No More Car Loans for Us!

 Slowly, but surely, we are being unshackled from the burden of debt.  We praise the Lord Jesus Christ, first and foremost. 

This will be our last car-loan debt payment in our married life, God willing. Payments in cash 💲only;  and rice-and-beans meals is what we are willing to do in order to reach our financial goals. I know -- easy to say, but hard to do. God help us!

pc: Chris Hogan

The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

(Proverbs 22 )

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Tuesday Tip: Inspiration From a Professional Basketball Player

 Do These 4 Things to Stand Out From Your Competition

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. (Proverbs 22 )

Wade Manson Baldwin IV

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FitBit: Get Fit in 5 Minutes a Day

Get Fit in 5 Minutes a Day. (Yes, 5 Minutes.) by HARLEY PASTERNAK

Now that we’ve gone over healthy eating habits, it’s time to move onto something weightier—strength training.

Strength training, or resistance exercise as I prefer to call it, is when a muscle or muscle group works against a certain resistance (dumbbells, body weight, water etc…) for a short period of time. Think: push-ups, squats, bench press.

When done consistently, resistance exercise has the power to transform your body from the inside out. Besides developing stronger, more defined muscles, research shows that strength training can also help raise your metabolism—meaning your body burns more calories at rest—increase bone density (fewer fractures!), improve balance and coordination, and increase insulin sensitivity. But many people still don’t do it. Why? I uncovered five common reasons:

1. They don’t have time.
2. They don’t have or can’t afford a gym membership.
3. They don’t have the know-how to do a complex program.
4. They’re intimidated by the images they see in infomercials for workouts such as Insanity or P90X.
5. They have been injured or are afraid of getting injured.

To combat these concerns, I kept two questions in mind as I did fitness research for my book 5 Pounds: What are the most effective exercises necessary to achieve the greatest results and what is the least amount of exercise you need to do to maximize results?

After months of study, two surprising truths emerged:

1. Short, intensive workouts are more effective than longer, endurance-focused workouts.
2. Variety is as essential as intensity to getting results.

Take this study published BioMed Research International as an example. Researchers divided a group of young men into two groups: One performed one six-rep set of nine upper body exercises three times a week; the other group did three six-rep sets of the same exercises. At the end of eight weeks, all participants experienced similar increases in strength but the one-set group—who spent nearly 70 percent less time exercising—lost significantly more body fat than the three-set group.

Seventy percent less time exercising! Imagine what you could do with that time. Actually don’t. Start experiencing it. The fitness portion of My 5 plan was created with this “less is more” philosophy in mind.

Here’s how it works: Do one resistance exercise for about five minutes, seven days a week.

That’s it.

Focusing on just one exercise a day works because you’re still able to generate enough intensity to break down muscle fibers and have enough time afterward to let them recover, which is when the fibers rebuild stronger and denser than they were before.

Get started with this 5-minute workout. Over time, as you get stronger, you’ll want to increase the weight you use and the time you spend exercising—but don’t worry, it will always be manageable.

Get Fit in 5 Minutes a Day













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Kitchen Renovation: Open Concept Floor Plan

Yes, indeed, that is  why we renovated our kitchen -- a desire for a larger-looking space!! A few Before and After pictures below; particularly of the same wall corner in our living room. Our area is not as large nor professionally-staged as the linked articles, but it turned out well. We are pleased.

AFTER!

Kitchen of the Week: Opening the Layout Calms the Chaos

Opening the Layout Calms the Chaos

42 Open Concept Kitchen, Living Room and Dining Room Floor Plan Ideas

Proverbs 3



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FitBit: Lose Weight in 5 Steps

sole comparison

Fitbit has been  the biggest influence on my weight lost. I began with keeping tabs on doing 10,000 steps daily via my Fitbit watch. That part was easy as I enjoy walking the dogs around the my neighborhood first thing in the morning on an almost daily basis.  My worn-out boots are proof.  

Counting the calories and watching what I eat -- not so fun. I've gotten careless and the pounds have slowly been creeping-up. I need to review thru this article and feel revitalized.  

Per the FITBIT blog
 My 5 Plan:  The most effective and efficient behaviors we need to incorporate into our lives to lose the most amount of weight in the least amount of time. 

Summarized below. 
 Read the full blog H E R E

Step One: The No-Calorie-Counting Way to Eat Healthier 

Step Two: Get Fit in 5 Minutes a day. (Yes, 5 Minutes.) 

