A Challenge

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Great challenge, really makes you think, but difficult to get into... partially due to a very random thought process.

Would recommend to others, even passing it on to a good friend!

Will you take the challenge to see 
the little gifts all around you?

Something Interesting

60 Small Ways to Improve Your Life in the Next 100 Days

Reading this article helps you remember that the small things can make a big difference and a positive attitude goes a long way!

~ Complain Less, Do More ~

"Everyday might not be a good day, but
there is something good in each day!"

Running Encouragement... Blog Encouragement?

Well, I can't seem to find the boost I need to keep up with my blog, but I do want to share two great blogs that will help you keep up with your healthy lifestyle!

Fit Chick in the City

and

Skinny Runner

I spent all weekend reading their posts all the way back to January! Both blogs are encouraging and helpful! I enjoyed every moment and can't get enough of their posts! I would like to say that my running keeps me from posting, but I don't log near the miles these ladies do!

We could all learn something from this...

Voices of Haiti by Jeremy Cowart

There is so much to learn from people with so little...

Finishing Unfinsihed Projects

Well, today and tomorrow are my final days of Spring Break... therefore, I decided to work on some unfinished projects that have been ongoing with out any progress. One of those projects is fixing up my small collection of license plates. Each plate has meaning to me KJL is my married initials, Michigan is where my father grew up, Colorado is important b/c my grandfather has a cabin there and we spend a lot of time up there, and finally a Texas farm truck plate due to the fact my husband and I were "Ag" kids in the FFA growing up.  

Dilemma - I can't decide if the ribbon is too long on them or if this is just "new" to me and weird looking. Next, finish spray painting my bookcase for the piles of books that lay around my side of the bed.

Friday no Saturday no Sunday no Monday Five

Ha, so I was attempting to make this post on Friday and next thing I knew the weekend flew by. So instead of Random Five Friday it has now turned into Random Five Monday...

1. Make You Smile Project

My mother in-law had surgery therefore I set out to make her another flower arrangement in a coffee mug that matches her previous one, this time with carnations (that's her fav flower).

2. Rant and Rav

So, I don't usually post about make-up, but I really feel ripped off on this new mascara that I picked up in purple. It is by the same company that I love their Define-a-Lash (green tube), because I have really long eyelashes and therefore do not need much for my eyelashes. However, stay way from their "Falsies" just leaves my eyelashes chunky.


3. Just finished a fun book...

I started reading the Sky is Everywhere after it was suggested by Olivia Carter from Gnome Sweet Gnome, she has an awesome book list called Year of Books to check out! I really enjoyed this book which had a different kind of love triangle going on, lots of emotions, and also brings out your creative side/thinking.

4. Finished an Eating Challenge
I tried this 7-day eating plan called Eat to Loose Pounds to rev up my metabolism and I am very proud to report I DID IT! It felt really good to be able to resist LOTS of temptations, especially on V-day! I stuck to it lost a few pounds as a bonus, but gained so much confidence in my determination to eat healthy everyday. I no longer like the word "diet", but enjoy the challenge of eating healthier choices to make my body run like a machine ; )

5. 2nd 5k of 2011
Another challenge I want to try to tackle this year is at least 1 5k per month for the year. I just started running these at the end of last year (2 total) and have become addicted! NO I don't just LOVE running, but I have learned to enjoy the challenge. "Quitting is forever, pain is temporary!" So, I ran one in Jan. in Houston, this weekend I will be running one in Fort Worth, signed up for one in Tyler for March, and look forward to running the Blue Bell race in April! 2 down 10 more to go!

Coupons! Coupons! Coupons!

Just got back from Walmart and saved 15 dollars in coupons... these websites are easy to use and do not require membership!

Red Plum Coupons

Smart Source Coupons

Coupons.com

One of my goals lately is to get back into coupons and not buying things just b/c I have a coupon... but instead finding coupons for what I know I normally purchase. Well, so far this goal has bee successfully lets see if eating better will be!

Inspiring Article by Charles Stanley

http://www.intouch.org/magazine/content/topic/intimacy_with_god

Great article to keep our minds focused on who/what matters the most!

Sticking to the devotional book... "The One Year... Women's Friendship Devotional" with my friend Amanda! We are miles apart, but through commitment to this challenge and Facebook we have been able to daily find time for Him!

Dreaming of Summer Vacation...

 

Dreaming of Summer Vacation and BEACHES!

Interesting Fact:

About 80% of all vacations are completely charged and the average cost of a vacation is $3,155.  – Third Age Survey

Glad I have my July cruise booked and paid for even before the money is due! I believe we all deserve a break, but don't put yourself into debt over the belief you deserve that high priced trip. There are many ways to get away without even going anywhere! 

Save your money up and have it paid for before you book that trip! 

Truly an amazing concept taking pictures of... 

By: Eric Holubow

 rundown buildings that still show their beauty. 

Check out the story on Yahoo!

 

Enjoying my first day of Christmas Break!