Sore muscles. Stiff neck. What in the world did I do to myself? Oh that's right. I decided to start running. If you vaguely remember me mentioning running in the past, it's probably because I didn't. I don't run. I have tried. And failed. MANY times.

I have been practicing yoga again for 8 weeks straight. Ninth if you count Sunday. When I got on the treadmill on Friday morning I thought, why not? I feel stronger than I have in a long time and I've really learned to breathe, which was always one of my issues when running.

I warmed up for 4 minutes before I took the 1 minute plunge. I guess you can call it jogging more than running, but it was more than walking folks. Everyone has to start somewhere right?

To my amazement I didn't huff and puff the whole time. I didn't feel like collapsing in a pile of mush. I made it through the first minute and dialed it back to a brisk paced walk. I alternated between a brist walk, incline, and jog for 20 minutes.

It was a huge accomplishment for me. I felt great. And then I didn't. Saturday morning came and I was really stiff and sore. It didn't slow me down, but reminded me of what I did.

I took the rest of the weekend easy, minus my yoga and I recovered. Last night I tried again. I am still sore this morning but not as bad. I do have one question to those of you who do run regularly: Any advice on helping out the shins? They seem to be the only part of my body that struggles through my running intervals.

I'm gonna keep at this. It's gotta get better right?

Why hello there. Nice to see you all. First and foremost I want to thank everyone for the support this week. Thanks to everyone who have taken my survey. If you haven't I would love if you did. Plus you will be entered to win a $10 Starbucks gift card!

Today I am interested in finding out what keeps you coming back to a blog. Is it based solely on the content? Do you enjoy the style of writing? Maybe you just absolutely love the design?

I want to say I come back to a blog only for the content, but to be honest I have come back for the style of writing. For example humor. Sometimes I could not care one bit about the content but if the writer can keep me entertained just by their approach I'm hooked.

I also come back if there is a product linked to the blog that I enjoy. And by product, this could be a service they offer. Take Helene from Helene in Between for example. Her blog to me is one big service. She uses her space to help other bloggers succeed. I know going into her blog what to expect and leave with valuable and useful information.

I guess you could say I am very niche friendly. But speaking about a niche, do you think they really bring in more readers? If I blogged specifically about cats, do you think I'd succeed as a blogger?

That I'm not 100% sure about yet, but I've read a lot of "reports" about this. I enjoy being a lifestyle blog with a few specific topics rather than marrying myself to just cats.

What do you think? What keeps you coming back to a blog? Anything specific?

So this week marks the first week of my "test" for this blog. It will be pretty random but I have a lot of ideas that need to be tested before rolling them out in May. If you have no idea what I am talking about, please check out my post from Friday. It will make this less confusing :)

Today I wanted to host a quick poll to get a better understanding of all of you and add that to some of my research for my ideas. Every person who takes the poll will be entered into a drawing for a $10 Starbucks gift card. The poll will last the whole month of April to help capture a whole cycle on this blog.



Because this is a quick random poll, you will need to comment that you took the poll. This will be on the honor system as the poll does not ask for your information.

I appreciate you taking the time to take the poll and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Are there any fools in the house, cause it's April! Yes I know that's pretty corny, but it's Friday, it's a new month, and it's that much closer to summer. What's not to love? I want to do a quick update on March goals and then get into the more important exciting stuff.

In March I vouched to keep up my new fitness schedule, which I did with flying colors! I also said I would keep reading. Check. I read 2 books. I touched on hosting a get together, but that didn't happen. That's okay though because summer is coming and more opportunities will arise. I talked about revamping the blog.. that is still on the list and I will talk more about that in a few minutes.. Last but certainly not least I talked about getting more wedding planning done. This I also passed with flying colors. I have so much more done, I can't even believe it. A post about that coming soon..

So I have to say, I pretty much aced March. I kicked its butt! I feel like I gave myself some attainable goals and in the end it still feels great. So now let's move on to April. With keeping March light and not putting to much pressure on myself when it comes to this blog, I was able to make a decision on what I want to do moving forward.

In May this blog will be 2 years old. I have dabbled in so many ideas over that time. Some did well and others bombed. I had some pretty high points and a few pretty low points. I almost quit all together last summer. But here I am, a month away from my 2 year blogiversary and I am feeling more confident than ever with this space.

So I am giving myself one goal for April. It will pertain to this blog. (I will also continue to exercise and read, but I didn't feel like it needed to be a goal this month). I am going to do what I call a test run. What this means, is I am going to test out some of these new ideas. I am going to see what is working and what isn't. This also means this blog may be a hot mess over the course of April, but I promise it will lead to a more stable space come May.

