Live My Life Project

Neglected

2012-07-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

Oh I'm so sorry for having neglected the blog!!!! But I have some GREAT posts lined up and we've been nominated for an award. More on this to come! I hope you are all having a LOVELY day!!

Love,

Ela

May 14 - Hydrate!

2012-05-14T03:30:00.000-07:00

I enjoy a big, tall, glass of delicious, soothing...Diet Coke! You thought I was going to say Water, huh! Haha! No, water is tricky for me. I don't know that I have ever been truly hydrated! YES, it's true. I love me some soda, juice, coffee...hell, I'll even take a Shirley Temple over a glass of water.

Don't get me wrong, I don't hate water. I just don't prefer it to my other thirst quenching options. So today, I hydrate H2O style. That's right, I will be drinking water, like it's going out of style. Why is this a challenge you ask? Well, let me explain...

First of all, water is healing and benefits your body in so many ways. Check out this post from last summer. Second, it is taken for granted. Did you know that every 20 seconds a child dies from water-related illnesses. However, thanks to a wonderful organization, water.org, you can help these children! Lastly, after a week of putting your body through several types of exercises, we thought this week we would work on that outer confidence! Thus this week's challenges are all about treating your body to some well deserved love!

So today, show thanks for the clean drinking water you have by treating your body to some of it and donating to water.org!

Winner: Lisa

2012-05-11T19:12:00.001-07:00

Congrats to Entry #7, Lisa! You won the Darker Blue bracelet! Thanks to the Random Number Picker!

Please show Darker Blue some love as we move through the summer and you are looking for gifts for yourself or ones you love! They have such beautiful items that everyone is sure to enjoy!

Ela :)

Pick Your random numbers

1 Number...between 1 and 15

Number:

May 10 - DANCE, DANCE

2012-05-10T03:30:00.000-07:00

There is nothing I love more than letting loose and dancing! Woo, woo! It's so liberating AND you burn calories! So throw yourself a little dance party and lose some inches. Take a picture of your BEST dance move and tag it with #LMLP. Here are some fun links about dancing your ass off, literally!

10 Minute Booty Shaking Waist Workout
Live Strong Waist Exercises
Dance Exercises for your legs!
Let's Dance to Health
Why you should dance vs. traditional exercises!

ALSO, don't forget our AWESOME giveaway from Darker Blue! CLICK HERE to enter!

May 9 - Walk/Run/Jog

2012-05-09T03:00:00.000-07:00

So far this month, we have taken time to reflect and evaluate the things that make us happy. We have taken time to meditate, time to enjoy the fresh air and even treated ourselves to something special. We're not done working on our inner strength, but we are going to switch gears for a little bit and focus on our physical strength.

For today's challenge we will be getting that heart pumping and sweat dripping! Go for a walk, run or jog. I would encourage you to complete this challenge outdoors, but if a treadmill at the gym works better for you, than do it!

Take a picture of your workout shoes and tag them #LMLP. Here are some great links to check out...

Couch to 5k

Benefits of Walking

Benefits of Barefoot Walking

25 of the Best Hip Hop Workout Songs

Trail Running

10 Ways to Sneak in a Workout

Also, there is still time to enter the giveaway for the lovely bracelet from Darker Blue! Click Here to enter!

May 8 - Roll Those Windows Down

2012-05-08T03:00:00.000-07:00

There is something so therapeutic when it comes to driving through the canyon or down a country highway, with your windows rolled down and the wind blowing through your hair. Don't you think?

Picture courtesy of wherethesidewalkbegins.blogspot.com

So, today's challenge is simple...go for a drive, roll down the windows and breath in that fresh air! Take this day to just enjoy your life! Starting tomorrow, we will be working on our physical strength. :)

Also, don't forget to enter the amazing giveaway from Darker Blue! CLICK HERE to get to it!

May 7 - Treat Yourself

2012-05-07T03:00:00.000-07:00

Hopefully, you have a few new journal entries in your summer journal and you have found time to truly reflect on your life and the things that make you happy.

The challenge today is simple!

Yes, you heard right! Have a cupcake, go for a manicure, take a bubble bath, pop some popcorn, get a massage, go to a matinee, take a nap! Buy yourself a special gift; jewelry, shoes, a new bag, music, etc.

