#52ListProject - Catching Up

I purchased the book, The 52 Lists Projectfor my 43rd birthday in October. This book focuses on weekly journaling based on lists.  I love making lists and thought this sounded like a great way to remember a year. I plan to complete  a list every week for this next year. Even though the journal begins in Winter with Week 1, I started my list during Fall with Week 40. So, I'll be moving through the book a bit backwards, which is hard for my organized brain, but I didn't want to be writing about winter topics in spring or summer in winter.

I'll be sharing my lists here. To see my previous lists, click on the tag 52 Lists Project at the bottom of this post.  It's my hope that by sharing my lists, you'll get to know me a bit better and maybe be reminded of something that brings you joy!  Some weeks the topics may be too personal to share completely on here, but I'll at least tell you about the lists and some of the things on it. 

I've gotten behind on sharing my lists with you, but I am keeping up with writing them in my journal. So, I'm going to share Lists 44, 45, and 46 with you today.

List 44 is all about the Words that Warm My Spirit. I quickly knew some of those words that I just love to say and hear. They incite emotion and make you feel good if someone says them about you. At the end of each list, the author offers an idea to expand on that week's list. This week's action plan is to highlight the top five words that resonate the most with your experiences this past year. Then to underline them those top five that I want to focus on and experience in the year ahead.  I will mark those with an * after them.

WORDS THAT WARM MY SPIRIT

Breathe *

Precious

Love *

Home

Peace

Thank You

Appreciate *

Blessed*

Honor

Loyalty

Refreshing *

List 45 shares my Ideal Holiday Season. Honestly, when I made this list I was feeling extremely overwhelmed with my schedule and all that I had to do to prepare for the holidays. My spirit wasn't very Christmassy and I didn't come up with very many items. But, when I look back on my list, I may not have experienced all of them in the way I expected to, but I did have a glorious holiday. The action plan for this week was to choose three ways that I can prep to make it my most peace-filled, joyful and celebratory season ever. Either by changing my attitude, finding calm or simply planning it out. There were a few of the items that I wasn't able to do, but cutting them out allowed me to spend more time doing other things, and there is always next year, right?

THINGS THAT MAKE UP YOUR IDEAL HOLIDAY SEASON

Slower paced days

Time with friends and family

Seeing friends and family from far away

Giving gifts

Baking favorite treats

Watching favorite Christmas movies

Driving around to see Christmas lights

Fudge

Some beach time, which I got this year!

List 46 shares about my Greatest Comforts. The action plan is to combine as many of these things into one magical and soul-filling experience.  I'm waiting for our next snow day to experience some of them! 

MY GREATEST COMFORTS

When my whole family is home

My bed

Hy husband's arms around me

Hugs from my kids

Conversations with my favorite people

Money in the bank

Gas in the tank

Knowing my family and I am protected in case of tragedy

A fuzzy blanket in front of the fire

If you would like to purchase a copy of THE 52 LISTS PROJECT, click the photo below:

A post from today, 5 years ago - Return of the Junco 

A post from today, 4 years ago - Product Review: Lego Friends

#52ListsProject - Favorite Meals and Treats

I purchased the book, The 52 Lists Project for my 43rd birthday. The book focuses on weekly journaling based on lists.  I love making lists and thought this sounded like a great way to remember a year. I plan to complete  a list every week for this next year. Even though the journal begins in Winter with Week 1, I started my list during Fall with Week 40. So, I'll be moving through the book a bit backwards, which is hard for my organized brain, but I didn't want to be writing about winter topics in spring or summer in winter.

I'll be sharing my lists here, hopefully, one a week. To see my previous lists, click on the tag 52 Lists Project at the bottom of this post.  It's my hope that by sharing my lists, you'll get to know me a bit better and maybe be reminded of something that brings you joy!  Some weeks the topics may be too personal to share completely on here, but I'll at least tell you about the lists and some of the things on it. 

