Thursday, September 2, 2021

My Weekly Bookishness ~ 9/03/2021


All things bookish!
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Hear ye!  Hear ye!

I'm starting a Monthly Book Club linkup.


September 2021's post can be found HERE!!!

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What I Read:


You can read my REVIEW HERE!

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What I'm Reading:


Blurb:

A new book by the author of Real Life Organizing and Cluttered Mess to Organized Success Workbook 

Fans of The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up and Spark Joy by Marie Kondo and The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin will love The Clutter Connection by organization expert Cassandra Aarssen.

An organization book for diverse habits: “You’re not messy, you just organize differently”. The Clutter Connection examines and explains the correlation between brain types and how they directly relate to organization and clutter. Cassandra Aarssen smashes the stereo–type that some people are “naturally messy” and offers readers insight and real-life solutions based on their unique personal organizing style. The Clutter Connection will help you get organized, be more productive and finally understand the why behind your clutter.

Individualized real life organizing: Organizing isn’t one size fits all. Let go of the preconceived and conventional notions of what organization looks like and finally discover what Clutterbug you are. With self-awareness comes happiness, personal growth and lasting change.

The Clutter Connection examines:

The four different organizing styles and how they relate to each other How motivation and happiness can be directly affected by our space The “3P’s” - Productivity, procrastination and perfectionism and how they are connected to your unique organizing style How you can finally become clutter-free simply by knowing yourself better

Know your habits and declutter your space

First Lines:

Have you ever wondered why your children just can't seem to put their toys away "right" or why your husband doesn't put his dirty clothes in the hamper, no matter how often you remind him?

56%/Page 56

Bob's dirty clothes were piled in a corner of his bedroom, so that is exactly where I put a large laundry basket.

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What I'll (Probably) Read Next:


Blurb:

Nothing could get her home…but this.

Cassidy Leblanc worked hard to shake off her tragic childhood. As a foster child with a mother in prison for murder, she was an outcast in her small New Hampshire town until she met James. But she and James’s sister, whom she was babysitting, were kidnapped. She escaped, but Hallie didn’t survive, and everybody assumed Cassidy killed her. Like mother, like daughter, after all. With public opinion and the authorities united against her, young Cassidy fled. Now, a decade later, another little girl has been kidnapped, and Cassidy may be the only person who can find her.

He doesn’t know who to trust.

James Sullivan never believed that Cassidy killed his sister, no matter what the authorities said. When his best friend’s daughter goes missing a decade after Hallie's murder, James keeps his opinions on the matter to himself. But when he finds Cassidy sneaking around his property, his thoughts turn dark. If she’s not behind the recent kidnapping, what is she doing back in Coventry? Her answer—that she’s returned to find little Ella, and she needs his help—has him reeling. Can he trust Cassidy, despite what the police tell him? If there’s any chance he can save Ella, he has to try.

Danger lurks on the mountain.

Together, they search for the elusive cave where Cassidy and Hallie were taken, but somebody will stop at nothing to make sure they don’t find it or, if they do, that they don’t come out alive.

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Book Haul:

  


My daughter's haul:

 

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Book Blogger Hop:

Q.  What do you use for a bookmark? A real one or something else? (submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver's Reviews


A. On my Kindle (needless-to-say) I use and electronic bookmark.  When reading a paperback, I use a real bookmark that my daughter bought me.  It says "Let your dreams take flight." and has trees and butterflies.  I love bookmarks and it makes me a bit sad that I can't use them while reading on my Kindle...

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Bookishly Yours,


Linking up to: 

   


https://www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com/

http://www.fredasvoice.com/  http://www.rosecityreader.com/


Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Colletta Is Losing It! ~ Come follow along!

 I hope you'll come check out my not-so-new health and weight loss journey blog:  Colletta Is Losing It! where I'm going to be documenting my endeavor to lose.......150 lbs......gasp!

If you're interested, follow along for Weekly Weigh Ins, Journal Entries and more.

Colletta



The Good Stuff ~ 9/02/2021


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I've got some catching up to do!

~The Wedding!  Kaylee and Shawn's wedding was beautiful!  I didn't cry until the Father/Daughter Dance and then the tears streamed down my face.  