"Why?", may you ask. Let me explain, every time I reflect on my life, I tend to scrutinize the decisions I have made. I wonder if I am headed down the right path, if I am making the right choices, if I am doing the best that I can. Simply, too much time reflecting on one's life can be exhausting and can leave you feeling a little down in the dumps.

WELL, cheer yourself up and don't allow yourself to regret past decisions. The point of this is to move forward with a strong understanding of where you are and where you want to go. So, treat yourself to something special today. In fact, if you are on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook...take a picture of it and tag your picture with #LMLP so we can see how you chose to treat yourself. :)

As a treat to our readers, we are offering a special giveaway from one of our sponsors. Darker Blue is the wonderful sponsor and we are so excited to have them this summer! You can find some lovely items on their Etsy shop, just click on their logo to the left. Darker Blue is offering this lovely bracelet...

This giveaway will be available until Friday, May 11th @ 8:00 pm MST. Here are the three different ways you can enter the giveaway...

Leave a comment below and let us know in what way you live your life to the fullest.
Favorite our sponsor's Etsy shop (Darker Blue). Make sure to note it in your comment!
Like the Live My Life Project on Facebook (LMLP), twitter (@LiveMLP), or subscribe to the blog. Make sure to note it in your comment!

Good luck!

May 2 - Journal Entry...to LIVE!

2012-05-02T03:00:00.000-07:00

Now that you have your summer journal, here is your first journal entry assignment...

What does it mean to you to truly live?

Does it mean loving someone to the point you think your heart may burst? Does it mean seeing beautiful and far away lands? Does it mean laughing to the point that you pee your pants? Does it mean that when your head hits the pillow at the end of the night, you have no regrets?

The definition of living is such a personal and individual meaning. So take some time and really think about it. Write your thoughts out and don't be afraid to revisit it throughout the month! Also, remember there is no right way to write this out. It could be a list, two sentences or pages of deep and intricate thoughts. Just think it out.

Love,

Ela

May 1 - Start a Summer Journal

2012-05-01T05:17:00.000-07:00

HELLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO friends! Welcome back to SUMMER!! More importantly welcome back to the Live My Live Project. I have a month full of GREAT challenges, challenges that I believe are designed to make the most of this summer!

The summer projects are split into four different themes...

May - Finding Strength

June - Connecting

July - Making a Difference

August - Live, Laugh and Love!

So to start out the May challenges, I would like you to start a journal that you can use to record your progress throughout the months. The first few challenges will be journal entries, inspired to make you think...build a foundation of sorts for the coming challenges. Those challenges are listed on the left hand side of this page. I will continue adding to it throughout the month.

The thing that makes this project so successful is you! Don't be shy about sharing your thoughts and opinions! They won't be laughed at, unless that is the purpose of your comment, in which case we will laugh boisterously!

Now back to day one, start a journal! Write down your goals, what you hope to gain from this project, what you hope to share and then check back in with us tomorrow for the next challenge!

Love,

Ela

We're coming back!

2012-04-28T13:44:00.001-07:00

We're coming back starting May 1st and we are so excited! Can't wait to share all of our new challenges with you and to hear how you have all been living your lives to the fullest!

Love,

Ela

July 31 - Live My Life Day

2011-07-31T08:54:00.000-07:00

There is something special that happens when one decides that their life is worth living FULLY. When one decides that their life is more than simply working towards goals or accumulating wealth. When we decide to truly live, to create lasting memories, to forgive past wrongs, to serve our fellow man, we find joy!

This project has so much more to teach me; YOU all have so much more to teach me. I have loved all that this project represents. I still struggle some days to remember what is most important in this life. I instead let inconsequential things get me down. But so much less now, than ever before.

So today, celebrate what makes you happy.

Celebrate your life!

Celebrate the ones who love you!

Be content with who you are; quirks and all!

HAPPY LIVE MY LIFE DAY!!!

Love,

Ela

July 21 - National Junk Food Day

2011-07-21T06:00:00.014-07:00

One of the things I really hoped to gain with this project, was a fresh perspective on how others live their lives. I think that's why I have been LOVING our guest posts! We have another great one for you today! This comes from Mindy Kane, you can visit her blog by clicking here. Her perspective on celebrating National Junk Food Day is so refreshing and I'm excited to share this with all of you! Leave her lots of blog love! Thanks Mindy for such a lovely post!

