Monday, March 30, 2009

Do Something That Makes You Smile

I am a firm believer that every day you should do a little something that makes you smile. If I am happy there is more of me to give to my family and others. But, sometimes, in an effort to do things that make me smile I fall into a rut. Am I the only person who does this? Let me give you a personal example. I find it very easy to decorate the more public areas of my home. That makes me smile. But, every morning I wake up in a bland and cluttered bedroom. In my rut I think nothing of this---my thoughts are, "I spend most of my time in that room with my eyes closed, so it doesn't matter." But in reality it DOES matter. This is something in my life that isn't consistent with what I desire for myself and my family. And because of that, my life feels out of balance. So, this weekend I tackled the task of finding balance, as well as doing something that makes me smile. In the midst of organizing my office closet, I began another task (can you say, "Attention Deficit"?). I decided to take one corner of my bedroom and do just a little something that would make me smile. I didn't run out and buy a lot of stuff. I used what I had. I used my trusty black spray paint to update the two shelves. And I treated myself and my hubby to some inexpensive fresh flowers. Now I have something that makes me smile every time I walk by.What little thing can you do today to get you out of a rut and make you smile? It doesn't have to be decorating your house, maybe it's just adding a little something extra to your recipe for dinner tonight. Or lighting that beautiful candle you've been saving all these months. Or how about wearing fancy earrings while you're cleaning the toilet? Go ahead! Do something that makes you smile!

OH! another thing that makes me smile....reading all the comments you left on my giveaway post. You are all so sweet!And now I'm really smiling because I get to announce the winners....
PRIZE A- the burlap monogram goes to Tammy at Tinsel & Co.
PRIZE B- the chalkboard was won by Carlie at The Bird Nest
PRIZE C- CJ's Mommy*Kimberly gets her choice of two prizes
Ladies, send me an email at joysofhome@gmail.com. I need your color choices and addresses.

I really wish I could have made a prize for each and every one of you! My hubby says that's because I'm Obsessive Compulsive. Oh my! I'm ADD and OCD---no wonder I have to find something to make me smile every day!
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37 comments:

  1. TiffanyMarch 30, 2009 at 12:22 PM

    Congrats winners!

    Your bedroom space is looking lovely.

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  2. AnNicole@Our Suburban CottageMarch 30, 2009 at 12:29 PM

    Congrats winners!

    I love your bedroom space. I know exactly what you mean about needing something that makes you smile. I have spaces in my house that make me smile every time I see them (in fact that's one of my criteria when I buy something - if it's not going to make me smile, what's the point?).

    I also agree about needing that daily in your life. The weekend before last my son was out of town so I just hopped in the car on a saturday and went for a drive out into the country. It made me smile because it was soooo beautiful after a rainstorm.

    Sorry for the wordy post :).

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  3. CindyMarch 30, 2009 at 12:49 PM

    Congrats Winners!! Very, very lucky!

    I had the same idea about my bedroom also!! But I'm starting from bare... I totally took EVERYTHING out and it is now in my living room! Ha! I may be sleeping in the chair tonight...if I can clear a spot! But I'm putting everything back pretty, not the usual hodge podge my room has always been (cuz you're only in there with your eyes closed). It's not making me smile right now looking at the living room, but it will when I walk into my bedroom (hopefully tonight!)

    ADD, OCD.....maybe that's why you do alot of letter projects! LOL!

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  4. Carry GraceMarch 30, 2009 at 1:09 PM

    What a beautiful corner in your bedroom. I wouldn't want to leave.

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  5. Ms. WitiMarch 30, 2009 at 1:26 PM

    Your blog (and others that I read) make me smile.

    Totally agree on the decorating thing though. I think hubby and my bedroom has got to be the catch all and last to clean in the house. Maybe I too will tackle it corner by corner..

    :o)

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  6. Just RhondaMarch 30, 2009 at 1:30 PM

    LOVE the little space you made in your bedroom!!!!!! Great thing to think about too!

