Mrs. H.

Announcement

2012-01-28T08:00:00.004-05:00

Hi ladies I wanted to express that DH and I have decided to proceed with our first IVF cycle.

After consulting with more doctors and weighing our options we feel we have made the right decision.
We have chosen a doctor that we are comfortable with and we are praying for success on our first cycle to result in a take home baby.
Like I expressed before details will always be posted on my "TTC Timeline" page.
I hope you guys will lend not only your support but your prayers as we embark on this journey.

I'll be back

2012-01-27T13:41:00.002-05:00

Sorry there was no inspiration post today ladies. I'm taking a much needed break and having a little fun on the water for Regatta week here in Miami.
Wishing you all a lovely weekend!!

Nature Continues to Inspire

2012-01-26T10:45:00.001-05:00

Everywhere I look around me, in real life and from pictures on the web, nature continues to inspire me.
I've been looking into taking a photography class online.
I've been so inspired lately I'm determined to learn how to use that Cannon EOS 50D to capture all the beauty I see around me on a daily basis.
If anyone can recommend any online courses for photography I'm all ears....or books.
Have a wonderful rest of the week dolls.

**Pics courtesy of Pinterest**

Inspiration for Change

2012-01-25T08:00:00.001-05:00

If you want your life to change, your choices must change,

and today is the best day of your life to begin.

**Pics courtesy of Pinterest**

Picnik is Free Inspiration

2012-01-24T08:11:00.002-05:00

Ok so to be quite truthful today's inspiration isn't in theme for what I've been posting for the last few weeks but I thought it important to let everyone know that till April 19th Picnik is FREE.
If you don't know about Picnik its a website where you can create collages and upload pictures and add your own special touch to them, whether it be text or frames or effects.
I've been using it all weekend long to spruce up parts of my blog.
For instance on my "About Me" page you can now click to see pics of our wedding collage, or our trash the dress collage or our honeymoon collage.
I'm also putting together a cute collage of our recent one year anni trip to Italy.
So there you have it dolls.....be inspired, go take advantage of Picnik and make some great picture art!

Happy Monday Inspiration

2012-01-23T07:54:00.001-05:00

Hi gals its time to start another week but before we do let's take with us some advice a wise man once said.

**Pic courtesy of Pinterest**

Sunday Inspiration

2012-01-22T12:32:00.003-05:00

Have a relaxing Sunday ladies!

Be Inspired

2012-01-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Happy weekend dolls.
This weekend I'll be outside enjoying the sunshine at a local regatta and taking some photos.
I hope that no matter what weather your city calls for this weekend that you take the time to be inspired by nature around you, and the city in which you live.

**Pics courtesy of Pinterest**

TGIF Inspiration

2012-01-20T11:58:00.000-05:00

Hi dolls, I know that I'm a tad bit late with today's inspiration, but I've got a really good reason.
See today I woke up late, got a mani pedi, drove slowly, walked my dogs in our cul-de-sac and took time to really just enjoy the sunshine.
At first I thought to myself why am I wasting away the day, but then I reconsidered that thought and said "hey its Friday, I'm indulging in what makes me happy".
Make time for the little things friends, cause they turn out to make big impacts in the bigger scheme of things.

Wishing you all a weekend filled with happines.
Thanks to my girl Tonya for my Liebster Award.....more on that later *wink*

**Pic courtesy of Pinterest**

Strength Inspiration

2012-01-19T08:00:00.002-05:00

Have you ever stopped to wonder on a daily basis where you draw your strength from?
I begin and end each day with a prayer because I know a lot of my strength comes from the Lord.
Still there are those times when I need a human connection, that human support.
Undoubtedly my husband is always there, but lately I have found a lot of my strength comes from a new friend, who has been such a great support to me.
I can count on her words, she not only makes me smile, but over the last few weeks our constant phone calls and text messages have become a staple I look forward to.
I never seem to express much emotion on the topic of my TTC lately,
I talk around it and through it, and all up an down it but I never really get to the meat of my emotions on the matter, I'm one of those...."I'm fine" people.
With her I really don't need to talk much because she understands without me having to express it.

