Happy Summer!

I can't believe that summer is here!  Although I like summer, I would have to say I've already had enough of the 100+ weather we've been having.  I mean it's so hot and dry that my skin sizzles, even in the shade!  I guess one saving grace is that we do have a pool.  But even the water is hot!  I can't even say "hey let's jump in the pool and cool off" because jumping into the pool is like jumping into a hot spring...not at all refreshing on a hot day.  So what are some good things about summer?  I would have to say the 4th of July.  Yup, it's one of my favorite holidays.  The barbeque, friends, family, and of course the magnificent display that shoots across the night sky.  I guess you can say it makes me feel nostalgic.  Actually when I look back on my childhood summers, the 4th of July seems to be the first thing that pops into my head.  Unfortunately, over the past couple of years the weather here has been so incredibly dry that fireworks have become illegal.  And this year it doesn't look like that will change.  I guess we'll have to rely on the city to put on there semi-decent firework display and the numerous boxes of sparklers we always seem to have on hand!

There are some other things that make summer bearable.  Here are a few...

The Bomb Pop.  Hands down the best popsicle ever!

 

Margarita's.  Need I say more?

 

Iced cold watermelon!   

 

By the way, I would be remiss if I didn't pass along this link for the best watermelon-basil margaritas!  Check it out here

The beach.  Although I live nowhere near a beach, I do dream about it daily!

 

And last but certainly not least, a vacation or stay-cation.  Whatever happens to be in your budget!  Of course, I would always prefer a vacation!  Here are a few places I would LOVE to visit this summer...

Beautiful Cancun!

 

San Fransisco

And of course, the happiest place on earth!  (insert big smile)

 

I would like to be the first to wish you all a safe and blessed summer.  I hope you make summer memories that will last a lifetime!  Until next time my friends.

Always,

Christine

 

Random Middle of the Night Thoughts

As you can tell by the title of this blog post I have some random thoughts to share.  You see, I have a problem and it's called SLEEP.  Now I know that most of you can't wait to get into your cozy beds and drift off into a comfortable slumber.  For me it's not so easy.  I don't know that I am an insomniac, however, I rarely get 2 or 3 hours of sleep a night and often times those hours are not consecutive.  Yes, it sucks and I am always tired.  Last night I couldn't help but wonder as I lay wide awake if the constant running of my brain has anything to do with it.  Now when I mean constant I mean constant.  Like it doesn't shut off, ever.  It's like I jump from one thought to another.  So to entertain you, I thought I would share some random thoughts that entered my mind last night.  So without further ado...

I wish there really was a Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy.  I mean who wouldn't want to carry a wand and cast spells whenever they wanted? 

What should I make for dinner tomorrow night?  (by the way, it is 2:24 p.m. and I still do not know what I'm making for dinner)

I should start Christmas shopping early to prevent a stressful holiday season.  I will start making a list in the morning.  (it is 2:27 p.m. and no such list has been started)

I really wish Downton Abbey was a show that ran all year long.  Like no breaks at all.

Is Reid from Criminal Minds really that smart in real life?  I bet he is.

I can't wait for back to school supply shopping.  (totally a thought from the teacher side of me)

Oh my gosh,  Taylor (my daughter) graduates in 3 years!  (insert panic)

We should really start going on college road trips.

Why is it so freaking hot? 

Tomorrow I will search Pinterest for recipes to make homemade ice cream.  (I searched and found a recipe for peanut butter ice cream...I'll let you know how it turns out)

I wish I could fall asleep.

So there you have it.  While others are enjoying a peaceful night's sleep these are the things that are bouncing around in my mind.  So I have one question for you.  How do you shut your mind off and fall asleep?  I would LOVE to know.

Always,
Christine

Super Share (June Edition)

Hi Everyone!  So happy you stopped in.  Today I am linking up with Jennifer over at Jennuine Crafts for a fun new monthly link up called Super Share.  Basically you share your favorite crafty items (tools, supplies, etc.), Instagram photos, Tweets, and pins from Pinterest.  You can choose to share something from all areas or whatever your loving at the time.  So without further ado, here are my super shares for this month...

