Home Sanctuary

Turn in December Points!

Today is the last day of the month, and that means that it's time to turn in your points, if you've been playing along. Here is what we've been competing for this month:

The December Most Points Winner will receive a $35.00 gift certificate to OrgJunkie's online store!

Laura, OrgJunkie - My Idol

You probably already know Laura from her site, OrgJunkie. What I love about Laura is her friendly help and encouragement. She inspires me to get out of my rut and find ways to make things better for my family....and does it in a way that makes me feel like she's right there with me. I subscribe to her blog, and especially enjoy her Monday Menus.

Laura has a great online store, filled with products she has personally selected to help you get organized. You'll have trouble deciding how to spend your certificate, but I think you'll find a way when you see what she has. Check it out....she has practical stuff like bins, organizers and chore charts like this:

As well as some fun stuff like this flirty apron: (I love this!)

The Most Points Winner will also receive a copy of Laura's just-about-to-be-released book, Clutter Rehab. The subtitle is, "Tips and Tricks to Becoming and Organization Junkie and Love It!" So maybe I can be like Laura, afterall!  Awesome prize!!!! Definitely worth competing for.

The Random Prize Winner will receive a signed copy of my very own new book, Company Girl.

Inspired by a true story, this charming book is filled with photos and pages that will remind you of the friends in your life that mean so much to you...and will inspire you to be the kind of friend someone else might be wishing for. I'm delighted by everyone's response to it and can't wait to share it with you.

So what do you need to do to enter? Easy.

Today's Small Thing is two steps:

1. Email your point total number to me at [email protected].  Just sharpen your pencil and add up what you've done this month! Please be sure that you only give yourself points for the tasks you completed on the days they were assigned (or within the timeframe given). No cheating and "catching up" all at once on the last day! That would defeat the whole purpose of daily Small Things, right??

If you simply want to be entered into the Random Drawing, let me know in an email as well. Anyone is eligible for the drawing...no adding of points required.

2. Leave a comment, letting us know which Small Thing you enjoyed/needed the most this month.  This is a fun way to nudge the fence-sitters to go ahead and jump in next month. See?  It's fun!!

You even get points for doing today's Small Thing.

POINTS: 40 for the two steps: sending your email, and leaving a comment...good toward December's total. If you've already won previously, you won't be eligible to win again, sorry. I'll collect points/emails until Jan 2, midnight CST.

Song of the Day: Auld Lang Syne, Glenn Miller Band

Fun with Buns

Awhile back, my daughter Meghan and I were in the kitchen, making some quesadillas for lunch and chatting about this and that.

"I hate it when I get an itch under my bun," she remarked.

"Oh, me too!" I said, not looking up. I made a motion like I was scratching my derriere. "It's such an embarrassing spot."

I glanced up at her and saw that she had stopped what she was doing, dropped her hands to her sides and was standing there, looking at me with a deadpan expression, her head tilted and eyebrows up. Picture it, people.

"No. I meant an itch. Under my BUN!" Meghan then turned around so I could see her HAIR, IN A BUN, ON HER HEAD. She pointedly pointed to it.

Oh, your BUN!!! I thought you meant your....other bun! The lower one.

We about died laughing - and still do, every time we hear the word, "bun." It's so great.

Today, let's have some fun with buns. There are so many types of bun-things in this world that you just can't help but think that there might be some fun to be had with them. Let's brainstorm.

(Note to New Company Girls: we don't take ourselves very seriously around here, ya might as well know that right up front.)

1. You've got your Bottom Buns, obviously. These could be sat upon, waxed, tanned or exercised. They could also be tastefully shown off...but I only encourage that if you can back it up with some action with your man. Ahem.

2. Next, you got your Hair Buns. Have you tried putting your tendrils into a feminine little up-do? Hey, for CG points, you might want to look into it.

3. Sticky Buns - these are the yummy kind you eat. Why not share some with someone? What a super easy way to earn points. And satisfying.

4. Bread Buns - my family loves it when I pull out the frozen rolls, defrost them carefully in the microwave and bake them to go with dinner. They also love store-bought dinner rolls, which are "buns" around here. You could make some.

5. Bun Warmers - blankets, throws, fleece. These could be folded and organized today, if you want.

6. Bunny Buns - We call rabbits "buns" at our house. Pat a rabbit if you see one.

This is one cute bun.

