Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 38

TOPs Tuesday: Book Release TODAY!

The Address Book you've been looking for! I've heard from a few of you since last week's blog. This is so exciting. As I teased the past couple weeks I thought of my mom. She enjoyed the little clues and tidbits here and there and the suspense of the BIG announcement on the blog. Mom's birthday is in March so these are my gift to her. She told me, "keep writing."

These aren't books to read though, they are books to organize the addresses of family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and whoever else you might want or need to send a card or note to.

There are plenty of address books out there, I've been looking. Here are the advantages of my address book...​Each page holds 12 addressesIf you have addresses saved on your computer, you can simply print them onto address labels then peel & stick them inThere are 48 - 72 spaces for each letter (this is a lot of family)It's the same great address book with 4 cover options​
​Photos taken by myself, Lisa Buske, in Oswego County, NY If you'd be so kind, please write a review on Amazon after you get your book, this helps others know if this is the address book for them.
Thank you in advance. How could a new address book help you?

Happy St. Patrick's Day 2018

It's the day when most celebrate being Irish, even if there is no Irish in their gene pool. Personally, Irish is in my blood and the roots of most of my family's hair. 

The Irish are known for being bold, out-going, and loud compared to the average bear. Or so I'm told. "Fiery Red Head" is a phrase I hear often and it makes me smile since hubby usually follows it with, "You are just like your mother." If you are Irish, or lucky enough to marry an Irish, you'll chime in and leave a comment later. 

I work as a teachers' assistant for the local public school and have known to show up on St. Patrick's Day dressed in an Irish green glittered dress, shoes, and hat. With it falling on a Saturday this year, I wore my "Keep Calm and Get Your Irish On" t-shirt since it was a Superintendent's Conference Day. For today, my shirt says "I don't need luck, I've got God."

When you think about St. Patrick's Day, what do you think of? Is it the parades? The "Kiss me I'm Irish" buttons and shirts? or how you need to get home early so you are safely snuggled in before the bars and taverns close at 2 a.m.? Hmm...did I miss anything? What is the first thing you think of or plan to do when it comes to St. Patrick's Day?

Work The Abs & The Back

My least favorite exercise is a crunch. I despise them. In spite of this dislike, there is such a healthy benefit for us when they are done correctly. After my daughter was born, almost 20 years ago, we purchased the Ab-Lounger. It is the one piece of exercise equipment that hasn't been left on the side of the road or sold at the lawn sale. It's survived the exercise swings for two decades.

I'd like to say I've used it religiously BUT this is not the case. The only reason it didn't make the lawn sale was because it could be folded down and hidden behind a piece of furniture.

​Well, Guess What? I got that baby out, dusted her off, and have been doing three sets each afternoon. Like the squats, the plan is to incorporate sets in the morning too when I'm ready. 

I like this piece of equipment because it keeps my neck and back positioned properly so I don't injure myself while trying to be healthy. I can work different muscles depending on my body position. At first I didn't think it was working but after the third set, and my loss of breath, my husband What exercises do you use to work your abs and back? Will you share one?

TOP's Tuesday: Address Storage

Last week I wrote about the importance of sending hand written notes to people. This week we will look into how you organize your addresses, so they are at your fingertips when you go to send that sweet and thoughtful note.

I brainstormed ways people store their addresses today. I tried to capture them all in one picture:Traditional Address Book (paper bound book)In an Excel Document or Computer ProgramOn your Cellular PhoneOn your TabletOn Index Cards and file boxScratch pieces of paper, ripped envelopes, & tossed in a bag
The illustration above is of my various ways to organize my addresses. I understand technology is here to stay and always changing. Some generations value the traditional paper bound address book whereas my daughter's generation is comfortable with a digital version. 

While storing addresses in a cellular phone or the cloud may be quick or efficient, I find it risky.

​How often do you see "My phone died and I had to get a new one, lost my contacts, if you want me to get a hold of you, send me your information again."?  If you store everyone's phone number, address, and email in a hand written version - it will take an act of God to destroy it.

​Just saying, a power outage doesn't erase your handwriting.  If you use a traditional address book,
do you have enough space for all your addresses on the correct letter?

Strengthening My Knee At Home

As part of my daily routine to a healthier me, I include squats. To help me do my squats properly I bought this little device to guide me down and up. This is one of the exercises I miss the most at the gym so when I found an alternate I could do at home, for the same  cost as a month's dues at the gym. An investment into my health and hubby can use it to if he wants, a win-win for sure.

This is 1 of 3 things I rotate between as part of my "get fit" routine. I usually start with this to help warm up my leg muscles and my knee. Since my fall last June, the knee needs a little TLC before exercising, and sometimes after too.

It might be a challenge and discouraging at time BUT it is so worth it. I can feel my knee getting stronger, along with the other muscles the squat targets. Squats obviously help to build your leg muscles (including your quadriceps,hamstrings, and calves), but they also create an anabolic environment, which promotes body-wide muscle building. To read more, click here. One squat at a time to a healthier me...
What is your favorite squat variation?

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: "Snail Mail"

Getting snail mail is one of my favorite indulgences, and I think receiving mail is actually a common joy."
~ Mary Lambert ~

 Do you like to receive mail in your mailbox? I don't mean bills, advertisements, or your neighbor's mail. I'm talking about a hand written note from someone you know. With this clarification, are there more of you raising your hand to the enjoyment of receiving mail? I thought so.