Crafty Finds

OK, so I am in LOVE with these Prima Doll Stamps!  They are so beautiful and girly that I can't help but get giddy every time I use them.  I have used them to make cards, altered tags, gift bags, etc. the possibilities are endless and you can make them super intricate or very simple.  If you are a lover of stamps like me, these are a must have!  I cannot wait for the new stamps to come out this summer, they are beautiful!

 

So I know that washi tape is all the rage.  However, what I've been loving lately is fabric washi tape.  It tears just as easily as paper washi tape but I think that fabric washi tape just brings certain projects to the next level.  I am also loving the idea of full sheet (12x12) fabric washi tape.  This allows you to use larger pieces for certain projects.  If you love paper washi tape, I'm sure you'll love the fabric washi tape just as much.

  

Now for the big kahuna...the Silhouette Cameo.  Can I just say that this machine is the most amazing thing that I have ever purchased (craft-wise).  I am constantly using it and couldn't imagine crafting without it.  Now I did start with a Cricut Expression and still do use it, but I find myself gravitating more and more towards my Cameo.  The idea of not having to fuss with any cartridges and having just about any image at your fingertips is just a plus in my book.  While the Cameo is pricey, I have to say that it is worth every penny.  The possibilities are endless with this machine.  If you're on the fence about it, I suggest jumping off and trying it out!

 

Pinterest Pick

Have I told you lately that I love Pinterest.  I love looking at...everything!  Especially crafty goodness.    However, I decided to pick a craft space that I would love to call my own!  

 

All I can say about the above picture is absolutely stunning.

So that's it for my Super Share for June.  You should definitely stop over at Jennuine Crafts and check it out.  

Thanks for stopping by!

Christine

 

I Have the Itch to go...Anywhere

Lately I've had the itch to go, to leave, to excuse myself from reality and see what I'm missing out in the land of everywhere.  I'm not one who can say that I've traveled extensively.  Yeah, I've been here and there and to Mexico once, but I feel that my soul hasn't been satisfied in the realm of traveling.  Now when I say "traveling" I do mean seeing other countries, however, what most intrigues me is meeting  new people and learning about how they live.  I want to know how their lives differ from mine and maybe gain some insight on living a happier, more fulfilled life.  The idea of sitting with someone new and hearing their story is exciting.  I can imagine myself, journal in hand, writing fiercely as I listen to their stories and find out what makes them tick, what their passion is, their views on family, work, and life.  I want to hear how they spend their time and what is most valuable to them. 

I often see shows or read articles or stories that highlight certain cultures and how they may differ from our own.  At times it's astonishing to see how they live with so little, yet have full hearts.  I
 wonder if it's because they do not know any different or if it is sometimes by choice.  I saw a picture recently in a magazine of a family of 6 who lives in a one room home.  Yes, one room.  Kinda like a studio apartment.  Yet their faces were filled with joy, excitement, and pride as they posed for this picture. It made me wonder what it is that makes them so happy.  That is what I want to find out.  That is why I want to go...anywhere. To have the opportunity to learn from others.  It doesn't have to be somewhere magical like Paris or Rome.  But somewhere I can go and take in the daily goings on of ordinary people in an otherwise unfamiliar place to me. 

Yes, this is what I thought about on the past uneventful holiday weekend.  However, the more I think of it and write about it, the more I want to go...anywhere to learn anything I possibly can about this world I call home.

Always,

Christine

 

Have a Good One!

I just wanted to take a quick minute to wish you all a safe and memorable Memorial Day Weekend! 