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NATIONAL JUNK FOOD DAY

I'm definitely a junk food gal. I love candy and ho-ho's and (especially right now) snow cones ... but my body doesn't love all the unnatural stuff that comes along with those things. I've realized how important it is to put whole foods into my body, rather than processed things. And, I can still make yummy treats without all the preservatives and yucky stuff that comes with those processed snacks!

Here are a few of my favorites:

Homemade Banana Pudding - recipe found here

No Bake Cookies - recipe found here

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups - recipe found here

I love Michael Pollan's books and especially his article, Six Rules for Eating Wisely where he encourages us to avoid high fructose corn syrup and not to eat anything our grandparents wouldn't recognize as food.

Another favorite of mine is Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle:

"This is the story of a year in which we made every attempt to feed ourselves animals and vegetables whose provenance we really knew . . . and of how our family was changed by our first year of deliberately eating food produced from the same place where we worked, went to school, loved our neighbors, drank the water, and breathed the air."

And some of my favorite healthy food blogs/websites:

GNOWFGLINS
Oh She Glows
Deliciously Organic
Delightful Delicacies
Finding My Niche

I hope this helps everyone get a little bit excited about eating whole and organic foods ... Happy Junk Food Day!

Late July 17 - Disneyland Guest Post

2011-07-18T19:28:00.001-07:00

Oh man, I'm so sad to say that this is coming to you late! However, you will enjoy it despite. What a great guest post written by David Zumbrennen, one of my friends from high school. Show is post some love, despite my tardiness in getting it to you! Thank you David and Happy Anniversary Disneyland!

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) ;) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

"To all who come to this happy place – welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past

and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, dreams

and the hard facts that have created America… with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world." Walter E. Disney, July 17, 1955

From its simple beginnings to the conglomerate it truly is today, Walt Disney and Disney Worldwide Services Inc.

(as it is officially called) have provided memories, experiences and a world where its hard to imagine not having "Disney" around. Whether its Pixar, ESPN, ABC, Baby Einstein, Marvel Comics, etc... Disney has its magical hands and memory making machines hard at work.

As a cast member for Disney it truly is a magical place and a place that evokes tender moments for visitors and

cast member alike. For all its glory, hype and for some complexity it all was quite simple to Walt and where it all began at Disneyland.

Disneyland was ultimately built as a place where both adults and children could go play together. Having visited

Griffith Park with his two daughters Walt was determined to create a "magical" place in which life's troubles could

be forgotten and families could be together as one, in a safe, fantasy land environment. One of his original ideas was to build a park next to his budding studio in Burbank, California, where tourists could visit. Knowing this space wouldn't be large enough he began the process of buying more land and the idea of a small park grew into the Disneyland area that is cherished and loved today.

The original concept for Walt's "Mickey Mouse Park" was to be an 8-acre park. Quickly realizing this was not large

enough Walt acquired 160 acres of orange and walnut grove trees in Anaheim, California. In order to finance the park, Walt and his brother Roy Disney turned to ABC television network to help cover the costs.

Construction began on July 16, 1954 and cost $17 million to complete. The park opened one year and a day later.

July, 1955: Dedication Day and Opening Day.  For as clockwork as Disney seems to run, the dedication and opening of Disneyland was a disaster.  Opening to the public on July 18, 1955 the park had 20 attractions.  A special invitation only event occurred on Sunday, the 17th of July 1955.

The event was to only have 11,000 guests but over 28,000 showed up. The event was televised nationwide.

Celebrities showed up at once, the temperature was 101 degrees, a plumber's strike left many of the drinking fountains dry.  In fact Walt had to decide between water fountains or flushing toilets. He chose the flushing toilets. This generated negate publicity since Pepsi helped sponsor the parks opening. Vendors ran out of food, cement was still fresh and hot from the temperature, that women's high-heeled shoes sank into it. A gas leak caused certain sections of the park to close early.

Despite the concerns and issues, It was successful and popular and today continues to be a magical and memorable place for all.  Disneyland itself land by land is a concept of ingenuity and precision an opportunity for us all to experience our inner childhood and to create memories that will last a lifetime.  It is a place to forget the present and go to another place as real as the life you have left behind. Most important it is a choice and chance to share, grow, experience and create magical memories as an individual and a family for a lifetime.

