Spriggy

Boxes and Rails

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 06:14:00 +0000

Today I went skiing with my 7 year old son. He is at the age where freestyle skiing is all the rage and we've been focusing on conquering the beginner terrain park. My technique in teaching him has not been without failure. I have told him what to do, encouraged him to try and had him watch others ride boxes and rails that he so desires to achieve. But all my efforts in these tactics have come up with him being disappointed and not learning the intended goal. Down we go again, to ride up to the top and have another short run at it. Needless to say, it hasn't

been the most productive use of our time.

It was only today when I mustered the courage and demonstrated the techniques (of which I had never accomplished this particular feat before either) in where he really started to grasp the concept. It was not easy to do but I did it with as much authority as I could. Suddenly, it all started to come together for him and it came down to the well known adage, monkey see monkey do. He was then willing to try and not ski past the obstacles. It may not have been smooth his first run, but just like anything with practice it becomes easier. Looking back, I realized that this has been happening all along his skiing career. If I did a nice big turn, he did a nice big turn. If I skied across the run to a small jump, he skied across the run to the small jump. If I bent my knees to get more air, I observed that he would do the same. After telling him several times how to turn on a box, he just wasn't doing it. Demonstrating my own instructions made all the difference and he followed my lead and conquered the 90 degree box slide….and his mom could not have been more proud.

As it is with all successful and good leaders. It is easy to mimic the qualities of others when we see their success. We also want to achieve greatness. Their exemplary character inspires us to become better ourselves. We will copy what they do, make decisions as they do, and become a leader as they have been. Monkey see, monkey do - There really is no difference. Just being around them, brings out the best in us. However when we have complacent managers, who tell us what to do and talk about theory without making it the reality, we become complacent ourselves. Their actions do not create an appropriate vision of what we may be asked to do and we may not have it in us to become sufficiently impassioned to do otherwise.

Just like I learned today that courage is required in these instances. It may be the first time we have charted our paths of leadership and it’s inevitable that we may fall. However when we do fall, we must be able to get up and try again, because others may be watching who do need to be sufficiently impassioned. They may need to see courage in action. We need to not only do things for personally victories but to be a good leader and inspire others. My efforts today were rewarded by seeing the skills and confidence develop in another. The satisfaction of helping someone, especially someone dear to my heart, achieve their goals. Sometimes we know what to do and we just need to have the courage to lead by example.

Say Cheese!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 04:12:00 +0000

While watching a TED talk recently, I learned the following statistics about smiling.

Less than 33% of adults smile more than 20 times a day, while 14% smile less than five times a day.

The simple interpretation……the majority of us are smiling between 5-20 times a day. That may not be all that surprising until you learn that children smile on average over 400 times daily. Being a grown up doesn’t sound all that much fun in comparison. Have we forgotten how to smile as adults? Are we too busy to remember to do so? Truth be told we are busy, have mounting stress and are thinking about the many other things we need to do (or Guests we may need to deal with). However this one expression can increase our attitude throughout the day and we will handle our “To Do” lists with much more ease and efficiency. The act of smiling has been proven to reduce stress hormones and increase the feel good hormones such as serotonin and endorphins, that we all know and love. Smiling also reduces blood pressure and is linked to a healthier and increased lifespan.

Another fact - our brain doesn’t differentiate between a sincere or a real smile, it just knows that we are. Even when we don’t feel like smiling we should create the habit of doing so. When you smile, others will smile back. The more people that smile back at you, the more your smile will form naturally and your mood will change for the better. This simple act of smiling can change our entire outlook for the day, even in stressful situations. Smiling brings happiness to ourselves and to others and ultimately makes us more comfortable with each other.

My advice for the day is to google the TED talk by Ron Gutman. There is an interesting fact about chocolate bars that made me smile. I’m hoping it will do the same for you. Enjoy!

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” –Thich Nhat Hanh

"Socially Special"

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 06 Oct 2013 15:49:00 +0000

I recently ran into a man fellow that I went out with a couple of times a few years ago. He's cute, he's normal, we connected, and he's a doctor. We did the congenial how to do's, caught up on our lives and then he said this.

"You are one of the most available woman I've ever met."

Really? What does that mean? While I can't put my finger on his exact intention I somehow already feel and know this about myself. I could be dating three guys at the same time, rotating the guard frequently and yet still not have a Valentines date come February.

