Good morning my little ducklings!
Yesterday's challenge was so much fun! I felt like I was on a scavenger hunt trying to find random acts of kindness to do!
I did a lot of "acts." But my favorite was buying a big bunch of beautiful flowers {mostly sunflowers} and searching out the perfect car to leave them on. I chose a minivan because I thought it might be a mom's car who might appreciate a little sunshine in her day. But as I put them on the windshield and quickly drove away, I noticed an elderly woman walking to the minivan. It just made me smile hoping that it made her smile.
Anyway, today's challenge is getting my butt back in the saddle. Not literally in the saddle because I manage to squeeze in horseback riding at least once per week!
What I mean is that I need to start working out again. Since I didn't like the two places I tried after my personal trainer, I kind of gave up. I don't feel nearly as healthy as I did. I actually feel downright sluggish on some days. And I know it's because I have been slacking big time. I'll occasionally do things on my own, but it's not like it used to be. I used to be so committed.
So I facebooked my friend who is a trainer and she recommended a place near me that I never even knew existed. She said it's great. I researched it and the price is right, it's close by and the class times work perfectly. They also do other types of workouts like Barre Fusion, which is supposed to give you a long, lean, dancer's body. I mean, who doesn't want that? Definitely willing to give it a try! Pink tutu not required.
Getting healthy is the best gift you can give to yourself. Period.
30 Day Challenge for Day 9 is: GETTING BACK ON TRACK WITH WORKING OUT AND PUTTING MY HEALTH FIRST.
xo
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Monday, September 22, 2014
30 Day Challenge... Day 8: Kindness Matters
Good morning and Happy Monday!
Today I am going to do as many random acts of kindness as I can think of. It's a bit hard to come up with ideas when you're not presented with a situation that you can act upon.
But here are a few of my ideas for today:
Leave quarters for the next person to vacuum their car with.
Buy and give a stranger flowers.
Leave some stamps for the next person who goes to mail something at the post office's mailbox.
Leave a stranger a note on their car to have a nice day.
Pay for the person behind me getting their coffee.
Compliment a stranger.
I will leave a note on each thing saying "pay it forward." Maybe it will even turn into a chain of random acts of kindness. Now wouldn't that be wonderful.
So these are just a few on my list of "thought out" acts. I hope to have many "random" acts throughout my day that just happen organically.
So my 30 Day Challenge for Day 8 is: RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS.
If you can think of any other good ones, let me know!
xo
Pics via: pinterest
Today I am going to do as many random acts of kindness as I can think of. It's a bit hard to come up with ideas when you're not presented with a situation that you can act upon.
But here are a few of my ideas for today:
Leave quarters for the next person to vacuum their car with.
Buy and give a stranger flowers.
Leave some stamps for the next person who goes to mail something at the post office's mailbox.
Leave a stranger a note on their car to have a nice day.
Pay for the person behind me getting their coffee.
Compliment a stranger.
I will leave a note on each thing saying "pay it forward." Maybe it will even turn into a chain of random acts of kindness. Now wouldn't that be wonderful.
So these are just a few on my list of "thought out" acts. I hope to have many "random" acts throughout my day that just happen organically.
So my 30 Day Challenge for Day 8 is: RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS.
If you can think of any other good ones, let me know!
xo
Pics via: pinterest
Sunday, September 21, 2014
30 Day Challenge... Day 7: Memory Maker
Sometimes I get so busy that I don't want to do things when people ask. I'm too tired, don't feel well, or just don't feel like doing it.
Last night I missed out on a really fun family gathering because I didn't feel well.
But... I should have pushed myself to go. I heard it was so much fun.
Memories are made during times like that. Memories that you can carry with you in your heart for years to come.
So my 30 Day Challenge for Day 7 is to say YES to things more often so that I can be a MEMORY MAKER.
xo
Last night I missed out on a really fun family gathering because I didn't feel well.
But... I should have pushed myself to go. I heard it was so much fun.
Memories are made during times like that. Memories that you can carry with you in your heart for years to come.
So my 30 Day Challenge for Day 7 is to say YES to things more often so that I can be a MEMORY MAKER.
xo
Saturday, September 20, 2014
30 Day Challenge... Day 6... The Splurge... Gulp
Well happy weekend to you!
It's not often that I splurge on myself...
I very rarely get my nails done {only if I have a big event} and lately I have been doing my own pedicures. I bought a few cute colors for my toes and figured I'd save the money by doing them myself.