7. Bun-In-The-Oven - An endearing term for a baby-to-be. You might have one of these baking right now...and if so, you might just do something nice for yourself (and baby.)

8. Bun pans - OK, maybe they are baking pans...but buns are made on them, right? Why not organize your bun pans??

9. Bun Resters - also known as "chairs." Straighten the pillows and cushions before you set yours down on one.

10. Bun Holders - Undies, panties, U-trouse, tighty-whities....wash a load of these, tidy up a drawer, purchase some new bun holders, or treat your buns to the pretty ones you never wear.

11. Baby Buns - these are the best kind, usually found wrapped in diapers. Unwrap the buns, admire the rolls, slather on some lotion, give a pinch, and rewrap. Golly, that's good stuff.

What kind of fun will YOU find with buns today? I've given you a good start...now let's see where it takes you. Keep those ideas coming....

POINTS: 40 for doing ONE thing with buns.

BONUS POINTS: 20 for each "extra" bun action you take today - limit 5 extras (You could earn 140 points!)

Do we want to know what you're doing? You bet your sweet buns we do. Let us know in the comments.

Song of the Day: Hot Cross Buns

Sanctuary Tools

Funny how Christmas takes up so much mind space. Since I don't have much space up there to spare, as soon as it's over I feel like I have tons of real estate in my brain that's available for new usage. Inevitably, I think about the new year and ways to start getting organized. Wow, my synapses are firing on all cylinders today! 

For starters, in order to do any job well, it's important to have the right tools. Sometimes I think about how many times I've struggled with a standard screwdriver when the task called for a Phillips....or I've tried to to pound a nail with a shoe...things that should be simple and quick tasks become frustrating because I couldn't put my hands on the right tools when I needed them.

The same is true for homekeeping. I find that if I have the things I need IN STOCK - and HANDY - I can accomplish little tasks effortlessly, without the frustration and inevitable procrastination that comes when I can't find the tools.  Homekeeping tools - and supplies - are just as important as the wrenches and cordless drills your husband can't live without. 

 

Today's Small Thing is to take stock of your supplies.  Make a list of the things you need.

I suggest keeping these supplies where you actually use them: under sinks (child-proofed, of course) or at the very least on each floor of the house or each end of the house.

Get these at a discount store to put in a caddy per bathroom (or floor level):

"Small Things" Supplies

Glass Cleaner
Surface Cleaner
Abrasive cleaner
Paper Towels
Sponges
Trash bags
Dust cloth/spray
Wisk broom/dust pan
Rubber gloves
Potty  scrub-brush

Optional: Pop-up wipes (love these)

General cleaning supplies to have:

Floor cleaner
Vinegar
Disinfectant spray
Tools: brooms, mop, vacuum
Trash bags

Starting fresh with the tools you need will give you power to spend time on the things you really WANT to do, instead of feeling victimized by all the housework.

Remember, Sanctuary in the Small Things is not just about cleaning, but it's about caring for your home and the people who live in it.   It's part of showing love AND helping your family members belong to the process of homemaking.  I'm all over that.

 

POINTS: 40 for taking stock of what you have and start getting everything together! 

Can you get your supplies together by Friday, Dec. 31? How about if I throw in 30 extra points for actually putting the supplies where you need them!

P.S. WELCOME to all the new Company Girls yesterday!!! I'm so glad you're joining us!

Small Things Matter

In between the Christmas hustle and bustle, I've been thinking a lot about Home Sanctuary and the Small Things.  It was good to have some time away from blogging to muse about the coming year and consider the things that make me love coming here each day to meet up with you.

I can hardly believe that I've been posting daily Small Things for THREE WHOLE YEARS!  Some of you have been with me from the very beginning, and a few of you go back even further, to August of 2006, when I first started blogging.  Woo! What a great group of loyal friends!  Ya'll make this so fun.

The days before a new year begins always bring a sense of anticipation to me.  I like to set a few goals and get re-organized and agonize over which new planner to go with.  Surely there MUST be one that will cure my forgetfulness and distractedness and whip me into shape?  It's probably too much to ask, but I can dream.

But there is one thing I always come back to each year.  The thing that never falls off my radar.  The thing that brings me back here every day.

I want my home to be a sanctuary - a refuge - for my family.

I want my kids to feel loved and treasured.  I want my man to feel adored.  I want things to look nice and smell good and feel special.