Yesterday was a day of distractions and hoping and wishing and wanting and as hubby was consumed with work I turned to the person I knew would give me some strength.
The person that I know wouldn't just tell me what I wanted to hear, or console me, but would find a way to tell me the truth while still keeping it positive.
Yesterday was an awakening for me just how much her words give me strength and can comfort me.
I wanted to take the time to just make mention and thank her for being a pilar for me to lean on, a guide and a friend.
Thanks Tonya!
Here is hoping these words lets each of you know that no matter what you face in life, you are stronger than you think!

**Pics courtesy of Pinterest**

Day 18 of Inspiration

2012-01-18T09:43:00.001-05:00

Hope you're all hanging in there its half way through the week.
Side note: for those wanting to follow our TTC journey you'll notice I've added a tab up top just for that.
I decided a while back that I won't be letting just one facet of my life take over my blog, I'm not negating that it is a journey and it isa part of my life but it's just that a part, a fraction, its not the whole of me or us.
I've also found that the less attention I give it, the less depressed I am, so this is also my way of controlling my own emotions.
That may not make sense but to me it does.

In the meantime, my blog will still conitnue in the same fashion, blabbing about everything under the sun, and as appointments come up and exciting things happen I will make a post on my main page, but for the nitty gritty, numbers or test results and dr. appointment dates, all that stuff will be on my TTC Timeline page.

Ok ladies, here is your daily dose of inspiration for today!

**Pics courtesy of Pinterest**

Words of Wisdom Inspiration

2012-01-17T08:28:00.000-05:00

We are nearly half way through our 30 days of inspiration in pictures.
Here are a few quotes of wisdom which I just had to share.
I know its a short week for some of you out there, let's keep the positivity going!

**Pics and quotes courtesy of fun.4.friends.net**

MLK Inspiraton

2012-01-16T09:33:00.000-05:00

Today its fitting to leave words of inspiration from one of the most famous civil rights leaders of our time.
A man who spoke motivation, peace, equality and freedom wherever he went.
Happy MLK day!

**Pics courtesy of Pinterest**

Positive Vibrations Inspiration

2012-01-15T09:36:00.001-05:00

Hi dolls, its just me sweeping by late on a Sunday (after sleeping in a bit), to bring you your daily dose of inspiration.
Hoping some of these vibrations stay with you throughout the upcoming week, especially since many are enjoying a long weekend.
Happy MLK weekend!

**Pics courtesy of Pinterest**

Saturday Inspiration

2012-01-14T09:26:00.000-05:00

Today's inspiration is just one picture, but its one picture that says so much.
Wishing everyone a beautiful, sunny and bright Saturday!!!

**Pic courtesy of Pinterest**

Friendship Inspiration

2012-01-13T09:20:00.000-05:00

As we head into the second weekend of the year and get together with friends let's cherish the friendships we have and hopefully make new and meaningful one's this year!
Happy Friday ladies!

**Pics courtesy of Pinterest**

Tag I'm It!

2012-01-12T08:10:00.000-05:00

Don't worry friends I haven't given up on my 31 days of inspiration that post is still going....see below.
Today I've been tagged by my friend Ruthfaith from Life.Love&Marriage. *Thanks for the tag Ruthfaith*

Ok so this is my first time being tagged but apparently there are rules to this thing:

You must post these rules.
Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.
Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
You have to choose 11 people to tag and link them on the post.
Go to their page and tell them you have linked him or her.

So let's get started with 11 things about me shall we?

I don't eat chocolate, or cake or ice-cream or cookies. I simply don't have a sweet tooth.
I never seem to stay asleep once I get to sleep, prime example its 1:38am right now while I'm writing this post.
I have a funny knack for quoting movies, so the slightest thing in conversation with someone may remind me of a movie and I'll bust out with lines from the movie.
My birthday is coming up in 19 days and I'm super pumped!
This year I'm going to teach myself to bake again.....I haven't baked in over 7yrs.
I have a slight obsession with handbags and shoes (but what girl doesn't).
Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and just stare at my husband sleep (yeah creepy I know)
I have no tolerance for disrespectful people.
I have a bottle of anti-bac attached to and in every bag I own (don't leave home without it).
I love texting but I'm not fond of talking on the phone.
I love to shop but I'm like a deer in headlights when shopping. Every item on our wedding registry was picked by hubby (except one: the Rowenta iron I picked) because I got so overwhelmed, I usually drag him shopping else I can never decide on anything.

