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?

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! 

Making it a Habit

One thing that had been keeping me busy was training for my first 5k race : ) From Sept. to Oct. I was trying to "love" running, but let me just tell you there is NOthing to love about running... ha! I was running mostly on the treadmill and I was really trying to stick with it this time. I have not been able get into a running routine before, I just prefer the e-machine. However, I was challenged to do a 5k and I CANNOT turn down a challenge ; )

During the month of training I continued to become frustrated b/c I could never find a passion for it, but I finally accepted the idea that NO one "loves" running, but it becomes a habit. You learn to use that time to think over the day, de-stress, for me talk with the LORD and be at peace. I am proud to say I over came my hatred for running and had an AMAZING time running my first 5k on 10-10-10. I really like the idea of accomplishing something that most people have never even consider doing. I AM A 5ker ; )

P.S. I was REALLY inspired by the half and full marathon runners, but I NEVER plan on doing that! If you ever want to be inspired to run just go watch the ending of their races and cheer them on to the finish line... it is AMAZING! Now I just have to keep up with my running and I definitely plan on doing another 5k run!

I Challenge YOU to take on a Challenge for yourself! 
What have you been putting off lately?

Summer Plans

Well, I thought I would add some "goals" for this summer:

~ Get into card making, using my photos
~ Walk at the Nature Preserve on a WEEKLY basis
~ Make a WEEKLY blog post of my photography
~ Work out AT LEAST 3 times a week
~ Paint all of the frames I have been collecting
~ Be CRAFTY at least ONCE a week
~ Eat less fried foods and less sugar, NO SODAS
~ Jump the wake this summer on the wakeboard
~ Read "Catching Fire" and start the Wimpy Kid series
(I'm a 6th grade reading teacher, this will explain the last goal)
~ Build an area for vines to grow by the tool shed
(include old tool boxes in my design)

On going list... more in the future! Oh and enjoy our vacation in Mexico!! : ) ~Photos by ME - Panoramic shots of shreddin'~

What do you see?

So, I want to know, what do you want to see from my view? Now, this question can lead down many paths so let me just clarify EXACTLY what I mean by this. I want suggestions on what to take pictures of... lets say something specific like candy or something more challenging like something green. Then I will go out and through my view I will find something that fits your idea.

Now the only problem... actually getting someone to comment on this!! Well, if you are just flying by surfing blogs or if you are secretly watching this give me something to put in my view! : )