Kick Off Day For 2019 Organizing Challenge For Your Home

Are you ready to kick your house into shape for 2019?

Here we go!  The new year will be here before you know it.  Just 7 days to be exact.  Did you buy a planner for our challenge yet?  If not, I have a surprise for you all.  I made a printable planner to track our progress.  You get it free when you join my mailing list 
>>>> Hero Adventures <<<<

You'll receive your organizing challenge planner via email on January 1, 2019.  So watch your inbox for my first newsletter of 2019 to arrive in your inbox.  There is still time to sign-up and receive it.  

I will be sharing my progress via video on my social media sites.  You can find Markets Of Sunshine on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  Follow along and leave a comment letting me know how you are doing with the challenge.  Click any of the links that you are a member of and it will take you directly to my page.

Remember, you will be entered in to the giveaway if you participate by commenting with your progress.     

2019 Organizing Challenge is for anyone who wants to get rid of the clutter around the house and in their minds.  Studies have shown that clutter depresses us and makes us less motivated to do just normal tasks.  So, don't let the clutter weigh you down.  Take control of your life today!

It only takes 20 minutes a day to get started.  Are you ready?  Let's do this.  I believe in you!!!

 

Week 33: How I Keep A Positive Attitude So I Can Reach My Goals

How I Keep A Positive Attitude So I Can Reach My Goals

Here we are at week 33 and it's already September too.  I've been busy making more cards to send out to my list of friends and family members for my #52weeksnailmailchallenge.  To help me keep a positive attitude while I reach my goals for 2018 I've been participating in swaps over at my favorite forum MaryJanesFarm.  It's a place where like minded women can share their life and take part in fun activities that are all suited for the farm girl at heart organic living lifestyle.  

 Daily Scripture Inspiration

For our 30th wedding anniversary on June 11th our daughter made me a daily scripture journal.  You can see the cover of it in the photo on the left side with the whale on the front.  She is an artist and I love everything that she draws for me.  Our 2018 regional convention was themed "Be Courageous" so that was the appropriate theme she gave this journal gift.  Every night I either write a new verse that will help me to maintain a positive attitude or I just read what I've already written and meditate on the ones that I need the most that day.

I also like to surround myself with positive quotes that remind me of just how blessed I am like the "Mother" quote on this towel.  There is no greater joy than to be a wife and mother.  I get to take care of a family and teach lots of life lessons along the way from the principles I've learned from my daily bible reading.  It's the best guide and it's free!

 

 You Are My Happy

The greatest gift a Mother can have is know that she has created a happy place for her family and friends to enjoy every time they enter her home.  The smiles on our faces is a true testament to the life we live and enjoy together.  It didn't happen by chance it came about from a lot of hard work and from living by the standards of God's word and not the worlds or our own.

 Woman's Best Friend

I've always found that you can't trust people who don't like animals or plants. Giggle!  That might seem like a bit of an exaggeration but I have always found it to be true.  We were created to live on the earth and to take care of the creatures and plants God put here for us to enjoy.  

When I work in my garden I feel like I'm in my happy place.  When I watch animals play or come to my feeders it gives me the greatest since of fulfillment as a care giver.  One of the gifts I was given by my creator.  Life isn't all about me.  It's about helping and taking care of others as well as myself.

Encouragement

Another gift I was given that I'll share with you, of how I keep a positive attitude so I can reach my goals, is by encouraging others.  When I sit down to write a letter on one of my handmade cards I want to upbuild and lift the spirits of the person who will read it.  I like to update them on how I'm doing and then tell them all the things they do that I admire about them.  I don't want anyone to feel forgotten or to feel lonely or that no one cares.  There are people who do care.  It's our job to let them know that they are valued to us and to give something of value to them from us in return.  

When I read successful people saying things like: "If you are starting a business just to make money you will never be happy or successful."  Or, on social media people who are trying to get out of debt saying:

"I'm not any happier now that I paid off my debt than I was while I was in debt."

