Noemi Photography

It occurred to me a couple of days ago how much time I spend deleting emails that I don’t even read. I don’t read them because I don’t want to or/and because I don’t want what they are selling.

So, I took charge of my inbox. I started clicking “unsubscribe” every day! New emails come and if I don’t open them…they are deleted forever.

I can not tell you how liberating this has been for me.

If you didn’t know you could do this you can. The unsubscribe button is usually at the bottom of an email and if they don’t have one you can right click, select junk and block the email address.

Or you may be like me and you’re thinking,  “Someday you might want to know when the BIG SALE is.” Well, here’s what I’ve figured out. There is always a sale somewhere. If you want to find it on sale you usually can…no email required!

The great news is all the stores you get emails from will not be offended! They love you and would take you back at any moment! You are safe.

I like having less mail and more relevant mail waiting on me.

Whew! Try it! You might like it!

Last week my six year old daughter said, “Momma, what’s wrong? You look mad.” But, I wasn’t. In that moment I realized, how important it is to smile.

Try it.

Seriously. Right now. Just smile.

When I do it I automatically giggle. Which in turn leads to more smiles.

I take care of my kids every day and I know they won’t remember that…what do I want them to remember? I want them to remember my smile. Because I love them, love being home with them, love sharing the good, the bad and the ugly moments of every day AND I love laughing with them.

(Can you hear the song from Mary Poppins in your head? “I love to LAUGH!” or is that just me?)

So, what I’m saying is, take an opportunity today to turn a seriously frustrating moment…can’t think of any? I’ll lend you some of mine!

“Put on your shoes. Go find your shoes and then put them on. Did you get your shoes on? I asked you to put them on. Can you do that right now please?”

OR

“Pick up the toys and put them away. Let’s sing the clean up song! Can you help Momma put the toys away? Nope. Not playing time…It’s time to put the toys away. Pick up one toy at a time and put it in the bin. You can do this!”

OR

“Can you eat over the table? Sit on your bum and eat over your plate. Don’t play with your food just eat it. Sit down. On your bum. You’re doing great on your eating! Can you finish everything before you ask for more?”

I could go on but I’m sure you get the point. When you feel like you’re losing your mind from constantly repeating and getting zero response…smile. Laugh at the moment. Enjoy the moment and the craziness of your life.

You know I’m totally preaching to myself on this right? I hope I hear it!

Yesterday a friend came up to me at church and said, “I love your smile! When you smile the whole room lights up!” I want that in my home.

Have a wonderful day of smiles and laughter.

Love,

N

What does this season mean to me? So much.

Anticipation.

Family.

Dressing up.

Snow.

Getting cozy.

Friends.

Celebrating.

Thankfulness.

Spending.

Savoring.

Peace and rest.

Focusing.

I love this time of year. Have you put on your Christmas music, lit a candle, taken a bubble bath, read a book lately? Why not? ‘Tis the season.

Just over 3 weeks til Christmas. Let’s enjoy every minute.

Not only did a few hundred shoppers come out to Rachel’s Holiday Boutique and buy from Twin Cities Small Businesses, but we raised almost $4000.00 for the Michelle Project! I’d say that is a success! I was so happy to be a part of it.

I took some pictures of the vendors. Here’s a few of my favorite things!

Urban Halo Headbands

Wildruffle Accessories

Sewtroplolis Sewing kits

Anna Dvorak Skin Care – She is working really hard on a new website and I’ll be featuring her site in the near future! Sit tight!

This first shot was taken at The Floral Studio table. Christmas is a beautiful time of year and this captures it perfectly!

This is one of my fav's from the Boutique. Simple right?

You've heard me talk about Urban Halo before...I'm not done! I love these headbands!

Wildruffle was there...I love her stuff too!

Anna Dvorak's All Natural Line of skin care products is quickly becoming my daily ritual! A "must have" this winter...unless you like cracked skin.

Everything was done well! The food served was incredible! Yup, I spend a lot of time near the kitchen.