I am going to clean up some of my pages and revamp a few of my images. I will be posting on different days inconsistently to see what days appeal to my readers best. One week I may post just once and another I may try for 7. I understand this sounds crazy, but it is research I need to make this space better. Pay attention, there may be a quiz at the end. ;)

So there you have it. My crazy plans and goal for April. I am hoping you have as much fun with it as I will. It's a risk, but as I learned this week, you can't move forward to the better things in life if you don't first learn to take some leaps and risk.. To change!

What is the biggest risk or craziest idea you implemented in your blog or professional life?

In a month this blog will be 2 years old. There have been good days and bad days. Days I wanted to close this blog down and never look back. Days I was super proud of what I've accomplished here. Days when I lost readers. Days when I gained readers. Days when my content wasn't clicking. Days when I nailed it withoit even trying.

This blog isn't just a place to write things down. It's a place for life. It goes through stuff. Sometimes it's popular and sometimes it's not. Sometimes it's pretty and sometimes it's not. Sometimes it's quiet and sometimes it's loud.

My blog is an extension of me, yet has it'sown personality all at the same time. Just as I have grown and evolved, so has the blog. Over the next month I plan to re-structure this space. My interests have changed, therefore I want to reflect that here with my writing. Passion is what keeps the writing interesting.

Expect to see some small changes and shifts in topics as the weeks go by. I have a few ideas I'd love to impliment to make this space inviting and keep you coming back. I want this to turn into a place where we can have a discussion where everyone feels safe to comment without judgement.

I look forward to sharing these ideas and this space with you.

Have a wonderful Monday.

It's been a good week ya'll. I was tired and my body needed rest but I still managed to make it a good week in othe ways. I know my body is tired because I am pushing it more than I have in a long time. Both physically and mentally. However, these are both in positive ways. Working on getting stronger in all aspects of my life.

So let me share with you some of these positive feel good things.

Last weekend R and I spent 16 hours in NYC. It was much less time than expected but our train got delayed and life happens. There was nothing we could do about it. Instead of being negative about it we embraced it. We met up with my cousin and her fiance and enjoyed the time we had.

On Tueaday I was RAKed (Random Acts of Kindness) a book on my Amazon wish list from a lovely lady in a reading group I belong to. The group is currently buzzing with these acts, so I of course returned the favor.

Wednesday I was able to spend time with a friend who I haven't seen since before the holidays. We enjoyed an evening of chicken wing dip, wine, and story telling. Don't judge, it was glorious. She also gave me the best Christmas gift ever; the Olivia Pope wine glasses from Scandal. AKA The Camille Collection red wine glasses from Crate and Barell. So much love for these.

Thursday was the last class in my first session of the yoga series I'm in. I am so excited for this and am looking forward to the next session. I was a little sad that my stomach was upset for most of the session but none the less it was a good class.

All I have to say is TGIF today. So tired!

Have a good one :)

Don't mind the random rambles this week. I have a lot to get out. What better place to share but with a few if my closest friends on the internet. #sorry not sorry.

Anywho, I think I've figured out the way to happiness. Yep I did it. Want to know what that secret is?

Let it go.

Yep it's true. Those books and therapists aren't kidding you when they tell you to do this. What they don't explain to you is that you need to be ready on your own terms to do it. You need to find your own journey to pursue.

I know I have mentioned this a lot lately, but since I started up a yoga practice again, I've been able to work through some of my issues in a way that soothes me and calms my mind.

I've started doing little things to help me stay balanced and on track. My temper has gradually cooled down and I don't feel set off as easily.

I'm compiling a list of what is working for me and hoping to share it with all of you soon. I hope you will find it helpful.

What do you do to keep yourself balanced? Have you been able to let it go?

You know those nights where you're so tired yet you can't sleep? Well I'm having on of those, except with writing. I have so much on my mind and don't know where to begin.  A fully loaded mind can be a dangerous mind as they say.

We all have our motivations or things that spark a good post. For me, I tend to get my best writing done when I'm angry. My real emotions seep up and I put passion into anything I am doing. My house also looks amazing after I've been angry. I clean like a mad woman to calm myself down.

Today I woke up in a fairly decent mood and quickly went south with a short conversation. I got angry; but a different kind of angry. It was the anger that has been held for a long time. Something I have been wanting to say. The passion in me flared.

Letting go of some of the prolonged anger really can turn a mood around. It can make the weight on your shoulders release. It can remind you that that fully loaded gun, we call our over thinking mind won't go off unexpectedly.

It may not always make everyone else around you feel the same, but at the end of the day, we must remember, we matter first.

Chew on that.