I was OK after that until I came home for the night.  All the preparations and changes hit me and I SOBBED!  Then I was OK...again :)  

The food was amazing and the photographer did an amazing job.  We have a full gallery of pictures.  I wish I could share them all with you but that would be impossible.  These are a few of my favorites:





~A Freshman!  Not only do I have a married daughter, I now have a Freshman in High School too!  The first picture below shows Kaylee and Laken on Laken's first day of Kindergarten.  The second picture is Laken last year (8th grade) and the next picture was Laken on her first day as a Freshman in High School.  Look how much she has changed in just a year!  I can just see the attitude oozing from her in the picture from this year ;)





~Homecoming!  Laken and her friends have decided to do the whole Homecoming "Thing" this year now that they are old enough to attend.  (There will be no boys in the group.  Thankfully, boys are still icky!)  They are going to do a fancy dinner, get photos and go to the dance.  This is the dress that was supposed to be delivered yesterday but wasn't due to the localized flooding.  Hopefully it comes today!  We're going to be adding straps and I'm hoping this model is REALLY tall and that the dress is a bit longer on Laken :)


~A New Job!  Kaylee started a new job the week after returning from her Honeymoon.  She is now working at Subway.  She's making more money for less hours so that is a plus :)

~No Complaining!  My dear sister-in-law, Kelly, has asked me to do a challenge with her for the whole month of September.  30 Days of No Complaining!  It has been 1 day and I've been catching myself more than I thought I would.  The idea is to DECREASE complaining and INCREASE gratitude :)


W
hat has you thankful/smiling/exited this week?  Tell me all the good stuff! 

Colletta

Happy Homemaker Monday (on Wednesday) ~ 9/1/2021


Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 
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Hello, and Happy Monday Wednesday!  Also Happy September!

I'm just getting some time to sit down and do some blogging and it is halfway through the week already!  I love the Happy Homemaker post and didn't want to skip it, so here we go :)

The weather outside is:

It is raining the proverbial cats and dogs today with what is left of Hurricane Ida coming through here in Pennsylvania.  There is some worry about localized flooding but we live in the mountains so we should be safe.



On today's to-do list: 

Annalea is only going to be coming to stay with me on Tuesday and Thursdays now, so hopefully I'll have some more "free" time.  So today I'm trying to catch up on some Bible Reading, cleaning and blogging.

Laken's school was "cancelled" (virtual) today due to the heavy rains and possibility of flooding.  After I post this, I have to make sure she is doing her work like she is supposed to be doing.

Happening this week:

We have lots of deliveries expected this week.  Laken's Homecoming dress should be coming today in the mail.  She's very excited about going to Homecoming this year with her friends.  They are going to have a fancy dinner, get pictures taken and go to the dance.  We're hoping the dress fits!

Kaylee's new job at Subway is going pretty well.  She is getting more pay and working less hours so I think she'll enjoy that aspect :)  Shawn has been working lots of overtime so their schedules have been a bit sporadic.  I think it will even out though.

The hubby is on third shift this week so he's sleeping the day away :)

Currently reading:

I am determined hoping to get into this book during the coming week!  


On the TV:

A movie on Netflix (I don't remember the name) about an empty-nester whose husband leaves her.  She then traveled Africa and "found herself" amongst the elephants.  It was pretty good.

Listening to:

This week for "Songs on Sunday" I featured "Yes, He Can" by Cain.  I hope you'll check it out :)

On the menu week:

Monday ~  Ham, Fried Potatoes
Tuesday ~ Pork Chops, Mashed Potatoes
Wednesday ~ Fish, Homemade mac-n-cheese
Thursday ~  Kielbasa, Buttered Potatoes
Friday ~ Pizza, Salad
Saturday ~ Beef Stew, Biscuits
Sunday ~ Potluck at Church

In the Craft Basket:

Still working away on the Wedding afghan for Shawn and Kaylee!  I'm hoping to get it finished and gifted this week!

Picture from the Camera


This is the dress Laken picked out for Homecoming.  We're going to put straps on it and hope that it is a bit longer on her!

Memory Verse

Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he grows older he will not abandon it.  Proverbs 2:6

Have a great Monday Wednesday!

Colletta

Blogging Challenge ~ My Best Dish and Recipe ~ 9/1/2021


This week's topic is:  

The Best Dish I Cook (and Recipe):

I'm more of a baker than a cook so I thought I'd share the recipe that has gotten the most views on my blog.  It is one that I posted way back in April 2012!



You can view the RECIPE HERE!

So, what is your best dish?  