May we always realize that we can all pursue our dreams no matter what they may be and that a small dream can

change the world. Happy 56th Birthday Disneyland.

**Pictures borrowed from http://worldinapapercup.wordpress.com/2011/05/04/vintage-disneyland/.

June 14 - Bastille Day

2011-07-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Bastille Day or French National Day! I learned that the French celebrate the storming of the Bastille (a fortress prison) every year on the 14th of July and have been doing so since 1790. You can read more about this day by clicking here!

The day is celebrated with parades, horsemen, fireworks and the President's garden party. Prior to President Sarkozy, it was the one day that the President could pardon criminals for petty crimes. I bet the criminals are booing Sarkozy. Haha!

I've heard several times that the French don't like Americans, but I really think they would LOVE me. I would appreciate their art, their food, their architecture, their language and well...they would love me and my cute French accent! So I say, to the French, Happy La Fête Nationale! I will be celebrating with French Bread, French Fries and I may even watch the movie French Kiss!

June 13 - National Dance Day / NOT!!

2011-07-13T06:00:00.002-07:00

So...I thought today was National Dance Day! When I heard Nigel Lithgow say, "National Dance Day is July 30th." I HEARD, "National Dance Day is July 13th." Dang British accents!! Despite my silly flub, we can still prepare for National Dance Day!! Here are some routines that you can practice for the big day, courtesy of The Dizzy Feet Foundation!

Beginning Routine

Intermediate Routine

Master Class Routine

July 10 - Teddy Bear Picnic Day

2011-07-10T09:07:00.000-07:00

Alright, when I first read that July 10th is Teddy Bear Picnic Day, I thought...right!!?! Sure it's Teddy Bear Picnic Day, what idiot made that up. Well, as I researched the holiday online I learned that there is in fact some interesting history behind it.

First off, the term "Teddy Bears" comes from the early 1900's when President Theodore Roosevelt was on a hunting expedition in Mississippi. While on hunt, he came across a small bear and refused to shoot it. The Washington Post heard about it and made a cartoon out of the event. Once the cartoon was published, Morris and Rose Michtom (toy store owners), wrote to President Roosevelt and asked for permission to call their stuffed animals "Teddy Bears".

Later on in the 1950's, there was a children's television show called, Teddy Bear's Picnic. Which took the story of President Roosevelt and made a special day of it. July 10th ~ National Teddy Bear Picnic Day.

It is suggested that you take your favorite stuffed animal, find a fun picnic spot and enjoy a picnic. :) Soooo, there you have it, Teddy Bear Picnic Day is real. I'm curious to know if any of you celebrated the day! If so, take pics!

July 9 - National Sugar Cookie Day

2011-07-09T12:15:00.000-07:00

In honor of today, YUM, I have searched the internet for some of the GREATEST sugar cookie recipes, ideas and pics. So enjoy!!

Our Best Bites offers a few different ideas.

Kojo Designs had a great idea for baby invites!

Sugar Derby had a recipe for Candy Filled Sugar Cookies, YUM!

Pioneer Party and Gift had this delicious take on fruit pizzas!

And lastly, but certainly not least...

Wilton had an awesome recipe for Sugar Cookie Bowls.

July 7 - Movies

2011-07-07T05:19:00.000-07:00

On July 7, 1943, the great Joel Siegel was born. He is best known for the 25 years he worked for Good Morning America as their weekly film critic. But Joel Siegel was also an English Professor, disc jockey, music and movie critic. In honor of his work with film, I turned to one of my friends Melanie Lewis, who in my opinion has a refreshing view on film and if there is such a thing as a film connoisseur, she is it! I hope you all enjoy her post as much as I did and leave her lots of GREAT comments!

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My Love of Film

It’s said that in Hollywood films there are only about a dozen or so storylines that are recreated with different characters over and over again. While these reproductions can afford us with two hours of amusement and “entertainment”, they are often blatantly predictable and anti-climactic. Yes, we have an enjoyable time, but in the following weeks, we quickly forget the film and its meaning, if it even had one. This is why I feel, as a society, Hollywood is letting us down. Just as with other art forms, we are becoming artistically illiterate and numb.

