaming channel and community website on the internet, much like Vintage Indie's Vintage Pulse community. Keep an eye out for their broadcast schedule featuring it. It will only appear for about two weeks there.

In the meantime, have a super-ultra-mega-fantastic day! I'll be back this week with some vintag-y goodness for you.

♥ Gabreial

Making the Most of Monday: You say it's March Already?

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.

You say it is March already, really? Where did January and February go? In these chilly parts of Kentucky, I could sure use some green flowering plants, warm sunshine and all of that yummy spring and summer stuff. How are you holding up where you are? Are you seeing a light at the end of your gray tunnel?

We have about 3.5 months until homeschool is finished for summer break yee-haw! I can't tell you what a joy and absolute gift this has been for us. I wouldn't trade this time for anything. I also wouldn't mind getting a little bit of it back. You see running Vintage Indie, Vintage Pulse, the Indie Wedding Guide as well as homeschooling has been a whirlwind of opportunities and draining every ounce of my time. This is the part of this post where I tell you, I'm really going to start slowing things down. Get priorities organized and focus on what is most important my faith and my family. 

This is a great time of year to start thinking about spring cleaning for your life. Last year, I wrote a three part series about Spring Cleaning for Your Life.

I decided to go back to this series and see how my answers fair this year. Below are the questions I posed to you then from Part One.

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? ( this is a hard one for me and one I'm trying my hardest to accomplish this year)

Like I mentioned above number seven has been a doozy for me. I've been holding on to so much that I really need to just let go of. I woke up one morning this year thinking how in the world did my children get to be this age. As much as I was ready to be out of stinky diapers, I almost wish they were still here.

Letting go of things that keep your mind bound, your lifestyle not as active as it should be start to take a toll on your insides. As much as I enjoy these things, they are consuming me and I'm loosing out on precious time.

I'm going to take this week, this new month to review the Spring Cleaning for Your Life series and get priorities whipped back into shape. Personal family changes around here started a couple of weeks ago and I can already see how life changing some of these changes are affecting us here at home.

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

I hope you find this post to be encouraging and helpful in your quest to spring clean your life. Have a great week. As you can imagine posts will be lighter around here, but will not cease completely. 

xoxo ♥ Gabreial

Making the Most of Monday: Get Your Read On!

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.

It has been awhile since my last Making the Most of Monday feature, as in the start of fall 2009! I think I was in a Monday funk, which is totally not like me. Mondays are fresh, Mondays are new. I should have been practicing what I preach right? Well, today I woke up feeling good. It finally felt like New Years to me. Spirits are good this morning so I'm going to take advantage of it and enjoy it. 

Lately, I've been focusing on adding more education and reading to my own life. I've started to keep a book list. I think it will be a great idea to see what I've read throughout the year and it will feel good to cross them off my list after I've read them. I thought I would share my book list with you and if you have any that you'd like to suggest, I'd love to see them. 

These books are not listed in my Amazon store. I plan to just link directly to them. Maybe after I read them I'll add them to the store.

2010 Book List

The Business of Heaven Daily Readings from C.S. Lewis

From Clutter to Clarity by Nancy Twigg

In Defense of Food Michael Pollan

Nurture Give and get what you need to flourish by Lisa Brevere

The Vegan Table Colleen Patrick - Goudreau 

The Kind Diet Alicia Silverstone   - I just read this one and I may have a review for it very soon.

The Creative Family Amanda Soule

I know I'm forgetting some and this certainly won't be enough for the year so I'll add them to this list as they come to me.

I hope I've inspired you to create your own book list for this year.

Have a great Monday! 

xoxo - Gabreial

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