It reminds me of another reason I have to be thankful each day.  And, that is for all the loving family and friends I have in my life.  I have true friends and that is not easy to come by these days.  So, knowing that helps me to keep a positive attitude and helps me keep going to reach my goals.  

That makes me truly happy each and every day!

My number one goal is to declutter my house by the end of 2018.  I've been selling things off little by little and I can finally see some progress.  I made a worksheet that helps me do a little bit each day.

Feel free to join my Hero Adventures newsletter and I'll send you the worksheet.

Free Day Planner Worksheet

 

 Sending You Sunshine!

Marsha 

 

 

Week 19 - Week 26: How To Stay Focused On Your Debt-Free Journey

How To Stay Focused On Your Debt-Free Journey

Week 19- Week 26

I know I have gotten a little behind in doing my week by week posts for my #52weeksnailmailchallenge. Even though I have not been posting weekly for a few weeks I have been sending out my weekly cards to family and friends.

June is a very special month for my husband and I.  We are celebrating 30 years of marriage and I wanted this to be an extra special and memorable occasion.  So, we are giving gifts to each other for 30 days.  At the same time, we are spending more time together working on our debt-free journey.

We held our first garage sale in May and had a few people show up and sold a few items.  Yay!  I also have been posting in Facebook groups on a weekly basis and have sold even more things to folks in several counties.  WooHoo!  It really feels good to be getting rid of things we don't use and having them go to families that will use them.

I am seeing the floor again in my garage storage area along with opening up space along the wall of the garage where bigger items were before.  

The fact that people are keeping their word and actually showing up at the time they say is truly refreshing and it is encouraging me to keep going on this debt-free journey. 

So, here's how we stay focused on our debt-free journey.

First, I use my Living Well Spending Less planner and write down the main 3 goals for the year, the month, the week and the day.  This year was pretty simple.  There are 3 main goals that I write down each month.  

1.  Selling off unused items around the house

2.  Working on my Etsy business and blog posts (MarketsofSunshine and PioneerFundraiser)

3.  Mailing my cards and letters each week

 #52weeksnailmailchallenge

Second, we discuss our progress each night along with what we are grateful for that day.  This helps us stay focused and keeps us positive.  At the end of the day we can see our hard work paying off with good results. 

I have to admit it took some doing to get my husband on board with this whole new way of doing things.  He is not a goal setter or planner keeping kind of man.  But, he has slowly seen the light over time.  Now, when he hears the ka-ching on my phone from my Etsy shop getting another sale he gets just as happy as I do.

When I tell him someone is coming to pick up xyz item that sold on Facebook he does a happy dance right along with me.

The hardest thing has been to have him let go of his possessions like his bike of 30 plus years.  His tools and equipment that he might need for a future job etc...

Third, I say a prayer for what I am grateful for at the end of each day.  Having faith that you are not doing things on your own power but on that of God's, is why I know we will be successful and reach each and every goal that we write down.

As you can see it does not have to be complicated to start a debt-free journey.  You just have to be committed and communicate with your partner every day.

Newsletter Revamp

I am starting fresh with my newsletter starting in July 2018.  It will have four main themes each month as follows:

• Gluten free recipes
• How To's
• Customer Reviews, Sales and Product Launches
• PDF Worksheet for budgeting and organizing

 Thanks for taking the time to read this week's post at Markets of Sunshine website.  If you have something you need help with that I focus on just leave me a comment below.  Or, open your newsletter and leave a comment there.  I will get back to you as soon as possible.




                                    Sending You Sunshine,
                                    Marsha J.
 

Week 8: Random Act of Kindness Is A Mark of A True Friend!

Week 8: Random Act of Kindness Is A Mark of A True Friend!

Would you agree or disagree with that statement?

I've discovered something really amazing about that statement.  It can apply to anyone.  That's right anyone can do a R.A.O.K.

for anyone on any given day of the week.