 

Always,

Christine

Organization...It's Calling Me

I am so not organized.  There I said it.  I've always had a problem organizing.  Whether it's my thoughts, closet, life, craft space, kitchen, etc. I lack the skill of organization.  However, I have decided it might be time to get somewhat organized.  I see these pins on Pinterest and videos on YouTube about organization and they blow my mind.  Who has time to be so organized and on top of things?  Is it you by chance?  Because if it is, I'd love to hear how you do it.  Anyway, I decided the best way to start organizing my life is to have a plan.  Write it down.  Make it happen.  I'm somewhat o.k. with writing lists so I thought I would start by ordering a Filofax to help organize my schedule.  And let me tell ya, those things can be quite expensive.  So, I ordered the cheapest one they had the Filofax Domino.  Snagged it on Amazon for $29.90 including shipping.  Here's what it looks like:

 

Yes, of course I ordered pink...go figure.  While on my journey to find something that will help me organize I ran across YouTube videos on setting up and using your Filofax.  You guys, I had no idea how many videos there were on Filofax's...again, mind blown.   There are some great tips on organization and using your Filofax properly to get the most out of it.  I mean you can have a "dashboard" in you planner that helps with the most important things that need to get done, you can decorate it with stickers, colored paper, sticky notes, and even journal in it (which of course was a huge plus for me).  

So how do you guys organize?  Is it something that comes naturally to you?  Or are you like me and have to really plan it out?  I'd love to hear your ideas and comments.  How about a video when I get my Filofax?  Let me know in comments if you'd like to see one.

Changing the Definition of Success

 

If you were to say these words to me a year ago, I would have completely disagreed with you.  You see, I have always had the idea that your success is determined by how busy you are.  Sounds crazy right?  But in my mind if you were running around "doing" things that you were being successful.  Even if I was dropping off my daughter at school, running to the post office, grocery shopping, etc. I felt like I was so busy.  And busy equals success right?  I guess you could say that I had a warped view of success.   So when I say this saying it kinda slapped me right in the face.  I have been struggling lately with the idea of just living an ordinary life.  I mean my life is ordinary, but I do love it.  I love the idea of being able to spend time with my family whenever I want and not having high power lunch meetings or having to travel constantly for work.  

 

I consider having options a good thing.  I don't know about you, but as I get older all I really want to do is live simply and calmly.  No drama, no stress, and certainly no regrets.  I'm not gonna lie, I used to see a "successful" woman and think "I wonder what she does."  Now I'll see a similar woman and ask myself "I wonder if she thinks it's worth it".  I mean some people are totally wired for fast paced lives and I'm not saying they're making the wrong choice.  I'm just saying that it's the wrong choice for me.  And as far as living simply and calmly I could kick myself for not making the decision to do so earlier in life.  There is one thing however, that I'd like to make clear...I still LOVE to dream and dream BIG.  And who knows, maybe a dream or two will come to fruition in this beautiful life.  So, what are your thoughts on living calmly and simply?  Do you struggle with the thought of keeping up and being a "success"?  Because if you are, please know that the definition of success is what we make it to be. For me, success is now defined as living a life I'm happy with and not ever having any regrets.  What's your definition of success?

Always,

Christine

A Little Weekend Reading

I love to read.  It's probably the one thing that I crave everyday. I do not discriminate when it comes to what I read!  I love reading magazines (actually quite obsessed with them) and books alike.  When I go to my Barnes & Noble and go to the magazine section and see new magazines, I get so excited that you would think I won the lottery...weird huh?  Anyway, I wanted to let you guys in on what magazines I LOVE reading and the book I'm currently devouring:

I love this magazine!  It is very inspirational and you get to go inside the studios of incredible business women.  You can take a peek inside the latest issue here.

Another fave from Stampington & Company publishing is Artful Blogging.  You get to meet new bloggers and find out what their passions are and what drives their blogs.  It's a great read and the photography is amazing! Check it out for yourselves here.