The best way to describe myself would be to say I'm "socially special" (this is me being politically correct and not referring to my singleness as a handicap, disablement or retardedness in dating). Wooing a man takes skills and apparently I don't have them. Another friend affirmed my lack of flirting as the main culprit. He said I don't send flirty texts or a dirty sexts and that is what the modern man responds to. I know what flirting is but it's just not natural for me. It's either so over the top which I decipher as witty banter, or the pendulum has swung and I can't think of anything intelligent to do or say to demonstrate I like a man. Again, I'm "socially special" (don't forget the air quotes.....it leaves it up to ones own intellect to determine the meaning just like I filled in the blank with this single mans comment to me).

I believe that weaknesses can become strengths. In doing so I must first identity the weakness. Check. Then I must practice and after 10,000 hours I will have become an expert. That's a hell of a lot of flirting for someone innately without this quality. If I were to flirt 8 hours a day for 50 weeks a year (two years off for vacation) it would take me 1825 days or more than 5 years to accomplish this feat. I'd like to at least have my dance card full before the end of the decade and realistically, flirting 8 hours a day could really put a damper on my financial situation unless I switched to the oldest profession in history.

While practice makes perfect is this something to solicit others to help me in or even prayer for? Dear God, please give me opportunities to flirt....qualifier....with the opposite sex....qualifier....who are single.....qualifier.....who are good looking....qualifier....who treat me right......qualifier......he could be rich....qualifier....who I can love wholeheartedly to be able to endlessly flirt with. That's a lot to ask the man upstairs for when the world has more serious problems.

Basically, my goal at the end of the day is simple. I want to have no plans for the weekend but know who I'll be spending the weekend with. I want to become unavailable. Is that too much to ask for? How do I do it?

Hair today......Gone tomorrow

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 22:18:00 +0000

I really thought gray hair around the temples was just for men. It's one of the first places we women notice about the opposite sex detailing their age, and often times even upping their desirability. After all isn't this feature what made George Clooney a better candidate for the sexiest man alive? He wasn't even on the radar during his Facts of Life days. Doesn't a man look more distinguished in this case, with wisdom ever declaring itself so casually? Even my older brother doesn't appear his age at 44, despite his salt and pepper state. But the long and lean fiber, extended from under my sunglasses doesn't make me feel more distinguished when I notice it, but rather much less desirable as a woman. I know that if I pulled it twenty would appear over night in its place. Wait...maybe it is a sign of wisdom and experience.

Man or woman? Think Jamie Lee Curtis

It is one of many signs that age is creeping in. Maybe I'm feeling a little down as my morning run was interrupted by knee pain inhibiting completion of a wimpy three miles. I'm starting to feel that the paperwork for social security and medicare is on tomorrow's to do list. Yet I wonder why I'm fighting it. Why can't I own my gray hair, my crows feet or for that matter the extra 10 lbs that endlessly lingers? Why aren't my thirties the best years of my life? Why am I not living life to the fullest and grateful for the attributes and signs proving I've lived another day on God's green earth?

More than likely these signs are the constant reminder that I'm single and the preponderance of gray only adds to the anxiety of adding yet another item to the monthly budget. It'a the reminder that I should always look my best (Never leave the house in curlers!) because I never know when I could run into Mr. Right and that he might visualize one of these gray hairs and cast judgement upon it for bedding itself down with a washed up old hag.

Too critical? Maybe, but do not confuse my rant with gray hair not being beautiful. We all know beautiful gray haired women. But for me, they just stress me out. I begin to wonder if the best and healthiest years of my life may just as well be behind me. I begin to worry that I've already grown old without the love of my life. Does anybody else feel the same? Am I starting to experience a mid-life crisis? Do I need to go out and find a hot man and buy me that dream car without passing go?

YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!

(that must be my mother talking from the grave).

and if you were wondering. I pulled the hair. At least for my lunch date today. The consequence may come tomorrow but I'll pretend I didn't notice and feel better today.

Mile One

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 13:59:00 +0000

On Saturday, I headed out for my morning run. A paved running trails lays behind my house bordering a nature preserve making motivation innate on such beautiful mornings. Rows of porches line the pathway and the aroma of coffee permeates as individuals rejuvenate and watch the sun blaze up from the horizon. A casual nod or hello is standard as runners and bikers are commonplace on the trail, but most individuals aren't distracted from the peacefulness that is easily breathed in with the morning light.

