March 2016

New ideas ~ A good book ~ And, writing appetizers

The Lesson Chip & Joanna Gaines Taught Me – Indirectly, of course.

It’s okay if you haven’t.

Just in case…

They’re the couple from Waco, Texas whose business it is to find the cutest - albeit oldest and sometimes most dilapidated home – and fix it up for their client. The whole process is featured on HGTV’s Fixer Upper show.

What makes the show addicting – even for my husband – is the couple’s sweet nature, humor, work ethic, and absolutely stunning results.

But, I think there’s a deeper message to learn here.

Usually when Chip and Joanna’s clients pull up to the house, they see a dilapidated mess.

Overgrown landscape. Lackluster interior. And, lots of outdated everything!

But, as Gilly (1) points out… Chip and Joanna show the clients what the house could be. And, that’s how the clients actually choose the home.

They consider the location and what the house could be.

Gilly goes on to suggest that we should all think of our homes as potential dream homes. And, to take the little steps to truly make them our dream home right now.

In that sense, it’s a positive message that any house – most especially our own - can be fixed up and turned into something beautiful. Something we love - our dream home.

That really made me think.

But not about my home, per se.

About me – about us – as people.

How many times do you look in the mirror and see the flaws, what needs “fixing” instead of the potential? (I.e. see the overgrown landscape, lackluster interior, outdated everything?)

I guess what I love about Chip and Joanna is they love the house for what it is and could be.

They are also kind and positive with each other and their children. Building each other up in the same way – loving each other for who and what they are and can be too.

And, in a unique way it is a reminder for us to do the same with ourselves. Our bodies. Our work. Our situation. Our goals.

To love yourself for who you are right in this moment, and to take the small steps to do what you can to make yourself into your “dream self.” That is the lesson Chip and Joanne taught me – indirectly, of course.

All the best,

Serena

(1) Nine ways to fake the fixer upper look. Blog. Retrieved from here.

Book Recommendation:
Dress to Look Your Best: Fashion Secrets the Experts Don’t Share

By Deborah Lynn Darling

Just like a coat of paint is the easiest, cheapest, and fastest way to make over a room in your home, a new outfit can transform your body, your image – and your self-confidence. (Don’t believe me… just watch TLC’s What Not To Wear!)

That’s why this month I’m suggesting a great book by Deborah Lynn Darling, Dress to Look Your Best. Not only does she write in an engaging, fun way but her message is gold.

Darling takes you on an adventure from attitude (chapter 1) to grooming to accessorizing and the “blink test.” She tells you how to fix the most common challenges women face with clothing, style, and looking their best.

What I found most helpful by far were her insights on key fashion concepts, particularly the one on balance.

She says, “you are only as wide as your widest line,” and if you can find the widest part of your body, then you can create the balance you need to look as if you have the desirable hourglass figure that many women want.

People feel better when they like how their clothes look and feel on them. Wearing what looks and feels great on you is one way of appreciating yourself – and it’s a way turn that fixer upper into something amazing.

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P.S. If you have a Kindle and Amazon Prime, you may be able to borrow the book for free. :-)

Whet Your Writing Appetite
with these . . .

HOT and FRESH Writing Appetizers –
(AKA: Writing Prompts)

1. Write about your favorite outfit. Where did you get it, how did you pay for it, was it a gift? Why do you love it? How does it make you feel? How long do you plan to keep it? What will you do if you can’t wear it anymore? Explain.

2. Everyone has a dream home. Perhaps you live in yours already. Maybe you’re working towards turning your current home into your dream home. Or, maybe you’re saving up for your special house… Write about your dream home, what makes it so, and why.

3. We learn lessons every day. Think about a time when you learned a lesson in the most unexpected way.

Note to Subscribers: The writing prompts can be used in the classroom or for creative free writing. Adapt them for your situation. Enjoy and be creative!