Colletta

Tuesday 4 ~ ME ~ 8/31/2021

https://mytuesday4meme.blogspot.com/

Head over to Tuesday's Place for the questions and to visit everyone's answers!


Let's talk about you this week.

1. How are you unique or different from your friends or family? How typical are you?

I'm unique in that I have short hair.  I used to have LONG curly hair and just went shorter and shorter until now I have a "pixie" cut.  I'm not sure how I'm typical other than the fact that I love my family fiercely!

2.  How do you spend your spare time? books, hobbies, visiting, tv etc.

Ideally I spend my spare time reading, baking, blogging and crocheting.  Realistically, lately, I've been spending my spare time trying to recuperate from "putting on" a wedding and getting a Freshman started into high school.  Hence, I'm writing this "Tuesday 4" on Wednesday!   :)

3. What was high school like for you?

I enjoyed high school.  I wasn't the most popular girl or anything but I had a great group of friends.  We were as close as sisters and now I really only see one of my friends consistently as we go to the same Church.

4. This question has multiple parts:

a. Handbag: designer style or any will do?

I won't pay over $25 for a handbag so I guess you can say any will do :))

b. Pajamas or night gown?

Jammies

c. Shoes: sturdy or pretty ?

Flip flops!   :)  Other than flip flops:  sturdy sneakers while walking for exercise but pretty for special occasions.

d.home decor: classic, modern, farm house style, traditional?

My decor right now is quite the hodgepodge!

e. Movies: feel good, drama, romance, action?

I enjoy all types of movies.  My favorites are period pieces though :)


Colletta

Saturday, August 28, 2021

Songs on Sunday ~ Yes, He Can by Cain


I have loved everything the group "Cain" has put out so far including "Yes, He Can" !

Enjoy!


Colletta

Monday, August 23, 2021

Tuesday 4 ~ Let's Cook ~ 8/24/2021

https://mytuesday4meme.blogspot.com/

Head over to Tuesday's Place for the questions and to visit everyone's answers!



Let's talk about food this week shall we?

1.What is/are your favorite meal(meals) to eat and to cook?

Cook:  Take-out :)

Eat:  Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Corn and Applesauce

2.How often do you cook at home and what kind of  meals do you make? 

We cook at home most nights.  We have picky eaters (myself included) so we don't make a lot of dishes that include multiple ingredients.  We stick to pretty much simple fare.

3. When you go out to eat what foods do you find yourself ordering most?

BREAKFAST!  If a restaurant offers all-day breakfast, that is what I get.  Usually a ham and cheese omelet and home fries :)

4. Can you recommend a restaurant in your area?  Why do you like it?

Just recently a "Ledo's" came into a nearby town.  We went there Saturday and it was delicious!  No breakfast though...   :)


Colletta

Sunday, August 22, 2021

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 8/23/2021


Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 
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Hello, and Happy Monday!

After giving myself a week of recuperation post-Wedding, it is time to get back into my schedule and get back some sense of normalcy.


The weather outside is:

This week looks to be a bit warmer than last week.  I'm ready for some fall weather but AM NOT liking the dark of night coming so early!  It was 8pm and dark this weekend :(


On today's to-do list: 

BIG day, today!

Today is Laken's first day of High School!  Only 4 short years and she'll be off on her adventures.  I plan on soaking it in as much as I can :)  After school is volleyball practice...

Kaylee and Shawn are back from their Honeymoon and Kaylee starts a new job today.  I pray she enjoys it :)

I also have a dentist appointment in the morning and need to get groceries.

Happening this week:

Trying to get back into my schedule of getting things done is utmost on my list this week!  I feel like this Summer has flown by and I've just been floundering to "get through".  Some has been good (wedding stuff) other not so great (surgery, doctor's appointments etc.)  Wish me luck!

Currently reading:

I am determined to get into this book during the coming week!  


On the TV:

Nothing for me!  I have been "trying" to catch up on some of my favorite youtubers though.

Listening to:

This week for "Songs on Sunday" I featured "My Jesus" by Anne Wilson.  I hope you'll check it out :)

On the menu week:

Not done yet :(  I'm getting really bad at waiting until the last minute to make my menu and grocery list.

Monday ~  
Tuesday ~ 
Wednesday ~ 
Thursday ~  
Friday ~ 
Saturday ~ 
Sunday ~ Potluck at Church

In the Craft Basket:

Still working away on the Wedding afghan for Shawn and Kaylee!  I'm hoping to get it finished and gifted this week!