I wish I could say that I always accomplish it.  I wish my laundry was folded, dishes done, pies made and children kissed and clean.  I wish I had limitless resources to dress my home in understated farmhouse chic.  I wish I had shoes for every occasion, perfectly highlighted hair (like, you know, regularly), and fabulous accessories to wear.

And I wish there was no more war and that Starbucks coffee was 10 cents a cup, too. Yeah, that'd be great!

My reality is that I'm a tired mom, living on a shoestring. I'm haphazard in my organization and quite a few of my ideas are half baked, at best.

But I've got this unshakable belief that a home can be wonderful, even if you don't have it all together.  I believe that God takes the little bit that you have, and He can make much of it. 

I believe that Sanctuary is possible.

And I believe that Sanctuary happens one small thing at a time. 

You see, I've seen the power of God in fresh pillowcases, and bedtime stories, and backyard cartwheels.  I've seen what can happen when I give just a little extra effort into making my home feel nice.  I've noticed a change in the atmosphere when I approach things with a "sanctuary" mindset instead of a begrudging one. I've even seen beauty in the chaos of family life.  Those aren't just "small things."  Those are BIG things. AMAZING things!

As we begin 2011, would you join me with a new sense of purpose for your home life?  You don't have to make big promises to yourself.  Simply take a step toward creating Sanctuary by meeting up with me here on my blog each day.  We are taking this journey together, you and me.  I'll be the first to tell you that I haven't "arrived."  But God's given me a passion for encouraging other women along the way and I hope you'll join in, either for the first time or once again.

Today's Small Thing is to get ready for 2011 by making a commitment to creating Sanctuary at home for the people you love. I encourage you to subscribe to this blog, AND officially join the "Company Girls" as a first step toward it. You'll be amazed at the difference it makes. If you've already done that, or don't feel that joining anything is your cup o' tea, then simply commit to being part of what is happening here. And please know that most of our Company Girls are non-bloggers...so don't let that be a hindrance to you if you don't blog.

I believe that this is going to be a year of new beginnings and renewed hope.  God sees right where you are and He knows just what you need.  If you are looking for an outstretched hand, a wonderful group of friends and a little bit of lighthearted fun, then He has brought you here. You're in the right place. 

Something good is about to happen. I just know it.

POINTS: 40 for counting down to the new year by committing to a "Sanctuary" mindset.  Subscribing and Joining are optional but WHY NOT!!  You can always change your mind later.  We're pretty easy going around here. While you're at it, how about forwarding this to a friend?  Blog, tweet and Facebook your plans to be a part of this! The more, the merrier.

Do you have a "Small Things" testimonial??  How have the Small Things helped you? We'd love to hear it!

Song of the Day: Everything I Need, Kutless (it's not available on my playlist, so click the link!)

Ho Ho HO-Boy

I hope everyone had a great Christmas! We really enjoyed a low-key, quiet affair this year - just what we needed! One of my favorite memories from this Christmas will be how I felt when, two days before Christmas, my nice husband hung the lights on the outside of the house! He knows I love them and that I was disappointed that we hadn't had time to put them up this year. Imagine my surprise when I drove up to the house after a day-long-get-it-all-done-in-one-shot shopping adventure and saw the twinkling lights! He even put some on a cedar tree in the field in front of the house, a charming touch. It took him all day to do it and it was the best present I received - he really demonstrated true love. :) I'll probably leave them up until Valentine's Day.

We plopped into bed early last night, but only after I'd gathered up all the wrapping paper and bows and trash from the "command central" that was our bedroom last week. I scooped it up and tossed it into the guest bedroom, which had just been vacated by the kids.

I closed the door. HO-Boy, that's a pile.

Today, it awaits me, and it's not nearly as fun to put it away as it was to take it out. Except that if I know we are dealing with it together, I think I can face it.

Today's Small Thing is to find some homes for the post-Christmas stuff. We have a jumble of gifts and empty boxes under the tree, cookie jars on the counters, receipts on my dresser, and miscellaneous things strewn throughout the house. Ribbons and bows are hither and yon. There is a lot of trash to go out.

POINTS: 50 for putting 5 items away - wrapping paper, toys, presents, boxes, etc. Let's not let the debris sit there longer than it needs to!

Song of the Day: Baby It's Cold Outside, Mercer and Whiting

Merry Christmas!