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  7. KLMarch 30, 2009 at 1:39 PM

    Congratulations!
    I love your bedroom corner by the way! Fits in perfectly with the rest of your spaces.. =)

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  8. Alaskangal BMarch 30, 2009 at 2:09 PM

    COngrats to the 3 winners. They will for sure like their stuff. I like to take my dogs outside and run around the yard with them and act like a goofball when it is sunny out. It makes me laugh to see them all happy. BONUS they get enjoyment out of the attention too. Another good one is to watch funn videos on youtube.com Whatever is your fancy they got it is a quick lil pick me up.

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  9. KimMarch 30, 2009 at 2:36 PM

    You are a true gem here in blogland. Oh how I look forward to reading your posts. How right you are - we can all find something to smile about. So, now that I know for sure I didn't win, how can I buy me one of them burlap initial thingies???? LOVE IT! Seriously, can I order one? I'll sell a kidney if I have to! LOL!!

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  10. SalmagundiMarch 30, 2009 at 2:39 PM

    Great post! I need to find something that makes me smile right now!!!! Sally

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  11. DarleneMarch 30, 2009 at 3:01 PM

    Congratulations to all the winners!

    Your spot in the bedroom makes me smile too. I have always wanted a comfy reading chair in my bedroom but it is just too small. Love your little re-do of the corner space.♥

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  12. KarenMarch 30, 2009 at 4:07 PM

    Oh boy! I am the odd man out on this one! Whenever we move - which isn't that often, twice in twenty years, but our bedroom is the first thing I do. That's where I start my day, that's where I end my day - so I just have to have it nice. I mean- that is the very first thing you see in the morning, right? And when we bought this house 5 years ago, I was thrilled because there is a fireplace in the master. I love cold stormy nights, sitting up in bed reading, with a fire in the fireplace. It just doesn't get any better than that!
    Signing on to my blog and seeing all the new comments that appear over night. That makes me smile. And having the time to sit down and read everyone else's posts. Sometimes you just have to laugh and grin at some of things we all say!
    And the smell of all the Jasmine blooming in both front and backyards. That really makes me smile. We have a lot of birds here and they always sing. A really spectacular sunset, and a pretty moon - It's just the simple things I guess. God's gifts to us, free of charge.
    Life is good.
    Great Post!!!!! Sorry I got to rambling there . . . HA!
    HAGE! Karen

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  13. Our Paper PlatesMarch 30, 2009 at 4:08 PM

    Yeah for the winners! Your bedroom space looks great! And its so true what they say.. "If momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"

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  14. JaniceMarch 30, 2009 at 4:10 PM

    I'm happy for the winners...
    I loved what you did to make yourself smile. I added a frame to the picture of Christ last night. It really changed that area and it made me smile. Have a great day!!

    Oh, I have the same problem with my bedroom and today I finally cleaned it. It has a much better feeling in there now. Way to Go!!!

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  15. missygMarch 30, 2009 at 4:31 PM

    Very empowering post today about doing something everyday that makes you smile. I am a true believer in that. When I finally get a chance to update my blog (hopefully later today) it will be about something that is making me smile everyday!

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  16. Tammy @ tinselshop.comMarch 30, 2009 at 4:33 PM

    Joy,

    I am SO excited that I won! Your creations are an inspiration. Love what you are doing in your bedroom!

    Thank you!

    -Tammy

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  17. RobinMarch 30, 2009 at 5:53 PM

    My bedroom has NEVER gotten the attention I DESERVE in over 27 years. Friday night after working 10 hours all day...I came home and re did it! It gives me such "joy" now...it feels like a new room. All I did was "shop my house"
    Your sitting area looks very nice!

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  18. Ruby Red SlippersMarch 30, 2009 at 6:59 PM

    ***sob!***
    Congrats to the winners...I think! LOL

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  19. Femin SusanMarch 30, 2009 at 7:06 PM

    Congrats!
    I love the bed room space.

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  20. TraceyMarch 30, 2009 at 7:13 PM

    Congratulations to the lucky winners!!

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  21. Sweet CarolineMarch 30, 2009 at 7:25 PM

    We are winners just knowing you!

    I just love the ideas you give me. I can't wait to get them done.

    Keep up the good work!

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!

