Healthy Living

It is the last day of March. A library e-book is due back tomorrow. But I’m not FINISHED! I cannot check it back in until I write this partial review! There is so much information to absorb.

It took over two and a half months with it on hold before I could get it checked out to me. Life (i.e. sleep) got in the way to read it diligently! But, I decided a couple of days ago, it’s a keeper so it’s on its way to me via Amazon!

I’ve read more books this year already than the last 5 years combined! And, I’m not stopping! I’m loving the library e-books and my Kindle! This latest book is by Martha Stewart, Living the Good Long Life. I highly recommend this book, especially for those of us beyond 60 years young!

I’ve always admired Martha Stewart. She gives credit where credit is due. She alone did not write and compile information for this book. The acknowledgment section clearly details all the people involved making it happen. I appreciate the list of Resources that are general then chapter specific. Of course, the Notes for each citation within the chapters are as they should be and is, in itself, a great resource for further reference. Speaking of further reference, she/they also provide a list of Suggested Reading that I will have at my fingertips once the actual book arrives.

The mantra throughout the book!

The book is divided into two parts:

Part I   Healthy Living Today
    Healthy Eating
    Healthy Fitness
    Healthy Brain
    Healthy Outlook
    Healthy Living Every Day
    Healthy Looks
    Healthy Home

Part II  Healthy Living into Tomorrow
    Healthy Living into the Future
    Healthy Caring

Honestly, I rarely try Martha’s recipes. Out of her 77 (counting this one) books she’s written, between Momma & I, we have at least 30. Most of the recipes call for ingredients that either I’ve never heard of, cannot find locally, or are impracticable for this household - meaning Bud would not want to try! So I sort of skipped over the recipes. The information elsewhere was spot on!

HOWEVER, her fitness chapter gave me much inspiration! I know I need to as she suggests:

STAY active every day
INCREASE your endurance
MAINTAIN your flexibility
BUILD your balance
FOCUS on core strength
STRENGTHEN for stability

The balance and flexibility and strength... why am I wasting time listing the things I need to master... I need to work on them all!!

Oh, and the Healthy Brain chapter! I’m already practicing the tips she offers. For example, before if we needed more than two items from the grocery store I would have to make a written list. Nope. Not anymore. This is a prime example of “memory boosters” rather than giving in and writing it down I am now doing the “Rehearse and Resize” technique. But, oh so many other tips and techniques are listed for brain health.

Goodness. I could go on and on. I’m thrilled I made the decision to order this book. It will come in handy as a daily guide/reminder for healthy living thereby living the good long life!

P.S. I went on Amazon to get the link to share and read a great review of this book... the reviewer said it much better than I did - "Unlike any other book Martha Stewart has written"!

Let me know what you think of this book!

Dreams to Reality

I know I’ve discussed the concept of “organizing” several times over the years. Really, bottom line, organizing is a quality that alludes me. I’ve tried and tried. And, sometimes, in some places ~ or areas of my life ~ I am rather organized. However, the crafty sewist organizational part of Martha Stewart, I am not, but I want to be…

I make my to-do lists and check things off. I have grand dreams of this or that and sometimes will actually pull it off and it is then dreams become reality. Like the Spring Ho Grand Parade – I wanted desperately to spread the word about National Doll Day (the 1st Sunday in August) – and all that that entailed getting it together to make a big splash. Making the dolls new outfits, decorating their wagon, then making myself a new blouse (I haven’t made myself anything in YEARS) almost didn’t happen at the last minute due to a family emergency, but all worked out! And, I’m so glad it did! I had such a grand time!

It’s rare and far between, that is, the occasion I can get organized. Then it’s the constant struggle to keep things in their proper place when I’m finished with the project(s). What is it about not wanting to let go, to put the left over fabric back in the color coordinated tub, to wait for the next (albeit smaller) project? I need to stop stacking the pieces on the corner of my sewing table!

 

So nice & neat ... wish it stayed this way!

Am I the only one with this challenge?

I've done my thread... 

Better than one large box holding all the different colors!

but it's not very pretty!

While away from my studio, my mind wanders how best I can set up a sewing & craft space within the area I have to work with, and keep it that way no matter if company comes or not. I must have a space. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

I’ve heard and read about various “sewing spaces” others have … from itty bitty space, to a huge area, large enough to move around in, yet have everything within arms reach. I know – when I return to Lanetta’s Creations, and get busy again – I can, and will, get better organized. Yes!

In the meantime, I’m searching for ideas …

I love the array of suggestions to organize sewing supplies that All People Quilt collected!

OH my Goodness! Sharon has collected over 400 different organizing ideas on her Pinterest board! You go, girl!

 

Although I don’t have a picture of my sister’s sewing studio, she uses mostly vintage suitcases to store her fabric. I saw this picture and it reminded me of her set up.

I did a Google image search “sewingroom storage solutions” and came up with oodles and oodles of pictures! Another great source chalked full of ideas!

I could go on and on posting links, but I think you get the idea!

How do you keep your sewing things organized?