As I ran, the first neighbor I encountered started clapping as I passed. He must have known the temptation I endured to sleep in even longer that day than I did. His small acknowledgement encouraged me none the less further down the pathway. A quarter of a mile later, another individual cheered me on with "looking good" comments. This salutation admittingly made me run just a little bit stronger as I past. A handful of houses down, an octogenarian stood exuberantly offering to spray me down with a hose. I giggled and waved him off assertively with my hands. Did I look that bad or was he the nicest man to ever water fight? It took me a microsecond when the next passerby retorted that I was "almost there" that made me realize I must be on a running course. Sure enough with one glance behind me, numbered bibs dotted the pathway sporadically. The pressure suddenly mounted to run with more vigor than before. Shortly, I came upon a sign that read mile 26, Park City Marathon. I certainly hope I was looking good at mile 1. The closer I came to completion of the course the more exclamation of joyous hoorays I heard and I knew such triumph should be saved for the true competitors and I quickly wondered off course before the finish line.

After I finished my much shorter run, I returned to the trail behind my house. I watched the many competitors pass and observed how their eyes lit with the slightest acknowledgement of their feat. Some looked strong while others seemed to be longing for another moment in time. I imagined the old man right around the corner and how his unique gift must bring the must needed relief and gratitude as faces were cooled and distracted in these last final steps of the competition. My experience running the course made me ponder about the journey we call life and the comparison between the two. Didn't you know this was coming? Wouldn't it be nice if we received the encouraging word throughout our day, despite each of our journeys being different? How much stronger would we be if we knew onlookers were routing for us to succeed? On days, like mile 19, when we hit the wall and feel as if we cannot give another ounce of energy to our tasks, to only have someone give us a cup of water or exclaim with enthusiasm that we ourselves lacked, that we can indeed do it!

These words of encouragement are needed more often throughout our lives to help us retain and regain our strength when needed. Whether it be from family, friends or even the complete stranger rejoicing and acknowledging our accomplishments. The world would be a much easier ~~race~~ place. Running a marathon without support would be even more grueling but yet our lives are far longer than just the 26 miles I am referring to and much more encompassed with hurdles and obstacles along the way. How often do we feel that we just can't go another step?

I am committed to cheer and rejoice with others, especially those I may not know of their current route along the course. You never know when a smile, a kind word or even a hose down can help another through a moment of doubt or troubled time. Who do you know who needs just an extra bit of encouragement to continue on the path? What do you know about the people in your life and what they are currently dealing with? Who will you come in contact with today that needs that kind word? Who can you cheer on today?

....... all because of a Saturday morning run, and the fresh air that freed and inspired my mind for good.

Never stop pursuing your dreams!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 19:37:00 +0000

Sometimes Monday mornings are hard. Especially after an eventful fun weekend that you never want to end.
This is a story about a family that has overcome more than just a Monday morning and what some may think of as an insurmountable obstacle. I am not a current apple user but want to support this man's creed that he has no limitations in continuing his dream. Something that I need to be reminded of daily.

Please watch and share if you feel inclined.

Getting Wild

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 17:10:00 +0000

A handful of years ago, my husband and I decided to get a divorce. The sadness I felt was unimaginable and I was paralyzed with grief. I knew I needed to find purpose in my life as getting out of bed was a treacherous chore. In typical Dori fashion I decided that only an excursion along the Pacific Crest Trail would do. From the Mexicali border all the way to Washington state in the north, I would find a new purpose, with new dreams to conquer in every step of the way. I spent hours researching the needed resources and presented my plans,convincing friends to journey with me on different legs of the trip. It would take all 2500+ miles to come to peace and close the door on my shattered reality.

I remember sitting at lunch with my brother as the first thoughts of doubt began to creep in. He and his friend heckled the idea of trekking with me across the Mohave desert and presented the absurdities of my trip. For goodness sake I was serious!! I then learned of two girls killed in Oregon while hiking along the trail, then another. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all and the guidebook and paper trail of notes remain on a shelf to this day.

$9.99 on amazon

Recently, while strolling through a store, a byline from a book elevated itself from its cover. From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. It is about a woman whose mother had died, had gotten divorced and impulsively decided to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Cheryl Strayed had wrote my book! An Oprah book club selection, a New York times bestseller and stealing the words right off the cover, "a literary and human triumph." How would I resist reading the book I'd never again have the opportunity to write.

It's easy to place myself in her shoes as she shares her experiences. The candor of her writing is admirable and sometimes startling as the story unfolds. Wild is a memoir of one woman's amazing journey not only along the PCT, but through her life at the time and the needed journey to redemption. I have laughed, I have cried and I have cringed as she used the 'F' word yet again in her writing. She shares intimate details of her broken life and her journey along the trail. It's exactly what I wanted to do years ago,but didn't.