I get my hair cut and highlighted once every 3 or 4 months.
I don't really buy expensive makeup {except foundation... to avoid any breakouts!}
I don't go shopping all that much and I will hit up the outlets or consignment shops, not the pricey high end stores.
I will admit, I do indulge on boots. Tall leather riding boots. I buy a new pair each fall because I wear the heck out of them so they need to be comfortable and pretty.
I paint the interior of my home myself, rather than hiring a painter.
I would just rather save money than spend it.
Spending it can stress me out sometimes.
But today, oh today... I splurged more than I've ever splurged in my whole life.
I had been driving my SUV for many years. I loved {and still love} her. She took great care of me and got me everywhere I needed to go. But she was getting on in age... Lots of miles. I didn't care because I loved her so much. Well, that changed today.
I bought myself a new car! And it's a super fancy new car! I'm not all that into brand names but this one is a gem...
We kept my old SUV too because she still has miles left in her. She is big and roomy and I can pack a lot of stuff in those 4 doors.
My new car is way smaller but way more luxury. I'm kind of in love and it's only been 1 day. A car is still just a car, a piece of metal, and it is not what fills my heart. People and love fill me up inside.
But splurging every so often on yourself is a good thing! We are all worthy of a good splurge every now and then, right? We work hard... We save... We splurge from time to time.
So 30 Day Challenge Day 6 is: SPLURGING ON YOURSELF AND REMEMBERING YOU ARE WORTHY OF IT!
xo
It's not often that I splurge on myself...
I very rarely get my nails done {only if I have a big event} and lately I have been doing my own pedicures. I bought a few cute colors for my toes and figured I'd save the money by doing them myself.
I get my hair cut and highlighted once every 3 or 4 months.
I don't really buy expensive makeup {except foundation... to avoid any breakouts!}
I don't go shopping all that much and I will hit up the outlets or consignment shops, not the pricey high end stores.
I will admit, I do indulge on boots. Tall leather riding boots. I buy a new pair each fall because I wear the heck out of them so they need to be comfortable and pretty.
I paint the interior of my home myself, rather than hiring a painter.
I would just rather save money than spend it.
Spending it can stress me out sometimes.
But today, oh today... I splurged more than I've ever splurged in my whole life.
I had been driving my SUV for many years. I loved {and still love} her. She took great care of me and got me everywhere I needed to go. But she was getting on in age... Lots of miles. I didn't care because I loved her so much. Well, that changed today.
I bought myself a new car! And it's a super fancy new car! I'm not all that into brand names but this one is a gem...
We kept my old SUV too because she still has miles left in her. She is big and roomy and I can pack a lot of stuff in those 4 doors.
My new car is way smaller but way more luxury. I'm kind of in love and it's only been 1 day. A car is still just a car, a piece of metal, and it is not what fills my heart. People and love fill me up inside.
But splurging every so often on yourself is a good thing! We are all worthy of a good splurge every now and then, right? We work hard... We save... We splurge from time to time.
So 30 Day Challenge Day 6 is: SPLURGING ON YOURSELF AND REMEMBERING YOU ARE WORTHY OF IT!
xo
Friday, September 19, 2014
30 Day Challenge... Day 5: Things Are Just Things... Well, Unless They're Not...
Hi there.
For the most part, I don't covet things. I have an abundance of love in my life and that is what makes me happy.
But... the other day I was looking through my house and I started to wonder what I have that either came from or once belonged to the ones I love. Things with history. Family history. Or at least a story or good memory attached to it.
At first I was a little upset because I couldn't think of anything really.
Ah, but then... I went room to room and looked. I mean really looked. And I actually noticed I have a lot of things that have meaning to me.
Starting with my kitchen: my brother gave me an original etching of a rabbit that I framed and hung on the wall. It looks lovely and when I look at it, I think of him. I also have various vintage kitchen items that I bought while out antiquing with that same brother, so though they weren't in the family, they have meaning to me because we had so much fun together that day.
My dining room: I have an old wooden cabinet that I keep wine in that was mine when I was a baby {only my mom kept my tiny little clothes on its shelves instead.} I painted it and love how it looks in my dining room. Then, here is the kicker... My husband's grandfather was a physician and he had this large cabinet with glass doors that he kept his medical supplies in. It is a gorgeous piece, but more than that, it has family history. And guess where it is? In my garage holding all my paint supplies. Um, seriously?! What was I thinking! So this weekend, we are bringing it inside, dusting it off and displaying it prominently in my dining room where it should have been all along!