So far, I've only purchased ONE Christmas present. But don't worry, because even though I have a long way to go, I'm actually AHEAD of schedule, because I hadn't planned to start shopping until this week! Isn't that cool?? I'm pretty proud of myself for being so on top of things. :)

I'll be taking this week off from blogging so I can focus on getting ready for the holidays. There is plenty of baking/shopping/wrapping/cooking and laundry to do between now and then....and I'll bet the same is true at your house.

I'll be back next week, and together we'll start preparing for 2011! It is my prayer that you will join me in the adventure of creating a great place for your family to live and grow. We celebrated our daughter, Meghan's graduation from college on Saturday, and Tom and I spent a lot of time being really, really grateful for our family.  We are amazed that God has been so faithful - in spite of our imperfections and struggles - to make something beautiful happen in our home.  I am convinced that He can and WILL do amazing things in your homes, too....because I've seen it first hand. These kids have grown up without a lot of material luxuries and have been raised by parents who were often tired and distracted. We've worked our way through some pretty tough stuff...and yet the small victories have added up.

That's why I love Small Things. Because life is made up of them. And when you start to see how the little things add up over time, you start to have hope that something good is going on. I'm grateful for each one of you who have jumped in with me, and I'm excited to see what will happen in your lives! I know it will be amazing! Until next week, have a wonderful Christmas!

The Ridge Family

Left to Right: Grayson (16), Meghan (22). Robert Penn (25), Lauren Penn (24), Tom, Rachel

Lauren, Meghan and Grayson - I love these young people!!

Company Girl Coffee 12.17

Thursdays are very long days. Yesterday, for example, I got Gray off to school, ran some errands, came home and worked on a design project, ate a sandwich (2:30 pm), drove through Dallas traffic to drop off digital files for someone, came home, figured out something to make for dinner and then sat down to some emails and papers.

It was then that I glanced out the window and saw Flash, my donkey, nonchalantly walking through the yard.

Not in the pasture. Nope, jest walkin' along, looking for some green grass. In my YARD.

The gate had been left open and, being an opportunist, Flash made a break for freedom. Fortunately, he was easy to put back into the pasture this time...we let him follow us instead of trying to lead/pull/tug him in. No grain was even required.

Then it was off to a hockey game: an hour through rush hour traffic to get to the rink, and hour to wait for the game to start, a two hour game, and then an hour to get home. I'm the designated video taker at the games....and I forgot my gloves.

Finally, home at 11 pm! Unfortunately, I had not had a chance to pull a blog post together for Home Sanctuary OR Going Beyond earlier in the day, so it was a late night last night by the time I finished.

Now, don't go getting all impressed or feeling sorry for me. I'm doing what millions of other women are doing - the best I can with what I've got. Most days I really feel that I fall short of what I "should" get done. There are dishes in my sink and a ring around my tub. I really need to vacuum. I've bought only one gift so far. And with Christmas right around the corner, it's easy to worry about trying to pull off a spectacular family event. I'm not feeling real confident about that.

But hey.

Today's Small Thing is this: Don't sweat the small stuff. Embrace your life's imperfections. Laugh a little. Savor a moment.

Maybe those sound like BIG things - and they very well could be, because I don't know what your circumstances are - but I think today is a good day to take a deep breath and appreciate. Appreciate the busyness of this season, the chaos of recitals and class parties, the twinkling lights of the tree. Really, each day is a gift - and so what if we don't get everything done? The sun will come up tomorrow and we'll get a whole nother chance to try. We should be opportunists, like Flash, and make a break for freedom - the freedom to enjoy the day.

POINTS: 40 for finding something to enjoy, appreciate and savor today. There is beauty in imperfection and sweetness in the mess - if you look for it.

Song of the Day: Christmas Song, Owl City

What will you enjoy today? What will you find to appreciate? I'd love to know! Link up for Company Girl Coffee...you can use today's Small Thing as a prompt if you'd like :)

Have a wonderful weekend!

That's a Wrap

Do you have a Gift Center at your house?  It's a drawer or area that stores gift wrap, tape, ribbons and maybe even some gifts that you may have on hand. A Gift Center becomes real important this time of year.

I've been jamming my gift things into a small, dark closet.  The items had overflowed from a drawer and needed more space.  All those gift bags!  They really accumulate after awhile! And I can't part with the Christmas bows from last year....

