Thursday, January 14, 2016
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Abruption
Looking for a little romance to spice up your e-reads library (or bookshelf)? I just happened to finish Abruption, by Riley Mackenzie. This is the third book by these authors (yes, there are two!). This book is not part of their debut series, Beautifully Awake, it stands alone. However, like true Riley Mackenzie form, this book will grab at your heartstrings, keep you on your toes, make you blush, and leave you with hope.
This book also made me LOL from time to time as well. I have the privilege of knowing one of the two authors (my future sister-in-law!!!) and I can totally recognize her voice throughout not only this book, but all three. I would love to share more about this book, but I don't want to give anything away!
So get yourself a copy and I will revisit this book again next month!!!
Amazon US ➤http://amzn.to/1VCtYFK
Amazon UK ➤http://amzn.to/22HmW7B
Barnes&Noble➤ http://bit.ly/1n3Tmsq
iBooks ➤http://apple.co/1MNVmuS
Kobo ➤http://bit.ly/1R5Zvks
Amazon US ➤http://amzn.to/1VCtYFK
Amazon UK ➤http://amzn.to/22HmW7B
Barnes&Noble➤ http://bit.ly/1n3Tmsq
iBooks ➤http://apple.co/1MNVmuS
Kobo ➤http://bit.ly/1R5Zvks
Enjoy Life Now
Recent research has shown that 56% of Americans have not taken a vacation in the past 12 months. Perhaps a reason stronger than money, is the need to keep one's job. Americans have been trending the non-vacation time for decades now and it continues to worsen.
When I was in France two summers ago, I found Paris to be rather... quiet. Come to find out, August is a time when many Parisians take a vacation. This happens all throughout Europe! They take weeks off and not only that, they are expected too!
As a teacher, I am very fortunate to have 2 months off over the summer. Even though that means that I am a stay-at-home mom for those 2 months, the time away from my job does wonders. Visiting my family in Western New York and taking a break from the fast paced life in NYC does wonders too! If I am lucky enough to actually go away... well, then that makes it all the better! By the time September comes and school begins, I am ready! I am refreshed and honestly, ready and excited to start a new year! It is too bad that most people don't get to experience that rejuvenation.
If you have the opportunity to take a vacation (even a stay-cation) of any sort, do it! It will be worth it to you in so many ways!!!
(Information found at http://www.pri.org/stories/2015-08-19/even-fewer-americans-are-taking-vacation.)
Monday, January 11, 2016
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Why You Should Travel More
I haven't done a great deal of traveling in my life until more recently. What held me back more than money, more than spending vacation time moving and then going back to visit family, was I wasn't setting realistic opportunities to travel. I wanted to go abroad, Europe in particular, and I was so focused on doing that and I didn't even stop to think about the beauty and wonder right in my own backyard. The United States is such a beautiful, rich, and diverse country. It is so vast and there is so much to see.
Once I set more realistic opportunities for my self I found that in two years I had traveled to all four corners of the United States (Maine, Florida, Washington, and California). I was even lucky enough to visit some others in between. They were all beautiful in completely different ways. Once I started to travel more, I got a taste for all that it offered. It became a priority to see more the world. I now spend less money on materialistic things, manage my vacation time differently, and take advantage of opportunities when I can. As a result, I have been to Europe twice in the past two years!
Everyone has their own stories for where and why they travel or why they don't. I think everyone should, even if it is just for a two-hour one-night getaway. A change of scene can do wonders. I thought that this article made some great points in showing the benefits for traveling.
5 Reasons You Should Travel More by Michelle Phan
1. It gives you perspective.
2. It reduces stress.
3. It increases your knowledge.
4. It helps your physical health.
5. It makes us more social beings.
To read this article in it's entirety, please click here.
Where are some places that you have visited? Please share your experiences, photos, etc. :)
Once I set more realistic opportunities for my self I found that in two years I had traveled to all four corners of the United States (Maine, Florida, Washington, and California). I was even lucky enough to visit some others in between. They were all beautiful in completely different ways. Once I started to travel more, I got a taste for all that it offered. It became a priority to see more the world. I now spend less money on materialistic things, manage my vacation time differently, and take advantage of opportunities when I can. As a result, I have been to Europe twice in the past two years!