Aaalllrighty then! So here are the 11 questions Ruthfaith asked me:

1. What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod?

Adele Rolling in the Deep
2. What chore do you absolutely hate doing?

Unloading the dishwasher, I'll wash a million things just don't ask me to put 'em away.

3. What’s your favorite indoor/outdoor activity?

Indoor - reading

Outdoor - biking
4. What is one of your favorite quotes?

Dream as if you'll live forever and live as if you'll die today!

5. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be and how long would it take you to spend the $10,000?

In a dream: Neiman Marcus cause it has just about all the brands and things I love and would spoil myself rotten with. I'm like a deer in headlights when shopping (see above), I can't decide when I'm shopping it would probably take me a good day or two to blow that kinda dough......ahhh a girl can dream! In reality I would probably not spend the money and end up donating some.
6. What is your favorite meal to prepare?

Chinese Napa Salad with grilled salmon and steamed veggies, takes me 30mins......done!
7. What is the silliest prank you ever played on someone?

Probably the prank we played on my in-laws last year when we told them we were moving to London, everyone was in tears...it was utterly fantastic! Still can't believe they all fell for it.
8. Who would you want to play you in the movie about your life?

Can't I play me....I mean if I'm alive, I'd play me cause really who can play me better than me? But if I must choose someone I'd choose probably Jada Pinkett Smith (sister's gotta have the right amount of attitude and still be able to crack a joke....okaaay!)
9. How many siblings do you have?

One....brother 4 years older.
10. What is your guilty pleasure?

Dried Mango Fruit by Mariani. I discovered them in 2010 and now I order by the case directly from the company. Chris usually has to hide them from me cause I will eat two packs a day!
11. What food/dessert couldn't you live without?

Seafood. I can live without chicken, beef, anything except seafood.

I don't eat dessert so really there isn't a dessert I can't live without. Once in a while I may indulge and share something with hubs but meh, not much my cup of tea. Unless its that Tiramisu I had in Italy this december at Buca di Ripetta.....I've tasted tiramisu when he's ordered it before, but never quite like that!

So now its my turn to pick 11 questions for my 11 ~~victims~~ lovely gals I'm about to tag:

What's the most interesting or moving book you've ever read?
Which do you prefer the book or the movie?
If you could move to anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?
What's the one thing in life you can't leave the house without?
What's the furthest place you've flown to?
If you could be anyone for a day who would it be?
What is one word that best describes you? (ONLY ONE)
What's been your greatest accomplishment to date?
What's your favorite type of food?
What's one nickname you have?
What's the best thing you did in 2011?

And in no particular order, I repeat these are in no particular order, here are the results of my 11 choices:

Dani @ OkDani
Jessica @ Heart on Homestead
Nicole @ The Johnson Experiment
Cynthia @ Adventures of Team Pancakes
Ashely @ Episodes of a Mixed Girl
Tonya @ Baby Dreams 2011
Toi @ Life of Toi
Legally Chocolat @ Life After the Verdict
Tara @ Tugboatphotographyjournal

I made it all the way to 9.....I would add in the last two but because of personal issues with their livesI know they are unable to participate at the moment. I'll not replace them with someone else but choose to stop at 9.

Single Inspiration

2012-01-12T08:00:00.003-05:00

Last night I got caught up talking to a friend.
We were catching up on life and talking about the holidays.
She was complaining about being single and vowing to find the right person this year.

I remember a time when I was single.
At first it was a wonderful time for me.
I was discovering myself and coming into my own.
Then I went through a period of wanting someone to love and spend time with.
Eventually I learned to just leave all up to God.

Here's my inspiration board for all you singles out there.

**Pics courtesy of Pinterest**

Midweek Workout Inspiration

2012-01-11T08:00:00.002-05:00

How many of you have been keeping up with your new year's resolutions to keep fit?
I haven't even started mine!!
I don't feel bad though because I've been sick.