Happy Friday! I just dragged my butt up out of bed early and headed to the gym. I call that a win already for a Friday? Now can I go home?

Fat chance. Anywho this is just a quick "hello, how ya doing" kind of post. I don't have much to report today other than I am still sticking to my new workout plan and eating better. That alone is a huge accomplishment for me. The pants are starting to feel loose. High five to myself!

Also I just started a new book; A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. I am OBSESSED! It was a little slow moving at the beginning for my tastes but now that I kept at it, I'm very pleased. This is book 1 in a trilogy so I am really excited to read the other two books. Have you read it?

Lastly I am headed to NYC this weekend with R and meeting up with my cousin and her fiance. Should be a nice quick weekend getaway. The weather is going to be a little chillier than I had hoped but as of now Saturday is supposed to be 45 and sunny. I'll take it. It could totally be 0 and snowing.

Well that's about it for me. I hope you all have a great weekend! 

So wedding.. yeah.. let's talk about that today (Oh and the winner of my flash giveaway..). It's been awhile and as much as I want to say I have it all done and I just forgot to post, that would be a lie. I have seriously slacked over the past few months, and I wish I didn't. I have seriously kicked some butt in the past week at getting myself into a better place with planning, but I wish I didn't slack as much as I did.. See exhibit A:

On Saturday R and I met with our venue coordinator. We were there to set our menu, pick out the beverages (We are getting married at a winery so this is kind of important), and talk logistics. John, our coordinator and chef started asking us questions like:

"Who is your photographer?" Uhhhhhh

"Do you have a DJ?" Does my iPod count?

"Have you decided on a cake?" Well we have some appointments set up...

"What about flowers? Will you have them on the tables?" Oh shit flowers?! Forgot about those..

Welp John, let me just respond with, we are totally unprepared for this meeting, so uh yeah sorry?

Thankfully John was very understanding and told us we have nothing to worry about. Everything will work out. Right?

So, let's look at the things I have gotten done:

Wedding dress - Check!
Venue - Check!
Bridesmaid dresses - Check!
Photographer - Check! (This one JUST happened)
Save the dates - Check! (They even got mailed!)

So as far as the cake goes, we have 2 appointments set, so I am not very worried about that. Our new photographer has some calls in to a few DJs that he is familiar with so hopefully that works out. I am still very unsure on what I really want with flowers, but none the less I should probably make a few calls.

There is still plenty to do, but I feel a little better having all those bugger items crossed off my list. I have learned my lesson along the way in not procrastinating any further in this process or something may not work out in my favor.

Do you have any advice to keep the ball rolling for this wedding planning stuff? I'd love to know in the comments below!

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So yeah I did a quick flash giveaway.. Not as much response as I would have hoped but none the less..  I asked you which of my tax return wish list items I bought with my money.

There were only a couple of entries and MOST of you guessed right. I bought myself a new laptop! It was on like a super sale so I still saved a ton of money, which makes me happy. I am going to put the rest of my money towards my wedding. Yay to all of you for participating!

The winner is: Nicole M! Hopefully this $20 of your choice can go towards your new laptop as well!

Yay! We made it back to Daylight Savings Time! Did everyone survive losing that 1 hour of sleep last night? I promise, even though it is rough today, it is worth it to come home from work and still have a few hours of light everyday. Anywho, today I wanted to give you a quick weekly update.

I've been thinking a lot lately about what I want to do with my life currently. We all have those dreams. Some are more long term and some pop up at specific times in your life. For me the signs keep pointing to yes lately with one of my dreams.

On Tuesday I got my tax refund money so I decided to write a list of useful things to spend your return on. You might be surprised of things out there that you can spend your money on that won't feel like an impulse buy. I even surprised myself a little.

I have been keeping with my goal of working out 6 days a week. I went to the gym Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I went to my yoga class on Thursday. Saturday I walked 5 miles at the outdoor outlets, and today I am headed out for a hike. It makes me feel so much better about myself when I keep active.

On Thursday in my yoga class I had a revelation. We were learning about the Humble Warrior and how it reminds us about humility. I have been having a tough time with my feelings lately. This pose reminded me that I need to take a step back in tough situations in order to protect myself and clear my head. The class was amazing. I felt so full of life and energetic.

On Saturday R and I met with our wedding coordinator and chef at our venue. We set our menu and went over some logistics. And of course there was some wine. Okay maybe a lot of wine. Perks of getting married at a winery. I feel really good about all of our decisions. Our wedding is going to be a great time for all who attend.

We headed from the winery to the outlets where I really enjoy shopping end of season sales at amazing discounts. I left with 4 new sweaters and a pair of sneakers for under $60. Can't beat that at all.