 

 Mollie Makes is such a great magazine.  It is published in the UK and most of their articles and shop info is located in the UK but the magazine is beautiful.  Check it out here

 

Last but certainly not least is this fabulous book that I happened upon while at Barnes and Noble a few days ago.  Something about it struck me and I thought to myself "I need to read this book".  I started reading it last night and made it half-way through.  I LOVE it.  I would definitely check it out.  The words inside the covers speak to most of us and in my opinion is a must read.  Check out the reviews here 

 

Well my friends, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.  And to all you mother's out there, have a fantastic Mother's Day...you absolutely deserve it.  

Always,

Christine

Project Reconnection

Hi Everyone!  So last night I was presented with a question that made me really think...hard.  The question was, "if you had 48 hours to do whatever you wanted, what would you do?"  Now you would think this would be an easy question to answer right?  Well for me it wasn't.  This question was presented by my professor to the whole class.  He asked us to close our eyes for two minutes and really think about it.  Here is what surprised me: when he asked for volunteers to share their answers 19 people out of 21 said:  "I would reconnect with myself." 

We dove deeper into the whole reconnecting with myself thing and it was absolutely fascinating.  I never realized how many of us do not know anything about ourselves or have lost ourselves completely.  It was mind blowing.  Many of us relate who we are to what we do, have, or the people we take care of.  Some individuals said that they can only identify themselves through their children or their jobs.  It mad me so sad because I really do not know what I enjoy myself anymore.  If someone were to ask who I am the first thing I would say is that I am a mother.  I have identified myself that way for over 15 years now!  The burning questions is...is that wrong?  The problem for me and so many individuals is that we do not know how to identify ourselves because we've lost ourselves along the way. 

My goal this summer is to reconnect with myself, however, do it with the people I love.  I could never define myself and leave out the most important part of my life, my family.  My question to you my friends is do you feel you need to reconnect with yourself?  If not, how do you find time to be you among the everyday grind?  I would love for you to share.  In fact, I beg you to share!!  This is something that has truly touched me and any advice would be appreciated.  Until next time friends, I wish your days to be filled with joy and peace.

Always,
Christine

As the Whirlwind Dies Down

Hi Everyone!  Sorry for the long absence.  I have been so focused on school (trying to finish!) that I have hardly had time for much else.  I kinda feel like I've been in a whirlwind that was never going to stop.  Have you ever had those moments in your life?  The moments when you go to bed at night and honestly cannot figure out how you made it through the day; or better yet, not remembering much about your day because it was so frantic?  Yup, that's been me.  But now I have more time on my hands to devote to things that do not consist of writing papers, exams, and the like.

One thing I have taken a little time on is finding a blog designer and getting a new design for the blog.  I'm really excited to add some extras and make some esthetic changes to the blog.  So be on the look out for some changes in the very near future.  Well I just wanted to pop in real quick and say Hi to all of you and to give you a brief update of what has been going on.  Look forward to more frequent posts and giveaways.  Yes I said giveaways! Many blessings to all of you!

Always,
Christine

Happy Easter

Hi everyone!  Sorry I've been MIA the last week or so.  My allergies have been seriously kicking my butt!  It worse than being sick!  I've also been trying to wrap up the school semester by jumping on final papers and presentations...not so much fun there! 

Anyway, I wanted to pop in and wish all of you a Happy Easter.  I hope your day is full of family, friends, food, and many, many blessings.

 

Always,

Christine

A Struggle

Hi Everyone!  I hope your week is going well for you.  Today, I wanted to share a little of my heart.  I have felt kind of isolated and honestly a little sad about the way my life is going.  You see, about 3 years ago I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.  I was still in college and had a difficult time finishing, but I did.  I have been to numerous doctor's, been on tons of different medications, and yet it seems that my symptoms have just increasingy gotten worse.  Worse to the point that I find it difficult to do daily tasks like laundry, clean house, cook, etc.  And it makes me so angry!  I'm not gonna lie, I feel like this fibro has taken over my life. 