Since I started this the week I turned 43, I am a bit behind schedule to get these lists all done by the time I turn 44, but I'll try and catch up. Sometimes I have to think about the things I want to add to my lists for a few days! 

This week's list is My Favorite Meals and Treats. A lot of them came really easy to me and it only took me a day to fill up both pages, with an extra late entry. I love all the photos in the book as well. They are so vivid and fit perfectly with the categories.

At the end of each list, the author offers an idea to expand on that week's list. This week's action plan is to choose a favorite treat or meal this week and share it with someone you love. Cook something for the people you love or make a date and treat someone special to a delicious meal out. While making this list, I made Apple Banana Salad which is a favorite from my childhood and now a favorite of our kids as well. But, this list has reminded me of many other dishes I want to make soon!

If you are interested in learning more about THE 52 LISTS PROJECT, click HERE to be taken to the author's website. You can also purchase the book, HERE. 

FAVORITE MEALS AND TREATS

Mom's Chicken and Dumplings

Mom's Caramel Cinnamon Rolls

Lemon Meringue Pie

Fettucine Alfredo ~ Olive Garden

Butternut Squash Ravioli ~ Biaggi's

Pita Bread and Hummus ~ Barberry Fig

Enchiladas, Rice, and Beans ~ Hacienda

Mongolian Beef ~ NYC Chinese Restaurant

Cooked Carrots ~ Cracker Barrel

Filet Mignon

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Blueberry Pancakes with Blueberry Syrup

Fish Tacos

Reuben with Turkey

Crispy Bacon

White Chocolate Hot Cocoa

Mimosas

Cheesecake, any kind

My Ham and Potato Soup

Julie's Cheeseburger Soup

Ham Balls

Cheesy Potatoes

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups/Eggs/Pumpkins

Moscato d'Asti

Double Stuff Oreos

Pepperoni, Mushroom, and Black Olive Pizza

Apple/Banana Salad

Honey Crisp Apples

Apple Cider

Toffifay Candies

Mom's Fluff Salad

Every one of these meals and treats would bring a smile to my face. I could live for the rest of my life on these foods. 

If you would like to purchase a copy of THE 52 LISTS PROJECT, click the photo below:

#52ListsProject - Favorite Things About Fall

I purchased the book, THE 52 LISTS PROJECT for my 43rd birthday. The book focuses on weekly journaling based on lists.  I love making lists and thought this sounded like a great way to remember a year. I plan to complete  a list every week for this next year. Even though the journal begins in Winter with Week 1, I started my list during Fall with Week 40. So, I'll be moving through the book a bit backwards, which is hard for my organized brain, but I didn't want to be writing about winter topics in spring or summer in winter.

I'll be sharing my lists here, hopefully one a week. To see my previous lists, click on the tag 52 Lists Project at the bottom of this post.  It's my hope that by sharing my lists, you'll get to know me a bit better and maybe be reminded of something that brings you joy!  Some weeks the topics may be too personal to share completely on here, but I'll at least tell you about the lists and some of the things on it. 

At the end of each list, the author offers an idea to expand on that week's list. This week's list is FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT FALL and her action plan is to plan out a perfect fall day. Right now it is tough for me to plan out a whole day as I don't have a free day in the near future, but finding time to do each of these things on my list at some point, brings me joy! 

If you are interested in learning more about THE 52 LISTS PROJECT, click HERE to be taken to the author's website. You can also purchase the book, HERE.

FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT FALL

Pumpkin Bars

My Birthday

Leaves Turning Color

Marching Band Season

Football (high school, college, and NFL)

Passing out Halloween Candy

Watching our Backyard Trees Change from Green to Red

Wearing Scarves

Family Leaf Raking Day

Jones Family Christmas

Lima Leaf Day

Decorating Our Home for Fall

Round Hay Bales Across A Field

I'm sure I'll come up with more favorites after I hit publish, but these are the things that popped into my head immediately. Fall is really my favorite season. 

