Tag Archives: Live it list

by | May 28, 2012 · 5:05 am

{America, We Love You!!}

On this Memorial Day, we at Suede Sofa just want to say “ThAnK-YoU” to all the men and women who so selflessly serve.  You are true HeRoS!!  This song was inspired by and dedicated to you.  Thank you.

:)

Robynn~

*This song was one of those items on my “Live-It” list (sort of like a bucket list, but with the emphasis on living each day to the full, rather than on dying).  If you want to read more of our posts on the “Live-It List” type in “live it” in our “Search the Sofa” box located on the upper-right hand side of this page.

All Because You Love Freedom

Verse 1:

You are my home

You have my heart

You are a light to the world

Men dream of you

Some even die

Defending you, laying down their life

All because you love freedom

You give hope to everyone, America

Verse 2:

God’s laid his hand

Upon your heart

It beats for truth

Justice for all

You give men dreams

Give ‘em wings to fly

So they become

What they were meant to be

All because you love freedom

You give hope to everyone, America

Bridge:

You understand that in the heart and soul

Of everyone there is a cry

It won’t be silenced, it won’t be denied

It’s the song of freedom

Verse 3:

Oh, we are strong

Because of you

You inspire us to live

For something more

Than ourselves

A greater cause for our fellow man

To leave a legacy

The way it was meant to be

Oh you’ve shown us the way, America

P.S.  Click here to read more about this song.

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by | May 26, 2012 · 5:00 am

{Thank-You For Serving!!}

Source: northernvirginiamag.com

Hi Suede Sofa Friends!

One of my family’s TrAdiTioNs is to kick off our summer by watching the National Memorial Day Concert on PBS that honors the MiLiTaRy men and women who have served our country.  It is inspiring, PaTrioTiC, and very moving.  So, much so, that last year I was inspired to write a song and dedicate it to all the CoUraGeOuS men and women who so selflessly serve in the military.  (I’ll share it with you on Memorial Day.)

Captain Monica Riggs, KC-135 (Stratotanker) Pilot in the KS Air National Guard.

This Memorial Day Weekend take the time to say “ThAnK-yOu” to someone who serves (or has served) our country in the military.  They and their family sacrifice so much.  And if you get the chance, check out the National Memorial Day Concert on PBS (airing on Sunday, May 27th at 7 p.m. central).

Major David Young – US Army Reserve
Deployed to Baghdad & Iraq

Have a GrEaT weekend and HaPpY SuMmEr!!

:)

Robynn~

P.S.  If you would like me to put a pic of someone you know who has served in the military, send me an email at suedesofa@yahoo.com  I will try to post them today and tomorrow.  Please also send their name, branch they have served in, rank, etc.

Eric Tincher (on right) Currently Deployed overseas

Capt Eric Tincher
KS Air National Guard
Topeka, KS

Kenneth Winn

Kenneth Winn, 85, Kansas Farmer, WW II veteran, NAVY Philippines

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by | May 7, 2012 · 5:00 am

{My Published Book}

If you’ve been following the Suede Sofa, you are no doubt familiar with what we call the “LiVe-It LiSt” which is similar to a bucket list but with the focus on living every day to the full rather than on dying.  With the “Live-It List” I  was DeTeRmiNeD to take care of all my “unfinished business” in 2012.  One of those items was to PubLiSh a book that has been saved on my computer for nearly three years.  Well, I can now check that item off my list.  My books were delivered to my house this past Friday.  What made this accomplished goal even SwEeTeR is that my family, father-in-law, and Lara’s family were there to witness me cutting open the box and seeing my book for the very first time.  A very sweet moment indeed.

My book, “The Truth Behind Real Success”, compares the definition of success given to us by our society and culture with that of real, AuThEnTiC success.  For more information you can check it out at Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com


http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-truth-behind-real-success-robynn-k-coates/1110419766?ean=9781619969445


http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=%22The+truth+behind+real+success%22

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by | January 6, 2012 · 5:51 am

I Am Living It by…Lingering Longer

Want to earn 5 entries to win the COACH purse?  Email us your Live-It List item and picture(s) to go with it!  suedesofa@yahoo.com

For more details visit:


http://thesuedesofa.com/2011/10/02/win-a-coach-purse-the-details/

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by | December 30, 2011 · 5:56 am

A Peek At Our Live-It Lists

Lara’s Live-It List:

Click Lara's List for a Close-Up!

Robyn (Jersey Girl’s) Live-It List:

Robynn’s Live-It List:

Click Robynn's List for a Close-Up!

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by | December 28, 2011 · 6:29 am

Rely on Friends to LIVE IT!

Last Friday I made my 9 day promise to be a more patient mommy and not “LoSe It” when things get out of control.  Within 3 hours of the post going up I was already struggling to keep my cool when my kids seemed to be on an all out crusade to do the opposite of anything I was asking them to do!  Thankfully my husband stepped in and told me to go out and run my errands by myself.  I got in my mommy mini-van and listened to my Christmas music and savored each uninterrupted moment I had as I drove.  While I was out I sent Lara a text saying that I seemed to be FaILiNg miserably at my 9 day promise.  She wrote back some great advice…”Actions are stronger than words.”  Now when my kids act up instead of yelling I am taking Lara’s advice and am just moving them to time-out without saying anything.  They are old enough to know why they are in trouble without me going on and on about it and saying nothing keeps me from “losing it”.  By the time their time-out is over I can talk to them about what they did in a calm manner.