I'm not currently working due to fibro and I miss being able to interact with other people.  I do have daily interaction via social media with friends however, it really just isn't the same.  I sometimes feel like I am in a different world, like I'm looking at life from a locked room.  Over the past couple of months I traveled with my daughter to her competitions and honestly, it nearly killed me.  The pain was overwhelming however, I never let my daughter know how bad it was because I wanted her to have a good time...and she did.  However, what made me sad was that had I not had fibro I would have had a different experience, a better experience.

I often find myself looking at the world I'm surrounded by and thinking to myself "will I ever get to live the life I've always dreamed of"?  I've always wanted to travel abroad and see what the world has to offer.  To see how people live and gain understanding of our different ways.  I've always had the notion that traveling would allow me to take a deeper look into my soul and then share what I had learned with others.  However, the question in the back of my mind?  "Will I ever have the opportunity"?

I know that life will always have obstacles whatever your circumstances are.  But I just feel like the current obstacle (fibro) has really built a very tall wall that I'm having an incredibly hard time climbing.  With that, I wish you all well and God bless.

Always,
Christine

The Fab Few

Hi Everyone and happy weekend!  I hope you are all enjoying some spring weather like we are.  It seems like spring has definitely sprung in a lot of areas around the US and I know many of you have been waiting for it!  Although I like spring, I kinda love the fall/winter seasons the best.  Anyway, I wanted to share with you a few things that I am  loving this week.  I don't know about you but when I go through my week it seems that there are things that make it better like a good book, new clothes, makeup, pictures, quotes, etc.  So I've decided to share my top few things with you every week!  Here's a rundown of what is at the top of my list this week.

1.  The beauty blender!  Have you all heard of it?  It's a cosmetic sponge that is shaped somewhat like an egg but is supposed to deliver flawless coverage and blend your makeup smoothly and evenly.  I was on the fence about it because it runs $20 dollars but I broke down and bought it.  And let me say, it was worth every penny!  You can check it out here.

2.  For the first time in months I sat down and enjoyed ice cream!  Yes that's right, ice cream.  As simple as it sounds I've missed ice cream!  I do not eat it in the winter because it is just too cold.  My fave this week?

Ben and Jerry's peanut butter cup.  If you like peanut butter you must try this!



3.  I have rediscovered my Cricut.  An let me tell you, I've missed it.  This is the first electronic die-cutting machine I purchased when I started crafting obssessively!  I really wanted to make some fun spring cards to keep on hand and not only did I totally miss paper crafting, it absolutely without a doubt put me in a peaceful, happy place for a few hours! And for that I am grateful.



I would love to know what everyone else is loving this week!  Please leave me a comment here on the blog or the facebook page here and let me know.  I hope you all have a fun-filled blessed weekend!

Always,

Christine 

For the Love of Natural Nails

Hi Everyone...I hope you all had a great weekend!  We took an extremely fast trip to Phoenix for my daughter's last cheer competition for the season.  It was a great competition and they won first place in their division...yay!  Although I am a little drained from traveling for competitions over the last two months, I have to say that I'm not quite sure what to do with the down time!  We have two weeks off and then it all starts back up again! 

Anyway, I want to talk nails today.  I had been having my nails done for years and about two years ago, I just got tired of taking time out to visit the nail salon and tired of paying.  It seemed like the prices kept going up and I said to myself, enough! No more paying for nails.  So I decided to have them removed and have been doing them by myself ever since.  I actually enjoy doing them; it kind of relaxes me and I LOVE being able to choose different nail polish colors to go with my mood.  However, as you can imagine, my nails were in terrible shape...and I mean terrible.  But I didn't cave in and get them back on.  Instead I searched for products to use that would help my nails get back into shape.  So I thought I would share some of my favorite nail products with you today. 

I always start with OPI's Nail Envy...it is the only thing that has made my nails stronger and healthier.  There are several variations of Nail Envy, however, I choose the original.  It runs around $16.95 and I usually pick it up at ULTA when they have either a $3.50 off or 20% of coupon! You can purchase it here.

