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If so, then the message below if for you!
Since the STRESSED.PRESSED.MESSED newsmail began in January of 2006, it has grown in length and popularity, now reaching multiple states in the US as well as several European countries. As SPM strives to offer a fresh look with each issue, Siesta Magazine has moved all contents to this blogspot site, which was created back in the spring of 2009. For those subscribing to Siesta Magazine through standard e-mails, reminder e-mails for the Siesta Magazine link discontinued in 2010. All subscribers who wish to continue reading each issue may keep this website address in their favourites and refer to it on the first of each month.
www.siestamagazine.blogspot.com
SIESTA MAGAZINE
Thank you for understanding about STRESSED.PRESSED.MESSED simplifying! It just proves that SPM practices what it preaches!
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~COVER ART~
"WILD ROSES AFTER FRESH RAIN" -DeNitto ©2007
NEW INFORMATION ABOUT FOLLOWING STRESSED.PRESSED.MESSED on FACEBOOK and TWITTER !!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
+ BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS!
+ SPEAKING OF SIESTAS!
+ THE BOOK CORNER
+ PICK OF THE MONTH
+ RECIPE OR COOKBOOK OF THE MONTH
+ GREEN LIVING TIPS
+ TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS
+ MOM TIME
+ QUOTE OF THE MONTH
+ PHOTO OF THE MONTH
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+ BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS!
2011 marks twelve years for STRESSED.PRESSED.MESSED's Professional Organizer, Madeleine DeNitto in the organizing industry! With each issue this year, watch for special anniversary discounts, experience stories, and special thank yous and spotlights to come!!
Stay tuned for the STRESSED.PRESSED.MESSED website to be redesigned and updated with the fresh site to come in mid-May!!
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+ SPEAKING OF SIESTAS!
{ Pictured: Ulysses resting from his little kitty journey. DeNitto © 2006 }
A siesta /siːˈɛstə/, original Spanish pronunciation [ˈsjesta] is a short nap taken in the early afternoon, often after the midday meal. Such a period of sleep is a common tradition in some hot countries. The word siesta is Spanish, from the Latin hora sexta - "the sixth hour" (counting from dawn, therefore noon, hence "midday rest").
At SPM the true definition is taken a bit further. If a nap is not possible, but there is enough time allowed for any other type of break, it is strongly encouraged to take advantage of that precious moment. As long as the mind and body can rest for a short period as often as possible during the work week, it can only enhance the quality of living.
Each month, learn more facts about SIESTAS and how you may benefit from taking them into your daily routine.
Below are May's SIESTA TIPS/FACTS:
RELIEVING STRESS IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS ~ SIESTA NOOKS
Back in 2007, STRESSED.PRESSED.MESSED added property staging to the standard and specialty services already offered. As part of property staging, SPM branched out into the Water, Earth & Manor name and was able to direct attention not only indoors, but outdoors, as well with the tagline "Stage to Sell... Stage to Live!" A lot of people call in stagers to assist with preparing a home to go onto the market, but few realize that calling in a stager can also adjust the comfort level of a home that is not going up for sale.
Relaxing outdoors can be such a release of stress when your outdoor environment is inviting and clutter free. With gardening being a theraputic outlet to relieve stress, you can also enjoy the work done as your plants grow and surround you with rich colours, frangrance and oxygen. Your yard can easily serve as a backdrop to a calm and peaceful area to spend hours upon hours of time.
Aside from the obvious gardening tasks, there a number of other ways to make a home more comfortable outdoors. Some of the simplest ideas are listed below.
> Removing any clutter from yard, whether it's gardening tools, empty pots, garbage that blew into the yard, unused hoses, piles of branches, vehicle parts, children's toys... you name it. If it's unsightly, doesn't belong where it is or is considered unusable, perhaps it should be removed.
> Raking. Yes, that's right... something as simple as raking can make a big difference in the "neatness" factor when viewing an outdoor space.
> Setting up a place in the shade for a place to sit and relax. This can be a bench, chair, hammock or swing. Particularly, if you were to use a hammock or even a cot, this area could be what Water, Earth & Manor refers to as a "Siesta Nook", as it is a place where you could take a short nap or simply be able to meditate quietly. You can create as many nooks as you want throughout the property. Keep in mind that you won't want any garbage or compost bins near your nooks that make create odors and you may not want to be near anything that makes noise, such as an air conditioner.
