Lisa M. Buske's Blog, page 6

WHO are you thankful for today?

“At times, our own light goes out
and is rekindled by a spark from another person.
Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude
of those who have lighted the flame within us.”
– Albert Schweitzer November is the month many focus on sharing the things and people they are thankful for. As we near the end of April and prepare for the merry month of May, it's a great time to lift our thanks to the people we care about the most. It's been six months yet thankfulness needs to be a 24/7/365 happening.

I hope the comments below are flooded with the love, hope, appreciation, and gratefulness you have for the people in your life. I understand that not everyone has people in their life that have their back but I pray there is at least one person you can count on and are grateful for. Who knows, it might be the cashier that brought you a smile this morning after you just received devastating news or maybe it's the person answering the phone when you called to check the balance of your account. When you look for the good, it will find you.

Today I want to extend my appreciation and love to my daughter. She is one amazing young lady and she makes me a better person and challenges me to step outside myself and to relax. We spend our lives investing in our children and it's a blessing when they start investing in ours. I pray you all have this opportunity, this is who I'm most grateful for this week. She's returned joy to me this month...
WHO are you grateful for today?

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Creativity in Different Ways

The dresser in this photograph was this past weekend's project. My parents bought this dresser in 1998 from an antique auction or dealer, or something like that. It's not an "antique", it's just old with character.

Upon arrival at my parents, it had chipped paint and needed TLC. My mom sanded and repainted it a bright blue. Over the years, it went from storing diapers and baby essentials to changes of clothes. As their grandbaby grew up, she didn't need the dresser anymore. Mom painted it black and used it to store her bathroom items.
A couple years after my mom passed away, I wanted to organize items at my house and this dresser was the perfect size. I didn't paint it because it was just going to be in my bedroom. As we rearrange and adjust to the empty nest, I'm moving furniture between rooms and reorganizing. I wanted to use the dresser in the same manner but relocate it for more functionality while getting ready in the morning BUT black was not going to work so it was time for a facelift.

I woke early Saturday morning, moved the dresser to the back deck and went to work. A couple coats of primer followed by a couple coats of a white gloss and it didn't look like the same dresser. The old knobs didn't match but there wasn't anything wrong with them, so I wasn't going to just store them in a bag. I invested $3 into a can of silver spray paint and the knobs look brand new. I looked at the finished product and smiled. My mom would love to know this treasure she found is still being used and put to good use.

I haven't been to my writing cottage in awhile due to prior obligations so the opportunity to use my creative genius to upcycle a piece of furniture that meant so much to mom, holds memories, and has many more lives and purposes ahead of it. I may not have written a chapter or outlined a new book but I had a vision and with the help of spray paint and elbow grease...created something new.
When is the last time you
​switched up your creativity?
What did you create?

Planning is Vital for Success

I joined Epicure in July 2020 to add healthier seasonings, ingredients, and products to my pantry and families diet. It has been a fun, flavorful, and fabulous time. In addition to adding healthier foods into our diets, I enjoy sharing Epicure, and it's benefits, with others.

Epicure isn't one more thing I do but instead, it's the ONE THING I do that makes eating healthy, saving time in the kitchen, and staying on course with my goals for living and eating healthy.

​One way I stay the course is to dedicate time on Sundays and Monday to meal prep for the week.
A few weeks ago I found a recipe for a gluten free cookie dough bites. Since then, I've taken this recipe from it's original form into two different recipes - 1) a variation of the original and 2) a chocolate-peanut butter variation for hubby. 

In addition to a healthy snack alternative for my post-workout and mid-afternoon cravings, I prep my breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for the week. This has saved me time and calories during the week, blessings I count. Why is meal prepping so beneficial?

​Personally, it prevents the need to stop for something quick because I know when I get home, after a quick 2 1/2 minutes in the microwave, a healthy, low sodium, and filling meal is waiting for me. When you know there is something already waiting, you don't have to stop for fast food or other convenience foods. 

I encourage you to try at least prepping one meal this coming week. I started with breakfast, it's the easiest. I've been doing protein oatmeal with fruit and greens, then when I reheat it, I add Greek yogurt. It's filling and when I do this, I don't find the need to snack before lunch. Click here for one of the first recipes I tried. If you are a veteran or newbie meal planner and prep person, what pointers would you give someone just starting out? What is the greatest benefit you find from taking the time to plan and prep for the week in advance? Share something about
meal planning and prepping...
​
Something you find beneficial
or what prevents you from trying?

Have You Re-Evaluated Your Life Goals

Happy Thursday! Can you believe we are in the latter stretch of April 2021? There are moments when it feels like thirteen months into a pandemic and then other times, it is business as usual. Then there are the moments, after seeing my doctor for my yearly physical, that I'm reminded of dramatic pauses in all aspects of life over the past thirteen months.

