Wednesday Sayings - 5/16/12

Each Wednesday, I am going to be sharing a quote/saying with you!I am a collector of quotes/sayings/scrapbook titles, etc. and I love to hear new ones! So, each week, I will share a quote/saying with you that I hope will inspire you and make your day a little better! If you have any great quotes/sayings - feel free to send them in to me at dedesmith32@gmail.com - I would love to use them!

This week's quote:

All you need is twenty seconds of insane courage and I promise you something great will come of it.
- from "We Bought a Zoo"

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Family History Tuesday - 5/15/12

Each Tuesday, I am going to be offering question(s) or idea(s). If you don't write in your journal regularly - I am going to encourage you to write just ONCE A WEEK and answer the question/idea that I give on Tuesdays. These ideas hopefully will spark a memory and you will be able to capture that in what you write/record so that it can be left for your children/grandchildren/family/friends. Give as much detail as you can when answering.

Will you do this for me? Will you do this for your families? You can write it down in a journal, you can type it up on a computer or journaling software, you can take a recorder and talk, you can videotape your answers, you can even scrap a page with the journaling. It doesn't matter how you do this - it's just important that you do it. The memories, the dates, the information is the only real thing we can leave to our families when we are gone.

If I come up with other family history ideas - I will be sure to share it here too - and if you want to share with me your ideas - that would be wonderful and I'd be glad to share them here too. Just comment here or email me at dedesmith32@gmail.com.


Here is this week's journal prompt :

April 2012 Round-up

Since I have decided to take a little break from Life 365 this year, I have decided to participate in monthly Round-Ups instead! I've been following The Scrapbook Lady for years, and I have always admired her Round-ups. It was about time that I give it a try!


APRIL 2012

What reading/learning did I do this month? (books, blogs, magazines, ebooks, podcasts, classes, etc.)

I do read A LOT of blogs daily, so I am not listing them, but my Google Reader is jam packed full of reading that I do!  

I am still on an audiobook kick. So here is what I have been listening to this month:

Pretties by Scott Westerfield

Specials by Scott Westerfield (not finished yet) 

And I actually sat down and read a book too! I pretty much cried through the whole thing. Nie is truly so inspirational. I am just still wrapping my head around it.

Heaven is Here by Stephanie Nielson

What entertainment did I watch/listen to this month? (movies, tv shows, plays, music, concerts, etc.)

Family Movie Nights: The Testaments, Big, The Sword in the Stone, The Sons of Katie Elder

The kids: Phineas and Ferb, Arthur, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Joey: Castle, House, Studio 60, Eureka, Alcatraz, Big Bang Theory,

Me: Studio 60, Castle, Bones, Chalet Girl, Much Ado About Nothing, A Knight's Tale, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Mr. Deeds, Geek Charming, Mrs. Miracle, Sense & Sensibility, The Cutting Edge, Firefly, Titanic

What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?

We were able to spend a wonderful Spring Break - 9 days - together at our vacation home in Eden, Utah. Many adventures insued, including a trip to the ER, Beth's Birthday, and JJ having a  Post about all that is HERE.


We were able to babysit Mallory for a couple of days, while her parents went on a little anniversary trip. It was such a delight to have her with us. I miss having a little one in the house - my kids are just getting so big, too fast.


What gifts did I give and/or receive?It was Beth's birthday this month. We were able to reprogram my old iphone into an ipod touch for her. We purchased some fun apps for her that she is completely loving. We also got her a jump rope, headphones, and some books.

What special or unusual purchases did I make?

I  purchased Squinkees, bubbles, and candy for Easter, along with Beth's Birthday gifts.

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?

I'm still working out my anxiety and depression. Joey's legs have been giving him a bit of trouble and he has had to start wearing special socks to combat the effects of his gout/blood clots.

What were my accomplishments this month?

I think my major accomplishment was actually just staying "mostly unplugged" from the computer during Spring Break. It was hard to do and I did check emails a bit, but I didn't do any design work. I was really able to focus on my family and that was so nice.