> Add lighting to your special nooks, such as candles, solar or electical lighting posts for early evening hours. Candles and string lights are certainly the easiest and most inexpensive ways to have lighting instantly.
> Investing in a simple small fountain can produce a touch of water sounds that can whirl a weary brain into a peaceful lull.
> Subtle garden decor can add depth to a bed of flowers or a corner of grasses. Sculptures, glass balls, birdbaths and other garden decorative pieces can be found most anywhere and create personal touches to natural settings.
> Dining is enhanced when outdoors and can be enjoyable in certain climates and when certain pests are kept away. Even if you don't have a full patio table and chairs, a simple bistro table with ample seating is all that is needed.
Below are samples of Siesta Nooks! The first four are personal creations in various locations where SPM has resided in years past.
Nooks to sit peacefully...
Paths to stroll through...
Small spots to enjoy simple meals...
Hidden corners tucked away for true Siestas involving short periods of sleep...
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+ THE BOOK CORNER
This section offers ideas for books related to various subjects including organizing, designing, lifestyle improvements, humour, business, psychology and green living. During the year, the occasional novel or biography may also slip into an issue.
: BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MAY :
The book links below cover everything from vegetable, flower and container gardening to small plots of outdoor gardening for those without large spaces.
EDIBLE GARDENING
CONTAINER GARDENING
SQUARE FOOT GARDENING
HERB GARDENING
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+ PICK OF THE MONTH
Speaking of outdoor lighting, Pottery Barn has a good selection of outdoor lanterns!
LANTERNS
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+ SPECIAL FEATURE OF THE MONTH
CURB APPEAL... IMPORTANT??
Curb appeal is not only important in selling a home, but living in one, as well. Whether planning to stay in a home or sell it, give youself, as well as visitors, a warm welcome upon arrival. A fresh appearance to a home creates a sense of invitation and that time spent there will be enjoyed.
It can be rather draining to arrive at a house or any other type of structure that is less than appealing on the outside. It can create a tense feeling of having second thoughts about giving the inside a chance. After a long day at work, the last thing anyone wants to do is arrive to a home that will only continue to pull energy away from the soul.
NO-NO-NNNNNO! You can barely see the house! What house?? Allowing foliage to overgrow in front gives off a notion that the house could possibly be in disrepair, even if it is not. Why would anyone want to visit or purchase a home that they cannot really appreciate upon first view? A first impression is very important... and long lasting.
Certainly better than before, but dull and not exactly warm and inviting.
Yes!! Not only is the area completely cleaned up, but now with colour added on roof and foundation, fresh plants, neatened path to entrance, railing on porch, new steps and an invitation to sit on the porch, this house has made a powerful statement. With colour and porch upgrades, the house became quite charming!
Below is another example of good curb appeal! With good use of colour contrasts, a swept porch with minor use of container plantings, this home sends out a warm welcome to those strolling down the sidewalk.
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+ RECIPE OR COOKBOOK OF THE MONTH
Great for a snack in the garden!
I didn't have to open this cookbook for a split minute before finding a simple recipe-- to-make-my-mouth-water --on page 16 of Quick Fixes! This and many other vegetarian recipes can be found in the book.
BLACK BEAN SALSA
1 plum tomato
1 avocado
1/3 cup chopped red onion
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1&1/2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. lime juice
1/8 tsp. dried crushed red pepper
1/8 tsp. salt
- Dice tomato.
- Peal, seed and dice avocado.
- Combine tomato, avocado, onion, beans and cilantro in a bowl.
- Whisk together oil and next three ingredients.
- Toss with bean mixture.
- Cover and chill, if desided.
- Serve with corn chips or totillas.
TITLE: Quick Fixes {with mixes}
AUTHOR: from the editors of Southern Living
COPYRIGHT: 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0-8487-3331-5
QUICK FIXES
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+ GREEN LIVING TIPS
It's time to Greeganize!!! (an official SPM term!)