Then to my living room: I have several show riding helmets displayed on top of my armoire that were mine and my sister-in-law's from when we were little. Love them. I also have an old wooden chest that was my mom's that I keep all my wrapping paper and ribbons in. It's so perfect. There is a desk in my living room too that was my mom's that I painted and it sits in the corner of my room. Looks great.
We have handmade Persian rugs that were my in-laws. We have my husband's great-uncle's crystal stemware. I have a precious Christmas decoration that was my mom's from when we were little. It's my favorite decoration from back then. I have a Halloween witch from her as well that is really, really old. We have many cool vintage santas from my father-in-law. We have two dressers that were my father-in-laws when he was a little boy. My mom is going to give me a sign from my great grandmother's antiques shop.
Whoa. I guess we do have quite a few things from family. They certainly don't need to have any monetary value, just sentimental value. I really do hate things and clutter in my home. But these are not just things. These are treasures and what makes my house my home!
Day 5: TREASURE AND APPRECIATE THE OLD. TREASURE YOUR FAMILY HEIRLOOMS AND HISTORY.
xo
For the most part, I don't covet things. I have an abundance of love in my life and that is what makes me happy.
But... the other day I was looking through my house and I started to wonder what I have that either came from or once belonged to the ones I love. Things with history. Family history. Or at least a story or good memory attached to it.
At first I was a little upset because I couldn't think of anything really.
Ah, but then... I went room to room and looked. I mean really looked. And I actually noticed I have a lot of things that have meaning to me.
Starting with my kitchen: my brother gave me an original etching of a rabbit that I framed and hung on the wall. It looks lovely and when I look at it, I think of him. I also have various vintage kitchen items that I bought while out antiquing with that same brother, so though they weren't in the family, they have meaning to me because we had so much fun together that day.
My dining room: I have an old wooden cabinet that I keep wine in that was mine when I was a baby {only my mom kept my tiny little clothes on its shelves instead.} I painted it and love how it looks in my dining room. Then, here is the kicker... My husband's grandfather was a physician and he had this large cabinet with glass doors that he kept his medical supplies in. It is a gorgeous piece, but more than that, it has family history. And guess where it is? In my garage holding all my paint supplies. Um, seriously?! What was I thinking! So this weekend, we are bringing it inside, dusting it off and displaying it prominently in my dining room where it should have been all along!
Then to my living room: I have several show riding helmets displayed on top of my armoire that were mine and my sister-in-law's from when we were little. Love them. I also have an old wooden chest that was my mom's that I keep all my wrapping paper and ribbons in. It's so perfect. There is a desk in my living room too that was my mom's that I painted and it sits in the corner of my room. Looks great.
We have handmade Persian rugs that were my in-laws. We have my husband's great-uncle's crystal stemware. I have a precious Christmas decoration that was my mom's from when we were little. It's my favorite decoration from back then. I have a Halloween witch from her as well that is really, really old. We have many cool vintage santas from my father-in-law. We have two dressers that were my father-in-laws when he was a little boy. My mom is going to give me a sign from my great grandmother's antiques shop.
Whoa. I guess we do have quite a few things from family. They certainly don't need to have any monetary value, just sentimental value. I really do hate things and clutter in my home. But these are not just things. These are treasures and what makes my house my home!
Day 5: TREASURE AND APPRECIATE THE OLD. TREASURE YOUR FAMILY HEIRLOOMS AND HISTORY.
xo
Thursday, September 18, 2014
30 Day Challenge: Day 4
Well, I knew what my challenge for today would be... It goes right along with the whole "I want to stretch and grow my mind and do something that strikes a little fear in my gut but makes me bolder."
I have a job that I love. I mean really love. I have built up a little business from the ground up that is successful and pays my bills but most of all, it inspires me and brings me happiness. But here is the thing... I never like to stay stagnant. I like to push the boundaries and take on new projects and keep learning new things. I often take on smaller side jobs as well as my real job. It's what makes me tick.
So today, I have an interview for an exciting part-time position. I have connections from my old job still and was told about this opportunity. So I jumped.
I am torn because I love my schedule as is. This will be adding more to my schedule. But I will be learning and growing in new ways that will stimulate my brain.