Step Three: The Power of 10,000 Steps 

Step Four: Three Ways Sleep Deprivation Makes You Fat—Plus 5 Ways to Get More Shuteye 

Step Five: Disconnect From These Devices to Drop Pounds 

 Complete post H E R E

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is 

to come. 1 Timothy 4:8-10

Small Changes that Get Results

10,000 Steps

F I T B I T

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List of Habits to Be Ridiculously Likeable or Darn Irritating

Too many people succumb to the mistaken belief that being likable comes from natural, unteachable traits that belong only to a lucky few — the good looking, the fiercely social, and the incredibly talented. It’s easy to fall prey to this misconception.

When I speak to smaller audiences, I often ask them to describe the most likable people they have ever worked with. People inevitably ignore innate characteristics (intelligence, extraversion, attractiveness, and so on) and instead focus on qualities that are completely under people’s control, such as approachability, humility, and positivity.

These qualities, and others like them, describe people who are skilled in emotional intelligence (EQ). TalentSmart research data from more than a million people shows that people who possess these skills aren’t just highly likable, they outperform those who don’t by a large margin. Ninety percent of top performers have high EQs, people with high EQs make $29,000 more annually than people with low EQs, and a single-point increase in your emotional intelligence adds $1,300 to your salary. I could go on and on.

Being likable is under your control, and it’s a matter of emotional intelligence. Unlike innate, fixed characteristics, such as your intelligence (IQ), EQ is a flexible skill that you can improve with effort.

To help you improve your EQ, I did some digging to uncover the key behaviors that emotionally intelligent people engage in that make them so likable.

1. They are genuine. Being genuine and honest is essential to being likable. No one likes a fake. People gravitate toward those who are genuine because they know they can trust them. It is difficult to like someone when you don’t know who they really are and how they really feel.

Likable people know who they are. They are confident enough to be comfortable in their own skin. By concentrating on what drives you and makes you happy as an individual, you become a much more interesting person than if you attempt to win people over by making choices that you think will make them like you.

2. They ask thoughtful questions. The biggest mistake people make when it comes to listening is they’re so focused on what they’re going to say next or how what the other person is saying is going to affect them that they fail to hear what’s being said. The words come through loud and clear, but the meaning is lost. A simple way to avoid this is to ask a lot of questions. People like to know you’re listening, and something as simple as a clarification question shows that not only are you listening, you also care about what they’re saying. You’ll be surprised how much respect and appreciation you gain just by asking questions.

3. They don’t pass judgment. If you want to be likable you must be open-minded. Being open-minded makes you approachable and interesting to others. No one wants to have a conversation with someone who has already formed an opinion and is not willing to listen.

Having an open mind is crucial in the workplace where approachability means access to new ideas and help. To eliminate preconceived notions and judgment, you need to see the world through other people’s eyes. This doesn’t require you believe what they believe or condone their behavior, it simply means you quit passing judgment long enough to truly understand what makes them tick. Only then can you let them be who they are.

4. They don’t seek attention. People are averse to those who are desperate for attention. You don’t need to develop a big, extroverted personality to be likable. Simply being friendly and considerate is all you need to win people over. When you speak in a friendly, confident, and concise manner, you will notice that people are much more attentive and persuadable than if you try to show them you’re important. People catch on to your attitude quickly and are more attracted to the right attitude than what—or how many people—you know.

When you’re being given attention, such as when you’re being recognized for an accomplishment, shift the focus to all the people who worked hard to help you get there. This may sound cliché, but if it’s genuine, the fact that you pay attention to others and appreciate their help will show that you’re appreciative and humble—two adjectives that are closely tied to likability.

5. They are consistent. Few things make you more unlikable than when you’re all over the place. When people approach you, they like to know whom they’re dealing with and what sort of response they can expect. To be consistent you must be reliable, and you must ensure that even when your mood goes up and down it doesn’t affect how you treat other people.

6. They use positive body language. Becoming cognizant of your gestures, expressions, and tone of voice (and making certain they’re positive) will draw people to you like ants to a picnic. Using an enthusiastic tone, uncrossing your arms, maintaining eye contact, and leaning towards the person who’s speaking are all forms of positive body language that high-EQ people use to draw others in. Positive body language can make all the difference in a conversation.

It’s true that how you say something can be more important than what you say.

7. They leave a strong first impression. Research shows most people decide whether or not they like you within the first seven seconds of meeting you. They then spend the rest of the conversation internally justifying their initial reaction. This may sound terrifying, but by knowing this you can take advantage of it to make huge gains in your likability. First impressions are tied intimately to positive body language. Strong posture, a firm handshake, smiling, and opening your shoulders to the person you are talking to will help ensure that your first impression is a good one.

8. They greet people by name. Your name is an essential part of your identity, and it feels terrific when people use it. Likable people make certain they use others’ names every time they see them. You shouldn’t use someone’s name only when you greet him. Research shows that people feel validated when the person they’re speaking with refers to them by name during a conversation.