May Tip: Garden Supplies
For many years, I have enjoyed the pages of my Gardener's Supply catalogs because of the wide variety of items to help with landscaping and gardening. Gardener's Supply is a great source to get started with what you need whether you are just starting out or have been an avid gardener for years.
GARDENER'S SUPPLY
Now is the time to embrace the green.......
>>In future issues, Siesta Magazine will offer more tips or product guidelines with the latest information on how to adopt routines of green living!
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+ TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS
SAVE TIME IN THE GARDEN>
The beloved potting shed...
Once upon a time, I designed my own potting shed for my back garden. This shed served as a place to pot my seedlings to get them started before planting in the actual garden areas of our yard. I designed it as a simple square, starting with a cement floor, three brick sides, a cinder block back wall and a slanted roof consisting of a wood framing with a plexi-glass greenhouse roof. I requested a rolling window to one side and searched for a single French door for the front. With the special roof and ventilation, my plants could have ample sunlight, protection from inclement weather and be away from garden pests as they grew strong enough to survive in the actual landscape.
Entrance to the garden shed straight from paths circling a large Oak tree.
Pleasant view from inside of the potting shed...
Supplies on the homemade shelving built into the back cinderblock wall.
Homemade potting bench with lower shelf to hold water and soils, etc.With this design in mind, my potting shed actually helped save me a good bit of time in wandering from point to point to check on my seedlings, giving them the time they needed for better survival once moved to their permanent spots in the garden. The shed also saved time in that all of my tools, soil mixes, pots, etc, where in one place. Not only was everything accessible, but out of site to anyone venturing into the gardens for enjoyment. It's not attractive to view a commercial bag of peat moss out in the middle of a yard. Any tools thrown about can become not only an eyesore, but a hazard. Clutter can be outdoors just as well as indoors.
If there is no way to have a potting shed, a simple corner of a yard will certainly suffice. Any spot that can contain tools, pots, etc. can serve as a designated spot specifically for your garden work and planning. You can easily find seeding trays at suppliers to use for getting your seeds started. These can be covered and placed neatly in areas that receive ample sun, shade and moisture levels appropriate for plant types.
The key is to have what you need, where you need it, when you need it and that wherever that might be, it should be be out of view so as not to cause unsightly distractions.
If you do have space in your yard and are wanting to build a garden shed of your own, below is a link specifically for shed design projects.
SHED KITS
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+ MOM TIME
FORWARD: A note from SPM MOM...
During the early 1990's, as a mother raising two children through their first years, I now learn of many new products that are thrilling to me, even with my empty nest. I often find myself wishing that some of them were available as long ago as 24 years! Below are neat links and ideas to products or educational items currently on today's market for parents to explore for their children-- babies through college and beyond!
GARDENING FOR KIDS
Kids have a keen sense of the world and are often curious about Mother Nature. Parents can easily encourage their kids to enjoy and respect nature by learning about gardening right at home. This is also a great way to show how organizing is helpful in planning for anything as simple as potted flowers or terrariums or as challenging as a full vegetable garden. Children tend to be fascinated by the simple observation of a seed germinating into a sprout, much less a plant growing and later budding flowers or growing food!
Gardening will teach children organzing, patience, health and nutrition as well as a direct appreciation for the beauty of nature. Children can also realize what is easy and what is not so easy about gardening, which can teach then to be thankful for farmers who dedicate their lives to helping feed the world. Gardening is a peaceful, calming and overall theraputic activity enjoyed so much by adults that it only makes sense that it would be enjoyable for kids, as well.
Include your kid with garden projects. The fairy garden shown here was a special spot in our garden created with my kids for their enjoyment along one of the many secret paths I made for them.
For parents wanting to get their children involved in gardening from an early age, below are links to planting and tools. Also included
WILDLIFE GARDENING WITH KIDS
GARDENING TOOLS FOR KIDS
PLANT SELECTION
TICKLEME PLANT
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+ QUOTE OF THE MONTH
Man masters nature not by force but by understanding.
--Jacob Brownowski
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+ PHOTO OF THE MONTH
"Lone Tulip" -Stonecrop Gardens, Cold Spring, NY -DeNitto ©2011