It's easy to ponder the path my life would have taken if I too had decided to hike the Pacific Crest Trail those many years ago. I would have healed much faster. I would have overcome the pain sooner.... And I never would have ended up pregnant staring divorce in the face prolonging the inevitable painful decision. (The scariest thing I've yet to experience.) Cheryl and I have many remarkable similarities within our stories but many differences abound. One being that of the decision we both made that ultimately helped me overcome the sadness I did feel without ever hiking the trail. The opportunity that instantly gave me purpose and the reason to get out of bed. The journey that would lead me well beyond 2500 miles and give me purpose for more than the expected 18 years.

Go an get Wild. It is indeed "a literary and human triumph" that may just inspire you to do things you never imagined you could.

Pass the cream please

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 15:27:00 +0000

A few years ago I bought a linen couch. It's semi-wonderful, almost beautiful, not quite what I was dreaming of, but appealed to a friends advice on the reality of living with a two year old at the time. It's darker than I had wanted intentionally avoiding the residue of little fingers, sippy cup spills, and sneaker prints. The wisdom of that decision arises as I seemingly clean the darker taupe linen several times a year mumbling threats of microfiber to save my sanity. However I still am envious when I see beautiful cream colored upholstery. At what period in life is owning such beautiful pieces appropriate for every day living? Yes, I'm still dreaming of the couch I didn't buy. The sweet and sour practicality of life decisions.

What bittersweet decisions have you made that were regrettable? The ex-husband is the given.

Juxtaposition Home - Newport Beach

A shelter island home featured off Remodelista. Dual seated upholstery from Ochre Home.

Restoration Hardware - Belgian Wingback

Should it stay or should it go now

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Vintage Stove

I own this. It's beautiful. It's old. It's perfect.

...and it's yet another possession that remains in storage.

I've been keeping it for years, waiting to find a house worthy enough for such a permanent fixture. It's an investment because it has yet to be renovated. It's a steal because it was free. However it hasn't happened yet and I'm at another decision making crossroads and need to decide its long term fate. I want to simplify my life.

Possibility of forementioned Vintage Stove

Admittedly, I find beautiful renovations of vintage stoves and dream of the possibilities. Once I do sell it, more than likely it will be replaced with the coveted Wolf Range on my imaginary vision board. (that makes me salivate just imagining how much better my lemon bars would taste from a $6000 oven.) However, I already own this. It's been in storage for what seems like eternity. It's big, its heavy, and it won't cost $6000 to renovate. I haven't quite found the house to put it in and am losing hope that I ever will. However the possibilities endless. Aren't these renovations beautiful?

What are your thoughts? I'm not good with decisions. Should it stay or should it go?

Awareness

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 May 2013 14:32:00 +0000

It is the 7th of May. There are 24 more days of the month. There are only 15 more hours until I go to bed.

This is the voice of an addict. After months of contemplation, anxiety and fear, am taking one day at a time.

I gave up refined sugar. And all goodness that goes with it. It may be easy for some but I have a long history. One I'll save for another day.

It's about health, about control, and unwanted pounds.

...and I'm struggling. Exclamation!!! I am a a crazy lady. Even more so than normal.

It's been 7 days. I have 24 days left to go. There are only 15 more hours until I go to bed.

Until it starts all over again.

P.S. I had a diet pepsi (thanks to the Costco food court....and the switch). I don't normally drink soda but it was divine. I feel as if I cheated. Any thoughts? Maybe my sponsor could be DDP. As unhealthy as I know soda is but it might just get me through. The mental hurdle is the first step to recovery.

Bad nights make for horrible looking mornings

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:50:00 +0000

It's definitely not the way you want to start a Monday morning, the new week, or even the carpool to the elementary school. Is there anything worse than waking up and seeing puffy eyes? It's the inescapable feeling that you have aged 7 years in one night. This morning I look like I drink like a fish! But I don't drink and can't blame the calming effects of red wine from the previous nights evening. However I can blame it on a bad night. One filled with sorrow, a tad bit of anger, a rekindled friendship, and salty tears that diffuse straight back into my dehydrated body when they flow.

Fortunately the beauty of life is that we do have the opportunity to change the day. It may be hard but finding the wind for our sails takes looking for it as diligently as possible. With less energy than planned and looking like an extra on a horror flick, here is what I found helped me this morning.

Laughter - Isn't this always the best medicine? A sincere chuckle and the stress releasing hormones that the brain releases really lightens your mood. Even if it requires laughing at yourself. I found myself laughing at a somewhat stupid reference to the old TV show My three sons during an episode of This American Life on my morning ~~run~~ ~~walk~~ mosey. I immediately felt better and clarity reigned for a whole two seconds.
Load up - On a great breakfast. One resulting in brain power and energy. Whole grains or peanut butter or a awesome protein shake would be totally appropriate. It will help balance what you may be missing......and if that doesn't work than caffeinate or sugar load. It will at least get you through the morning feeling better albeit temporarily.
Fight on! (that's in honor of my niece who was just accepted her full ride scholarship to USC.) Keep with your schedule, exercise despite what you feel, conquer the world and don't forget to take a hot shower. Singing loud to a Carpenters song never hurt either. Don't let this rainy day or Monday get you down.