In a film class I took last year, we talked about the differences between Hollywood and foreign films. Hollywood films focus mostly on action; on what happens. It’s also important for the characters to be attractive, well-known actors. Production companies spend millions of dollars on the action parts of the film and the salaries for the big stars. Foreign films put more emphasis on conveying a feeling. They often don’t have big budgets and you rarely see many flashy action sequences. The actors look like everyday people. The aesthetics of the sets are not as elaborate as the production designs of Hollywood films. Quite often the films are funded by the government or national art organizations. They wish to educate and inspire with their work, rather than to only entertain. Foreign films deal more with the grittiness of real relationships and things we deal with in our lives each day. For example, if any of you have seen, “The King’s Speech”, you see how the film focused more on feelings/relationships instead of action sequences. It was set in the midst of World War II and yet we really don’t see any wartime action.

My favorite time of year is the last two weeks of January, the Sundance Film Festival. There is something magical about the whole experience. There are people from all over the world joining in the celebration of story-telling. You feel such a closeness with humanity. One thing I love about independent films is that they have more of the qualities of foreign films than the Hollywood assembly line films. When you experience a Sundance film, you will not soon forget the feeling you have when you watch the characters develop in front of you. You are invited to share in their vulnerability as they bare their soul. Their struggles are your struggles; their triumphs are your triumphs. I could go on and on about what I love about independent film, but I will say that I think some of the best filmmaking out there right now is being done in documentaries like, “Inside Job” , “Waiting for Superman”, or “Sing Your Song”. I have become somewhat of a doc-addict this last year. These filmmakers often have little to no budget and yet are so passionate about the message they want to convey, that they find a way to get their film made.

I would challenge each of you to incorporate good films into your lives. I don’t want it to seem like I don’t watch Hollywood films or am trying to discourage anyone from doing so. I realize there are times when we want to relax and be caught up in a fun movie. But I also feel the need to learn about the things in the world that can educate and inspire me. So check out a documentary, independent film, or a foreign film. And who knows, maybe I’ll see you at Sundance next year. :o)

There is an amazing documentary in theaters now called, “Buck”. http://www.buckthefilm.com/

Buck Brannaman is the man who inspired Robert Redford to make the movie, “The Horse Whisperer”. To be honest, I have no affinity for horses, but this film is really about our own “training” as humans and how we interact with other humans. It won the Audience Award this year at Sundance.

July 5 - Tennis

2011-07-05T06:00:00.001-07:00

1st off, congratulations to Djokovic, this year's Grand Slam Winner.

Secondly, grab your racket and get in some tennis time today, if you can!

Thirdly, what an amazing moment it was to see Roger Federer win his 15th Grand Slam. Inspiring!

July 4 - Happy 4th

2011-07-04T12:47:00.001-07:00

I have another great, guest post here for you all from Megan Weems, writer of fantasticalmegs.blogspot.com! Megs is an excellent esthetician, talented singer and my creative soulmate. I hope you enjoy her post and be sure to leave her some comments of appreciation!

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It’s finally here!

Happy 4^th of July!

I know many of you have been looking forward to this day since, well, last Independence Day! I know in my circle, the 4^th represents everything wonderful about the summer:

We make good on our plans to relax with those we love;

We barbecue and play games;

We don our swimsuits and splash around in the water;

Sit curbside at city parades,

& we soak ourselves with bug repellent before stretching out under brilliant

firework displays.

Growing up, July 4^th wasn’t at the top of my list of favorite holidays. Christmas came in first, Santa Claus second, and all things jingle bells third- are you catching a theme? There were many years, however, that I had a blast celebrating our nation’s independence, and one of those was when I was about five years old…

My family and I were in Washington State visiting our extended family, and everyone got together on my uncle’s land for a barbecue and fireworks show. What I didn’t know was fireworks “show” actually meant fireworks WAR. In the middle of slathering my hotdog with mustard, my uncles (who were full grown men, 30 years +) began running around with lit Roman Candles in-hand, shooting at each other from behind wheelbarrows! I can remember climbing onto my aunt’s lap and giggling when my uncles got hit and yelped like schoolboys. Obviously this is not what the manufacturer intended, nor should you try it at home, but it sure made for a memorable 4th!

*If you’re curious to see what a Roman Candle war looks like, watch this and try not think of wizards: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im_3ROAWqWs&feature=related

Now that I’m an adult, Independence Day has grown to be a favorite holiday of mine. I think about the freedoms I have as an American, let alone as an American woman, and I am humbled. I love how July 4th brings our nation together, our communities celebrating from east to west. I’ve come to associate this day with being grateful; that it’s a day to extend thanks to our service men and women- fellow citizens who have dedicated their lives to protecting what our forefathers established in the Declaration of Independence.