Now let me get back to my list of things to spend your refund on. I sent out a tweet on Friday about a possible giveaway coming.. this is going to be a flash giveaway of sorts.. I ended up fulfilling one of these ideas on Wednesday. I purchased something for me...

Flash Giveaway Rules

It's that time of year again. You know the time where you either owe the IRS or you get back a nice refund? I know very little people who meet somewhere in the middle. I am one of those people who doesn't see the point in breaking even and God forbid I have to pay, so I always receive a refund.

Now with that being said, I normally am a saver. I put the money in the bank for a rainy day. With my past experiences in life and crazy stuff always coming up out of nowhere, this has always been very helpful. I have emergency money. Something a lot of people can't say they have.

Now taking that one step further, this also means I have never used the money to take that big vacation I see so many people take or buy that new 90 inch flat screen tv that always seems to make its way onto Facebook in that obligatory, "Look what we just bought" photo.

This year I think it's going to be a tad bit different. Not that I am going to go out and buy a 90 inch tv or take that large vacation, but this year has significance. This will be my last year of filing taxes as a single individual. I am going to get married in September, so next year will be a whole new ball game. Now with that being said, I have compiled a list of the top 10 things I would buy with my tax money if I ever let the fear of spending it go away... (These are individual ideas, I would not purchase all of this with my return, as I do not receive a large enough return to purchase all 10 items.. wah)

1. A new laptop. My current laptop is considered a dinosaur at this point. Not as old as one would think, but it has definitely slowed down over the years and doing normal day to do things can be a hassle.

2. A spring wardrobe. I feel like I never buy myself new clothes. Not because I don't like to buy new things, but I have the hardest time finding things I life in a price range I can afford. I like to leave a store with multiple items for under a certain amount of money. Using tax money might help me get over that a little bit.

3,  A year membership to a fancy gym in my neighborhood. This is a place I cannot afford to pay a monthly fee for currently, but if I could pay for the year up front this would be golden. I mean there is a pool guys..

4. A new bed. Now yes this would be shared with R, but it is something we have been talking about. My last new bed was a hand me down from someone else, and the bed we currently sleep in is over a decade old. It is time for a new bed.

5. Speaking of beds, I have always wanted a really nice sound machine for sleeping. I have a hard time sleeping most nights and R's snoring does not help. Having a nice soothing sound machine would do the trick, or so I hope..

6. A book shopping spree. Let's face it, books are expensive, but nothing pleases me more than browsing a book store. I could leave with more than I need and spend a fortune, but going in there knowing I can spend some money would be so blissful.

7. I would get my car detailed. It's been winter here in the north and my poor black car is pretty white from salt. My car already has a rust issue from its previous owner, so getting it cleaned inside and out professionally would be a great help.

8. Take a class. I am always up for learning something new. Now that Spring is in the air and I actually want to leave my house, taking a weekly class would be fun.

9. Put it towards something for the wedding. As much as I find this option lower on my list, I do know it would be helpful to use some of the money for an expense related to the wedding.

10. Maybe I will just put it back in the bank and hold on to it.. probably not the best idea but it still has crossed my mind just in case.

What do you plan to do with your tax money? Are you a saver like me or does the money burn a hole in your pocket as soon as you get it?

If you told me 5 years ago that I would sign up for a yoga series by myself and enjoy it, I probably would of laughed in your face. Number one, yoga is boring. Number two, who likes to do things alone? Well I completely overgrew that brat stage. In January 2015 I signed up for my first series of yoga classes. I did it for me and only me. It made sense that I had to sign up alone.

I finished the classes and felt a lot better about so much in my life. I felt lighter and my body didn't ache as much. It was glorious. But as life goes on, I made myself "busy", or so I told myself and yoga just became something I did once to help relieve stress. I took a few classes here and there with friends, but never really "practiced". I would look at my mat and sigh. I should be using it, but again I had no time.

Last fall I was at my wits end with stress. My job felt like it was killing me slowly and everything around me felt negative. I saw an ad for a 6 week beginners yoga class and felt like it was a sign. I wasn't a beginner per say, but I needed to go back to the basics. I needed some structure and this course looked like the place for me.

After signing up for the class an amazing job opportunity came my way. It was the opportunity I had been dreaming about it. I started my new job in November and started the first of 6 classes of yoga that Saturday. I felt like it was a sign.

I felt at home here. The space was warm and inviting and the instructor was amazing. I was sad when the class ended, but knew this time I could not let my practice become stagnant again.

I signed up for another course in January. An 8 week course of a 3 part series. 24 weeks in total when I complete them all. I just finished my 5th week and I am starting to see this as a passion of mine. Something I can see myself doing long term. Teaching.