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  22. Small HouseMarch 30, 2009 at 7:33 PM

    YEA for the winners. And sweet little corner of your room.
    Have a good day.
    Sandra

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  23. Sit A SpellMarch 30, 2009 at 8:34 PM

    I've enjoyed my first visit here. I am the same about my home...my bedroom needs the most attention! I did fill a bag of clothes to donate yesterday...that made me smile. I need to de-clutter my room and make it more smile friendly. (even if my eyes are closed when I'm in there most of the time...a smile when i wake up would be a wonderful thing!)

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  24. Cottage RoseMarch 30, 2009 at 8:56 PM

    Hey Joy. You are not alone in this, I am the same way.. I love your little pretty area in your bed room. You know just reading your post made me smile for today... And I just might wear my fancy earrings while I clean my bath room tomorrow..lol

    Hugs;
    Alaura

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  25. Janalee HubbardMarch 30, 2009 at 11:27 PM

    YOUR POSTS make me smile! Thank you! I like to put on my cutesy apron around the house cause it makes me look and feel like a better cook. I am in awe of how many projects you have going at one time, and you pull stuff together so effortlessly! You make me want to accomplish my weekend projects.

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  26. Shell in your PocketMarch 31, 2009 at 5:52 AM

    Congrats to all your winners!
    sandy toe

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  27. onlymehereMarch 31, 2009 at 7:37 AM

    Congrats to the winners! I think I'll do something today to make me smile too. Thanks for the idea, LOL! I now have a public sewing blog. Stop by sometime if you get bored! Cindy

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  28. KelliMarch 31, 2009 at 7:46 AM

    Lovely space! I'm off to the park to make my kids smile!!!

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  29. Wendy March 31, 2009 at 8:32 AM

    Pretty little bedroom pick-up! Congrats to the winners!

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  30. SonnieMarch 31, 2009 at 9:59 AM

    Congratulations Winners! Lucky you! :)
    Joy, took your advice and cut a fresh bouquet of daffodils - always happy looking flowers - and placed them on my coffee table; enjoyed them all evening long. Good reminder to enjoy something each and every day.
    Take care - Sonnie

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  31. Lazy Mom LeslieMarch 31, 2009 at 10:13 AM

    Congratulations to all the winners! It's always the little things that make me smile.

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  32. VictoriaMarch 31, 2009 at 10:43 AM

    Congrats to the winners!!!!

    Thanks for sharing about the bedroom space and the encouragement to do something that makes me smile. I needed that word today. :)

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  33. AnonymousMarch 31, 2009 at 2:04 PM

    Congrats to the winners! That was so nice of you to do the giveaway! How did you make the monogram plaque? I love it, I want one so bad :-)

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  34. JoyMarch 31, 2009 at 6:40 PM

    Kathie,
    It's easy to make your own. Just follow my instructions on the post http://joysofhome.blogspot.com/2008/08/under-five-bucks-under-five-minutes.html

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  35. BarntiquesApril 1, 2009 at 8:24 AM

    The sun is finally shining here in Iowa and now I am smily. It has something to do with that pretty little uplifting corner that you brought to life. You are so encouraging to all of us! thanx

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  36. JenniferApril 2, 2009 at 12:18 PM

    You're so right about special teeny moments in a day. When I was a busy mom of two boys a friend asked me one day - "what do you do for YOU?" and I thought and thought and finally I said "I take a shower." That's when I realized it was ok to savor a minute, 5 minutes - and I do. I make cards and I give them to people "just because" and it makes me feel good. That's what I want to do more of - the more you give the more you get back. So thank you for sharing your thoughts and beautiful photos - they gave me a smile and a moment of joy. Jennifer

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  37. Susie QApril 8, 2009 at 1:22 PM

    Congratulations to the winners...and actually, you are CDO...alphabetical ya know ;D

    My youngest is going on her first camping trip this week with the Girl Scouts so even though I have to work, I'm going to tear apart her room tonight, have her older sister and friends 'play' in there tomorrow and fix it up & I'll finish it when I get home tomorrow night. Her room IS so cute when it is clean and neat...sigh.

    Then to do our room. Small, but I think it can be a lot nicer. Now to convince hubby to go back over to Saver's and grab those two lamps!

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I am truly humbled and thrilled that you read and comment on my blog. If you have a question for me, please feel free to email me.
Thank you so very much for inspiring me to be more creative!