You don't have to wait for a special occasion to show your loved ones or even an acquaintance that they mean more to you than just a passing thought.

By sending a card or letter in the mail you are showing them that you thought of them enough to take action.  

#52weeksnailmailchallenge

 

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Taking part in this challenge puts your feet to the fire and makes you put your hand where your mouth is so to speak.  

It's all about Jesus words written over 2000 years ago.

"There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving"  (Acts 20:35)

"Do to others as you want them to do to you"

(Luke 6:31)

 

Sitting down and taking the time to think of someone and share a part of your world with them through a written note is something they can refer back to over and over again.

I like to make a copy of the letter or card before I send it and keep it in a file.  That way I won't forget what I wrote them and when I sit down to write again I won't repeat myself as we all do without even realizing it.

 

Setting Goals and Achieving Them One Step At A Time

If you don't set goals you will never achieve very much in your life.  Yikes!  that was shocking to read.  But, it's the truth. Think about your routine.  What do you do each day?  If you write down in a journal what you do each day for 30 days and then read it at the end of the month you might be surprised at how boring and dull your life really has gotten.

 

But, if you set goals and work on achieving them one step at a time and keep track of your progress.  You can look back at the end of each month and see what you have accomplished and feel good about it.

 

7 Steps To Simplify Your Life 

Get my worksheet on how to set goals and achieve them one step at a time.  Click here to get it sent to your inbox.

 

 Start with one goal at a time.  For instance, I am working on organizing each room in my house.  I started on this last year and I am still working on it.  I can only do 15 minutes a day due to my Lyme disease and other health issues.

So, I decide which room I want to work on each day and I set the timer for 15 minutes.  When the timer goes off I stop and rest on the couch.  I am expanding this year to get outdoors and weed my flower beds and water the plants each day for 15 minutes.  I love it!

 Make Time for the More Important Things

Believe it or not there are six things that you should be doing every day of the year to be truly happy.  If you make time for these more important things you'll achieve the goals and enjoy a future life that will bring you the greatest happiness that surpasses your wildest dreams.

1.  Put God First each day

2.  Read the Bible each day

3.  Share the good news about God's Kingdom each day

4. Provide for your families needs (income)

5.  Keep your house clean and organized

6. Get the required sleep your body needs

For more information on this topic feel free to contact me for a free home Bible study.

 

Stay Tuned For Next Week's Adventure to one of Florida's state parks. 

 

Sending You Sunshine,

Marsha J.

P.S.  Check out my new product line (No Probllama) in my Etsy shop,

MarketsofSunshine

Positive Focus Check-List: Join Freedom Sunshine Club, It's Free!

Are you ready for something that will help you stay positive and focus on the good things in your life and stop focusing on the things that chase your friends and family away?

I know what it feels like when your life is overwhelmed by chronic health issues.  I have been living with Lyme disease since 2004.  I've been to the edge of life so many times that I finally don't worry about tomorrow anymore and just live my life day by day.

Isn't that what the greatest man who ever lived taught us to do anyway?  You can't extend your life or change things by worrying or talking about it all the time.  In fact, you chase your friends and family away from you by dwelling on things you can't control.  Whether, it be your ill health, financial set-backs or other unforeseen trials.  You also drive yourself nuts and into depression by worrying about what you can't change. (some depression cases are caused by low levels of serotonin or melatonin.  In these cases only a blood test can determine if this is the cause)

So, how do you stop all this negative thinking and turn yourself around to positive thinking?  I'm glad you asked.  I have a positive focus check-list for you this week.  If, you are a member of my freedom sunshine club you get it free.  It is no where else not even in my Etsy shop.  It is exclusively for member's only. 

If you want the Freedom starter kit you'll find that in my Etsy shop Markets of Sunshine.  It comes with everything you need to bring back happiness to your daily routine.  

I have faith that you can change your life if you really want to.  The minute you say; "I can't" do something that is an excuse for "I don't want to" do it.  

