I recently attended a small group study called "Live Like You Were Dying" by Gary Smalley. The study was written in part based on the country song with the same title by Tim Mc Graw.
The idea was to imagine that we only had 30 days to live...what would we do differently in our lives? The study encouraged us to figure out what is important in our lives. We talked about loving deeper, speaking sweeter, and giving forgiveness more freely.
We've also talked a lot about our "bucket lists" what would we do if we found out we were about to kick the bucket?
Go ahead, just write whatever pops into your head, what would you do if you found out you only had 30 days to live?
Now compare your bucket list with your to-do list for the day, I'd guess you will not find the same item on both lists.
Why is that? Why do we fret over the economy and fuss over all the millions of things we think we need to get done all at once on a daily basis. There really is no guarantee of a tomorrow for any of us, boy, are we wasting time living as if the future is all we have.
Tonight when I get home from work, I guarantee there will be a full sink of dirty dishes, at least 3 loads of laundry to do, and a stack of bills that need to be paid, but I'm going home and sitting outside. I plan to let the sunshine warm my heart. I will sit at the table with my family long after we've finished eating just laughing and listening to my crazy children's stories. I will hug my husband and make him sit next to me on the couch for a while.
The laundry the dishes and the bills will wait...I'm gonna make sure the people in my life that I love dearly know it today....
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
It's time for SmartyPants to say good bye!
I won't beat around the bush...SmartyPants is closing it's doors on April 30, 2009.
April 4 will mark our 5th year in the business, and it has been a great 5 years! We've made new friends from all over the region, and YOU are the thing we will miss the most!
Pictured here are my mother in law and her son, my husband (taken MANY years ago!). This summer our family will be moving to Florida to spend more time with her. She is a dear lady, if you knew her, you would understand why we want to move closer to her. Oh, and did I mention that it is sunny and warm in Florida? Hasn't this been a loooooong winter?!
To Do List
Today: go through your spring/summer stuff and get it into SmartyPants quickly. We will be accepting clothing until April 1st business as usual.
Between April 1st and 13th: you will be welcome to pick up any unsold items during this time. Just give us a quick call the day you are coming to pick up your items, and we will have them ready for you.
April 13-18: 50% off all items in the shop
April 20-25: 75% off all items in the shop
April 27-30: bag sale begins with a portion of the proceeds to be donated to the Women's Crisis Center of DeMotte.
Please stop by the shop to pick up any money that may be left on your account. It's your money, and we want you to have it!
Check your email regularly for updates and reminders. The last weeks have been crazy around here with the best spring and summer stuff we've ever seen being consigned every day, and new things will be hitting the floor every day until the clearance sales begin.
I'm not saying good bye just yet, so.....
See ya at the shop!
xoxoCathy
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
well, it's 0 degrees...
but I want to share my very favorite summer fun recipe with you. When I'm going someplace where I want to impress people with the food I bring, I always bring this appetizer. It gets rave reviews, and sometimes I print out some copies of the recipe because I know everyone will ask me for the recipe once they taste it.
Annie's Fruit Salsa and Cinnamon Chips
INGREDIENTS
2 kiwis, peeled and diced
2 Golden Delicious apples - peeled, cored and diced
8 ounces raspberries
1 pound strawberries
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 tablespoons fruit preserves, any flavor
10 (10 inch) flour tortillas
butter flavored cooking spray
2 cups cinnamon sugar
DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, thoroughly mix kiwis, Golden Delicious apples, raspberries, strawberries, white sugar, brown sugar and fruit preserves. Cover and chill in the refrigerator at least 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Coat one side of each flour tortilla with butter flavored cooking spray. Cut into wedges and arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle wedges with desired amount of cinnamon sugar. Spray again with cooking spray.
Bake in the preheated oven 8 to 10 minutes. Repeat with any remaining tortilla wedges. Allow to cool approximately 15 minutes. Serve with chilled fruit mixture.
2 kiwis, peeled and diced
2 Golden Delicious apples - peeled, cored and diced
8 ounces raspberries
1 pound strawberries
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 tablespoons fruit preserves, any flavor
10 (10 inch) flour tortillas
butter flavored cooking spray
2 cups cinnamon sugar
DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, thoroughly mix kiwis, Golden Delicious apples, raspberries, strawberries, white sugar, brown sugar and fruit preserves. Cover and chill in the refrigerator at least 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Coat one side of each flour tortilla with butter flavored cooking spray. Cut into wedges and arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle wedges with desired amount of cinnamon sugar. Spray again with cooking spray.