My Gram was known for the cards and notes she sent people. When I was in college, she wrote me every day, yes, every day. I looked forward to those notes from home. They filled me in on what I was missing (this was prior to the digital age) and was a HUGE act of love.

I enjoyed hearing how everyone was doing yet it was the time my gram spent to write and send each note that still warms my heart and inspires me as I attempt to send notes and carry on her passion of writing to encourage others.

​Time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's society, have you expressed your love, appreciation, thanks, concern, sympathy, or care to another person by taking a few minutes to write and mail a note?

Today's challenge and encouragement: send a hand written note to the first person you thought of as you read today's blog. As you write their name and address on the envelope and place the stamp in the top right corner...say a little prayer it is a blessing to them when they receive it. Your note might be the words they need to hear at that very moment...
I encourage you to send a written note to someone you care about today, you'll be amazed at how you encourage them.

What's In Your Heart?

if you were on social media, especially Facebook, do you ever see those ads that pop up based on different things that you've looked at? It won't surprise some of you to know that a lot of the ads that show up on page have Minions!

In the past month, I ordered one minion shirt and my husband ordered me one for Christmas. Mind you, I did hint slightly in order for myself and tell him, and said "thank you for the great Christmas gift." He laughed but check out this great shirt, "Minions in my veins, Jesus in my heart."

As you think about what you are thankful for today, ask yourself, "What do I value and cherish in my heart?"
Share one thing near and dear to you...

Happy Valentine's Day 2018

Today is a day when those in love celebrate their love. Then there are those who love each as much as those doing something special, but are more relaxed about this date and Hallmark holiday.

As you probably guessed, my honey and I are the latter. We try and celebrate each other throughout the year rather than going over the top in one day. Not to mention, if he spoiled with me flowers, they are 50% cheaper any other time of year. Make my coffee on the morning and I'm a happy girl.

I share this because after listening to pastor's message this evening, because today is Ash Wednesday, his message related to our thoughts for today. "Keep it simple!" I spent a snip-it of my afternoon at the local food pantry to help out before heading home so my bread would be oven fresh for the soup and bread dinner before the service. After a meaning service, an evening snuggled in to watch the Olympics is a nice ending. Each of our relationships are unique, just like us, as individuals. Celebrate your love in a way you and your honey enjoy. Take time this Lent to draw close to God and keep it simple.

Let me share an easy and new nail strip...

I'm not a "Nail" girl or known to have pretty nails, mostly because I don't have patience to let my nails dry. BUT after attending a Color Street Nail Party, my desire and ability to have nice looking nails has been changed. My nails are styling now.

These nail strips are 95% wet polish and apply to your nails WITHOUT heat and applied in 10 minutes or less. If I can apply them, anyone can. Trust me, I'm not too good (or patient) with painting my nails but now, thanks to Color Streets Nail Strips...I look like I know what I'm doing and take time and money to have manicures.

My friend, Laurel, is a consultant now. This is both fabulous and dangerous. Fabulous because I can easily get my hands on a new set, hence the same reason this is dangerous.

As if the professional look isn't enough, they have special designs for the holidays. Check out the St. Patrick Day designs...
http://www.mycolorstreet.com/laurel
Color Street is a home party, so yes, I'm having an online party and yes, if you order, I might earn Nail strips at a discount. But if you decide to try these, you'll be hooked too. Maybe you'll have a party and earn some nails yourself...

My daughter's sets have last 3-4 weeks, mine not as long because I want to change them up before it's time. This is a good problem to have, right?!

If you want to see the many designs and learn more, visit:
http://www.mycolorstreet.com/laurel

If you decide to order, use this link, go to events, and click on "Lisa's Lovely Nails" - http://www.mycolorstreet.com/laurel
I forgot to tell you the deal: buy 3 and get 1 free and if you prefer a French Tip, these are buy 1 get 1 Thanks for listening to me ramble about nail Polish...who knew I'd blog about this.

​Anyway, you don't need to order and can simply close the blog on your browser but if you like to have your nails looking like you just had a mani at a much cheaper rate...it might be worth a visit.

A "FREE" Replacement for the Treadmill

My favorite thing to do at the gym is walk on the treadmill for 30 - 45 minutes before doing anything else. This was the easiest exercise to find an alternate for. I can "walk" anywhere, right? Since I live in the beautiful and very white Upstate New York, to walk outside is hit or miss.

​As I thought about alternatives, a few came to mind:
*The Indoor Track at our high school is open to the public before and after school
*Our Town Hall is available to walk laps in
*Our schools are available to walk laps in the hallways, before of after school

For me, to walk right after school makes the most sense and requires me to travel no where. I started this last Tuesday and managed to get in a 35 minute walk, 1.55 miles, before leaving school to tutor. I felt refreshed and proud of myself. I went home and even did a couple more exercises. You'll learn more about these in future "Fitness Friday" blogs.

To help me stay the course I've invited a couple friends to join me in my walk. I plan to walk whether they are able to join me or not but sometimes the time flies faster when you are visiting with a friend. When it warms up and the sidewalks are clear, we can walk around town after school. 

Another benefit of walking, at least 5x a week, I'm getting in some reading too. I turned on my Audible and listened to a great book while logging my steps. A win-win, right?! If you enjoy walking for exercise, where is your favorite spot to walk? Why?