As simple as these are, they really do help and the energy expended is very little to accomplish what could change the day 100%. It's still Monday and I have a lot on my plate but I'm crossing yesterday off my list and moving forward. Let the hallelujah chorus begin. It's Monday, a new day with new beginnings and every opportunity for change.

......and if those don't work than go purchase these Kate Spade oversized sunglasses to hide a little bit of the bad morning that you may be having. They are my new item I'm coveting. After all, the beauty of life is the opportunity for change and these rose colored glasses may be just what is needed to improve your outlook.

Don't get me started

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:40:00 +0000

A couple of days ago I was hot. So hot you could see steam rising and hear the sizzle.

Hot under the collar.

I ranted and raged to the person next to me, confirming to them that I was indeed a crazy person. I'm usually not vocally opinionated about cliche phrases and words of political correctness, but maybe my situation as of late (tax season) has made me a little more sensitive to the situation. It may be old news but I needed two days to just cool off to finally address the comment.

In an interview, Michelle Obama compared herself to a single mom. She corrected herself and reworded......that she was as 'busy' as a single mom. No harm done, I think we can understand that sometimes we say things by accident in the moment. Then Obama, son of a single mother, stepped his foot in it when he reiterated the praise and chuckled.

But then again, I guess he had grandparents to help out......and the luxuries of government assistance.

Obama: Michelle has often been like a single mother

http://www.usatoday.com/story/theoval/2013/04/24/obama-michelle-today-interview-single-mother/2108957/

I'm a single mom and that is different than being a working mom. Do I need to repeat that? I don't want to say that both don't have many of the same struggles. The guilt of dividing your time, the constant pull in different directions, inadequacies of not quite being 100% present in either role. The list could go on and on in comparing the similarities between the two. But do people really understand the differences? Do people really even care?

Has Michelle Obama ever wondered how food would be put on the table? Has she ever pushed a sick child into day care because she couldn't afford to take a day off work? Again, the list could go on and on.

I'm not on welfare. I fortunately make too much money to qualify but unfortunately too little to give my son the life he deserves. So I continue working, as hard as I can. And stressing. And losing sleep. And never seeming to get ahead in the world. With no support from others and nobody there at the end of the day.

While my hat is off to every working mother it is also off to stay at home mothers. We have unique rolls in this world and the joys of motherhood can fuel us to do things we never thought possible. My hat even goes off to Michelle Obama and I have deep respect for her in her role. I can even imagine being the wife of a president and what that must be like. That is definitely not an easy job.

However as the old adage goes. Never judge another man without walking in their shoes. Especially the single mothers of the world.

My face is as red as the Pinterest icon

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:21:00 +0000

I'm single. Therefore I google.

Have I said that before? It sounds very familiar. But it's still true.

I know that other people who are single, google as well. (Yes Google I'm using you as a verb.) That has recently been confirmed to me from a single man. A single man, who in fact googled me.

And he found it. The something I've been dreading. The something that comes up immediately upon a name search....on the first page. And the worst thing about it. It's a video. A video completely inappropriate for viewing. At least in my minds eye. Because it's embarrassing. And probably the cause of me still being single......and forced to change my name.

And if getting over that embarrassment wasn't enough....

I also have Pinterest to thank. Didn't I once blog about how Pinterest was an answer to prayer? Maybe a revision is necessary. And this is fresh.....as in less than 24 hours fresh . My cheeks are still cooling off. Imagine my horror when I'm scrolling down Pinterest seeing beautiful design, recipes, quotes, feeling all warm and fuzzy and than BOOM!!! A picture of myself. What? Where? Who? Expletive inserted here! Not only that...but it's the worst picture of all time. Even my brother admitted it. He thinks its hilarious. That's the last time I do him a favor. My face is as red as the Pinterest icon. Maybe the video from google isn't that embarrassing after all.

I never thought of myself as a girl who gets around. But I'm rethinking about that in today's world.

P.S. Advice to the single man. Keep your stalking to yourself. It just makes you all that less creepy. It's the unspoken secret within the single world. We must save face. Google is a tool, not a megaphone!