Picture from the Camera


We got the pictures back from the photographer already!  She did such an amazing job!  I absolutely love them.  Look for more pictures on Thursday on my "Good Stuff" post :)

Memory Verse

"He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?"  Romans 8:32

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Saturday, August 21, 2021

Songs on Sunday ~ My Jesus by Anne Wilson


Time to get back on Schedule!

Let me start by telling you about "My Jesus" :)

Enjoy!



Colletta

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Tuesday 4 ~ Marriage ~ 8/17/2021

https://mytuesday4meme.blogspot.com/

Head over to Tuesday's Place for the questions and to visit everyone's answers!




This week let's talk about engagements and marriage okay?

1. If you are married would you share how your husband proposed to you? How long were you engaged before you got married? If you aren't married, what would be ideal for you?

The hubby proposed in a traditional way, down on one knee and everything  :)  We were engaged for 2 months before the wedding!

2. Did you receive an engagement ring? Would you show us or describe it for us?

Yes, I did receive an engagement ring that we went to the jewelry store and picked out together.  It has a large diamond in the middle and 3 small diamonds on each side.

3. What kind of wedding did you have? Was it big or small, formal, informal, religious or justice of the peace. Inquiring minds want to know!

We had a very traditional wedding at our Church.  There were about 125 people in attendance.  I wouldn't say it was formal but not really informal either... :)

4.Was there a honeymoon? Where did you go, how long did you stay? 

We did have a honeymoon!  We went to DISNEY WORLD!!  lol  We stayed for a week :)

Colletta

Sunday, August 15, 2021

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 8/16/2021


Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 
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Hello, and Happy Monday!

Wedding week is over and in the books!  The Bride and Groom are off on their Honeymoon and everything has been undecorated and "semi" put away.

I'm exhausted!  But in a good way :)


The weather outside is:

After the heat of the past few weeks, I'm looking forward to these cooler temps and we definitely need some rain:





On today's to-do list: 

We had one day to recuperate from the Wedding and now we're on to mandatory Volleyball practices for Laken everyday.  Laken is hoping and praying that she makes the JV team.  As a Freshman it might be a bit difficult so we'll see what happens!

Happening this week:

As I mentioned above, Kaylee and Shawn are off on their Honeymoon.  I will admit that I've been very emotional the past week or two and now I'm just downright weepy!  It is going to be a big adjustment!

Back-to-School/Meet-the-Teacher Night is Thursday for Laken.  She's going to the High School this year and is very nervous about having to find her classes.  She already received her schedule and has coordinated with all her friends.  Luckily she has at least one friend in all her classes.  We still have some School Shopping left to do as Laken CANNOT decide on a pair of gym shoes.  It is driving my insane!

The hubby is on 2nd shift this week.  I really miss him being home in the evening when he works 2nd.  Honestly, I miss him no matter what shift he works :)

Currently reading:

(Still the same as last time.)  I have been watching "Hot Mess House" on HGTV with Cassandra Aarssen.  I downloaded 3 of her books on Kindle Unlimited.  I've already finished the first book but haven't taken the time to write a review yet.  I also haven't taken the time to start the following book YET but this will be my next read.  


On the TV:

Hot Mess House

Listening to:

The DJ we hired for the Reception did a really good job.  He even played the song that the hubby and I danced to for our First Dance :)  I cried.

On the menu week:

Not done yet :(  I'm getting really bad at waiting until the last minute to make my menu and grocery list.

Monday ~  
Tuesday ~ 
Wednesday ~ 
Thursday ~  
Friday ~ 
Saturday ~ 
Sunday ~ Potluck at Church

In the Craft Basket:

I have 4 rounds to go on the border of the Wedding Afghan for Kaylee and Shawn.  I "might" be able to finish it up by the time they get back from their honeymoon.  Here's hoping!

Picture from the Camera





Memory Verse

"for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s."  Romans 14:8

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Shawn and Kaylee ~ 8/14/2021 ~ Wedding Sneak Peek

 I just wanted to share with you a few pictures that I snapped with my phone.  I didn't take a lot.  That is why we hired a photographer :)








We had such a lovely day and the happy couple is off on their honeymoon.  I need a nap but I'm sure I'll write more about the day sometime soon...

Colletta

Sunday, August 8, 2021

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 8/9/2021


Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday. 
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Hello, and Happy Monday!