Most of all, the 4^th of July is a reminder of our greatest blessing: freedom. And that, my fellow LiveMLP family, is what I believe is at the foundation of this project: the freedom to go after the experiences that make us feel alive! So let’s take full advantage of it!

Happy Birthday, America!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRUjr8EVgBg&feature=related

July 4th - Freedom

2011-07-04T06:00:00.009-07:00

Happy Independence Day everyone. I really hope you are all enjoying your holiday weekend, getting lots of family time in, and making fantastic memories! We have another great guest blogger today. Introducing Lorien Harris Asisi, she is one of my sister-in-laws and I LOVE this great post that she put together. Be sure to leave some blog love for her in the comments.

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The Fourth of July. What a great holiday. This holiday is particularly meaningful to me because a long time ago I used to be a flight attendant, way back in 2000-2001. One of the routes I often flew was from Chicago to LaGuardia (one of the 2 New York City Airports). I quit in May of 2001, that's a story for another post ;), so when the tragic day of September 11, 2001 happened I was obviously shocked, devastated, mad and also very relieved that I was not a flight attendant anymore. I also felt a great sense of sadness wondering if, out of the thousands of United Airlines flight attendants, I would by chance know any that sadly happened to be working on any of those flights. Thankfully I did not, but I also felt tremendous grief for them because I didn't know them, and knowing that they lost their lives for such a hateful and shameful reason. I pictured what they must have been doing to prepare the passengers and themselves for the inevitable. I wondered if I would have known what to do, would I put to use all of the training I had gone through for those particular situations, or would I just wing it and try to stay calm for the passengers knowing all the while we would soon be dying. Such tragic thoughts were going through my mind. Needless to say I do not take my freedom for granted, I also try not to get upset at all of the security measures the government puts in place. It is because of that fateful day that our government tries in every way to protect it's citizens, even if it does seem overboard at times.

I am thankful to live in such an amazing nation. Our government may be not be in perfect shape, or not run how everyone thinks it should, but guess what neither is any other country. Every country has their own issues and problems.

I love how free we really are and can have these blogs and social websites to say and express how we feel. I love the pride expressed by musical artists, particularly country artists, and the kick ass songs they write about our country and being able to live free.

I also love all of the freedom festivals that occur during the month of July. As a kid every year we would go to our local festival in Olympia Washington, Lakefair. What a glorious display of diversity. We are free to wear whatever we want and look however we want. I remember being a teenager cruising up and down the midway looking for friends, boys, and enjoying all of the delicious food the fair had to offer. I remember riding the Zipper with my brother Scotty and getting it spinning so so fast, to the point of almost puking. I remember sitting on the banks of Capitol Lake watching the amazing firework show. Great memories, great traditions. I am really excited to start traditions like those with my little family.

Here is a really great, inspiring quote and to go along with it my favorite soldier monument, The Iwo Jima.

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." ~Elmer Davis

Happy Fourth of July everyone, be safe and remember exactly what this Holiday is all about!

Giveaway Winner

2011-07-03T11:02:00.002-07:00

The winner of the $30 Gift Card to Amazon.com is:
Megs said...
My favorite this month was the "Just Do It!" challenge. I love to daydream, think about my current goals and dream up new ones, so whenever I have a chance to really look them over I take it. :) Plus, I love Mindy Gledhill, and her song was perfect for that challenge!

P.S. I follow you here and on Twitter!

Congratulations Megs! Daniel picked your lucky number! Send me a quick email with your info and I'll send that gift card pronto!

Thank you to Amazon.com for being willing to sponsor our music giveaways this month.

Also, if any of you talented readers are interested in putting a giveaway together for future challenges, feel free to email me at livemylifeproject@yahoo.com!

July 3 - Idaho Day

2011-07-03T06:00:00.018-07:00

Today's post comes from my dear, sweet mother, June Spencer Asisi! You can find her blog by clicking HERE! I hope you enjoy her post as much as I did! Love you Mom!
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Idaho State Song

And here we have Idaho
Winning her way to fame.
Silver and gold in the sunlight blaze,
and romance lies in her name.
Singing, we're singing of you,
Ah, proudly too,
All our lives thru, we'll go
Singing, singing of you,
Singing of Idaho.