If you’re great with faces but have trouble with names, have some fun with it and make remembering people’s names a brain exercise. When you meet someone, don’t be afraid to ask her name a second time if you forget it right after you hear it. You’ll need to keep her name handy if you’re going to remember it the next time you see her.

9. They smile. People naturally (and unconsciously) mirror the body language of the person they’re talking to. If you want people to like you, smile at them during a conversation and they will unconsciously return the favor and feel good as a result.

10. They know who to touch (and they touch them). When you touch someone during a conversation, you release oxytocin in their brain, a neurotransmitter that makes their brain associate you with trust and a slew of other positive feelings. A simple touch on the shoulder, a hug, or a friendly handshake is all it takes to release oxytocin. Of course, you have to touch the right person in the right way to release oxytocin, as unwanted or inappropriate touching has the opposite effect. Just remember, relationships are built not just from words, but also from general feelings about each other. Touching someone appropriately is a great way to show you care.

11. They balance passion and fun. People gravitate toward those who are passionate. That said, it’s easy for passionate people to come across as too serious or uninterested because they tend to get absorbed in their work. Likable people balance their passion with the ability to have fun. At work they are serious, yet friendly. They still get things done because they are socially effective in short amounts of time and they capitalize on valuable social moments. They minimize small talk and gossip and instead focus on having meaningful interactions with their coworkers. They remember what you said to them yesterday or last week, which shows that you’re just as important to them as their work.

Bringing It All Together

Likable people are invaluable and unique. They network with ease, promote harmony in the workplace, bring out the best in everyone around them, and generally seem to have the most fun. Add these skills to your repertoire and watch your likability soar!

Please share your thoughts in the comments section, as I learn just as much from you as you do from me.

Follow Dr. Travis Bradberry on Twitter: www.twitter.com/talentsmarteq

6.07.2020

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Your Healthy Weight: No-Calorie-Counting Way to Eat Healthier

The No-Calorie-Counting Way to Eat Healthier --  HARLEY PASTERNAK

Say goodbye to fiber-starved juice cleanses, copious amounts of cabbage soup, and lemon-cayenne-pepper concoctions: This is the year you adopt a simple—and sustainable—weight loss eating plan.

As I mentioned in  Lose Weight Without Losing Your Mind, the My 5 plan is based on efficiency—finding out which health practices pack the biggest punch—and the food component of it is no different. What’s that mean? It means you don’t have to count calories (though you can if you have time!), weigh food, splurge on exotic ingredients, or avoid restaurants. No, all you have to do is follow three, easy guidelines:

1. Eat 5 times a day—three meals and two snacks. This equates to eating approximately every three hours. Eating before you’re ravenous will help you stay in control of what and how much you eat. Studies also show that eating more frequently, compared with the conventional three-meals-a-day approach, can help keep your blood sugar and metabolism steady—both of which are good for weight loss.

2. Make sure every meal contains the “big three of satiety”: protein (seafood, eggs, chicken), fiber (veggies, fruit, seeds) and healthy fats (olive oil, avocado). Snacks, too, must contain protein and fibrous carbs. Aside from their individual benefits—protein boosts metabolism, fiber aids digestion, and fats support heart health—these three nutrients also help you feel fuller faster and for longer.

3. Ensure each meal is made up of the following: one portion of protein (fish, eggs, etc…) equal to the mass of one hand; a palmful of either a high-fiber fruit (blackberries, apples), a whole grain (quinoa, oats), or a legume (chickpeas, lentils); at least one thumb-size portion of a healthy fat (avocado, olives, nuts, seeds); and unlimited veggies (broccoli, zucchini, spinach).

Read full  FITBIT article H E R E

What feeds your soul?

No-Calorie-Counting


Lose Weight Without Losing Your Mind





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Baby Boomers and Remodelling Goals

The Baby Boomer generation is looking ahead!  As of the date that I read the Houzz remodeling article below, there were some good ideas in the comment section.  One lady shared  thru pictures a couple of things she recently got done in her kitchen.  I had also wanted clear-glass pendants (but chose  T H I S  bouquet-light instead). I would like my microwave to be located under the counter; and Yes to LED strip lights over the counter tops.