When working on your Live-It List, think about the people you can ReLy on to help you be successful.  Whether it be skydiving or completing a quilt, think of the people in your life that you can reach out to who can help you AcHieVe your goals!

~Robyn (Jersey Girl)

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by | December 26, 2011 · 6:00 am

Live It! {And Get A Chance To Win A Coach Purse!!}

Can you believe that 2011 is almost over!  On January 1st the SuEde SoFa will begin the ”LiVe It LiSt” challenge!!  In case you haven’t read or heard about our “Live It List” challenge, here it is in a NuTsHeLL:

The “Live It List” is sort of like a “BuCkEt LiSt” only with the emphasis on living rather than on dying.  Not only does it focus on living life, but living it to the full TODAY, not sometime down the road when circumstances are more ideal.  The “Live It List” targets the little things in life that really make the biggest differences such as relationships, fulfilling your purpose, and enjoying life.  And if that isn’t exciting enough, the Suede Sofa will give one fortunate reader a brand new Coach purse!  You can find out more about the challenge by Clicking Here.  But wait!!  Before you click for more details what’s on your list?

Here are some ideas to get your imaginations soaring!!

“Live It List” Ideas

  1. Create a vision board.  (A bulletin board with pictures of things that motivate and inspire you)
  2. Work your way through a cookbook like in the movie “Julia and Julia”
  3. Take a course from “The Great Courses” (www.thegreatcourses.com)
  4. Learn to make jewelry, knit a scarf, make pasta, etc. via watching a YouTube tutorial
  5. Reconnect with an old pen pal
  6. Volunteer
  7. Do a triathlon
  8. Volunteer with your child
  9. Organize a community event
  10. Sew/quilt
  11. Photograph old barns or your favorite people/items/animal/scenery
  12. Start an Etsy business
  13. Grow herbs
  14. Start a blog
  15. Visit your physican and begin a healthy life style
  16. Journal
  17. Carve out 30 minutes a day reserved only for your child/children
  18. Spend 15 minutes a day praying, meditating, etc.
  19. Complete “The Love Dare”
  20. Complete “The Purpose Driven Life”
  21. Establish a date night once a week with your spouse, significant other, child, friend, or family member
  22. Change your look
  23. Do a personal make-over
  24. Do a home make-over
  25. Pamper yourself once a week
  26. Ask an estranged friend/family member if you can “Begin Again”
  27. Do a random act of kindness once a week
  28. Learn to decorate a cake
  29. Plan a weekend get away
  30. Search for your favorite childhood toys/books/ etc on Ebay
  31. Send a care package to someone in the military
  32. Visit the Drive-In, Diners, and Dives in your area (from Food Networks “Drive-Ins, Diners, and Dives” television show)
  33. Take a dance class with your friend or spouse
  34. Do a room makeover for under $100
  35. Start a new family tradition
  36. Document your family traditions
  37. Take flight lessons
  38. Make a piece of furniture
  39. Hunt for a vintage piece of furniture from a flea market, antique shop, etc.
  40. Start working on the home-based business you’ve been dreaming of
  41. Turn a hobby into a business.  Need some ideas?  Check out this website of hobbies: 
    http://www.notsoboringlife.com/list-of-hobbies/
  42. Invite friends over for weekly cooking classes hosted by those people who make your favorite foods  i.e. have Mom teach how she makes her famous fried chicken, Grandma teach how to make her delicious apple pie, etc.
  43. Start a collection by going to antique shops, Ebay, garage sales, etc. – vintage cameras, geodes, vintage letters or numbers
  44. Finally begin pursuing your passion
  45. Determine what your passion is
  46. Write thank-you letters to people who have made a difference in your life
  47. Create a budget that you can live by
  48. Take Dave Ramsey’s Finanical Peace University course
  49. Get a puppy
  50. Do on-line dating
  51. Finish your bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctorate Degree
  52. Get a certification in your field
  53. Take a martial arts class
  54. Turn one room in your house into one that inspires you
  55. Create a top 10 list:  i.e. Places to visit, Home projects to complete, Friends to get reconnected with, Activities to do, Goals to pursue and complete by Dec 31, Foods to make, etc.
  56. Make your family’s own personal “Yearbook” by documenting pictures as well as the stories that go with them by going to websites such as: www. shutterfly.com, http://www.Winkflash.com, etc.
  57. Create a list of eight things you are going to do (one for each week) that is achievable, yet exciting and motivating
  58. Call your friends/family to say, “I love you”
  59. Talk to a financial planner and start planning for the future!
  60. Make your own art gallery
  61. Get on a travel website and dream
  62. Find the thing that encourages your imagination and begin dreaming
  63. Begin writing a book
  64. Adopt an elderly person or a child to be kind to
  65. Take your kid fishing
  66. Take your dad fishing
  67. Finally read a book that you have been wanting to read
  68. Visit your hometown
  69. Reminisce with a childhood friend
  70. Give blood
  71. Pay the toll for the car behind you at a toll gate
  72. Make snow angels after the next big snowfall
  73. Run for an elected office
  74. Get a Red-Cross certification in something
  75. Resurrect an old skill such as playing an instrument, writing poetry, singing, drawing, etc.
  76. Give away or sell everything you don’t need/use
  77. Make a difference in oNe LiFe

HaPpY LiVe-iNg!!