Bake in the preheated oven 8 to 10 minutes. Repeat with any remaining tortilla wedges. Allow to cool approximately 15 minutes. Serve with chilled fruit mixture.
Once at a girls only dinner party I served chicken and cheese quesadillas, spanish rice, chips and salsa, margaritas, and fruit salsa with cinnamon chips for dessert. It was a delightful summer meal and everyone raved over the food which was pretty easy to put together, my favorite menu....easy and tasty!
Enjoy!!
Monday, February 2, 2009
people think I'm crazy...
and they are right, I can be a little nuts at times! Ever since I opened SmartyPants 5 years ago I hear the comments, "shorts in January?" and "bathing suits already?!". Yep, that's right....not only do we start a "resort wear" rack in January, but stuff sells off of it every single day.
Indiana has suffered a LONG cold and snowy winter this year, the worst I can remember, and the groundhog saw his shadow this morning which means 6 more weeks of winter...why am I not surprised?! The fact that we've been weighed down by layers upon layers of clothing for months is making shoppers more anxious than ever to start getting that spring and summer wardrobe started. Hey we can dream that it might warm up soon, right?!
I find myself looking to brighter colors too when shopping. By this time in the winter season, I am always soooo sick of my black sweaters, practical as they may be, it's time for a little color in life. The displays at SP are bright, tank tops, capri pants, and summer bags, come on in and start building your summer closet, and quick before everyone finds out we've got the cutest stuff!
Indiana has suffered a LONG cold and snowy winter this year, the worst I can remember, and the groundhog saw his shadow this morning which means 6 more weeks of winter...why am I not surprised?! The fact that we've been weighed down by layers upon layers of clothing for months is making shoppers more anxious than ever to start getting that spring and summer wardrobe started. Hey we can dream that it might warm up soon, right?!
I find myself looking to brighter colors too when shopping. By this time in the winter season, I am always soooo sick of my black sweaters, practical as they may be, it's time for a little color in life. The displays at SP are bright, tank tops, capri pants, and summer bags, come on in and start building your summer closet, and quick before everyone finds out we've got the cutest stuff!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Teens do amazing things!
Sometimes I fall into the trap of thinking I'm smarter than my kids. Yes, I do know more about some things than they do, mostly from life experiences, but overall, I admit it, they are smarter than me.
When we computerized SmartyPants I nearly pulled my hair out trying to get everything to work together. I should have thought of it sooner, ask a kid. My 16 year old came in, talked to tech support, and had the whole thing up and running in an hour. Amazing.
Kids know how build websites, and how to work those pesky ipods way better than I ever will. Oh I can learn how to do things, but I love the way teens work at things with no fear. Me, I'm scared to death that I will wipe out all my information and my computer will burst into flames if I try to do anything to "techy".
And don't ever sit and watch an episode of "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader" with my kids...Yes, they are smarter than a fifth grader, me? not so much! And boggle...those little stinkers seem to find every single word all the grown ups do, and then a few more. They beat us every single time!
My daughter Ashley made a music video to a country song as her film literature class final. When I watched it, I was just blown away. She is my kid so I am biased, but I'm amazed that they learn so quickly about camera angles, and such!
I really enjoyed watching it, maybe you will to. Keep in mind that this same kid is moving away to college this summer, so maybe I'm just feeling emotional! Ashley is the girl at the end leaving for college....there goes my life....
Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkH3N6O5FaU&feature=channel_page
When we computerized SmartyPants I nearly pulled my hair out trying to get everything to work together. I should have thought of it sooner, ask a kid. My 16 year old came in, talked to tech support, and had the whole thing up and running in an hour. Amazing.
Kids know how build websites, and how to work those pesky ipods way better than I ever will. Oh I can learn how to do things, but I love the way teens work at things with no fear. Me, I'm scared to death that I will wipe out all my information and my computer will burst into flames if I try to do anything to "techy".