I was able to release a great new collection - SPRING FLINGZ & EASTER THINGZ and I was proud of the way it came together.

What were my disappointments this month?

I'm having a hard time staying on top of my depression/anxiety. I keep forgetting to take my pills and it is making my body have some bad effects. Its been hard to just get through some days and it saddens me that I just don't have the energy that I would like to have. I've been extra tired this month and so I haven't been able to stay up like I'm used to. That is usually my time to get design work in and its just not happening like I would like it too.

How did I do on my goals for the month? (Or any current short or long term goals)

We did a little better at doing more Scripture Study and Daily Lessons. It's still not where I want to be - but its becoming more of a habit and that's a good thing.

I am doing much better at planning out my meals and couponing. It's getting easier!

I still failed at getting a personal fitness plan going. Not sure why its so hard but I need to lose weight!

Anything else noteworthy to include?

We made a trip to the ER during our vacation when Beth smashed her finger. It has healed really well and we are so grateful.

JJ had a febrile seizure. We were hoping he had outgrown it, but we are grateful he is doing fine now.

We were glad to have Grandpa and Grandma and Uncle Lane and Clint spend some time with us during Spring Break.

Book Review: Million Dollar Diva

Million Dollar Diva by Tristi Pinkston

Brett Kitchen & Ethan Kap

Book Review by DeDe Smith

Purchase on Amazon
Please visit the website

Finally - the woman's answer to growing rich safely! Women today face more money challenges than ever before, from managing careers and families to finances - the demands on their time and resources are increasing. Bad financial advice abounds, and it can be hard to know what to do. Award-winning author Tristi Pinkston teams up with bestselling authors Brett Kitchen and Ethan Kap to bring you Million Dollar Diva. Experience Tristi's real-life transformation from stuggling in debt to million-dollar retirement!


** I have an awesome deal for all of you!  From now until June 15th - you can get this book for FREE.  (You will need to pay $5.95 for shipping and handling though).  You will need to go to the website - http://www.milliondollardiva.com - click the Order Now and put in your information to order. Don't miss this chance to read this valuable information!

I don't know about you - but honestly, my family is not doing the best in the financial area. We live paycheck-to-paycheck, we don't have any savings and most of the time we are just getting by. We have debt and I know we don't have the financial savvy to seem to get out of it. I'm honestly stressed constantly about money and I have grown to hate it with a passion. My husband and I have taken turns paying bills and trying to get out of debt, but we haven't had much success.

So when I was offered this book, I thought that I would give it a chance. I completely connected with Tristi and realized that we are in much of the same place that her family is/was. It was empowering to read through the book and realize that there are things that my family can do to get out of the financial mess that we have put ourselves in. It's scary. Finances are just completely scary to me and I'm still working myself up to taking control.  I really appreciated the way the book was written for women and that there is an emotional side of finances that we need to learn to work with.

I was taken back a little bit with how the book was written. Basically it is written as a conversation between Tristi and Brett & Ethan and that was a little different for me. But as I read through the book, I really appreciated the tone and the way it was conveyed. I could completely understand what Tristi is going through because my family is too. I really appreciate the courage that Tristi has taken to put herself out there and it helps me to realize what is possible. I appreciate not only the advice, but all the strategies and tools that is offered to help each family, in their own circumstances, get out of debt and take control of their finances. I love that its not just a sales-pitch - Tristi is actually going through the strategies herself and we can watch and learn along with her.


This was a quick read for me - but it has left me with a deep desire to take control. Even though this book was written for women, I am going to encourage my husband to read it. In the past, we have taken turns controlling the finances, but I think its time that we do this together. I'm still reaching for the courage to take control, but I think this book is really going to empower me to make it work.




I would highly recommend picking up this book, especially if you are ready to take control of your finances. There is hope for all of us.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review, but this did not influence my opinion.

High/Low: May 11th + Freebie

My LOW this Week is

My HIGH for this Week is


I do have a freebie for you today, but you may have already gotten it!  I wanted to make sure that each one of you are members of my DesignZ by DeDe Facebook Page. Head on over there for a new exclusive fan freebie. In honor of my brother's marriage this week, I have created some Wedding BearZ! You won't want to miss these - so like my page and download away!