Everyone has their own stories for where and why they travel or why they don't. I think everyone should, even if it is just for a two-hour one-night getaway. A change of scene can do wonders. I thought that this article made some great points in showing the benefits for traveling.
5 Reasons You Should Travel More by Michelle Phan
1. It gives you perspective.
2. It reduces stress.
3. It increases your knowledge.
4. It helps your physical health.
5. It makes us more social beings.
To read this article in it's entirety, please click here.
Where are some places that you have visited? Please share your experiences, photos, etc. :)
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| The Fjords in Norway... A majestic and breathtaking view. |
Saturday, January 9, 2016
Aging Gracefully
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I suggest reading the whole article (by Yagana Shah) here. But here is the low down...
1. They workout to get strong, not skinny.
Sounds like my last 6 posts! I'm trying!
2. They stress less.
Overall, I'm a pretty chill person.
3. They've let go of regrets and grudges.
I can't say that I have any regrets. I have a few grudges I need to get over, but I have also let many people in my life go because of their negativity.
4. They learn something new each day.
I don't know about everyday, but I certainly do try!
5. They don't overdo it with the makeup.
Does wearing makeup made with natural ingredients count!?! I wear makeup everyday. But I
don't go overboard and overdo it.
6. They stay positive.
I try... This blog is as much about keeping myself positive and it is spreading to others.
7. They get enough sleep.
I go to bed too late. This is one of my weak ones.
8. They embrace their changing looks.
I have been in denial for a while about this one. I am trying to work through this one, hoping that
working out and using my chemical-free Lemongrass Spa (of course I make a shout out!) skin products will help prolong my youthful appearance.
9. They eat and drink to their health.
Does that mean with a glass of bubbly? LOL... I do try and eat healthy, but I also indulge as well. I am working on finding that happy and healthy balance.
Sooooooooo... how do you fair up to this? 7, 8, & 9 are my top areas that I need to improve in to help make my aging process for graceful so hopefully I can nip this mid-life crisis in the bud, ASAP.
**Sorry about the rough formatting here. Tried to fix it a few times and nuthin'. ;(
Friday, January 8, 2016
Thursday, January 7, 2016
The Best Version of... YOU!
I very much appreciate the the point that I believe the fitness world is trying to make today, and that is being fit is what's in... not skinny, not fat, and definitely not the number on your scale. It's all about having a healthy body and mind.
I stopped comparing my body to other's a loooong time ago. It didn't help. I have been thin my whole life, but I also grew up feeling like a little girl and even a boy at times (don't read into that one, lol). I wasn't curvy. Clothes weren't flattering on me. I wasn't sexy at all. All of those negative thoughts probably kept the boys away more so than all that I thought I was lacking in my physique.
It took me about 35 years to develop a (somewhat) curvy-petite shape. That did require me to put on a few extra pounds, which I gladly traded! However, I do think that I have traded a bit too much. It's not about what I look like next to others. It's not the number on the scale. It's just that I have passed my zone of comfort. It's time to trade back some of those curves for a healthier, fitter me. The Amy that I had known before, but better. Why? Well, not because I need to make something up to fit this quote, but because even if I tone up and shed a few pounds, I still have some curves. I won't go back to my little girl body. Cheers to being a woman!
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
For the Love...
I really love this one. Don't put your body or yourself down with negativity. Workout because you love yourself and you want to be healthier. Eat clean because you love yourself and you want to be healthier. Empower your mind with positive thoughts because only you can make the choices that will make you a healthier and happier person. When you have accomplished that, you will look in the mirror and see that your true beauty which far outweighs any number on the scale.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Monday, January 4, 2016
110 Days
One hundred ten is the number of days until my spring break where I will be going on a family vacation to Florida! But forget the family, forget Mickey, let's just focus on the sun and the sand. Glorious!!! :) After that initial sigh of happiness though, my mind can't help but to focus on that four letter word that soaks in all of the glory of the beach, and that is the body. Right now, my body is not ready for the beach. Right now, my body is not where I would like for it to be in my day to day life. However, I know that if I am willing to put in the effort, the results will follow.