Hello I love you!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:14:00 +0000

My niece spoke in church the other day. I had the awesome opportunity and privilege to be there. She started matter of fact just as any unpretentiously confident 14 year old would. "A man named Jim Morrison once said.........." I perked up. Maybe church wouldn't be as dry today after all. I smiled as I was filled with pride she was quoting a legendary musical figure. I chuckled because she had absolutely no idea who she was talking about.

I realize that we're living in a new age, the millennial dawn of 2013. The Doors made hits in the late 1960's. I too came around after that. However while my niece is listening to the manufactured bebop of One Direction (Zoom and I listen to them all the time and we think you're beautiful) there is a whole other world of music out there. I'm not a music junkie that has an LP collection or can even recite lyrics, but I do appreciate good rock and roll, classic jazz, and unduplicatable soul. I appreciate the diversity of the times from one generation to the next. They bring the history of these times into relevance. You're reminded of experiences and lessons long forgotten and place us in another dimension (no psychedelic implication from the Doors here). Music teaches the soul and inspires the mind. What music do you appreciate What inspires you to conquer the world?

While there is no necessity of flashing back I encourage you to listen to some music from the past. Songs that transport you. Songs that change your outlook or feelings for the moment despite having fell from their billboard rank. Hunt it out. Play it for your children and give them a piece of the past. Even if it came long before you did. Balance the yin with the yang in today's world. Help educate a younger generation of the history of excellence. Music appreciation.

Thank you Hailey for a wonderful talk. With a talk like that it will be no time at all until you "break on through to the other side." (You knew it was coming as soon as you read the title. How could I resist.)

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Review - Permission to Splurge

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Can I take a minute and shamelessly plug my new favorite thing. I know I'm not Oprah, but if I had the sponsors as she did, I would give every reader this item. It's a little overpriced but this is the Pink Lady of apples. Advanced Therapy Sugar Lip balm from Fresh and Tinted Sugar Lip Treatment. Well worth the $$ and I can only give a positive review. Permission given to treat yourself well and splurge. I did and you're worth it too. Who doesn't want beautiful lips. This is not your mothers chap stick, but it doesn't mean it shouldn't be. An anti-aging lip treatment proven to repair the lips, significantly boost moisture, enhance volume, and improve the definition of the lip area. Also available in tinted balm in an array of amazing and fun colors. Rose is perfect for my coloring. Just the natural pop of color that I need. After researching myself for several products I finally came across this. I'm in no way disappointed except that I can't afford every color.

It feels good

Your lips are kissable

The tinted balm has SPF!!!

It works and makes a visible difference

You'll love it too....I'm convince

Now to find that kissing partner

Read more about it from the manufactures website

http://www.fresh.com/makeup/lip-care

Hello g-star jacket!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 02:54:00 +0000

The sequence of recent events leading to the desired loss of 200 hard earned American dollars.

G-Star Taylor Wool Coat

1. I entered an overpriced boutique of 78% useless clothing.

2. Wandered to the coat section where this coat was front and center.

3. Noticed it was on sale.

4. Touched it, admired it and instantly fell in love with it. After trying it on. This is where I acknowledge my mistake of playing with fire.

5. Currently practicing extreme self control.

The good news is, I left the store. The bad news is, I found it online. It's on sale as well and much cheaper than the boutique. I prefer to buy local but sometimes morals get broken over $50. Still steadfast however the temptation is unbearable. I should have never tried it on.

Weathered wood for everyday living

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 15:00:00 +0000

I've been trying to fill my obsession with wood recently. It seems I've overwhelming drawn to the rustic qualities, textures and multifunctionality. Is that a word? It could be that I'm a little more rustic and weathered myself and I hope to remember the importance of reclamation. Look past the splinters and enjoy the beauty lies beneath.....and yes, I've referred to both the pictures below and myself.

Traditional Porch design by Other Metro Photographer Becki Peckham

Modern Kitchen design by Portland General Contractor Jordan Iverson Signature Homes

Eclectic Bathroom design by Columbus Architect Andrew Melaragno, AIBD

Eclectic Kitchen design by San Francisco Interior Designer Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

5 resolutions you can keep

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 16:00:00 +0000

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

yes I'm yelling

It's that time of year that we hold ourselves accountable for new goals and set expectations of the coming year. However, how often do we resolve to do the same things year after year. Do we even stop to write them down or do we have the list memorized from years prior. Resolutions become moot after a few weeks or even days. However, this year can be different. Commit to 5 items that will surely make a difference across the year to improve relationships and increase energy, allowing you to conquer the world. Simple and easy principles of betterment.