Now the question in my heart is, do I pursue this?

I feel like I slept my weekend away. For the last 2 weeks I am slowly getting over some virus/bug that has been going around work. It kind of feels like the flu on speed. It moves very quick from one symptom to the next but it hits you hard. I have had some massive joint aches followed by a fever and nausea, and then some congestion and headache. I believe I am on the mend but I am just super tired today.

Let me do a quick recap of the last 2 weeks in blog posts and such because I feel like stuff was posted and things happened but I didn't have enough energy to talk about any of it....

On Monday, February 22nd I posted about some of my ambitions. I am sure this was put up before this flu thing hit me. I have felt like all my dreams and ambitions have gone out the door since feeling sick. Darn bug!

Thursday, February 25th I crawled myself to the computer to post about this AMAZING giveaway I am apart of that is still going on for another 4 days.. Bloggers this one is for you and it is a good one! If you haven't entered you are missing out!

On Friday I dragged my butt out of bed early and went to the gym with my friend. I thought maybe getting myself moving a bit would help me feel better.. It kind of did but no miracles yet.

On Saturday I had Panera Bread for the first time in years and it was super yummy. Not even 20 minutes after eating we were in PetSmart shopping for Grace and I had the most awkward burning feeling in my chest. Like hardcore pain. I couldn't handle the uneasiness of how it felt so I ended up in urgent care hooked up to an EKG machine. Turns out my heart is fine, but because I have been popping so much ibuprofen due to the aches from this bug, I have irritated my esophagus (or food pipe as the doctor kept calling it..).

I had to change my diet for a few days to a blander assortment to give my esophagus some time to heal. This meant no coffee.. wah! On Sunday my parents visited and met Grace for the first time. They fell in love as I knew they would.

Monday the 29th came around (Figures.. we get another Monday for leap year.. lol) and I still wasn't feeling up to par but I still dragged myself to the gym. 

By Wednesday I FINALLY got a post up. Because I am 6 months away from my wedding I felt it was time to get a fitness plan in action. I posted my plan, hoping it would motivate me. And oldy but a goody.

I met my goal to do some form of exercise all week and Friday I even got up my March goals.

I  have learned so much about being patient with my body over the past few weeks. I reminded myself that sometimes I need to let it rest and put all of the stuff aside that isn't urgent. I don't like to neglect this blog and I feel like I did for a big, but I also worked on me and that feels good.

I hope you all had a great couple of weeks and a nice weekend. I am hoping to make it out to a local museum today that is hosting a free family day. I have never been so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I will feel good enough to go.

See ya tomorrow!

Oh hey March, where'd you come from so quickly? Well since you're here and all I might as well set some goals. But first, let's see how I did with my February goals....

• Plan more: Well I didn't do as well as I had hoped, but February didn't have so many plan-able things. It was busy, but day by day busy, not event by event busy..

• Be the best cat mom I can be: This one is easy. Grace is pretty easy to please and although she is getting more and more comfortable and getting into more things, she is still pretty great to have around. Expect an update on Grace soon!

• Find things to be grateful for daily: This is something I am doing and winning at. I enjoy writing about all of the things I am grateful for. I am keeping multiple journals now. More on that soon in an upcoming blog post!

• Maybe, just maybe get back into wedding  planning: I actually started working my butt off on wedding planning. I am about 6 months away and have slacked off BIG time! I'm hoping to get my act together and get it all done pronto. 

So not to bad in February. I don't see it as a big fail. Just learning experiences. Now onto March:

• Keep my fitness routine. I did so good this week. I followed my new routine and I feel so great because of it.  Now that I got myself through 1 week I want to challenge myself to keep it up. Wish me luck!

• Keep reading: I am not going to put a number because then it isn't fun anymore. I need to keep my mind exercised and I will do that 1 book at a time. 

• Host a party/get together: I love having people over. I always have ideas and then I don't do them. I just had a coloring and wine party last Friday and it was great. Reminded me that I can host successful events and enjoy them all at the same time. 

• Revamp the blog: I want to update a few things. Refresh it up a little. I have a few ideas but don't want to promise to much yet. It's in the works and I'm hoping it happens in March. 

• Wedding planning: I want to continue to move forward in my planning. It won't plan itself right? 

So there you have it. My once again simple and realistic goals. What's your March looking like?
 

A few years ago I had a pretty solid workout schedule in place.  It worked for me and I was in shape. I felt good and was happy. Just like anything else though, curiosity got the best of me and I had to try something new. When that something else didn't work I'd move on to the next thing.