To purchase a copy of THE 52 LISTS PROJECT, click the photo below:

If you choose to purchase the book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

Some of My Favorite Things

Every once in awhile I like to share my favorite things that make me happy.  You might just find these make you happy too!

One song that I get excited to hear when it comes on the radio is THE WIRE by Haim from their CD Days Are Gone.

I just love the tune and how it just automatically makes you want to bounce along to the beat.  The video is kind of funny about the men who get dumped by the Haim gals.  They aren't taking the break-ups so well.

To keep talking about music, Martina McBride has a new CD out called Everlasting. The CD features covers of Soul and R&B singles from the past.  As a Martina fan, I am actually thrilled with her country twist on these classics.  Some of my favorites from the album are "Come See About Me" and "To Know Him is to Love Him" and her duet with Kelly Clarkson, "In the Basement" is super fun!

Finally, the last music related favorite is from iTunes Radio.  I have it on my iPhone and the app allows you to choose different stations like Rock Anthems, One Hit Wonders, Pure Pop, etc. My current favorite to put me in the best mood is "Frozen Radio".  It plays all the songs from your favorite Disney Movies such as "Just A Spoonful of Sugar" from MARY POPPINS, "Under the Sea" from LITTLE MERMAID, "Let It Go" from FROZEN, etc.  You really can't help smiling and singing along!

source

While I was in Minneapolis a few weeks ago, we went to a Thai restaurant.  I have been to a Thai restaurant several times and order within my usual genre of Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry.  Which is what I ordered, but my aunt and cousin were talking about getting Mango Sticky Rice for dessert, so I decided to order one too and try it.  Oh. My. Goodness.  It was amazing.  The rice was warm and gooey and the mango sliced on the top was sweet and cool and the perfect complement to the rice.  It is my new favorite treat.

My niece told me about a new app/game to try thinking we would like it. Well, I wish she wouldn't have told me because it sucks me in.  THREES is a tiny puzzle that grows on you, as the caption states.  By shuffling numbers on the board, you add the numbers and combine them thereby gaining more space on the board and adding up points.  1+2=3, 3+3=6, 6+6=12, 12+12=24, etc.  It is great for kids because it helps with those basic math skills and strategy in knowing which numbers to combine and when.  Check in out in your iTunes or Google Play app store.

source

My husband completely surprised me for our anniversary and gave me an iPad Mini with Retina Display! I was shocked and delighted.  I have been frustrated with my Kindle Fire for awhile kicking me out of websites and certain apps not always working right.  So, I was basically just using the Kindle Fire for reading and my phone for apps and web surfing.  I love the size of the iPad Mini and am using it exclusively for my eBook reading and then at night to play Scrabble, Words with Friends, and my other favorite social media sites.

My new favorite eye shadow that I wear nearly every single day is Mary Kay Shimmering Lilac Eye Shadow.  It has just the right amount of shimmer and is the perfect highlight when I am wearing blue, grey or black colors.

If I'm going to be in the car a long time, I like listening to Podcasts.  Some of my favorites are DEAR BOOK NERD, NUTRITION DIVA, THIS AMERICAN LIFE, and STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW.  I love listening to people talk about books, so Dear Book Nerd fills that need. I've learned lots of interesting health tidbits from the Nutrition Diva, for example the nutrient that can help treat restless leg syndrome, and it has helped me. The stories on This American Life make me laugh and cry and I love them because they are about real people.  In Stuff You Should Know you can learn all sorts of things, like how mudslides work, how 3D printing works, etc.  The best part is if something in the podcast list doesn't interest you, you can delete it.  There are thousands of podcasts out there in all kinds of categories.  If you don't already have the app on your phone/device, download it and start searching for things that interest you.  You might just learn something new or find a great story to share with someone.


I hope you have enjoyed my favorites.  If I have shared something that is now your new favorite, please let me know.  Or if you have a favorite you think I might like, feel free to tell me about it in the comments! 