He was friendly and honest in pointing out my five pound weight gain and the importance of monitoring my food and increasing movement, since I am getting older. Ugh...the O-L-D word again. Here's the deal, I believe you are only as old as you feel.

I walked into my physical ready to have him congratulate me on toning up and losing 2 pant sizes but all the doctor sees is the scale and a 5 lb. gain. It's not about the scale. It's not about the numbers. It's about how we feel. Prior to this appointment, I was feeling good and proud of the hard work. I walked out of the appointment defeated and ready to quit. Have you ever felt this way? Am I alone? Why am I sharing this with you?

Here's the deal, doctors don't know everything. They are scientist and look at numbers. It took me more than a week to process this visit. My doctor didn't intend to destroy my hope, crush my spirit, or de-motivate me...in the past, his hard truths  motivated me to work and push harder. A week later, this is where I'm at, ready to push harder and be more diligent with my exercise routine. I invested in some reading to help me learn about my body and how it metabolizes and works as I near the wonderful and magical fifty years old. My metabolism might slow down. The doctor might only look at numbers BUT this girl plans to bust a move and invest in my health.
It's not about the number,
it's about how you feel!
How are you feeling?

T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Encouraged by the Birds

As I drove to church on Sunday I enjoyed the sunshine, fresh air, and the birds flying in front of me and resting on the trees as I drove by. 

I never used to be one to pay attention, or care so much, about the beauty and peacefulness of the birds. My mother on the other hand, appreciated and enjoyed watching, feeding, and learning about the various birds that visited her yard, bird feeders, and flowers. Mom was strategic about the greenery when planning the landscaping each year. She knew what the birds and butterflies liked and she strived to make it a welcome area for them. As I get older, I understand her appreciation of these beautiful creatures and when I see certain ones, they remind me of her. This past Sunday, I saw a few of her favorites and I said aloud, "Today is going to be a great day! Thanks Mom!"

What birds did I see? I saw a couple indigo buntings, a cardinal, and mourning doves. Of course I saw a few robins and other birds I don't know the names of but the first three always remind me of my Mom. As I organize and prepare to start my next big writing project, it's encouraging for moments like this. To some they might be birds going about their business or returning for a season, yet for me, it's a little love from Heaven reminded me she's still got my back and right there with me.

As if this wasn't enough, when I got in my car after church, the song, "Give me Jesus" was playing on the radio and I said aloud, "Thank you God, it is a great day!"
What encourages you and
​reminds you of those important to you?

If you could go anywhere, where would you go?

We are moving into the second half of April and it’s time to start planning your summer vacations. Although we won’t be able to do a family vacation, we are planning a few day and weekend getaways. I’m blessed to live in Central New York so there is a multitude of places to visit within a 2 -3 drive, or less, that others visit as their vacation.

If time and money weren’t a consideration I would spend a few weeks traveling to visit family and friends. Then again, after the past thirteen months, I’d take sitting on my back deck with no technology or phone nearby for an uninterrupted week or two this summer before returning to school. I should have asked my husband his answer, his would probably be to visit Florida for Baseball’s Spring Training or to watch the Dallas Cowboys play in their home stadium. I’d enjoy spring training but would stay at the hotel spa during the football game. What is your dream destination?

My First Epicure Conference…Virtually!

I look forward to this evening, tomorrow, and the weekend because I am attending my first Epicure conference. I joined Epicure as an Independent Consultant in July 2020 and the benefits are amazing.

Let me share a few with you:We are eating healthier as a familyI’m having FUN sharing Epicure with family, friends, & those I meetI’m earning EXTRA MONEY to build our savings, pay off debt, & save for a vacationI’m LEARNING the benefits of eating healthyEpicure allows me to CREATE MEALS in 30 MINUTES OR LESS!I MEET NEW PEOPLE virtually and in personEpicure allows me to work AROUND MY SCHEDULEThe TIME SAVED cooking allows me to cross more things off my listI’m part of an AMAZING and EMPOWERING teamEpicure WELCOMES YOU where you areI’m able to my business at MY COMFORT LEVEL without pressureWhen I’m ready to GROW A TEAM so I can make MORE MONEY – there is a team of leaders ready and willing to mentor me
I could keep going but I think you see the benefits, excitement, and joy I have working as an Epicure Consultant, my goal for 2021 is to be an Executive Consultant! It is in my reach and I look forward to sharing Epicure, the health benefits, time saving cookware, and more with others for 2021 and into the future. This is one reason I’m so excited about the conference starting tonight. The company values their team so instead of cancelling, they found a way to make a virtual conference work for over 4,000 people! This is impressive, don’t you agree?