And don't ever sit and watch an episode of "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader" with my kids...Yes, they are smarter than a fifth grader, me? not so much! And boggle...those little stinkers seem to find every single word all the grown ups do, and then a few more. They beat us every single time!
My daughter Ashley made a music video to a country song as her film literature class final. When I watched it, I was just blown away. She is my kid so I am biased, but I'm amazed that they learn so quickly about camera angles, and such!
I really enjoyed watching it, maybe you will to. Keep in mind that this same kid is moving away to college this summer, so maybe I'm just feeling emotional! Ashley is the girl at the end leaving for college....there goes my life....
Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkH3N6O5FaU&feature=channel_page
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Something Surprised me this week!
I'll just admit it, no one brought stuff in for the few weeks before Christmas. It was maddening, and it scared me to death thinking you all forgot about us!
So, I ran an ad in the paper, did you see it?
It said:
"Clean your closet and let SmartyPants
turn the clothes you no longer wear
into COLD HARD CASH!"
Yipee, the day after Christmas alone 16 new consignors brought clothes, shoes and purses in. We even got 2 authentic coach purses which sold the first day we put them out!
What surprised me was the comments the girls who were bringing clothes in made:
"Wow, this is easy!"
"I thought I would need an appointment"
"You mean everything doesn't need to be on hangers?!"
"This is so awesome!"
I guess I just assumed everyone knew how easy we make it for you at SmartyPants, in case you didn't know...
No appointment needed
Bring in your stuff anytime that we are open
We can donate the items we do not accept
You can just drop it off and walk out, no need to sit and wait while we look thru everything
Just fold your stuff neatly and put it in a tote or laundry basket, we'll transfer it into our tote, give yours back, and you'll be on your merry way.
My daughter cleaned out her closet right before Christmas and has over $1o0 on her account, just enough to buy that new phone she's been wanting. Consigning at SmartyPants is by far the easiest money you'll make.
So, get in your closet today and start making a big pile of stuff you don't wear anymore then bring it to SP. We are accepting spring clothing starting right now; sandals, capri pants, tank tops etc., and we always need jeans, hoodies, & t-shirts.
See ya at the shop!!
So, I ran an ad in the paper, did you see it?
It said:
"Clean your closet and let SmartyPants
turn the clothes you no longer wear
into COLD HARD CASH!"
Yipee, the day after Christmas alone 16 new consignors brought clothes, shoes and purses in. We even got 2 authentic coach purses which sold the first day we put them out!
What surprised me was the comments the girls who were bringing clothes in made:
"Wow, this is easy!"
"I thought I would need an appointment"
"You mean everything doesn't need to be on hangers?!"
"This is so awesome!"
I guess I just assumed everyone knew how easy we make it for you at SmartyPants, in case you didn't know...
No appointment needed
Bring in your stuff anytime that we are open
We can donate the items we do not accept
You can just drop it off and walk out, no need to sit and wait while we look thru everything
Just fold your stuff neatly and put it in a tote or laundry basket, we'll transfer it into our tote, give yours back, and you'll be on your merry way.
My daughter cleaned out her closet right before Christmas and has over $1o0 on her account, just enough to buy that new phone she's been wanting. Consigning at SmartyPants is by far the easiest money you'll make.
So, get in your closet today and start making a big pile of stuff you don't wear anymore then bring it to SP. We are accepting spring clothing starting right now; sandals, capri pants, tank tops etc., and we always need jeans, hoodies, & t-shirts.
See ya at the shop!!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Guess what I found at Wal Mart?!
Let's just say Wal Mart is not my favorite shopping destination. Low prices, yes. Relaxing, inviting shopping experience, ummm no. Sam Walton's heirs get way too many of my hard earned dollars as it is, but Christmas baking season is upon us, and that can only mean one thing...a Wal Mart run.
So, I cruised the parking lot looking for an empty space, found one, pulled in, stepped my foot into an ankle deep ice and slush puddle, soaking my shoe, sock, and the bottom of my jeans. The shopping trip was off to a great start.
Crummy attitude in place, I headed to the entrance, and was greeted by a grown woman in a full Santa suit, ringing the Salvation Army bell, dancing around, and singing, laughing, and yelling Merry Christmas to each shopper as they passed by. You can not pass by this woman without a smile spreading across your face! I laughed out loud and she threw her arm around me and said "Merry Christmas Honey" in my ear. Tears sprung to my eyes...where does this volunteer bell ringer, in the freezing cold, get such joy?!As I pushed my cart thru the produce section, I couldn't stop thinking about her. I'd guess her life isn't all that great, but she's just decided to make the best of it. God Bless her!