One hundred ten is the number of days that I have to reach my first goal. More so than rocking a beach body in April, I want to look slammin' at my wedding! (LOL) However, October is too far away for me to set workout goals. I know that I will tell myself that I have lots of time and put things off and I won't be where I want to be. So, my focus right now is to get to a place where I will be happy and proud of walking around in a bikini (as a 37 year old) in April. Along the way, I am going to start to look and feel better in my day to day life and that is where the true reward will be and I am looking forward to it. However, I have no problem setting a middle goal between April and October and rewarding myself with perhaps a bachelorette getaway this summer if need be! ;)
One hundred ten is the number of days that I have to do 111 workouts! :0 I am a fan of the Beachbody Workout Programs. I have decided to start off (today!) with P90X3. That is a 90 day program which will take me into April when I will then begin The 21 Day Fitness Extreme Program. I love the 21DFX program, it is my favorite and it will shred and get me really ready for the beach, so that is why I am saving it for last.
So here it is, my January schedule of workouts...
I am a list person and more than loving the list itself is the ability to cross something off of it. It's such a great feeling, even if it may be a small accomplishment. My realistic goal is to get 5 workouts in a week. There may be days when I have time and will double-up, but if I can consistently get 5 workouts in over the next 17 weeks, I will be ready for the sun, sand, and all the fun to be had in Florida!
One hundred ten is the number of days that I have to reach my first goal. More so than rocking a beach body in April, I want to look slammin' at my wedding! (LOL) However, October is too far away for me to set workout goals. I know that I will tell myself that I have lots of time and put things off and I won't be where I want to be. So, my focus right now is to get to a place where I will be happy and proud of walking around in a bikini (as a 37 year old) in April. Along the way, I am going to start to look and feel better in my day to day life and that is where the true reward will be and I am looking forward to it. However, I have no problem setting a middle goal between April and October and rewarding myself with perhaps a bachelorette getaway this summer if need be! ;)
One hundred ten is the number of days that I have to do 111 workouts! :0 I am a fan of the Beachbody Workout Programs. I have decided to start off (today!) with P90X3. That is a 90 day program which will take me into April when I will then begin The 21 Day Fitness Extreme Program. I love the 21DFX program, it is my favorite and it will shred and get me really ready for the beach, so that is why I am saving it for last.
So here it is, my January schedule of workouts...
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| Yay... 1 down!!! |
Who else has fitness goals that they are working on?
BTW, if anyone is interested in the Beachbody programs and are looking for more information or even a coach, I just happen to know a few. Check out these awesome ladies...
These ladies can help you choose a workout that is just right for you and also have tons of recipes and healthy eating tips.
Make it Happen!
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| You are in charge of your own happiness, your own perspective, your own life. |
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| Life itself is a process and you will hit some bumps along the road. But don't give up and don't forget to stop and enjoy the view along the way. Even storms possess some beauty. |
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Starting at Home
Just in case anyone has decided to ring in the new year with some organization goals (or The Happiness Project) I found this handy tool, a schedule to help you keep your home neat and tidy. There are many areas in life where you may need to organize, but the home should definitely be one of the them. (Read "A Clutter Cleanse" my post on Fung Shui in the home).
For me, being domestic does not come easily for me. I hate clutter and a messy house does bother me. But I am terrible about keeping up with things. So I think that I am going to give this chart a go and see what happens. I work best when I have a to-do list to guide me. I also like the idea of just focusing and tackling a little bit each day (although I seem to be good at letting it build up to the point where I have alot to do all at once).
Let me know if anyone uses this or if you have another list of chores that you life to follow!
For me, being domestic does not come easily for me. I hate clutter and a messy house does bother me. But I am terrible about keeping up with things. So I think that I am going to give this chart a go and see what happens. I work best when I have a to-do list to guide me. I also like the idea of just focusing and tackling a little bit each day (although I seem to be good at letting it build up to the point where I have alot to do all at once).
Let me know if anyone uses this or if you have another list of chores that you life to follow!
Happy People
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| Very true! |
Saturday, January 2, 2016
Organization = Happiness!?!
The following is actually a cut and paste from a post that I made this past May. My New Year's post from yesterday reminded me of it and it seemed to fit rather well, so I decided to share it once again.
In case you are not familiar with this book, it is broken up into 12 different tasks, one for each month. Each of these tasks are what the author, Gretchen Rubin, researched and practiced herself in her quest to live a happier life.
