Home Sanctuary

May Prizes and Tally Sheet

Are you new to this blog called "Home Sanctuary" and wondering what it's all about?

Well, it's simple, really. I'm an organizational wannabe, a FlyLady dropout, and an overwhelmed mom who finally learned the secret of creating the kind of home I always wanted. Now, it didn't happen overnight, but slowly, by making small daily changes in my habits and thought processes, I began to see huge improvements in the way my home looked and felt.

I learned the power of Small Things.

Big things, important things - like making a home feel good and making family members feel loved - happen in small ways. It's easy to lose sight of that when the laundry is taking over your entire life and you forget to take hamburger out of the freezer for dinner. But take heart! You are already doing more than you realize, and maybe all you need is a little direction and inspiration to pull it all together.

That's why I'm here.

Each day on my blog, I post a Small Thing that we can do together....something easy and sometimes crazy, that gets us moving in the right direction. These small daily tasks are really more like "prompts" that help us embrace a way of thinking that celebrates little accomplishments and sees work at home as something worthwhile. Fun, even!

If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed by the tasks of mothering, cleaning, working, organizing and keeping a lid on the chaos, you are not alone. We are ALL right there with you. So I invite you - challenge you - to join us each day! I'm not adding anything to your already-full day, really I'm not. 9 times out of 10 you will read the daily task and think "I need to do that anyway."

So why not make a game out of it and earn some points and prizes along the way? It's easy....and this is the NICEST group of women you'll ever meet - and we are doing these things together! No need to be stuck in drudgery all alone when you've got friends to make the journey enjoyable. And it won't be long before you look up and realize that you're experiencing "sanctuary" at home....without even breaking a sweat!

Here is a Tally Sheet { Download Tally05 } to print off and help you keep track of points assigned to each day's task. Print it off and keep track throughout the month. Here is what we will be playing for this May. The Most Points Winner will receive this:

I created this sweet art piece for my new friend, Tina Wesson, who won Survivor in the 2nd season. She loved it so much that she asked about selling it at the lodge that she manages....so I thought I'd make another one for a lucky Company Girl. You and Tina can have matching art!! It is darling, and I've used a page from "Pride and Prejudice" for the little bird....just cuz I love it.

I also always do a Random Drawing prize for any Small Thing participants - no points involved - and I'll let you know what that is at the end of the month.

At month's end, I'll ask you to send in your point totals, so until then, let's just have fun and see what happens! It can only be GOOD!!! Here's to another fantastic month.... :)

Love, Rachel

April Prizes, March Winners!

If you are new to Home Sanctuary and wonder what these "points" are for at the end of each Small Thing post, here is how it works. Each month, we have a little friendly competition for some prizes... a fun incentive to keep things interesting! I mean, scrubbing potties and sorting socks take on a whole new perspective when there is a prize to go for, right? To participate, simply print off a Tally Sheet {Download Tally04}, do each Small Thing you can (within that day or time alotment), and fill in your points as you go. At the end of each month, I'll have everyone email their point totals to me for a chance to win the prizes! Easy, right? That's the way we do things around here.

March Prize Winners:

Most Points - Ambia Cooper, with 940 points, she not only completed every Small Thing, but also got all the extra bonus points last month! She will receive the Sanctuary canvas.

Random Drawing for tote bag - Anna Bersagel, who said this: The small things have made a huge difference in my house b/c I'm taking care of things that could be ignored for months! Earning points for making my house beautiful is the best thing ever!

I couldn't agree more, Anna. Ladies, send me your addresses so I can get your prizes to you.

April Prizes

Now, this month, our Most Points Prize will be something that you can keep for yourself, AND something that you can give away.

You will receive 5 signed copies of my book, Company Girl! One copy is for you to keep for being a great CG :), and the rest may be given to the sweet friends in your life that you've been MEANING to do something nice for, but never seem to get around to it. Yeah, I know. I'm there, too.

Let's hear some reviews of Company Girl:

• I gave your lovely book to two friends as thank you's for being there for me during a difficult time. It was the perfect way to acknowledge their gift of accompanying me on that journey because what other gift can you give to someone who gave those intangibles - an ear, their heart and hugs? D.
  

• Your books just arrived today!! They are glorious, sunshiny and made me cry. G.

• I finally sent my copy of the book to my best friend. She called me so excited when she got it!!! It's as if the book was written for us. S.

I know you'll enjoy having something that you can share with those special Company Girls in YOUR life.

The Random Drawing Winner will receive When I Lay My Isaac Down, by Carol Kent.