Just in case you're starting to slack off, or perhaps were even thinking about it.
I have a new bunch of inspiration to keep you in gear and keep you commited.
As always choose what resonates with you and stay inspired!

TTC Inspiration

2012-01-10T08:00:00.001-05:00

I'm not going to tell a lie.
Today's inspiration was solely inspired by hearing Jay-Z's tribute song to his daughter Blue.
In the song he talks about the disappointment he and Beyonce experienced with a miscarraige the first time around, and their hope and fears that Blue would never be.
Just reading the lyrics reminded me of just how failed pregnancies and mishaps can happen to just about anyone, but the one common thread is the emotion it leaves you with, the fear and pain.
Pain and fear that we all pray one day will be turned into joy.

I'm so happy for all of my friends who recently did, or will be very soon welcoming new additions into their lives.
For those still on the journey like me, still waiting for that take home baby here are a few images of inspiration.
I pray for those trying 2012 is your take home baby year.

Creativity Inspiration

2012-01-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm not a crafty person.
I used to be good at drawing when I was younger, then I gave that up.
I learned to crochet when I was in my teens, but then I gave that up to.
It seems the older I got my creative juices just stopped flowing.

I love photography but I'm not exceptionally good at that, nor am I consistent.
This year I'm determined to get my craftyness back (kinda like bringing sexy back).
I'm determined to craft something from scratch....anything.
I see all these moms and fellow bloggers crafting and I just think...I could never do that.
Well that pessimistic thinking ends this year.
I'm gonna make something I tell ya....even if its just a paper plane!

**Pics courtesy of Pinterest**

Faith Inspiration

2012-01-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

Wishing everyone a wonderful Sunday.
Whatever your religion or beliefs, may your renew and strengthen your faith in 2012!

**Pics courtesy of Pinteres**

Travel Inspiration

2012-01-07T10:17:00.000-05:00

Its no secret that I've been bitten by the travel bug.
I love to travel, I love experiencing different cultures, foods, places, and interacting with different people.
My husband always jokes that my diaspora of friends is like a line up from the UN.

Be inspired to go somewhere new, visit and discover a place very different from your own.
I find that its when I am completely out of my element that I am the most myself.
When I am open and receptive and aware and without an agenda is when I grow and learn and feel the most.

I hope today's post inspires the nomad in you, the wanderer, the explorer.
Travel safe my friends!

**Pics courtesy of Pinterest and my personal photos**

Gratitude Inspiration

2012-01-06T09:39:00.000-05:00

Hi lovelies!!
Its the first Friday of the year and I am wrapped up in bed with a terrible flu.
What a way to start the year right?
So I apologize for today's daily inspiration being late.

But you all know me, I'm not one to let a pesky little flu get me down.
I'm still grateful to have made it through the first week of the year.
I think we should all be grateful, think of the many people that didn't live past December 31st 2011.

I'll be singing praises all day long, from underneath my covers, wrapped up tight, with a cup of tea!

**Pics courtesy of Pinterest**

Courage Inspiration

2012-01-05T08:54:00.002-05:00

A new year brings lots of joy and new hopes but let's face it, it can also bring new fears.
Nothing in life can be so damning as fear.
It is like a cancer for creativity and success.
To get a head in life one needs more than determination, one requires courage.

Many of us face new roles this year, in our personal lives and in our professional lives.
Let's shake off the anxiety and doubtfulness and fear and step into those roles confident and courageous.
Knowing that we may not know all the answers, we may not know what we're doing, but we know we won't give up, and we're determined to be the best.

Some of us are looking for that courage to step up and ask for a promotion or apply for a new position.
Some of us may be looking for the courage to stand up to something we don't agree with or like.
Some people may be seeking courage to make that change from working in a place that makes that unhappy and stagnant and taking that leap of faith to follow their dreams.

Whatever your need here is your daily dose of courage to get you on your feet, help you spread those wings...and soar!

P.S. I should say as a note if you ever want to see the collages larger simply click on them.

**All pictures thanks to Pinterest**