Best of 2013 - Books, Apps, Music, Movies

I am sharing with you some of my "Best Of" from this past year.  Not all of them are things that actually came out in 2013, but instead experienced by me in 2013.  Links will take you to my posted review. Amazon links will take you to my affiliate page and if you purchase, I will get a small kick back without you paying a penny more for the item.

Favorite Book Club Book

I couldn't choose one.  Both of these books were full of discussion and were liked by all of us in book club.  I also have thought back to both of these books several times and still wonder about the characters 

(Yes, I know they aren't real).  This is the mark of a good story, one I can't forget about. 

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline 

Storyteller by Jodi Picoult

Favorite Book Published in 2013

This was also a book club choice, but one I couldn't forget about. 

I would have read it if it we hadn't chosen it for book club. 

And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

Favorite Book I Read for My Own Enjoyment

I chose this book because I wanted to read it.  I had heard so much about it and it sounded like a book I would enjoy and I did.  A perfect beach read with history, drama, and romance.  One you can read anytime of year! It also helps if you read it with a friend so you can dish about all the drama.

A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams

Favorite Non Fiction

I really love Memoirs and WILD was a really interesting and inspiring read.  

I am anxious to see the movie version! 

REPLENISH is a book I took a lot of insight from and one I still refer to.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Replenish by Lisa Grace Byrne

Favorite Children's Book

I've been getting more children's books to review and am really enjoying it.  Since I give Storytime once a month at our local library, it is nice to be introduced to new children's books.  This pick was not a review book, but one I read during Storytime.  It is a new one this year and was a cute, funny story about a sly fox, some smart ducklings, and an even smarter mama goose. 

That is Not a Good Idea by Mo Willems

Best Apps

Once Google removed their feedreader, I needed to find a new one and Feedly has been just the perfect fit for me.  I can use it from my computer or from the app on my iPhone or Kindle.  It is the easiest way for me to stay up to date on all the blogs and websites I want to say connected to.  Since it shows me the title of the post, I can decide if I want to read it or not, read it, and if I want more I can access the website from there.  It also allows me to put them into categories so I can access all those great book blogs in one visit.  

Feedly

At first glance, you might think Words of Wonder is an app for kids, but you will be surprised that it is challenging and fun for adults.  Words of Wonder is a cross between Boggle and Candy Crush.  So for all of you addicted to Candy Crush out there, you may want to check this game out.  For wordy's like me, this is the perfect challenge.  You play by making words from the image on the screen.  But sometimes you have to make words in certain areas to make feathers fall, make ink or ribbons disappear, or make words in a short time frame.  You do all this while traveling through a map and achieving levels.  

It is addictive, challenging, and keeps your brain active.  

Words of Wonder

Everyone else in my family is addicted to Dots.  They all have it on their devices and can be heard connecting the dots during their spare time.  In the game, you connect the same colored dots in a straight line and earn extra points by connecting them in boxes.  I've played it, but I'm not as addicted as the rest of my family is.  It encourages strategic planning to get your certain colored dots to line up and create a large box.  Even our daughter who is 8 likes to play it. 

Dots 

Best Movie

I saw this in the theater and I was transfixed throughout the whole movie.  

It angered me, shocked me, saddened me and ultimately, showed me that love can prevail.  

The actors were amazing and I bought the DVD (even though I haven't watched it yet) the day it came out. 

 I want to watch it again soon and hopefully get my husband to watch it with me.  

Les Miserables

Best Song

I'm just really loving Katy Perry right now and every time this song comes on the radio,

 I just have to turn it up.  I think we've all had our moments where we needed to 

ROAR and Katy Perry says just what we are thinking! 

Roar by Katy Perry

I hope you enjoyed my list of favorites from this year.  

If you have a favorite I should know about, let me know if the comments! 

Happy New Year! 

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things and a Giveaway - Celebrating Six Years

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to all for entering. 