For several years now, I've been stuffing things in this closet and hating the disorganization of it.  Oh, for the time to straighten it up!  Poor me, I never have enough time for things like that. So I continued to dig for tissue paper and squished bows every time someone had a birthday.

Awhile back, I decided I would give myself 15 minutes to work on that closet.

I'm ashamed to say that in 15 minutes, I had my Gift Center looking pretty spiffy.  

Organized, even!

Before:

After:

 

  

I sorta ran out of the right sized containers for things, but I made do with what I had.  I threw out the ragged gift bags and the tissue that was really crumpled.  Who was I kidding? I'd never re-use those old things anyway! Grouping the small gifts made it easier to see what I have and what I need. It's nice to have "little somethings" on hand for last-minute gifts!

 

Now, I'm not gonna lie to you and tell you it still looks this good. Yesterday I opened the door to take stock of my supplies and was HORRIFIED to see that I'd regressed to a worse version of the "Before" photo. Hence, today's task.

Today's Small Thing is to straighten up your gift wrap area.  You might have all your stuff out on a table (or in your bedroom) so that it's handy for wrapping the Christmas presents. That stuff gets so messy!! You could just straighten that up today. In just a few minutes it could look so good that you'll be calling it an official "Gift Center!"   

Now, Would you like that in a gift bag or a box?  I've got it right here....:)

POINTS: 50 generous points for spending, say 5-10 minutes (limit yourself!) organizing

Song of the Day: Grown Up Christmas List, Kelly Clarkson

 

Just a Minute!

Photo from Real Simple

Today's Small Thing will just take a minute!  Well, maybe two.

All you have to do today is clean your microwave! I know this sounds hard, but it's really not.

To make it easy, boil a bowl of water for 1-2 minutes to steam it up in there and loosen the exploded food from the sides.  You could even use a 50/50 mixture of water/vinegar if you like.  Then spray the inside with all-purpose cleaner or vinegar and wipe with a paper towel.  I like to take the class tray out and wash it in soapy water to remove the petrified cheese etc.  Wipe down the outside and Voila!

Sparkling!  Your food will taste better and your microwave will run more efficiently without all the goo. My microwave NEEDS this today....can you say "reheated baked beans?" 'Nuff said.

30/20 Points

POINTS: 30 for wiping out the inside and outside

BONUS: 20 for washing the glass tray if you have one.

Hey, can you clap along with this song?  It's called "Wait a Minute," by Barbara Stephens. Try it while your water boils in the microwave!

Clap-clap Stomp. Clap Stomp. Clap-clap Stomp. Clap Stomp.  You got it!

 

Load-Bearing

I have such visions of what this old barn house could be. In my mind, I see hardwood floors and stone countertops. I see a clawfoot tub in my bathroom and french doors in my kitchen.  In fact, I see a complete kitchen renovation!

If we could just knock out this wall, and take down those cabinets, move the stove top over here and the fridge over there....

Bvvvvvt!

My husband always quashes my best home renovation dreams with these words:

"But that's a load-bearing wall."

Like that would make my dreams impossible.

I simply remind him that ANYTHING is possible, if you have enough money....even taking down load-bearing walls. Duh. He's such a kill-joy sometimes.

Today's Small Thing is about load-bearing, but not the kind made of sheetrock and two-by-four lumber. Today I'm talking about bearing the load of laundry that sits by the wash machine, waiting.

Waiting.

Waiting.

I tried so dad-gum hard to get caught up on laundry last week, but it piled up faster than I could get through it. As a result, I have a good 2-3 loads just sitting there, waiting....in addition to this week's number.

I thought that maybe, just maybe you might be in the same boat? Let's make this fun and get some points for catching up on that load(s) of laundry!

POINTS: 40 for getting one load completed - washed, dried, folded, put away.

BONUS POINTS: 15 for each additional load - washed, dried, folded, put away....I know, it's not many points for such a job, but hey, it might just put you in the lead for Most Points this month! Limit 10 more loads. You could earn 190 points today!

Song of the Day: Suds in the Bucket, Sara Evans

It's not too late to order your copy of "Company Girl!"  The Standard Shipping option takes about a week to arrive...even though it indicates longer shipping times. You can still get it in time for Christmas! A huge thank you to all of you who have ordered already! I appreciate you spreading the CG love...