Mindful Living

Repurpose: Scarf Turned Draft Buster

Posted on by Jean Campbell

What a serendipitous discovery! I've been doing a great deal of organizing, cleaning, and culling over the month of January. It's a pretty regular event for me. I get the Christmas tree off to the kindling heap and holiday decorations packed up and out of the way. This activity almost always instills in me the burning desire to bring order to my ever chaotic household. I love scarves of all kinds and I've collected quite a few. There are several I no longer reach for when heading out in... Continue reading

2013 Top Ten Trash to Treasures

Posted on by Jean Campbell

It's hard to believe that 2013 is almost behind us. My goal was to dramatically reduce the amount of stuff we carted in through the front door and limit the plastic bags of stuff we hauled back out. It's an idea that is not only good for the environment, but for me as well. With it, I have an exhilarating hobby, and I save money to boot. What's not to love? I come by this tendency honest. I've watched my mother keep what she calls "live garbage" for years, always tending an earthy compost... Continue reading

Resolution, Schmesolution. Make a Plan Instead!

Posted on by Jean Campbell

When I was about 10 years old, my brother-in-law, my sisters, and I were out in the back yard. We had been playing with my little sister in her red wagon. At some point, my brother-in-law jumped in the wagon and rode it down our steep back yard. He was able to steer easily by turning the handle inward and moving it left to go right and right to go left. My eyes widened as I watched him speed down the hill. It looked like so much fun! I really wanted to try it, but there was a big pine tree in... Continue reading

Keeping the Grinch at Bay!

Posted on by Jean Campbell

It's that time of year! As the temperature drops and the leaves turn, advertisements begin to bombard us with images of perfect families, smiling, exchanging warm greetings and gifts, while others are shown singing Christmas carols around the fire in perfect homes. It is easy to feel that we somehow miss the mark. In reality, the magazine cover Christmas is often far from the truth. The holidays can bring a great deal of stress, and for many, even depression. As we trudge through busy malls,... Continue reading