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by | December 18, 2011 · 8:01 am

Homemade Hot Chocolate & Live-It List Idea

Is one of your Live-It list items to start a new family tradition?  How about putting this YuMmY hot chocolate in thermal mugs for the family to sip on while driving around to see Christmas lights!  I bet it would be something the kids would look forward to every year!

This homemade hot chocolate recipe is always a crowd pleaser.  Makes a great gift and a pErfeCt refreshment with your cinammon rolls on Christmas morning!

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix       

16 oz.   Nestle Quick Chocolate Drink Mix

6 oz.    Coffee Creamer

½ C.     Powdered Sugar

4 Tbls.  Cocoa

Mix Ingredients well and store in air tight container.  Use 1/3 Cup of mixture to 1 Cup warm milk.  Top with marshmallows!

Makes 32 Servings

(These were some clear containers I had around the house.  I decorated them with wrapping paper, jute rope and ribbon!  Super easy and immediately FeStiVe!)

Enjoy!

Lara

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by | December 12, 2011 · 7:28 am

{LOL}

Sometimes in life you just have to “LaUgH OuT LoUd”.  That is, at YoUrSeLf.  Stop taking yourself so SeRiOuS (and trying to impress people) and just roll with it.

This happened to Lara and I a few months ago.  We were trying something new on our blog – using a SmArTpHoNe to record a video.  We really don’t do many videos of ourselves and are trying to branch out to help our readers take a PeEk at our everyday lives.  In an attempt to video ourselves and then transfer the videos to YoUtUbE, we (or should I say, I) inadvertantly submitted our videos to Facebook and didn’t realize it until 16 hours later.  One of those videos was the “SuRpRiSe” announcement (the “Live It List” challenge prize – a Coach purse) that was not to be “AiReD” until a week later.  Fortunately, I realized the mistake and only 6 viewers were PriVy to that announcement before I took the video off of Facebook.

What to do?

LaUgH.  OuT.  LoUd!!

We learned a lesson and got a GoOd LaUgH at the same time.

Are there things in your life that you would like to try to do, but are afraid you will make a fool of yourself?  Do them anyway, unafraid of looking SiLLy.  And then be ready to LOL.  You will be able to enjoy yourself, your life, and all those silly moments that life sends your way, a whole lot more, when you do.

;)

Robynn~

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by | October 20, 2011 · 7:59 am

Bedroom Makeover

Last Thursday at about 10 a.m. I walked through our master bedroom and decided I was tired of it looking like an afterthought.  I didn’t want to spend much money and wanted a new look.  I gave Robynn a call, and she picked up a couple cans of antique white spraypaint, a package of dropcloths and brought some leftover paint from one of her recent projects.  We also gathered a handful of things from our basements that we weren’t using and incorporated that as some new decor pieces.  By 6:00 that evening I had a new bedroom!!

BEFORE

AFTER

Notice the new dresser!  Don’t you love it?  Robynn had that light green paint and I gave it a distressed look with some leftover brown paint I had.  Spray painted the hardware, and ta-da!  And check out the curtains. Those were made out of drop cloths (yes the stuff that painters throw on the floor).  We cut it down the middle seam and then hung them.  No sewing…how EaSy was that!?

Close-up of dresser, BEFORE!

And….AFTER!

Another view…BEFORE

And….AFTER!!

I had an old door in our shop and decided we needed a headboard.  And notice all the picture frames, shelves and end tables…spray painted those antique white!  It lightened up the room without having to repaint the walls.  Woohoo!

Having a fun master bedroom has been something on my “liVe-it liSt” and how great it was to accomplish this in a day, by utilizing the resources I had.  Big thanks to Robynn and her daughter for coming out for a couple hours to help.  I’ve been sMiLing in my dreams ever since!

{By the way…because I am a perfectionist I had put off working on this room ever since we moved in (4 years ago!).  Last week I decided that if I kept waiting for the perfect moment and perfect decor strategy…well, let’s be honest…it probably would have never happened.  Sometimes you just have to GO WITH IT!  I can always change something in this room later (like make the headboard an official piece by adding some more wood trim, repaint the walls, etc) but for now I can enjoy a new look.  I may not have picked the green dresser paint had I thought this room out in more depth, but it was FREE paint, and much to my surprise my husband thought it was “cool” ;) Sometimes the things we do on a whim turn out to be something we love the most! }

~Lara

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