Organized: A Start

I'll admit it: Getting and staying organized is hard sometimes. Pretty calendars and neat lists sound exciting and those alone keep me going for a few days but then what?

I've made a three-columned list that helps me take organizing one day at a time.

I laminated my list so that each day, I can write down my tasks (in dry erase marker) and erase them the next day and start all over again.

How do I categorize and prioritize between the three columns?

The must do column is pretty self-explanatory. Here I write down the tasks that I must complete for the day such as homeschooling, Bible reading and such.

The should do column is comprised of the things that, if I have extra time, I should do (to get a head start on the next day's must do list.) It is not mandatory to do the things on this list.

The can do list is a free time list. If I complete my must do tasks, I can indulge in using my iPod or some other extra privilege.

So far, this method has helped me manage my time better. Before, the day would go by and I didn't have time to fully complete my important tasks with excellence. Now, I prioritize and everything gets done.

How do your stay organized? What method(s) help you? I'll take all the help I can get:)

What I'm Warming + A Product Review

A few months ago my mother and I were introduced to a brand of wickless, wax candles called Scentsy. After attending a launch party, we were both sold on the warmer designs, over 80 scents to choose from, and the other products Scentsy offered. (Do you like a scrumptious smelling hand sanitizer?)

For my room, my mom and I decided on getting a plug-in warmer. I liked that the plug-in warmers were compact but still featured many of the beautiful designs on the larger full and medium size warmers. Another bonus feature is the swivel base that fits in any outlet, even if it’s horizontal.

I chose the plug-in warmer “Bud.” It’s delicate pattern of kite tails and bows reminds me of lace stockings and the color scheme was effortless yet elegant.

Luna was the first scent I warmed and was a winner from the very beginning. I popped one cube into my warmer and after just a few minutes, a floral yet tangy smell tingled my senses. I also caught a hint of berries. Luna is definitely a fresh scent and I welcomed the crispness of it each time I entered my room. During homeschooling, I’d walk into my room for no other reason than to smell it! After the warmer was switched off, the delightful aroma still lingered. It battled the smells of dinner and won a decisive victory.

Luna, Perfectly Pomegranate, and Sweet Pea and Vanilla are on my list of favorites but that list is sure to grow as I experiment with new fragrances. No matter your scent palette or mood, you are sure to find something for you in the Scentsy fragrance lineup.

Counting My Blessings

He has made everything beautiful...

Ecclesiastes 3:11

Yes, He sure did! All around us there are manifestations of the beauty God created! In the simplest things, I see God's hand and see His impeccable attention to detail. 

Have you taken time to just sit and admire the lovely things God has created all around you. Having fun, smiles and giggles are another form of beauty that I like to enjoy along with the beauty of nature. I am so grateful for all of the little things as well as the big things that I get to enjoy on a day to day basis.

I'm thankful for  my new Scentsy plug-in warmer. I'll be reviewing this little beauty very soon:)

Want to know what I'm warming? Stay tuned for my product review and favorite scents!

I'm thankful for shopping excursions with my mom and grandma. We have so much fun together, especially when we are bargain hunting!

For the record, my grandma is a really great shopper! We did some serious clothing rack sweeping!

I'm thankful for autumn trips to a farm. Spending time with my family in Christ is so precious!

Some are born to be chicken wranglers... I was not.

After petting the animals, we each got to pick a pumpkin.

Ali and her prized pumpkin.

I'm also thankful for getting to spend time with my little sister. The other day she told me, "Kianna, you're the best." She, even though she may not know it, encourages me with her sweet comments.

I'm thankful for my mom giving me more opportunities to prove that I can be responsible. 

What are you thankful for?

Book Review: Taming the Wind

About the Book:

A young widow nursing the wounds of her past...

A cowboy with demons of his own...

Though grateful for the blessing of her daughter, Carissa Lowe has accepted that widowhood is her lot in life. Bound by fear and mistrust, she feels incapable of opening her heart again.

Tyler Atherton has never forgotten Carissa. When he discovers she's living with her sister on a nearby ranch, his life becomes intertwined with the lovely widow's. And Carissa's daughter, Gloria, seems determined to wrap herself around his little finger. But while Tyler longs to provide a home and future for Carissa, he is haunted by an obligation he feels unable to fulfill.

Challenged by mounting hardships, can Carissa and Tyler preserve their fledgling love in a land as unforgiving and vibrant as the people who call it home?

My Review:

Taming the Wind is my type of Western! Tracie Peterson is a wonderful story teller and having read her books before (House of Secrets) I knew that this read was sure to please! I didn't read the two preceding books in the Land of the Lone Star Series but I felt well acquainted with everyone.

I loved the two main characters, Carissa and Tyler. Both have had painful, traumatic pasts that have embittered their hearts, but are working toward embracing their present and enjoying their future... together. I enjoyed reading of Carissa's past and seeing how she slowly overcame the fears she had about trusting her heart to the hands of another man. She sought the Lord and asked for his help. Tyler, also embittered, asks for help from on high, recognizing that he, alone, can not forgive without God's help.

Even though this is a fictional tale, it does shed light on forgiveness, overcoming fears and internal struggles. The plot was very Christ-centered and included many references to scripture.

I can complain about only one thing: The dialogue in this books was a bit off and didn't flow.

If you love Westerns, historical fiction, or just a good ol' fashion love story, then you should give Taming the Wind a try! The character are all believable due to the flaws they posses. Facing fears, danger, adventure, hope and love are all a part of this story, leaving you fully satisfied! The plot is well-written and historically accurate with mentions to the civil war and the savage Indians that roamed the Texan plains.

I'd rate Taming the Wind 5 out 5 stars! I received this book in exchange for my honest review.