There are more verses, but I can't remember them all. I learned this song in the 4th grade when we studied the history of Idaho. We learned about the Shoshone Indians who originally lived in most of what we know now as Idaho. We learned about the mountain men and the rendezvous they had. We learned about Louis and Clark and how their expedition put Idaho on the map.

I was and still am proud to be from Idaho. When you mention Idaho, most people think about potatoes, because that is something Idaho is know for. Our license plates have always said "Famous Potatoes". There are even several brands of potato products that have Idaho in their names, such as Idahoan, and Ore-Ida. Yes, Idaho has vast acres in potato farms. I had a roommate at BYU from Burley, Idaho and her dad was a potato farmer. That area of Idaho is very flat and is the perfect climate for raising potatoes.

There are several other areas of Idaho known for different things. Northern Idaho has vast acres of forest around the Coure de Lene area. This is a very beautiful area and I am privileged to have been able to visit it once. Unfortunately, the beauty is marred by the history of white supremacist groups who hide out in the forests of Northern Idaho.

Another area known for it's beauty is Sun Valley. A popular ski area in the winter and a summer sports area. This area has long been a vacation spot for the jet set and Hollywood types.

I am from the Southeast corner of Idaho which I consider the most beautiful part. Anyone who has ever made the drive from Logan to Garden City, Utah can't help but have their breath taken away when they come down from the Summit of Logan Canyon. Bear Lake lies across the valley floor, half in Utah and half in Idaho. Of course, I was born and raised on the Idaho side.

Bear Lake from the Summit of Logan Canyon

Bear Lake is famous for several things: being part of the route of the Oregon Trail, being settled by the Mormon pioneers, and the Bear Lake Monster. When I was a child we used to get very upset about all the Utahns who came to the Idaho beach instead of staying on their own side. We called them Carrot Snappers and Cricket Stompers. I'm sure you can understand the Cricket Stompers, but I have no idea where the Carrot Snappers came from. Now I'm just happy that the lake is there to be enjoyed by all.

The northern end of the Bear Lake Valley has a number of towns named after famous cities. I'm sure this is because of homesick pioneers who were just trying to keep a little bit of where they came from with them. Some of the names are Geneva, Bern, Montpelier, Bloomington, and of course Paris where I lived. I have always been proud of the fact that Gutzlum Borglum who carved the faces in Mount Rushmore was born in St. Charles, Idaho, only 6 miles from where I grew up.

Paris Tabernacle

All in all, Idaho is a great state. I'm happy to tell people I'm from Idaho. By the way, Idaho has the highest per capita number of millionaires than any other state. Wish I was one of them.

July 2 - Zeppelin

2011-07-02T06:35:00.001-07:00

On July 2, 1900, a German company flew it's first Zepplin model, the LZ-1. It flew 5 passengers, 3.7 miles in 17 minutes.

The LZ-1

This day marked the start of a 36 year period of building, improving and flying Zeppelins. It ended however with the Hindenburg, which was the first Zeppelin that flew up to 100 passengers from Germany to New Jersey. The total flight took 60 hours (can you imagine being stuck in an airplane for 60 hours!!!) and the Hindenburg completed a total of 10 successful roundtrips before it caught fire upon it's decent over New Jersey.

The Hindenburg

So now that you know the significance of this day, anyone have a suggestion of how to celebrate it?

* To read more about the Zeppelin, click here.

While you're here, don't forget to enter our giveaway for a $30 Amazon gift card. Today is the last day.

July 1 - National Postal Worker Day

2011-07-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Each day in July, we will be celebrating! There really is something to celebrate each day; whether it be local, national or totally made up by a card company. Let's get started!

Today is National Postal Worker Day. In 1775, Benjamin Franklin appointed the first ever Postmaster General by the Continental Congress. From New York to San Francisco, come rain, hail or snow postal workers throughout this great country work diligently to deliver our mail. They really should be celebrated! So leave a kind note in your mailbox for your mail person or write a friend and utilize the wonderful service offered, I'm sure it will be appreciated.

Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.

Inscription on Main Post Office, New York City, adapted from Herodotus.

* More information on National Postal Worker Day, click here.

*Ways to celebrate this holiday, click here.