The first task is... organization! As I have stated previously, or in this case, below, I have attempted this project 3 times but never completed all 12 months. I did however always start with the first and completed it each time. It is amazing what a little decluttering and an little organization can do for the mind and the spirit. As I sit here looking at all of Christmas decorations and unpacking that I have not yet finished from holiday visits, I am inspired and determined to tackle organization, atleast for today, lol. And I know that it will make me feel happier.
Living a Happy Life... May 3, 2015
Has anyone heard of or read The Happiness Project? It came out about 6 years ago and it's a book/guide that focuses on a different topic each month for a whole year. These topics are meant to help you polish up your life and make you more appreciative for what you have and to improve upon the areas that are lacking or bothersome so that they no longer influence you in a way that takes away from what is important and what essentially makes you happy.
I have attempted The Happiness Project three times over the past few years. Shamefully, I have never finished. The closest I got was to get to month six. I am not sure why I was never able to finish. It's actually a really good book, with lots of great ideas. What I did accomplish, did make me feel... happy! I wasn't planning on it, but now that I have written what I have so far on this post, it is making me think that perhaps I should attempt this project one more time. Fourth time is a charm!?!?!?! ;)
The reason why I wanted to dedicate this post to The Happiness Project is because one of the things that the author, Gretchen Rubin, did in the beginning of her book was to create a list of 12 "commandments." I really liked the idea of creating a list of thoughts that I truly believe. I also like the idea of sharing those thoughts out loud, whether verbally or in written form. It is then that they become alive. Below is my list of 12. I made this list over three years ago and to this day, I have not changed one. I love my list. It's me. And when I am able to truly follow them, I am... happy!
So here it is, my list...
1. Trust your gut.
2. Surround yourself with good people.
3. Let go.
4. Smile.
5. Live in and enjoy the moment.
6. You are stronger than you think you are.
7. Find beauty in the small.
8. Hold your head high, with confidence and grace.
9. There are always two sides.
10. Share your thoughts with tact and dignity.
11. Just be.
12. If you always choose the rational, you may miss out on the extraordinary.
I challenge you to create your own list. I'd love for you to share at least one of your own personal words of how you live in a way that makes you feel happy.
In case you are not familiar with this book, it is broken up into 12 different tasks, one for each month. Each of these tasks are what the author, Gretchen Rubin, researched and practiced herself in her quest to live a happier life.
The first task is... organization! As I have stated previously, or in this case, below, I have attempted this project 3 times but never completed all 12 months. I did however always start with the first and completed it each time. It is amazing what a little decluttering and an little organization can do for the mind and the spirit. As I sit here looking at all of Christmas decorations and unpacking that I have not yet finished from holiday visits, I am inspired and determined to tackle organization, atleast for today, lol. And I know that it will make me feel happier.
Living a Happy Life... May 3, 2015
Has anyone heard of or read The Happiness Project? It came out about 6 years ago and it's a book/guide that focuses on a different topic each month for a whole year. These topics are meant to help you polish up your life and make you more appreciative for what you have and to improve upon the areas that are lacking or bothersome so that they no longer influence you in a way that takes away from what is important and what essentially makes you happy.I have attempted The Happiness Project three times over the past few years. Shamefully, I have never finished. The closest I got was to get to month six. I am not sure why I was never able to finish. It's actually a really good book, with lots of great ideas. What I did accomplish, did make me feel... happy! I wasn't planning on it, but now that I have written what I have so far on this post, it is making me think that perhaps I should attempt this project one more time. Fourth time is a charm!?!?!?! ;)
The reason why I wanted to dedicate this post to The Happiness Project is because one of the things that the author, Gretchen Rubin, did in the beginning of her book was to create a list of 12 "commandments." I really liked the idea of creating a list of thoughts that I truly believe. I also like the idea of sharing those thoughts out loud, whether verbally or in written form. It is then that they become alive. Below is my list of 12. I made this list over three years ago and to this day, I have not changed one. I love my list. It's me. And when I am able to truly follow them, I am... happy!
So here it is, my list...
1. Trust your gut.
2. Surround yourself with good people.
3. Let go.
4. Smile.
5. Live in and enjoy the moment.
6. You are stronger than you think you are.
7. Find beauty in the small.
8. Hold your head high, with confidence and grace.
9. There are always two sides.
10. Share your thoughts with tact and dignity.
11. Just be.
12. If you always choose the rational, you may miss out on the extraordinary.
I challenge you to create your own list. I'd love for you to share at least one of your own personal words of how you live in a way that makes you feel happy.