This is such a riveting story... Carol and Gene Kent's son is in prison. In When I Lay My Isaac Down , Carol shares the 8 transformational power principles they learned about forgiveness and faith through their emotional and spiritual agony. Their personal story will bolster your faith, renew your hope, and challenge you to new levels of spiritual renewal.

This is going be be a great month! If you've never given Small Things a try, why not do it now? You will be amazed at what will happen...and it will only take a few minutes a day. Some call it "miraculous," but I personally feel "phenomenal" sums it up nicely. Come on and join us!

March Prizes

This month, our Most Points Winner will receive one of my favoritest canvas designs. I've given this one away before, but I thought maybe ya'll wouldn't mind another chance at winning one. I've got mine displayed as a tabletop piece, but it comes ready to hang on the wall....you can have fun deciding where you'd like to put it. I love it because it's our theme - our hearts' prayer to make our homes places of sanctuary for the people we love. And ourselves.

I really think you need this.

The Random Drawing Winner will receive the Dana Bachman Zebra Trim Tote from Kohls. (love that store) It is part of the KohlsCares line of products that support breast cancer research - a great cause and a CUTE tote!

Whether you do every single Small Thing this month, or only manage to squeeze in one or two, the fact that you are here each day tells me that you are devoted to making your home a great place to be. We have a lot of fun making that happen - and I just love seeing seeing the results of our small efforts each day. Big things happen in small ways....and we are all proof of that.

Never tried the Small Things before? They are easy.....just jump in and go for it! Good luck this month!

 

Turn in February Points!

Oh my word. February has really sneaked (snuck?) past. But to be honest, I don't really mind because I'm anxious for Spring to arrive. March is stacking up to be a full month as well, and before we know it, we'll be enjoying new blossoms and and green leaves. YAY!

Today, we'll be turning in the points we've earned in February. if you've been playing along, these are the prizes we've been playing for:

The Most Points Winner will receive my handmade vintage chalkboard tray. Just in time for a spring brunch, this lovely gift would look lovely with a menu written on it, or maybe even a simple, inspiring word, like DREAM!

Or, EAT!

Totally up to you, girlfriend.

A Vintage Silver Tray Chalkboard

You can choose what you'd like on it - over and over again, as many times as you'd like! That's the beauty of chalk.

The Random Drawing Winner will receive a copy of a book I enjoyed recently, Sanctuary, by Pamela J. Bailey:

Pamela Bailey shares some great ideas and Biblical insights into making your house truly a home - something that's on all of our hearts, right? I know you'll be blessed by this book, and I've already dog-eared a couple of pages for you :).

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 February's total. If you've already won for Most Points previously, you won't be eligible to win again, sorry. I'll collect points/emails until midnight tonight CST. 

Song of the Day: February Song, Josh Groban

February Prizes and January Winners

I have a serious obsession with chalkboards right now. I fell in love with this idea for one and decided that I needed to make this for February's Most Points prize.

A Vintage Silver Tray Chalkboard

I've taken an vintage silver serving tray and applied chalkboard paint to it to create this elegant piece. I do think this would be at home in any kitchen, and I could even see it displaying a menu for a fancy brunch or tea party. Who says chalkboards are just for the classroom? Not me. So Company Girls, drool over it.....then "chalk" up those points to win it!

The Random Drawing Winner will receive a copy of a book I enjoyed recently, Sanctuary, by Pamela J. Bailey:

Pamela Bailey shares some great ideas and Biblical insights into making your house truly a home - something that's on all of our hearts, right? I know you'll be blessed by this book.

Now, January's Winners:

The Most Points Winner is Pat Schaerdel, with a whopping 1270 points! Pat has a lot on her plate as she helps care for her mother, and the Small Things gave her something to look forward to each day. And no wonder she was able to stay on track:

"....my favorite thing on the 1st of each month is to print the cute tally sheet and hang in on the refrigerator with a matching pen. I know, I need to get out more!! Looking forward to February's tally sheet - I have my colored pens at the ready."

The Random Drawing Winner is Estelle Koepke, who says she also looks forward to my email every morning. She gets the Dave Ramsey Book.

Ladies, send me your addresses so I can get your prizes to you!

January Prizes

Well, let me start by saying I'm a little mad. I stayed up really, really late working on this month's prize and then my scanner wouldn't work so I can't even show you a picture of it!

{cry}

So I guess I will just have to describe it to you.