Here I am today out of shape and annoyed at myself. I wonder to myself why I ever stopped doing what worked for me. I have to remind myself that what works for one person, won't always work for the next person.

This week I have implemented my old plan with some new things. The new things are yoga sequences that are helping me with some of my tight spots I've encountered. I'm going to see if this routine still works for me. I am 2 days in and I'm already starting to feel better.

I wanted to share with you what I am doing in hopes that maybe my little routine may help one of you.

Monday: Gym- 1 Hour (10 minute increments alternating between cardio and weights/machines)

Tuesday: Home exercise. Stretches and heart rate raisers like mountain climbers and jumping jacks for 30 minutes.

Wednesday: Gym- 1 Hour (10 minute increments alternating between cardio and weights/machines)

Thursday: 1.5 Hour Yoga class (A series I've committed 8 weeks to)

Friday: Gym- 1 Hour (10 minute increments alternating between cardio and weights/machines)

Saturday: Various activities. They could include hiking, walking, house cleaning, and new activities I've wanted to try.

Sunday: Rest day.

What does your workout schedule look like?

Happy Thursday! Today I am teaming up with some amazing bloggers to bring you an AH-MAZ-ING giveaway! I mean it's just so good! Get moving so you can get in on the winnings. You gotta be in it to win it right?
 

Social media is an integral part of any blog's growth. Without social media, it is very unlikely that you will grow at all, because who will even know about your blog? My friends and I have decided to help you out with your social media success. We are going to provide you with the tools that you need to succeed on every social media platform! That's why we've come together to offer you some great prizes.
 
First, an Apple iPad Mini 4 (in GOLD, of course), so that you can work and post on social media from anywhere you are. While sitting on your couch watching TV, while waiting in line at the post office, even while sitting by the pool! Having it all in one handy place will help you manage everything. Second, access to Helene in Between's Instagram for Success e-course! For those of you unfamiliar with Helene, suffice it to say that she is the social media master you've always wanted to learn from. And now is your chance! Thirdly (and lastly), a one-year subscription to Board Booster, which is basically the best tool ever for growing your Pinterest account.

Can you imagine the butt-kicking you'll do on social media with these prizes? So enter now and good luck!

Giveaway details:

1. Although we're saving you time by not requiring you to give us your username at each entry, your entries will be verified before you can qualify to win! So be sure to give us your info in the "free entry".
2. Board Booster subscription will come in the form of $60 cash, which will pay for 500 pin level for one year.
3. Open to all entrants, including international. International winner will be given cash instead of iPad due to shipping.
4. Total value of prize approximately $600.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Some people dream in color.. lately I've been dreaming in ambition. If I could make all my ambitious dreams come true, this is what my 2016 would look like:

1. Become a part-time blogger that is bringing in supplemental income. This income would go towards my $10,000 wedding  budget. 
2. Attend a Wanderlust Festival and be able to go for the whole festival. As of right now I am working on attending a day or 2 but can't seem to swing a full festival. 
3. Travel across the USA via train. I've always wanted to take in all of the beautiful scenery this country has to offer, and what better way than via train?
4. Start a subscription box. I have a fabulous idea, just not confident enough in myself yet to start working on it. Maybe I'll find that spark somewhere soon...
5. Start a movement to kill mental illness stigma. I know this isn't new, but I feel like everyday I am seeing a story from someone I know struggling with it. We need to take a stand and get all of the hurting souls some help. Who's with me?

In a perfect would this would be my year. Just as everyone else has road blocks, I know I will run into some. Hoping to get as close as possible to reaching these ambitious dreams this year. If not.. there's always 2017 right?

What are your ambitious dreams?

Sunday already? I can't believe how quickly this year is already zooming by. This coming week is the last full week of February and then we all start looking forward to Spring. I shouldn't be complaining to much as this winter has not been all that bad. How was your winter?

So let's see what you missed this past week:

I wrote about going back to your roots and doing things for you: Find the You, You're Meant to Be

This week was Random Acts of Kindness week and I sent a reminder to love yourself and do nice things for yourself as well.

I ended the week with some silly thoughts that were on my mind while brushing my teeth.

I'm still working out what I want to share with you all this coming week. So many thoughts buzzing on my mind. So many things from upcoming travel, live with a kitten, to catching up on The Bachelor.

How did you week go?

I got up this morning to a beautiful sunrise as Grace raced across the bed making sure we were up. It's Friday and it feels like it came at the perfect moment. I got up to start my day and had the most random thoughts while brushing my teeth. I thought it would be fun to share on this fun Friday morning.


"Ahh it's cold. Why does it have to be February?"

"Which toothpaste should I use? The coal treatment or the minty fresh? Wait I did coal last night..."