Friday, January 1, 2016
Happy 2016!
New Year's Day... a new year, a fresh page, and day one for those infamous resolutions. Whether you call them resolutions or goals, frankly I don't see the real difference, chances are you are not going to achieve them. Woah... how's that for positivity? I've stopped making resolutions some time ago because I too fell with the majority and didn't quite conquer what I had set myself up for in the early days of the new year.
Instead, let's make this a HAPPY new year by making a list of things that make you happy. Then each day you can work towards something that will enhance your happiness (with a potentially instant gratification). That sounds so much better than the drudgery of having to do something because you made an official resolution to do so. Another perk too is that if you are listing what makes you happy in life, you are reminded of it and hopefully of your blessings as well.
What you may also find, is that if you truly list what makes you happiest, you may be able to knock off some of those resolutions or goals that you would have otherwise made. So I have listed what makes me happy and beneath each one, I have listed what I can do to appreciate it more, or make myself or the happiness itself even better.
1. Ewan
-Take deep breaths when doing homework with him to enjoy that one and one time with him rather than becoming frustrated.
-Pay more attention when he talks (boy does he talk ALOT) because it may not always be this way.
-Laugh and be silly with him as much as possible!
2. John
-Continue to have fun and laugh
-Make sure he feels loved and appreciated every day
3. Family
-Talk to them more, like actual telephone conversations
-Take the opportunities that I have to spend with them and spend it with them
4. Friends
-Talk or text more
-Go out more often, even on double-dates
5. Looking Good and Feeling Good
-Trade out some old outfits for some new ones
-Keep wearing those heels
-Follow the P90X3 program January-March
-Floss daily
-Drink more water
-Choose healthier snacks
6. Being Me
-Plan a wedding that is organic and true to who John and I are
-Write
-Continue with Lemongrass Spa in whatever degree I care to
-Raise money for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
-Try something new
Although my bullets may sound like resolutions or goals, I am not binding myself to them. There is no failure to be had. However, I am all about self-improvement and continuous growth. So as I was typing them, I was already imagining myself doing them and the gratification that was had in doing so. They are all things that I am capable of, some I already do on a regular basis (woo hoo, already a victory there!) but all things that I know will help to create the relationships, health, and happiness in the life that I want. How are you going to make this a HAPPY New Year?
Instead, let's make this a HAPPY new year by making a list of things that make you happy. Then each day you can work towards something that will enhance your happiness (with a potentially instant gratification). That sounds so much better than the drudgery of having to do something because you made an official resolution to do so. Another perk too is that if you are listing what makes you happy in life, you are reminded of it and hopefully of your blessings as well.
What you may also find, is that if you truly list what makes you happiest, you may be able to knock off some of those resolutions or goals that you would have otherwise made. So I have listed what makes me happy and beneath each one, I have listed what I can do to appreciate it more, or make myself or the happiness itself even better.
1. Ewan
-Take deep breaths when doing homework with him to enjoy that one and one time with him rather than becoming frustrated.
-Pay more attention when he talks (boy does he talk ALOT) because it may not always be this way.
-Laugh and be silly with him as much as possible!
2. John
-Continue to have fun and laugh
-Make sure he feels loved and appreciated every day
3. Family
-Talk to them more, like actual telephone conversations
-Take the opportunities that I have to spend with them and spend it with them
4. Friends
-Talk or text more
-Go out more often, even on double-dates
5. Looking Good and Feeling Good
-Trade out some old outfits for some new ones
-Keep wearing those heels
-Follow the P90X3 program January-March
-Floss daily
-Drink more water
-Choose healthier snacks
6. Being Me
-Plan a wedding that is organic and true to who John and I are
-Write
-Continue with Lemongrass Spa in whatever degree I care to
-Raise money for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
-Try something new
Although my bullets may sound like resolutions or goals, I am not binding myself to them. There is no failure to be had. However, I am all about self-improvement and continuous growth. So as I was typing them, I was already imagining myself doing them and the gratification that was had in doing so. They are all things that I am capable of, some I already do on a regular basis (woo hoo, already a victory there!) but all things that I know will help to create the relationships, health, and happiness in the life that I want. How are you going to make this a HAPPY New Year?
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