The Most Points Winner will receive a custom art piece with her own personal Home Mission Statement on it. Many of you shared them in the comments on Monday, and they are absolutely wonderful. You will be able to choose your background colors - blues, browns, gold, reds etc. and I will hand paint it for you. On it will be a darling little nest with blue eggs in it - a perfect touch for the idea of "home." I've loved all your mission statements...but even if you don't have one of your "own," we can work on something together to come up with one that will fit your vision. Having a beautiful reminder is a tangible step toward realizing your dream for your home. I can't wait to give this away!

I just wish I could show an example of it today....please use your imaginations. {wiping tears)

The Lucky Random Drawing Winner will receive a copy of Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover.

This is a great time of year to get in good financial shape - and Dave is the guy to help you do it. I know you'll make great use of this book. You don't have to really even do anything to be eligible for the drawing, except send me an email at the end of the month, and I'll let you know when it's time for that.

January is already off to a fantastic start. If you are new to Home Sanctuary, I want to welcome you and say, "Make yourself at home!" Grab a Tally Sheet  Download Tally 01 and play along. I think you'll be amazed at what will happen in your home this month!

 

December Prizes!

This month's prizes are perfect for this time of year, when we start thinking about getting organized in the UPcoming year. I've already written off 2010 as a bit of an organizational flop, so I've got my sights set on January as the month to turn over a new leaf. I'm thrilled to be offering something that I know you will enjoy - AND will be useful in getting your home very sanctuary-esque right along with me.

Note: You might have noticed that there are points attached to each day's Small Thing. By doing the tasks and collecting your points as you go along, you become eligible to compete for a monthly prize. And if you aren't interested in competing, you don't have to worry about keeping track of points...you can simply enter the Random Drawing - both will take place at the end of the month, and I'll let you know when to turn in your points and emails.

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

Laura, OrgJunkie - I want to be like her.

You probably already know Laura from her site, OrgJunkie. She has fabulous skills and resources for getting rid of clutter and helping you achieve a sane, organized lifestyle. What I love about Laura is that she is a real mom with a busy family, and she shares what works for her - and what doesn't. Because I'm organizationally challenged by nature, I appreciate her friendly help and encouraging tone. Now, I love to shop with merchants I know and trust, and Laura is someone who has personally selected the items she offers. 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:

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.

Now, I'm going to really spills some beans with The Random Drawing Prize. READY?

The Winner of the drawing will receive a signed copy of my very own new book, Company Girl.  WHAT????

Girls, You're gonna have to read all about it in Friday's Company Girl Coffee's post!  I can't wait to tell you all about it.

It's finally, FINALLY here. :)

 

November Winners

Before I forget, here is a new Tally Sheet for December.  Download Tally12 Simply print it off and put it on your fridge or next to the computer so it will be handy to write in the hundreds of points you'll be earning this month!

The Most Points Winner of the personal decorating consultation is: Ruth in New Zealand! Here is what Ruth had to say about earning her 1230 points:

Thanks for the nudges this month, they were very helpful in getting me
going. I work well for rewards so I think I actually completed all the
small things you gave us. :) I'm not very motivated at the moment but I
found just doing one thing for the day got me in the right mindset to do
a lot of other things too usually.

Love that!

The Random Drawing Winner of Self Talk, Soul Talk is: Carol Akey. She writes:

I am loving 'Home Sanctuary.'  Thank you so much for taking the time to encourage all of us to do one small thing.  I love how you tie a lesson to that small thing.

Congratulations, Company Girls! Great job.

I will post December's prizes tomorrow, so stay tuned for those.

I love each new month of Small Things because I get so fired up after reading the comments and emails that came with the point totals for the previous month. Wow! The power of doing little tasks with a bit of purpose is something that I simply can't get enough of. Listen, if you are feeling discouraged and hopeless about the state of your home, please PLEASE print off a Tally Sheet and give the Small Things a try. And then just do one day at a time. Don't get bogged down, just commit to the few minutes it takes to accomplish each task.

Easy. Done. Move On. You can do this.

And trust me, you'll start to experience a little bit of sanctuary each day. That's what this is all about. You owe it to yourself to try, even if you've failed before. There is no "failure" here....just friends who are encouraging friends to take tiny steps toward living a good kind of life. Miracles do happen, and it will happen for you - I believe it!

Dare to hope, girl. And print you off a Tally Sheet!

Love,

Rachel Anne

PS Today's Small Thing is in the next post.

October Winners

I'm posting late this morning -agh! Of all mornings to be late, it WOULD have to be when you are waiting with baited breath to find out who won. I'll explain my tardiness in a minute.