Have a great weekend!

Recipe Thursday - Pepperoni Roll-ups

Each Thursday, I am going to be sharing a recipe with you!
I will pick a recipe from my collection and I will be sharing where I got the recipe and everything. But I am going to include my own photo of the finished food, the original recipe, and try and share the things I changed when I made it!

I would love your help too! If you have a great recipe, especially week-night dinner recipes (but I would love all kinds of recipes) - please share it with me, by emailing me at dedesmith32@gmail.com. I will try it out and feature it on my blog! If you have cooking tips or anything else in regards to cooking and food - please email me!


This week's Recipe:
These would make a great snack, but you can also use it for dinner, which is what we did. If your kids like pizza, this is a great one!


Pepperoni Roll-ups
by This Momma Cooks



1 tube (8 ounces) refrigerated Pillsbury crescent rolls

32 slices pepperoni

4 pieces string cheese, cut in half

1/4 teaspoon italian seasoning

1 Tablespoon butter, melted

Marinara or Pizza sauce, for dipping


Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Unroll crescent dough; seperate into 8 triangles. Place 4 pepperoni slices on the large end of each triangle. Place one half string cheese on the top of the pepperonis. Roll up towards point. Place roll ups at least 2 inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet.

Mix together Italian seasoning and melted butter. Brush over the tops of the roll ups. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Wednesday Sayings - 5/9/12

Each Wednesday, I am going to be sharing a quote/saying with you!
I am a collector of quotes/sayings/scrapbook titles, etc. and I love to hear new ones! So, each week, I will share a quote/saying with you that I hope will inspire you and make your day a little better! If you have any great quotes/sayings - feel free to send them in to me at dedesmith32@gmail.com - I would love to use them!


This week's quote:

A Goal without a Plan is just a Dream.
- Dave Ramsey

Family History Tuesday - 5/8/12

Each Tuesday, I am going to be offering question(s) or idea(s). If you don't write in your journal regularly - I am going to encourage you to write just ONCE A WEEK and answer the question/idea that I give on Tuesdays. These ideas hopefully will spark a memory and you will be able to capture that in what you write/record so that it can be left for your children/grandchildren/family/friends. Give as much detail as you can when answering.

Will you do this for me? Will you do this for your families? You can write it down in a journal, you can type it up on a computer or journaling software, you can take a recorder and talk, you can videotape your answers, you can even scrap a page with the journaling. It doesn't matter how you do this - it's just important that you do it. The memories, the dates, the information is the only real thing we can leave to our families when we are gone.

If I come up with other family history ideas - I will be sure to share it here too - and if you want to share with me your ideas - that would be wonderful and I'd be glad to share them here too. Just comment here or email me at dedesmith32@gmail.com.


Here is this week's journal prompt :

Monday Magic - A Kinder Me

Each Monday (that doesn't have a new release), I am going to be offering a little Magic to start your week. It might be a fun idea, some inspiration, a tutorial, or just sharing some thoughts - Whatever I feel like! So come back and share your thoughts too!


This week:
I was reading a blog a few weeks ago and I really connected with the message that the post reflected. In the post, Ro talked about being kinder to ourselves. Its so easy to talk badly to yourself. I know that I often find myself getting so discouraged and reflecting on how many things I DO NOT get done. Not only does this make me feel badly about myself, but it also overwhelms me until I'm even more unproductive. I think so many of us have so many things on our to-do lists and so many things we want to be successful at. Its so easy to reflect on the things that we don't get done. But how about being a little kinder to ourselves and remembering the things WE DO get done. Even the things that seem "little" to us, are still things that take time and energy to get done and we should remember them.

I'm going to start taking Ro's challenge and start making a list of the things that I do get done and the things that I do well. I think "the kinder me" will really appreciate it.

How about you? Are you going to be kinder to yourself and focus on the things that you do instead of the things you don't?