I'm hoping to do well on the interview because let's face it... interviews are always nerve wracking, right? If I get the job or not isn't really the point for my 30 Day Challenge. The point for me is that I stepped out of my comfort zone and pushed myself to do this. It definitely will make me bolder {not at this exact moment because I'm still in the fear in my gut phase, but later today, after the interview is over, then I'll feel bolder.}
So Day 4 is: HAVE FEAR IN MY GUT BUT GROW BOLDER.
I'll keep you posted.
xo
I have a job that I love. I mean really love. I have built up a little business from the ground up that is successful and pays my bills but most of all, it inspires me and brings me happiness. But here is the thing... I never like to stay stagnant. I like to push the boundaries and take on new projects and keep learning new things. I often take on smaller side jobs as well as my real job. It's what makes me tick.
So today, I have an interview for an exciting part-time position. I have connections from my old job still and was told about this opportunity. So I jumped.
I am torn because I love my schedule as is. This will be adding more to my schedule. But I will be learning and growing in new ways that will stimulate my brain.
I'm hoping to do well on the interview because let's face it... interviews are always nerve wracking, right? If I get the job or not isn't really the point for my 30 Day Challenge. The point for me is that I stepped out of my comfort zone and pushed myself to do this. It definitely will make me bolder {not at this exact moment because I'm still in the fear in my gut phase, but later today, after the interview is over, then I'll feel bolder.}
So Day 4 is: HAVE FEAR IN MY GUT BUT GROW BOLDER.
I'll keep you posted.
xo
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
30 Day Challenge... Day 3
Happy Wednesday my loves.
Why is it that men can ask for anything they want and they are called confident whereas when a woman does it, she can sometimes be labeled the B word?
It infuriates me!
In this challenge to a better self, I want and need to work on being assertive.
Being assertive doesn't mean you have to be aggressive or a jerk. It just means asking for what you want, no bones about it. It means not backing down when you know something to be true that is not of popular opinion. It means standing your ground. It means stating your opinion in the first place. It means you are confident!
My sister-in-law is a great inspiration for me. She plays hard ball with the big boys in New York City. You know, all the Presidents and CEO's of billion dollar companies... She is right there with them, usually the only woman in the room, probably at least 20 years younger than all of them, yet she stands toe to toe with them. Love her! I have seen her bite when necessary. It's very impressive. She doesn't even bat an eye.
I just want a little of her fierceness coursing through my veins. The place I need to be more assertive is in the business world. I tend to lean towards being nice but that can get me burned sometimes. I know there is a balance and I don't need to be assertive all the time, but when the occasion calls for it, I want to be able to pull it from my tool box and use it. Boom. No questions asked.
I have plenty of opportunities throughout my day to practice this skill. And I do believe that it is a skill. Some people have it, some people don't. But that doesn't mean you can't learn it and get better at it if it's lacking. I know it will serve me well throughout my life to be more assertive.
So that is my Day 3 Challenge: being ASSERTIVE.
Watch out! {just kidding.}
xo
Why is it that men can ask for anything they want and they are called confident whereas when a woman does it, she can sometimes be labeled the B word?
It infuriates me!
In this challenge to a better self, I want and need to work on being assertive.
Being assertive doesn't mean you have to be aggressive or a jerk. It just means asking for what you want, no bones about it. It means not backing down when you know something to be true that is not of popular opinion. It means standing your ground. It means stating your opinion in the first place. It means you are confident!
My sister-in-law is a great inspiration for me. She plays hard ball with the big boys in New York City. You know, all the Presidents and CEO's of billion dollar companies... She is right there with them, usually the only woman in the room, probably at least 20 years younger than all of them, yet she stands toe to toe with them. Love her! I have seen her bite when necessary. It's very impressive. She doesn't even bat an eye.
I just want a little of her fierceness coursing through my veins. The place I need to be more assertive is in the business world. I tend to lean towards being nice but that can get me burned sometimes. I know there is a balance and I don't need to be assertive all the time, but when the occasion calls for it, I want to be able to pull it from my tool box and use it. Boom. No questions asked.
I have plenty of opportunities throughout my day to practice this skill. And I do believe that it is a skill. Some people have it, some people don't. But that doesn't mean you can't learn it and get better at it if it's lacking. I know it will serve me well throughout my life to be more assertive.
So that is my Day 3 Challenge: being ASSERTIVE.
Watch out! {just kidding.}
xo
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