The Most Points Winner is: Trudy Mintun, with a whopping 1540 points! Trudy really got into the "sorting" day, which had unlimited points available....this is what she said in her email:

I sure did enjoy this month. I finally got to do points all the way through the month. The day i enjoyed the most was the day we sorted things. I had way too many piles of things around the house. I now have organized craft bins. I did knitting needles, crochet hooks, colors of yarn, type of yarn, and patterns (men. women, children, baby, home). I also sorted my embroidery floss into their respective little dividers. I did socks, summer and winter clothes, I sorted out good towels from scrub towels (I now need some new towels), I sorted books that I want to keep from books that need to go to the used book store. I then sorted books from the used book store that I could donate to the library.  I had a great day!

You never know when a Small Thing will strike a chord with you and make you go a little bit nuts - in a good way!  Congratulations, Trudy - WELL DONE!! You will receive the gift certificate to Sam Moon.

Our Random Drawing Winner is Tracie Troester. Tracie will receive the Anthony Evans CD, which I know she will love.

I'll announce November's Prizes tomorrow - mostly because I'm still behind from this weekend and have a little detail to wrap up before I let you know what they are. We spent much of the weekend finishing up a cool graphic art piece that is being featured in an upcoming Priscilla Shirer Bible Study. It seems like no matter how much you plan, there are always last-minute snafu's that cause anxiety. I admit I was really, really anxious about this one. I'd show you a photo but I'm not sure I have permission.

Priscilla, taping at a museum

Filming took place yesterday - so we got up early to pack up the 8 x 12 foot canvas and frame, and then set it up on location at a museum. I guess now you could say my work has hung in a museum - ha! Probably the closest I will ever come to that happening. Priscilla makes taping look easy - she is just. so. good. By the time everything wrapped up and we got home from dinner and unloaded, I was just too pooped to pull together today's posts. So that's my story - it was an exciting day, to say the least, and I can't wait until ya'll can see the video and hear Priscilla make me sound like Michelangelo to make her spiritual point! :)

 

September Winners and October Prizes

Thank you for bearing with me...getting back into the swing of things is taking me a little bit longer than I thought! 

Our Most Points Winner for September is: Debbie Onishi. She ROCKED last month - way to go, girl. She will receive the workshop from Simplify101. I'll get the info to you. Enjoy!

Now, the Random Drawing Winner is: Heather La France, who coincidentally, had the 2nd highest points.

For her prize, I reached into my grab bag and came up with something special. She will receive this "Refuge" print, hot off the press. The artwork was custom designed to go with the theme of Psalm 34:8 for my talks last weekend, and I just love how they turned out. The restful background, and the words that describe who God is, might be just the thing to bring some peace in the middle of your storm - whenever you find yourself in one. Heather, send me your address and I'll get this to you.

12x12 Gallery Wrapped "Refuge" Canvas

So Pretty!

Ladies, here is a new Tally Sheet for October that you can download and print off - to keep track of this month's points. Download Tally1010

Fall is in the air and I feel a little spring in my step - I can't help it! I LOVE this time of year! This is a great month to get back into the Small Things, if you've fallen off the wagon recently....it's also a perfect time to GET STARTED!!! Yeah, I'm talking to YOU, girl. :)

You've got nothing to lose by joining in - and so much to gain. "Home Sanctuary" is not just a fairy tale....it is going to happen for you when you give this Small Thing stuff a try, and put yourself in a position to grow and change. We are in this together, so COME ON! Print you off a Tally Sheet and let's get going!

OH WAIT! We need prizes, don't we???

This month, the Most Points Winner will receive: a $50.00 online gift certificate to my favorite accessory store, Sam Moon.

You can spend it all on your little ol' self (because you do deserve it) or you can stock up on some great Christmas gifts....so fashionable, yet inexpensive. Check it out:

At 46.50, this trendy purse would fit into your spending spree.

 

At about 16.50, you could get 2 necklaces and some earrings to boot!

 

For about 5.50, earrings would make great gifts for anyone on your Christmas list.

Go check out the website, drool over the hundreds of items....and then get ready to COMPETE! 

The Random Drawing Winner will receive: "Undisguised" by Anthony Evans. This album has some awesome songs on it and I know you're going to love it. If you'd like to sample the music, click here. "Rejoice," with Kari Jobe is sooo good. Today's song of the day, Hallelujah, is from this CD.

 

So, are you ready to go?? Let's make this an awesome month!