Source

Today I am celebrating 6 Years of my blog.  When I first began writing, it was a way for me to collect my thoughts, share about our family, offers tips, recipes and books that I liked.  It has certainly evolved from there where books are taking up most of the pages and family a close second.  I don't share as many tips or recipes, but I do did begin sharing my faith.  If even one person decides to open a Bible because of a verse I've shared, then I'm happy.  I'm not sure what 2014 holds in relation to my blog.  It is very time-consuming and since I don't get paid, sometimes it takes a back seat to our "real" life.  Our schedule will be very hectic at the beginning of the year, so posts may be sporadic, but know that I will be back and will post when I can. I have lots of excellent book reviews scheduled and I can't wait to tell you about them.  Look for my posts wrapping up my favorite books from 2013 and books I am looking forward to in 2014.

Like I mentioned, I don't get paid to write my book reviews.....yet.  I have been offered ad placement on my blog several times but have avoided it.  Having ads on my blog changes how it looks and I didn't really want to do that.  In the last year, I did become an Amazon Associate and placed their ads on my side bar.  I also will link to a book or item in my post and if you make a purchase through that link I get a small, very tiny....I'm talking cents here, of that amount.  But, cents add up to dollars eventually.  So, if you would like to support me and order your amazon items through my links and through the search bar on the side of my blog, I would be thrilled.  Some of you have placed orders and even though it hasn't been enough for Amazon to release it to me yet, it is banking up in my account.  I appreciate your support and am thankful for each one of you.  

To celebrate my 6 years of sharing with you, I wanted to tell you all about all those things that I consider my "FAVORITES".  Maybe it will give you a gift idea for someone you love or maybe you will just nod along and agree that you consider it a favorite of yours too.  At the bottom, I'm giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card to share for one of my readers and allow you to purchase something that you've been wanting either for yourself or a loved one.  Thanks for joining me on this blogging journey.  

LANDS END CLOTHING

I recommend all of their clothing.  It is high quality, long lasting, and comfortable.  Some of my favorite items include their Polartec Fleece, the Cashtouch Scarves, and their kids and adults winter coats and boots.  You can't go wrong and everything has a lifetime guarantee.

www.landsend.com

AMAZON PRIME  

Since I order a lot of items from Amazon, I decided it was time to add Amazon Prime.  For $79/year you get free two-day shipping on items marked with the prime logo.  You don't have to wait until your cart is full to get the free shipping.  One item or twenty, all free.  Plus with Amazon Prime, you have access to free movies/videos and books.  For me, it is worth the $6.58/month!  You get your first month free, so this is the perfect time of year to try it out! 

RACHAEL RAY SKILLETS

We LOVE our Rachael Ray skillets.  I don't think I would use anything else.  For the price, they are the best out there. Nothing sticks, they wash up easily, and look brand new day after day.

MARY KAY SKINVIGORATE CLEANSING BRUSH

This Skinvigorate Cleansing Brush is one of Mary Kay's newest items.  I am loving it.  After applying my cleanser, I use this brush over my face to massage and deep clean.  It truly is a great way to start your day and "wake up" your face.  You can use it in the shower.  Since I am a Mary Kay Consultant, you can order one straight from me or check with your own local Mary Kay Consultant.  

http://www.marykay.com/sgorkow/en-US/Skin-Care/Skinvigorate-Cleansing-Brush/170314.partId?eCatId=10026

KEURIG

Last year for Christmas, I got a Keurig.  My husband was skeptical, but now he has one at his office.  He may even use it more than I do! I like it for when I just want one cup of coffee in the afternoon or evening.  The kids like hot chocolate and cider.  I will even use it just to heat water for tea.  Plus we use the Storage Tray for all our K-Cups and the Keurig sits right on top saving counter space. 

DUNKIN DONUTS FRENCH VANILLA COFFEE

When I am making coffee in my regular coffee pot, this is my favorite.  

It is available in most grocery stores as well as Target and Wal-Mart.  