"Grace get out of the sink!"

"I wonder when the first episode of Gilmore Girls will debut?"

"Grace! Out of the sink!"

"Is it May yet?"

"If I have to hear one more thing about Kanye I may lose my mind!"

"GRACE! Get out of the sink!"

"This toothpaste tastes funny."

"It is Friday right?"

Have a great Friday all!

Do you often find yourself doing something because someone else is doing it? Does it feel fulfilling to you? I often find myself doing these things and wondering why I thought it was for me. I mean we all have our moments when we have to jump on the bandwagon for one reason of another. Maybe it will bring us more attention. Maybe we think it will fix something in our lives. Maybe it is just as simple as "well, so and so is doing it and she seems to like it so I am going to do it too".



I can see this pattern in myself just by looking at my past blog posts. When I first starting blogging I did it for me. I had a purpose to start. I had never really read a blog in my life. Not one I followed regularly at least. I started my blog as a way to showcase something I had interest in. It was the right reason to start a blog in my eyes.

As time went on I could see the changes I had made. They stuck out like a sore thumb. I had jumped on one trend or another to stay in the game. I made the decision that I wanted to be popular. I wanted thousands and thousands of people to read my blog daily.

In reality when I started doing what everyone else was doing, my blog didn't do as well. I didn't see the numbers as I had when I was writing with my purpose. I didn't see many comments. The traffic was slowing dramatically. This was not what I had envisioned when I decided to up my game.

But was I really upping my game? Why didn't I feel empowered? I thought I was writing what everyone wanted to read. Then it hit me. I had focused on what everyone else was doing that I was not putting any  heart or purpose into what I was writing. I didn't find much enthusiasm in my writing anymore. I was even bored reading some of my posts.

When I look back at 2015, it was when I really started making some of these changes. I also recognize 2015 as a shitty year as a whole at the moment. I realize now that there was a lot of transition going on in my life. A lot of change. It makes things rough. They always say hindsight is 20/20 right? I can see it all clearly now.

I have decided I need to make changes again. But this time the changes are to fit more comfortably in my life currently. I want to be able to find the me I am meant to be rather than continue to look back at the person I was 5 years ago or even 10 years ago. We need to all learn to live in the present and make things better moving forward, rather than continuing to look back.

Be a better person. Be a better blogger. Find the you. you want to be.

Happy Friday all! Welcome back to another edition of Feel Good Friday. This is a space where I will share articles, blog posts, pictures, and anything else that can be inspiring, feel good, or just down right cute. Last week I mentioned this was a new series for me and I wasn't sure where it was going to lead me. I have found myself drawn to positive, uplifting content on the internet, and I wanted to share for all of you who need a little positive in your lives. This week is a theme of Valentine's day and love:



I have been squealing like a little girl over the fact that the Gilmore Girls revival is officially coming to Netflix. So much feel good vibes coming in this week with all of the announcements of returning characters! Anyone else excited? (Okay this isn't Valentine's related per say.. but for so many fans, this show is like the loves of their lives, so this is such a great Valentine's gift)

I love this article by Like a Boss Girl: Be Your Own Valentine: 5 Ways to Show Self Love. It is so important to find time for yourself and be truly in love with everything you are. It is a really hard journey sometimes to get there, but just like everything else in life, the more you work at it, the easier it becomes!

I always love when I come across a cartoon or something that mimics the relationship I have with R. This article of cartoons sure sums us up: 12 Reasons Why I Love Him.

I love that this blind little girl made braille Valentine's Day cards! It is so sweet and such a cute idea.

There are so many great feel good things out there on the internet if you look for them. I could of posted thousands of things in this spot today, but these are the ones that touched me the most!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

(Credit)

Grace Approves!

*This is not a sponsored post. I just love the organization! <3

Ahh Valentine's Day.. you either love it or hate, are into it, or not. For me Valentine's Day has a different feel. I don't feel like you need a day to tell your loved ones you love them. Some people buy chocolates and candy which is nice, but they don't last. If you're in a meaningful relationship and you're happy and in love, keep that and fill it with special moments.

Is there something you've wanted to do with your significant other, but have been putting it off? Maybe you do want to go out to eat and there's that restaurant that means a lot to you. Or maybe there is that activity you have been meaning to try, but just haven't made the time. Valentine's Day would be an excellent time to make the time for these things.


Life gets busy. We all put things off. Unfortunately one of the parts of our lives that seem to get neglected is our relationships. Use this Valentine's day to rectify that. Spend a day doing new things and making memories. Do the things together that make you both happy. If you can't think of something, don't worry, I have some ideas for you.