Most important goals for our upcoming kitchen renovation (may the Lord God cause them to come to pass and provide in many ways):

- open concept
- more counter space
- more cabinet storage
- better lighting via can-lights and skylight

pc: houzz

pc:  Houzz

By Erin Carlyle

Baby Boomers Address Aging Needs in Kitchen Remodels

Renovating for Future Aging Needs

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Handy Helper for Reaching 2019 Goal

Five-Finger Prayer

Prayer is a conversation with God, not a formula. Yet sometimes we might need to use a “method” to freshen up our prayer time. We can pray the Psalms or other Scriptures (such as The Lord’s Prayer), or use the ACTS method (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication). I recently came across this “Five-Finger Prayer” to use as a guide when praying for others:

• When you fold your hands, the thumb is nearest you. So begin by praying for those closest to you—your loved ones (Philippians 1:3-5).
• The index finger is the pointer. Pray for those who teach—Bible teachers and preachers, and those who teach children (1 Thessalonians 5:25).
• The next finger (middle finger) is the tallest. It reminds you to pray for those in authority over you—national and local leaders, and your supervisor at work (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
• The fourth finger (ring finger) is usually the weakest. Pray for those who are in trouble or who are suffering (James 5:13-16).
• Then comes your little finger. It reminds you of your smallness in relation to God’s greatness. Ask Him to supply your needs (Philippians 4:6,19).

Whatever method you use, just talk with your Father. He wants to hear what’s on your heart. (by Our Daily Bread)

Our prayers ascend to heaven's throne
Regardless of the form we use;
Our Father always hears His own
Regardless of the words we choose.

—D. De Haan

5-Fingers Prayer

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Part 2: A Long-lasting Leopard Gecko Daytime Bulb

The bulb was purchased on July 16th and lasted till approximately September 7th. Total: 53 days/636 hours (12-hour days).  Compare that number to the  3500 hours touted on GRREAT CHOICE's box. 

(On a previous post I had wanted to know how long our Gecko's new daytime heat/lamp would last.  We'd seem to replace them too often).


Grreat Choice's Terrarium Light clearly Did Not Last!!  Thus, I do not recommend the product.  A thumbs-down from all of us, including Sushi Gecko.

Petsmart was willing to let us exchange the busted bulb for a new bulb. Thank God we saved our receipt.  We shall see if the bulb is any better.  Even kitty is skeptical. Stay tuned.

How Long Will You Go?

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Goal: A Long-lasting Leopard Gecko Daytime Bulb

Sushi is still here, thank God. Our beloved Common Leopard Gecko remains pretty consistent in her desire for food -- every 2 to 3 days or so -- which is a good indication of her health.

I've decided to keep tabs on how long her two terrarium light bulbs last. We seem to change them too often.  As of the date of its installation, this new incandescent daytime heat bulb should last  -- at the very least -- until early December 2018. That's what it says on the box.  If not, I can attempt to return it to Petsmart as it also says on the box. Stay tuned.

Sushi shedding

Other goals/targets on or before December 2018, Lord willing:

1. Trip to Germany
2. Completion of our new Velux skylight. It's been installed by the Roofer but needs to be boxed-up. The contractor is not willing to spend hours in the attic in the sizzling Summer heat to do the job. Must wait for cooler weather. Stay tuned.

35.09.2020

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7.9.8.18

Personal Success in Year 2018

As I get older, I realize that much more how fleeting the time and how wasteful the hostilities & bad habits.

 Goals remain that are yet to be reached. One of them is renovating our downstairs bathroom. We've talked about it for years! Our budget remains limited; but it's time to get a hold of this problem and just.do.it. 

Here are some ideas from FORBES  on how to reach goals successfully in Year 2018 and beyond.

by Jennifer Cohen

Continual activity directed towards a goal creates a sense of momentum or as I like to say progress. In other words your habits determine your progress and overall your successes and failures. We all have good and bad habits that are derived from the relatively small decisions we make every day. In turn, our habits are directly correlated and caused by our minuscule day to day choices.

“Success is actually a short race - a sprint fueled by discipline just long enough for habit to kick in and take over.” - Gary Keller, The One Thing

Instead of hearing about habits from me I figured I would pick the brains of those far smarter than I. Amazing people like, Elon Musk, Gary Keller, Napoleon Hill, Stephen R. Covey and more!

Habit 1, From The One Thing

Cut The Crap. What Do You Really Need To Get Done?

In a world of constant stimulation everything can feel like it is an immediate priority. A common mistake many make is falling victim to too much opportunity and for lack of a better word, distraction. Trying to do too much at any given time forces you to not give projects the time and dedication they need to be done exceptionally well. As Gary Keller states in The One Thing “Success is about doing the right thing, not about doing everything right.” Although many things will pull at you throughout your day you must narrow your focus to the one thing you need to do to make progress in your goals. I talked about progress and the massive life changing power behind it in my last article!  

How to do it:

Gary Keller’s advice for fighting distraction is to start blocking your schedule. For example allocate 3 hours every morning from 9am to 12 in order to do your one thing. Don’t allow emails, kids, eating, or anything else to distract you from getting this important work done. Those can come before or after but NOT during. “Where I’d had huge success, I had narrowed my concentration to one thing, and where my success varied, my focus had too.” - Gary Keller

Read the rest of the article HERE

The 13 Habits You Need to Know

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