It is finally HERE!!!!

My baby is getting married Saturday!

I don't know if I'm ready or not but I'm getting very emotional at times.  AND it is going to be a marathon kind of week:


The weather outside is:

The week ahead is looking beautiful:



On today's to-do list: 

Along with getting married, Kaylee is changing jobs.  She already has one job lined up with an orientation date set and has more interviews to come.  One of which is Monday morning at 9am and another Tuesday at 10am.  Decisions, decisions...

Laken has one (hopefully) last physical therapy appointment at 10:30am.  The PT said that after this one, she can probably just keep doing her exercises at home.  Here's hoping :)

I gotta find time to get groceries also.  Like I said above:  marathon week ahead!


Happening this week:

THE WEDDING!  Saturday, August 14, 2021 is the BIG day for Kaylee and Shawn.  I think everything is in place.  We can get in the Community Center where the reception is being held at noon on Friday to decorate.  The Wedding Rehearsal is that evening at 7pm.  And Saturday at 2pm, we'll be giving my baby away in marriage.  (I can hardly type this without tearing up!)

Laken has Volleyball Open Gym Tuesday and Wednesday this week.  She got her Class Schedule in the mail and was very anxious to see if she has any classes with her friends as she moves to the High School this year.  Thankfully, she has friends in just about every class!  Big sigh of relief for Laken :)

The hubby is on 3rd shift (nights) this week but took Thursday night (his Friday) off to help with Wedding preparations.

Currently reading:

I have been watching "Hot Mess House" on HGTV with Cassandra Aarssen.  I downloaded 3 of her books on Kindle Unlimited.  I've already finished the first book but haven't taken the time to write a review yet.  I also haven't taken the time to start the following book YET but this will be my next read.  


On the TV:

Hot Mess House

Listening to:

This week I featured "The Man Who Loves You The Most" by Zac Brown Band on Songs on Sunday.  It is going to be the Father/Daughter Dance song.  I hope you'll check it out :)

On the menu week:

Not done yet :(  I'm getting really bad at waiting until the last minute to make my menu and grocery list.

Monday ~  
Tuesday ~ 
Wednesday ~ 
Thursday ~  
Friday ~ 
Saturday ~ 
Sunday ~ Potluck at Church

In the Craft Basket:

I have 4 rounds to go on the border of the Wedding Afghan for Kaylee and Shawn.  I really doubt if I make it in time to give them before or at the wedding.  I "might" be able to finish it up by the time they get back from their honeymoon.  Here's hoping!

Picture from the Camera


This is Laken's hair.  Look how long it is!  She was practicing "wedding hair" with my Aunt Donna.  This was my favorite :)

Memory Verse

"For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will glorify the lowly with salvation."  Psalm 149:4

Have a great Monday!

Colletta

Songs on Sunday ~ The Man Who Loves You The Most by Zac Brown Band


This is the last week my oldest baby will be a "Single Lady" (No, I'm not going to play Beyonce!)

I thought today I'd share the song that the hubby picked out for the Father/Daughter dance with Kaylee.  

I'm already getting very emotional about it and it isn't even here yet!  Listen to this song and let me know what you think.

Enjoy :)


Colletta

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

The Good Stuff ~ Pre-Wedding Emotions ~ 8/5/2021


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Time for another "Focus on the Good Stuff" post!

Dear Readers,

So sorry to have been MIA for the last week or more.  BIG stuff is happening around here and I've been so preoccupied and BUSY!  Kaylee and Shawn's Wedding is 9 short days away!  We've been busy with planning, decorations, errands, etc., etc., etc. 

I sat down a bit ago to fill out my planner for next week and I have to say that I've been a bit misty-eyed since filling in the day of Saturday, August 14, 2021.  I'm happy but also a bit sad that things will be changing.  My baby girl is all grown up and I don't know how to feel exactly.  Have you ever been there?


We've been making list upon list and checking items off.  I have to admit that I long for a bit of normalcy.  But I wonder if things will ever feel "normal" again.  I keep reminding myself that Kaylee and Shawn's house will only be a short 10 minute drive away.

So, tell me some "Good Stuff" about "marrying off" your daughter or son, if you've been in my shoes.  How did you feel, cope, manage  with all the accompanying emotions?

What are you thankful for/smiling/exited about this week?  Tell me all the good stuff! 

Colletta