If you want the Dunkin Donuts K-Cups, 

you have to get those at an actual  Dunkin Donuts Shop or on their website.  

http://shop.dunkindonuts.com/french-vanilla-ground-coffee-1-lb_601576_11/

TARGET CARTWHEEL

If you have a smart phone and you shop regularly at Target, you need to get the Cartwheel App.  I have saved anywhere from $5-$20 on one shopping trip.  Once the app is on your phone, you can add savings to your "cartwheel" and then at checkout your checker scans your code automatically applying your savings (in addition to coupons and your 5% Target card discount) to your purchase.  So, if you add the Market Pantry Milk item to your Cartwheel and the deal is a 10% savings, then you will save .35 on a $3.59 gallon of milk.  Now that may not seem like much, but over time that adds up and I rarely have milk coupons and we go through a lot of milk in our house.  Every little bit helps and Cartwheel has been a great app for our family.  It isn't just grocery items, I've save money on coats, Christmas decor, baby items, etc.  There are different savings every week.  It may take a bit more time to plan your shopping trip, but the savings are worth it!

http://cartwheel.target.com/#?lnk=snav_rd_cartwheel&orginalSearchTerm=cartwheel

PANDORA

I listen to Pandora nearly every single day.  I have all kinds of different stations depending on my mood that day.  I might listen to Yiruma or George Winston one day and Katy Perry the next.  I also like my WICKED The Musical station.  Pandora is free with ads or you can subscribe and have no ads and other perks. 

http://www.pandora.com/account/sign-in

YIRUMA and GEORGE WINSTON and KATY PERRY

I like a variety of music.  Some days I want the calming tunes of a piano and other days I want something more upbeat like Katy Perry.  I love her new CD and it makes regular appearance in my pandora playlist!  

I discovered Yiruma through a pandora search and really like his style of piano music.  

For the holidays, George Winston is the best! 

LEGOS

Our kids have always been Lego fans (even my husband was), so Legos have always been front and center at our house.  Now that the boys are older, they don't get them out as much, but our daughter loves their Lego line for girls, Lego Friends.  She got Olivia's House last year and has asked for a few more sets this year.  She loves putting them together and playing with them.  We also have pieces from the Lego Christmas Village and that has been fun to watch her play with that this month too! 

YOGI TEA - BEDTIME

I really like the line of Yogi Teas.  They offer many different flavors and for various needs.  My favorite is their Bedtime tea, but I have also tried their Kava Stress Relief and Honey Lemon Throat Comfort.  Yogi teas also have a nice saying on each of their tea tags which I love reading.  You can find Yogi Tea at your local grocery or discount store or at http://www.yogiproducts.com/. 

CANDLES

White Lights Soy Candles - http://www.mywhitelights.com/

I love candles.  Yankee, Bath and Body, and even our local hand poured Soy Candles made by a friend of mine.  I have candles everywhere in our home.  I am loving the holiday scents that Bath and Body Works is offering this year.  My current favorite is Butter Cream Mint!

http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=4147333&cm_sp=LN-_-Home+%26+Candles-_-3-Wick+Candles&cp=12586994.12936192

ROXY

These shoes are my new favorite.  They are comfortable and warm.  The fuzzy lining is soft and these are warm enough to wear bare-footed.  It is like wearing slippers all day.

CABIN SOCKS

These are my favorite socks to wear around the house. 

They have a super soft fleece lining and keep my feet nice and warm during the day and night.  

Dicks Sporting Goods has been running these as a Buy One Get One Free offer at their stores. 

They would make great gifts this Christmas!  

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=20390856&cp=4406646.4413874.20997406.22294516

To enter to win the $25 Amazon Gift Card, just enter in the required information on the form.  The giveaway will run through 11:59 PM on December 16, 2013.  I will chose a winner using random.org on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 and email the winner.  The winner will have 48 hours to respond or I will choose another winner.  The gift card will be given as a code through an email address given to me by the winner. This giveaway is not sponsored by Amazon, but just from myself as a thank you to my readers. One entry per person only.