The buzz of my "santa" encounter was quickly fading as I manuevered thru the masses of people doing their shopping. Then I saw a little old lady pushing her husband in a wheel chair. I stopped feeling sorry for myself, and wondered how that little woman came up with the strength to push that chair around big ole Wal Mart.
I smiled at her, and as she passed me she asked, "hey do you like my shoes?!" I looked down and she was wearing crocs-those rubber shoes everyone says are so comfortable...one green one and one red one. I laughed again, and told her I loved them. Another human, despite her hardship, passing joy onto a complete stranger. Hmmm
What I did not find at Wal Mart was Chex cereal for the Chex mix I needed to make, what I did find, most unexpectedly, was Christmas Joy, right there in Wal Mart.Yes, the economy is in the toilet, Chicago politics are corrupt, and there is another big snow storm on it's way to the area, but in a week we celebrate the birth of our Savior!
I'm gonna try my best to spread some Christmas joy. I don't plan to dance aound the entrance at Wal Mart, or wear 2 different colored crocs, but I will be thankful, I will smile, I will whistle a merry tune, and I will go out of my way to spread joy. Wanna join me?
By the way I did find Chex cereal at Tysen's for only $1 more per box than Wal Mart, you gotta try the recipe on the back of the chocolate chex cereal box, it's delicious and easy:
Click here for the recipe and more yummy snack recipes: http://www.chex.com/Recipes/RecipeView.aspx?RecipeId=44440&CategoryId=342
P.S. Aldi in Crown Point has milk on sale for $1.99 and wheat bread for $.25. Saving money gives me joy!
So, I cruised the parking lot looking for an empty space, found one, pulled in, stepped my foot into an ankle deep ice and slush puddle, soaking my shoe, sock, and the bottom of my jeans. The shopping trip was off to a great start.
Crummy attitude in place, I headed to the entrance, and was greeted by a grown woman in a full Santa suit, ringing the Salvation Army bell, dancing around, and singing, laughing, and yelling Merry Christmas to each shopper as they passed by. You can not pass by this woman without a smile spreading across your face! I laughed out loud and she threw her arm around me and said "Merry Christmas Honey" in my ear. Tears sprung to my eyes...where does this volunteer bell ringer, in the freezing cold, get such joy?!As I pushed my cart thru the produce section, I couldn't stop thinking about her. I'd guess her life isn't all that great, but she's just decided to make the best of it. God Bless her!
The buzz of my "santa" encounter was quickly fading as I manuevered thru the masses of people doing their shopping. Then I saw a little old lady pushing her husband in a wheel chair. I stopped feeling sorry for myself, and wondered how that little woman came up with the strength to push that chair around big ole Wal Mart.
I smiled at her, and as she passed me she asked, "hey do you like my shoes?!" I looked down and she was wearing crocs-those rubber shoes everyone says are so comfortable...one green one and one red one. I laughed again, and told her I loved them. Another human, despite her hardship, passing joy onto a complete stranger. Hmmm
What I did not find at Wal Mart was Chex cereal for the Chex mix I needed to make, what I did find, most unexpectedly, was Christmas Joy, right there in Wal Mart.Yes, the economy is in the toilet, Chicago politics are corrupt, and there is another big snow storm on it's way to the area, but in a week we celebrate the birth of our Savior!
I'm gonna try my best to spread some Christmas joy. I don't plan to dance aound the entrance at Wal Mart, or wear 2 different colored crocs, but I will be thankful, I will smile, I will whistle a merry tune, and I will go out of my way to spread joy. Wanna join me?
By the way I did find Chex cereal at Tysen's for only $1 more per box than Wal Mart, you gotta try the recipe on the back of the chocolate chex cereal box, it's delicious and easy:
Click here for the recipe and more yummy snack recipes: http://www.chex.com/Recipes/RecipeView.aspx?RecipeId=44440&CategoryId=342
P.S. Aldi in Crown Point has milk on sale for $1.99 and wheat bread for $.25. Saving money gives me joy!
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