1. Smile More
No extra time required! You can accomplish it whenever and wherever you are. Is it easy? Maybe not, but the fact is we will be happier if we do. It may be responsible for mending bridges, opening doors and stabilizing relationships. Just like my mother told me - fake it, until you make it. Your world will be brighter and you may bring joy to those who need it.

2. Keep in Contact
Friendship is eternal and is more valuable than we may even be aware of. How many of us have lost contact with treasured friends, co-workers and even family members. Reach out to an individuals and build relationships. Even if it's once a year. Even if its facebook poke. Keeping in contact may require some additional effort but its overall purpose is to let people know you care and bring us closer together as human beings. One minute of our time may improve the 24 hours of our day. You never know when you may be the needed friend or when you may need that friend.

3. Drink more water
It can't hurt, it saves money and it increases our energy over time. Is there anything debatable about this? It even decreases wrinkles if I've read reputable sources. You CAN definitely do this. Push away the soda, drive past Starbucks and reach for a water bottle. Dehydration even mildly, causes mood swings, headaches and fatigue. And the list goes on. Even if it's one more glass a day than we are drinking currently. It is estimated that 50% of the world population is dehydrated with the US nearing 75% dehydration. Why isn't it we didn't have the energy to do anything? This might just solve the problem.

4. Eat Less sugar
I am guilty of eating way to much sugar. My love affair with finding the next carb filled, gluttonous item, to fulfill the relationship with my sweet tooth has controlled me far to many years. I am not alone. A radical change may be fruitless as we bound back to our old ways in the face of temptation. However, one less cookie is beneficial. Eating fruit as a replacement improves our fiber intake. Having power over this addictive relationship will be unleashing our true potential. That might be an small exaggeration. Increased energy, smaller waste line, less dental problems and decreased heart disease, are just a few factual benefits. The quality of our long term health would be greatly improved.

5. Increase Motion
Notice that I didn't say exercise. Commit to demonstrate the physics of energy. Convert potential energy to kinetic energy. Don't stay sedentary. Movement throughout the day is better for our overall health. Take the stairs vs. the elevator. Park further away from the door at a store or office building. Wash your car by hand. Any activity that keeps you moving by burning energy will benefit you. Even in little doses from what you may be currently doing. Our circulation will increase, our blood will flow and move oxygen will reach our brain, allowing us to think more clearly.

Little effort = Huge outcome. Five resolutions you CAN keep.

Mocktail Hour

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 14:00:00 +0000

It's NEW YEARS EVE! Are you having a party to ring in the new year?

This is one of my favorite non-alcoholic champagne recipes. It's festive, it's light and it's for you and your kids tonight. And did I mention how bored I am of Martinelli's.

1 litter ginger-ale
22 oz pineapple juice
32 oz white grape juice

Double or triple the recipe. Mix and chill. Drink and Enjoy.

My suggestion is to serve in a carafe vs. a punch bowl. It's easier and more elegant for pouring, wherever your guests may be.

To add variety, pick up some good (emphasis in good!) grenadine and make Shirly Temples and Roy Rogers. A twist on the traditional Soda. Dirty Doctor Peppers will also make your guest fall in love with soda again. At least it did for me.

Sunday Best

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 17:33:00 +0000

jhghiT

Easy and comfortable church attire. At least for me anyway. I love this dress from Athleta....and it hugs my curves in all the right places (insert gratitude for spanx here). The boots I already own. The purse and glasses, I'll never be able to afford.

The nomination has passed me by

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 19:56:00 +0000

I work from home. It is a would be ideal scenario for the working mother, single mom guilt. Other days, it brings more stress than it might be worth. Yesterday was high up on list of "those" days. I transitioned from working full time at the office specifically so I could spend more time with my son and be a better mother. I so cherish the opportunity to pick him up from school and be available for him.

At 5:45am I was up and working. I'm on conference calls all morning but have a 30 minute window where I get my son up, get him dressed, turn off the Angry Birds as to finish getting him ready for his day. When he is dropped off at school the mental checklist of the morning has been fulfilled.

Here is a run down of our conversation yesterday afternoon.

Zoom: I'm really hungry. I didn't eat lunch today
He is 5 and I usually find the majority of his lunch still in his lunchbox

Dori: Why didn't you eat lunch today?

Zoom: You didn't pack me one

Dori:
Speechless as the guilt rushed down my spine as I realized I didn't feed him breakfast either

We all make mistakes but there are those mistakes that make you really think about your priorities. Am I achieving the goal I set out to do? Am I giving him enough attention to make it worth the financial sacrifice? Why do I let others control my stress level and the ability to do my jobs? Has this ever happened to you? I know I'm not alone and know that there are many things I'm not doing. But its the innocent reminders that keep our pride from letting us think we're doing it all. Because as woman, we never feel that we can. It's the paradox of this crazy world we live in.

