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!

Random Thought for the Day

You never know which doors may open,

unless you try! ~ ME

Admiration

Admiration - as I have said before I have been very busy with many different events happening in my life. One that has taken me awhile to talk about is that of a good friend of mine had to head back over to Afghanistan for his second tour of duty. He left close to the end of September and had to say goodbye to his wife of one year. She is one of my best, dear friends and all I can say about her is how I admire her strength. We went with them and their families to see him off at the airport... it was one of those life changing moments to see all the families, loved ones saying good bye to their soldiers for the year.

I am truly grateful for both of their friendships and know that this will get better... each day leads to one more closer to him coming home. One thing that has stuck with me is that her and his family all asked me to take care of her... I am at lost to how I can help. I try to find ways to keep her busy, but I know that nothing could make this situation better. The only answer I have is prayers lots of prayers. They are both truly an inspiration and a great example of how we should not take our relationships for granted!

I also caught this article and this story is truly inspiring... I admire this woman's strength to forgive and to let go. She has taken something that most people can't imagine and let it bring her strength instead of letting the pain consume her. I hope these two stories give you hope through out your day...

Remember what your thankful for even when it is not Thanksgiving season : )

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?

Too Long - Still Inspired

It has been way tooo long since my last post... During summer it was easy to keep up with this and to keep up with my photography. Now with school I get so busy grading papers, preparing lessons, attending small town functions, and READING so many amazing books I never seem to be able to sit down to post. (Currently reading The Host, The Strange Case of Origami Yoda ; ) and The Five Love Languages.)

I will post more updates of what has been keeping me so busy lately... first I would like to share this awe inspiring artist that is working on 50 State Dresses, amazing work and photography. The Willow Creek Dress in Wyoming is AMAZING!

Current Dilemma - What to be for Halloween?

Awe Inspired by New Dress a Day

Check out this amazing journey...
New Dress a Day: 365 Days. 365 New Outfits. 365 Dollars
Inspiring and SO CREATIVE...
I really wish I knew how to sew like that!

BEFORE

AFTER

 

I also love that she loves EAT, PRAY, LOVE which I have 

ALMOST finished!

I hope you are finding things each day that 

inspire your creativity!

It may come in unusual ways ; )