We have the power to do anything we want within our limitations.  You might only be able to do something for 5, 10 or 15 minutes.  Whereas, another person can do the same activity for 30, 45 or 60 minutes with ease.  It requires strong faith and a belief in yourself that you can change.  Because, we were made to enjoy life forever not live just a few short years and die.

So, are you ready to change your life and be surround yourself with positive people and gain back true friends and family that really love you?  All you have to do is click the link and join my mailing list.  
Then, sit back and wait to receive your free positive focus check-list to your email address.  If you missed last weeks check-list you will find it here, 7 easy steps to simplify your life.

 

 

Summer Break: 4 Weeks To A Clutter Free Room!

Summer break.  Those words are being rejoiced by kid's everywhere.  Parent's on the other hand may not be so joyful. School is out and the kid's have the whole Summer to spend helping Mom and Dad turn their messy room into a clutter free room.  Right!  If, you rolled your eyes or said something a little more colorful than I did, I hear you.  So, how can you get the kid's to help out around the house this Summer without the same old excuses?

Lead by example.  If, they see you making goals for yourself over the Summer they will have no excuse to not do their part.  If, you are tired of fighting with your child to get them to clean their room.  If, you have you tried every time tested piece of advise with little success.  If, you can't remember when was the last time your child cleaned their own room.  Maybe, it's time for a change.  

If, you can relate to any of these issues then you'll want to stick around for this series of posts about how You can take control back over your life and home with just 1 hour a day or on the weekend in each room in your house.  

Cleaning my own house has inspired me to create a new product line for our 2 Etsy shops that I'll introduce at the end of the series.  
It will help your child keep their room clean and organized in a colorful, fun and useful way.  It's something that can grow with you or your child.  It's sustainable, so it will last a lifetime.  It's affordable so it saves you money in the long run.

Week 1:
Let's face it.  Technology has changed our lives.  
Action step #1 -Try going a entire weekend with no cell phone, tablet or laptop in your life.  What about turning the TV off for the weekend!  Yikes!  Most of us would first go into shock and squirm and then there would be total silence.

I dare you to give it a try and see what happens at your house.  But, I can guarantee you that if you do, you will get more done than you ever thought possible.

My husband and I have made a personal decision to cancel the paid TV service. I then took it a step further and decided to not even watch TV anymore and see what we could get done by not being lazy and being a couch potato every night.

It has been amazing!  Now in the evenings after dinner we can actually get to talk and relax and just enjoy the quiet.  We are now empty nester's and at first all we could do is talk about how much we missed our daughter being around.

But, after a few weeks we decided to focus on us and our needs as a couple.  We have several home projects that needed finishing and now instead of the TV stealing our time we have been working on the rooms in the house that were unfinished.  

In just one hour we were able to go through 6 boxes of stuff and actually begin to see more of the floor instead of walking in this little narrow pathway.

We both rejoiced over what we accomplished. A clean floor!  So, each weekend we spend time together doing fun things like going to garage sales and then in the evening we tackle one room or project in about an hours time.

In just one hour my husband built me this cool bookcase.  It now is my storage space for our beanie baby inventory we sell in our Pioneer Fundraiser Etsy shop.  Once, we get each room organized we will be able to start on our new product line for our other 2 Etsy shops, Markets of Sunshine and My Secret Compartments.

I challenge you to reduce stress in your life and join me during this 4 weeks to a clutter free room series.  Leave comments telling me what room you are starting on and what progress you have made each week.

Are you in?  Let me hear from you in the comment box below.  Use the hashtags #mosgiftclub & #clutterfreeroom with your comment. Tune in next week and see more photos of our progress.  Week#2 - 4 Weeks to a clutter free room will have an easy check-list for the family to use to help get things rolling and to show your progress.

At, the end of the series there will be a reward given to one of the families who have participated each week.  You will be put in a drawing to win one of my new products I'll be launching at the beginning of August 2016.

Happy Uncluttering!  

Sending You Sunshine,

Marsha Jaramillo