Needless to say. I packed a lunch for him today.

Let the countdown begin!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 13:51:00 +0000

It's December. The holy crap is inferred. I'm not sure I've quite yet grasped that 'tis the season. I had a nightmare last night that I had forgotten to buy my son a Christmas gift before he went to his dad's. It's a hard perdicament I'm in. I vowed I would never enter a store in December again but yet need to find the Christmas spirit. Does that sound like Scrooge or plain old good logic in saving sanity this time of year.

However, thank goodness for holiday tradition. Rephrase. Thank goodness for other people's holiday tradition! And in this case, thank goodness for my brother and his beautiful family. Every year they do a Christmas video in place of their holiday card. Last year's video made me laugh and cry. This years video is helping me get in the mood for the fun and uplifting season before us. Let's celebrate and sing. Bryan Setzer is always a good choice for a singing companion.

...and if you are one of those high definition folks click here.

Hear Mama Bear Roar!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 19:46:00 +0000

Fact: I'm divorced
Fact: I'm a single mother
Fact: I am no less valuable as a human being because of the two previous statements.

......and neither is my son. Now how to teach a five year old that he isn't defined by the actions of his parents is a whole new awareness I have.

The fact of the matter is that you are treated differently. You are labeled. Especially in the mormon culture of my pedigree. It's like I'm wearing a big scarlet letter on my chest (no this isn't some admittance of guilt) or a yellow star as an identifying mark. Fortunately I am stubborn. I won't be defined by this label. It was a decision I made to better my life and and the life of my future child. I was right. However, with every decision it's inevitable that the judgement comes.

Recently my son was labeled as the kid whose parents were divorced. He knew that it was meant to make him feel bad but wasn't quite sure why it should. The hardest part was that it came from a family member. The people who are supposed to love us unconditionally - without judgement.

This is where mama bear roars. Not at the little boy who desired to lessen the confidence of my son, but rather at life...at people...and at labels. He is innocent, perfect and shouldn't be defined as such. Can I teach him his worth? Can he shrug off this label as easily as I can? Can he emotionally understand that the labels of others have more to do with their own insecurities than that of reality?

A battle is brewing. To win this ridiculous war and shed light on the issue. I will fight to the death to protect the worth of my child. Not just mine, but others as well. Nothing will limit his knowledge of his own personal worth.

It all starts at home.

Dare Dream Do

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 14:53:00 +0000

Two words you need to know.

Disruptive Innovation

....and if you want to sound smart you should use them in a sentence together. Because it's a theory, a business model, or even an approach to life. Confused? So was I, however I'm really excited about what I now know, and am learning, and am thinking about. So excited that I forked out money for a book.....to learn....to understand....and to be inspired. Hence the reason I'm sharing with you!

As much as I'd never heard these words together I had also not heard of Whitney Johnson. She was one of INC magazine's top 12 people to follow on twitter in 2012. She also writes for the Harvard Business Review, is a speaker for TEDx, and co-founded and investment firm with Clay Christensen who is the foremost expert in disruptive innovation (I told you you'd sound smart if you used them in a sentence...or maybe it was her resume that made me sound more intelligent than I am!).

She also wrote a book. Which you need to read. Even buy I might add. Because it will inspire you. To do what you need to do, or what you maybe have been thinking of doing. I know it has for me and I feel better about daring and dreaming and doing than I have in a long time. It has been the kick starter to motivation.

Dare Dream Do

I'll even send you my copy if you want.....After I'm done reading it a second time (I follow the Stephen Covey approach to book reading). Because I share her dream......in helping you achieve yours.

You can also watch this video to learn more about her. It's what inspired me on my information quest last Friday and prompted the 'stop everything and drive to Barnes and Nobel'. Your life might just change because of it. I know mine has. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Td8MvK1Dy_0&feature=youtu.be

My kind of Craft

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:35:00 +0000

Years ago I gave up crafting.

There were multiple reasons involved.

I now thoroughly enjoy my craft less life.

However, every so often my desire to replicate creativeness slowly rises. It's usually when I see something easy...or disposable. Because perfectionism can't seep back into my life and ruin my project.

Hence...the advent Calendar.

And

because it's easy.

and I know I can do it.

I already own the supplies

no money needs to be spent

I won't spend hours not finishing

and I'll feel good when I complete it in 15 minutes.

(a few of the reasons that help explain why I gave up crafting.)

Clothes pins and washi tape. As easy as Pie!

It's not original to me so check it out here where credit is due. of StylEASYmo!