The weather has been pretty warm this year here in the north, but that's not going to stop me from recommending ice skating. Whether you can find a place to do it outside or have to go to an indoor rink, ice skating is pretty romantic and can bring back childhood memories. A very playful date.

Go to lunch. Pick out that fancy place you have been meaning to try. Lunch will be cheaper, have less crowds, and you can still dress up with your sweetie. After lunch you can head home to your sweat pants and Netflix and call it a night. Romantic right?

Take a hike together. Nothing brings 2 people together like a nature walk. Especially if it's cold you will have plenty of opportunities to snuggle with your sweetheart.

Head to a karaoke house and rent a private room. You and your love can belt out songs to each other. Nothing is more romantic than that right? Or you can invite a few couples out and make it a fun date night with a group. The ideas are endless!

Volunteer with your significant other. Nothing makes a person feel as great as when they are helping someone else out. A good option would be volunteering at your local animal shelter. You can snuggle cute kitties and puppies. Who knows, maybe you will meet another love of your life and take a new furball home!

So what do you think? Will you create some new memories with your sweetheart this Valentine's Day? You still have time to plan! Sunday isn't that close right?

I'm not sure if you noticed, but I am trying to lead my life with a better attitude. I am working on being grateful for the things around me, and working on making my mind and body healthier. I decided the one thing that makes me happy is engaging in feel good activity. I am going to start posting some of the things that bring a positive message to me. Feel good material per say. They may be magazine articles, blog posts, or inspirational photos.


I am feeling great after a really positive yoga session this week, as well as some good reading. I posted a few of my favorite articles and posts from the week. I hope you get something out of them like I did!

I would love for you to add to the feel good vibe here, so maybe in time I will offer a link up if this is something that works out.. taking risks here.. It makes me feel good... Here we go..

I really love Ember Grey's 12 Months of Bliss: Sharing Kindness over Negativity prompt for February. If we could all take as step back and be kind to one another, we would live in a happier, healthier world.

I found an article on Wanderlust called The Power of Saying No. As a society we feel guilty when we say no. Letting down people in our lives makes us feel bad, however the more we agree to things we don't always have time for the more we wear ourselves down.

One of the most humbling things I saw this week: People wrote down their biggest fears for all of New York to see. Such a brave thing to do!

And of course the cutest thing I saw which is apparently pretty old is shelter cats being mingled with a yoga class. This is near and dear to my hear as I work in a shelter and I really enjoy yoga. Think I should get Grace involved in this one?

Last year I started setting myself goals that related to a theme every month. My happiness project per say. One of the things I learned was putting to many goals into effect doesn't help. It stressed me out and burned me out. I'm taking a new appoach this year.

January's goal was to educate myself on the goals I wanted to set for the year and I think I accomplished that pretty well. February is a month of love so I want to focus my theme on all things love which includes self love folks. So onto February goals..

• My new planner has arrived. One of my goals this year is to be a better planner. February is already looking like a busy month so I am going to set planning and organizing my month as a goal. 

Short and sweet goals for the month. I figure they are something I can achieve and to me accomplished goals are better than stressed out goals. What are you planning this month?

When your child is sick, the days seem to take a toll on you. Grace (yes my kitty is my kid) had a seroma form around her spay incision that doubled in size between Thursday and Friday. I got super nervous that something was wrong that I asked a vet tech from work for some advice.


One of the fabulous shelter vets was able to see Grace on Saturday morning. She wasn't in any immediate pain or distress but I felt better having it looked at. She was calm the whole way and even came out of her carrier on her own.

Let's just say the second someone touched her belly she was not a happy camper. She became very agitated and her natural survival skills kicked into overdrive. Very upset girl.

The doctor decided to do an ultrasound to rule out a hernia. She was not a fan of that at all. The next step was to decide what to do. It was very unclear if she was herniating so the next step was to aspirate the lump. I stepped out of the room for that part.

Good news was the lump was full of fluid. Bad news is she would need to restrict her activity and stay away from the wound. Enter kitty sweater. Grace rocked a purple camo sweater to keep her away from her incision.

She got home and slept for hours before getting up a bit to eat and play. She seemed to be doing okay. Enter Sunday morning and Grace refused to get out of bed or eat. She stayed up in my bed until close to noon before making it down to the litter box.

It was slow moving from there. She didn't want to eat or drink. I was stressed.  I talked to the vet and they said it was pretty normal but to keep an eye on her. By late afternoon she seemed more like herself but was still moving slow. I fed her some of her favorite treats and left it at that.

She "killed" her bird

I am happy to report that this morning she is back to her old crazy self. Lots of purrs and snuggles in between hunting her toy bird. She's a real treat.

How was your weekend?