Over the next three days I will MEET more LIKE-MINDED peeps, LEARN about the company and products, and  EXPERIENCE the joy, empowerment, and inspiration necessary to keep growing my business as a consultant and to rank higher to pay off debt. I’m not here simply to make money yet it is a great PERK. You can plan to learn more about my conference experience over the next few weeks, until then, it’s time for me to get ready.
​
If you want to book a live cooking demo, join my team, or place an order…here are a few ways to get a hold of me. I wish I could share with you in a more personal way, so if you are interested, drop me an email, livinwithlisa.keepingitreal@gmail. You can also find me on Facebook, @KeepitRealCooking, feel free to drop me a private message. I look forward to hearing from you and sharing the benefits of adding Epicure to your pantry and/or adding you to my team. Have a wonderful day and weekend,
I’m ready to enjoy an EPIC conference and
sharing all I learn with everyone.

I’m only an email or message away
​if you want to join my team. 

T.O.P.’s Tuesday: The Importance of Organization

As we move into the middle of April (sidenote: How is it April already?), I realize there is room for improvement in my scheduling to allow more efficient use of my time. Can you relate?

I’m not sure why, or how, my schedule has gotten so far out of balance. Then again, when I pause and think about it, I do. Covid stopped life as we know it and then slowly we can do a little more, then, BAM…back to slow or quarantined. I crave (and need) structure to plan effectively. The pandemic has taught me there is only one thing that is constant, that constant is change. My friend, and podcast guru, Patrick, shares this quote from Heraclitus: “The only constant in life is change.” This is so true and if the pandemic has taught us, as a people and nation, this is a vital truth.

Since childhood I’ve needed “all my ducks in a row”. I plan, create my lists, cross off the completed items, and develop the next day/week’s lists based on all I accomplish. I work better when busy, it took a pandemic for me to realize this. I’m able to relax and let things go now. On the grand scheme, this is good because it means I’m more relaxed when things are changed or don’t go as planned. BUT a BIG BUT, instead of pushing through to get things done, I find myself kicking my feet up to enjoy a good book or binge watch a cooking show.

These are good skills and habits to have but I don’t know about you, I need a better balance. Over the weekend I invested in a new organizer to motivate me. It offers me the space and bullets to organize my writing, speaking, cooking, school, volunteering, home responsibilities, and phone calls.

It’s only been a couple days but once I get back into the habit, this is going to be a valuable tool. I’m thinking about going back to the store where I found it and buy the other two they had in stock, so I have it for next year.  As you read today’s blog,
how are you doing at organizing your life
to maximize the usage of your time
​in the most efficient manner?

What is one thing you can do
today to better utilize your time tomorrow?

How will you hold yourself accountable?

Spend Time Being you...You Are Amazing!

How do you spend your Saturday? Do you take time to invest in your self and selfcare or is Saturday one more day to do for others? I challenge you to take time for yourself today. We all need a day, or at least a few hours to recharge and renew ourselves. Not only is it a wonderful idea, it's necessary to avoid burnout. Today's blog is short and sweet. Instead of spending time doing for others, dedicate time to you!! You are amazing, special, & unique...
​Don't change for anyone!

Thankful for a Sharpened Pencil

Happy Thursday Everyone! Today's blog is one of thanksgiving. As I mentally prepare for my next day of writing at the cottage, the lists begin to form.

One of the first things I'll do when arriving is to sharpen my pencils. It's quite silly to some but then if you are a writer or other creative, then you probably have a quirk or idiosyncrosy. Mine is to have all my pencils sharpened with a precise point. As I write and use one, it returns to the cup, face down.

If my writing is in the groove, I'll write until I run out of sharpened pencils. When I need a break, I'll use the lack of sharpened pencils as an excuse to stop. I sharpened all the pencils and usually I'm ready to get writing again. I do use my computer yet in the drafting and early writing, I prefer pencil and paper. 

Are you trying to figure out what any of this has to do with being thankful? Here's the deal, in life we'll face many different challenges and opportunities. For me, the pencil represents both. Once the perfectly sharpened point is flattened, it could be viewed as a challenge but instead I view it as an opportunity to celebrate. Why, you ask? The reason the pencil is dull is because so many words have been written, this is cause for celebration. It's an opportunity to recognize one's hard work, be grateful. Don't view a cup of dull pencils as a challenge, grab the sharpener and get back to work, you are moving mountains you don't realize at the moment. Choose joy and thankfulness!
What reminds you to celebrate and be thankful?