Good News: Celebrating the GOOD in the New Year!

As I sit here blogging from my warm (70 degrees) and sunny patio in Florida I find it hard to believe that not only is it December 27 but it's almost 2015!!

Is this really December?

I always get so excited for a New Year. I see it as an opportunity to try new things, set new goals, and focus on being a better person. And while a great many New Year's Resolutions are quickly forgotten before Valentine's Day, there is one change I incorporated a few years ago that has become a family favorite and still continues to this day.... it's the "Good News Jar."

GOOD NEWS!

Ever since I became a parent (20 years ago, sheesh) I've tried to be a positive role model. I think so much of life today, especially with our quick connection to technology, has become driven by negativity. Focusing on the good and celebrating even the smallest victory is a great way for a family to create an atmosphere of support, love, teamwork, and happiness. But in our busy lives it's easy to forget the good things that happen along the way so that's why I made a "Good News Jar."

Here's how it works:

• Start this project at the very beginning of the year: JANUARY 1!
• Get a jar, basket, box, envelope, can.. whatever, and designate it the "Good News Jar". Place it somewhere obvious so it's not forgotten. (I keep mine on the kitchen counter)
• Any time something good happens, no matter how small, write it down and place it in the jar.
• Let the good news pile up throughout the year.
• Gather with your family on NEW YEAR'S EVE and read all of the good things that have happened throughout the year. Take turns reading each happy note.

Can't wait to read ours on New Year's Eve!

It's such an easy yet special activity to do as a family. We really enjoy reading them and are always surprised by the good news we've forgotten along the way. It's also a great way to get the new year off on a positive and happy note. 

With an activity this easy you have NO EXCUSES! So get started! ~XOXO jules

Spreading the Joy Through Random Acts Of Kindness

The other day while scanning my Facebook newsfeed I came across something that I LOVED so much I decided to do it myself. A friend of mine (thanks for sharing Dawn) posted a picture of a candy cane and note that she had found on her car door handle when she returned to it after shopping. The note said that she was receiving a Random Act of Kindness and to pay it forward. I absolutely just loved that idea and decided I would start spreading my own joy.

I seriously got right on it. First I bought the candy canes, then I perused the internet until I found a note to accompany my Random Act. I came across this cute little note, which I found here.

You've Been RAK'd

I then used a sticker to adhere the candy cane to the back and was ready to spread the joy!

I couldn't wait to leave one and I knew the perfect location..... TARGET! (so if you were driving a Honda Minivan and received one today, that was me) Shhhh... I couldn't believe how nervous I got about leaving it too. I was sure someone was going to see me and think I was doing something wrong. LOL  But I delivered it unnoticed and hope the recipient was surprised and felt at least a little joy!!

It doesn't take long to do something nice and unexpected. I encourage you all to accomplish some kind of Random Act of Kindness. And if you happen to see one of these on your car when you return from an exasperating shopping trip I hope it puts a SMILE on your face. XOXO ~ jules

SPREADING THE J-O-Y!

A Very Julie Christmas

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Oh how I LOVE Christmas.... the twinkling lights, time with family and friends, the magic of the season, and DECORATING! This year as I mentally prepared to get out ALL of my Christmas decorations I made the decision to live by the mantra "if I don't love it it goes." So as I emptied bin after storage bin of Christmas merriment I started a pile of "things of Christmas past" that no longer bring me cheer. Once I had gone through and sorted everything I loaded up my car and took a trip to Goodwill. Surely my Christmas cast-offs could bring happiness to others!!

Then the REAL work began, decorating the house from top to bottom. This year I knew I really wanted to mix things up by adding new decorations or at the very least changing up where I placed things. But I knew I didn't want to just go and buy new things. That's when I decided I would "create" some new decorations by using some old ones and it turned out AWESOMELY!! And as usual for me these are all super EASY! I'll share a few....

First up, it's the Fireside Charmer

Fireside Charmer

This was a breeze to throw together. The only things I purchased for this were the copper container, (which I found for $10 at Burlington Coat Factory) and the pine cones (because I wanted the cinnamon scented ones). The other items in the container are reused decorations: 

• a strand of clear lights
• a miniature Christmas tree
• an old piece of a swag 

All I did was place the strand of lights in the bottom followed by the mini tree, swag piece, and pine-cones. You could also use small pieces of wood, ribbon, old garland.... really anything you like. I just love the warm glow it casts at night. (Be sure to notice it front and center in the photo at the top)

Oh so cute at night!

 Next up is Christmas Centerpiece of Merriment

Christmas Centerpiece of Merriment

So this turned out even cuter than I'd expected. The only item I purchased for this is the silver tray which I purchased at Target for around $14. They also had this tray in a variety of colors. The items on the tray were all odds and ends I already had. They are:

• red and white candles
• silver and red ball ornaments
• several pieces of old swag and garland
• pine cones
• reindeer statue

Throwing this together was also a breeze. There's nothing to it but arranging all of your items until your happy with it from all angles. The smaller candles I have on mine are battery operated so the tray puts off a nice glow at night.

Top View

The final idea is Filled with JOY

Filled with JOY (and candy)

Grab any glass container around your home: a hurricane lamp, glass vase, candle holder, etc. and FILL, FILL, FILL! Use ornaments, candy canes, peppermints, bows, ribbons, buttons, really anything that has to do with the holiday or that is in holiday colors. And that's it! It doesn't get any easier than that!

I hope you enjoyed my ideas and that each and everyone of you have the Merriest of Christmases!

~XOXO jules