365 Health and Happiness Boosters

Photo: 365 Health and Happiness Boosters by M.J. Ryan

True happiness isn't contingent on circumstances.  

It is a sense of contentment that exists independently of the good fortune that might find us.

I would describe myself as a strong, happy, positive person.  I generally can find the silver lining in any situation, find solutions to problems, and have the discipline and strength to resolve any issue.  Of course, that was easy for me because up until a few years ago I have lived my life pretty much the way I had planned it.  I did have my share of trials and tribulations along the way, but there was nothing that I could not overcome on my own.  

Then all of a sudden I was blindsided with some life-altering events that completely derailed me from my life plan.  My future as I had envisioned it had been demolished.  For the first time in my life, I was stuck.  I was in limbo and I hated it.  I could not see my situation clearly, and I knew I needed some additional help this time.  Talking to a therapist was not for me, and talking with family and friends had their limitations so I turned to books.  

This is one of many books, I have read.  It is actually the book that made me realize why I could not dig myself out of my depression: "Feeling stuck is what causes most of the misery" (p. 11).  Difficulties no matter how overwhelming they may seem at the time are still temporary.    When I read this passage I realized I needed to work on acceptance, reevaluate myself and create a new set of goals.    

This is such a great book that I decided to read it all over again one day at a time.  This book is filled with great ideas to "boost" or "enhance" your own happiness.  It is a light-hearted, easy read and is really meant for everyone.  I highly recommend you start the New Year with this book!   

Michigan Bulb - Free Shipping Code, No Minimum Order

As you probably already know, I am a huge fan of Michigan Bulb Company.  They have great prices and a lifetime guarantee on their plants.  I received a couple of great coupon codes in my inbox, and I wanted to share them with you.


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Save $20 off your purchase of $40+ or Save $40 off your purchase of $80+ (Expires 12/31/2011)
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Note: To take advantage of any future coupon codes, you can always sign-up for free email alerts on their website.

Recycled Magazine Makeup Brush Holder

Photo: Recycled Magazine Makeup Brush Holder

I finally got around to trying that recycled magazine project I blogged about earlier this year.  I decided to create a makeup brush holder by using pages from my Glamour magazine to decorate a tin can.  It was a lot easier than I thought, and it took me less than a couple of hours to complete this project.  Continue reading to see step by step instructions on how to create this makeup brush holder.

Materials

• Scissors
• Magazines
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Tape
• Rubberband
• Tin Can (cleaned and dried)
• Elmer's Glue
• Glue Gun

Directions

1. Tear out pages from your magazine that has a lot of pretty colors, prints, text and/or images. 
2. Measure your tin can's height.  Then cut strips from magazines that are the same height.  For example, my tin can was about 4.5" so I cut sheets of paper that had a height of 4.5".     
3. Then lay a single sheet down, and fold the rough edge of the paper about 1/4" so that you have a straight edge.  Then take the pencil and roll it so that the magazine wraps around the pencil.                                           
   
   
4. Secure the tube with a small piece of tape (i.e., about 1/4" of tape).  Repeat this process until you have enough tubes to surround the entire tin can.                                                                                   
5. Wrap the rubber band around the tin can.  Then slip the tubes of magazines under the rubber band to see if you like your design.                                                                       
6. Plug in your glue gun, and place two droplets of glue at the top and the bottom of the can (See Photo with yellow stars below).  Then place the first tube down.  Make sure that it is align with the bottom of the can.  Then place a thin layer of glue on the side of the tube (See Photo with pink start below).  Place another thin layer of glue on the tube, and then place two more droplets of glue on the can.  Then secure with another tube.  Repeat this process to the end. Secure with a rubber band until project dries.