I also love using cuticle creams or serums.  I have really bad cuticles so I need to put something on them daily.  There are two products I use that I am in love with.  First is the Sally Hansen Nail Growth Miracle Serum.  This serum helps strenghen my nails and keeps my cuticles under control. You can purchase it just about anywhere (Walgreens, WalMart, CVS, ULTA).  It runs around $9.00 and is totally worth it.  Check it out here.



Last but not least, my absolute favorite nail product is LUSH's Lemony Flutter cuticle butter.  This stuff feels and smells amazing.  I use it several times throughout the day because it feels and smells so good.  You get a ton of product and it lasts a long, long time.  It sells for $16.95 and is worth it.  Check out the reviews on this product here...it is definitely a winner!



I hope these products work as well for you as they do for me.  I also have a ton of favorite nail polish colors and brands I love as well.  I'll be doing a seperate post on that soon.  I hope you all have a fantastic, blessed week.  Talk to ya soon!

Always,

Christine

Short, Short, Short!

It's that time again...time for a haircut.  I sometimes dread this because I really never know what I want to do with my hair.  I have always kept my hair short.  I think it fits my personality and I love it.  I once grew my hair out (about 2 years ago) and it looked awful on me. And quite honestly, it just didn't feel like me.  So today I am off to my wonderful hairdresser Amy who will hook me up with an awesome style.  There are several styles that I'm thinking about:



Love the color and longer side bang

A little shorter

Or to add a little sass with some spiking?

Which ever I choose, it will be short!  And I'm not gonna lie...I'm pretty excited about it! 

Always,

Christine

A Great Weekend



Hi Everyone.  I hope your weeks is going great so far.  This past weekend my daughter and her team was in the NCA Cheerleading Championships in Dallas, TX.  Wow, what an experience.  We watch competitive cheer all the time on TV and of course of YouTube.  However, there is nothing like being there to feel the energy of these amazing athletes and how that energy is passed onto the crowd!  We saw some amazing teams.  Below are a few pictures of what the experience was like.



The awesome mat set-up

My daughter Taylor witgh three of her favorite cheerlebrities!

Awards time!

Something exciting happened for me this weekend while enjoying this competition.  I know that parents puff up with pride when seeing their children perform or compete...I'm no different.  However, this weekend I saw my daughter as an amazing athlete, an athlete who is passionate about her sport.  I couldn't help feeling so excited for her that she has found something that she is truly passionate about.  For most people they don't find their passion until well into adulthood.  My daughter is constantly talking about opening her own gym and mentoring children to become the best they can be.  I am so blessed that my daughter has amazing coaches who have mentored her and who have helped her find her passion.  Thank you Bob and Monica!!

I hope you all have a fantastic week. 

Always,

Christine

A Few Random Thoughts on Birthdays

Hi Everyone and Happy Tuesday!  I hope you are all having an amazing week.  As for my week, it's been great.  I celebrated my birthday a few days ago and kinda wanted to share a few things about my thoughts about birthdays.
I know a lot of people hate and I mean hate celebrating birthdays.  For some it's the idea of growing older that gets to them and for others it may be the fact that they aren't near family or friends.  For me, it's a little bit of the idea of growing older however, this year I've decided to look at growing older differently.  I used to think about growing older as being more limited in what your capable of doing or achieving.  For instance, now that I'm 44 maybe I would think that I can't wear certain clothes or like certain things because I'm too old.  Yes, I know that many of you are thinking who cares how old you are?  But unfortunately, I do used to care what other people thought.  But I am happy and relieved to say...not anymore!

On my birthday I was thinking of how far I've come as a person and how far I can still go.  This was a new way of thinking for me and it felt great.  It may sound cliche, but I know if I set my mind to something that I can achieve it.  For instance, when I first thought of starting a blog I thought to myself...who in the world wants to read about the life of a 40-something year-old?  But I pushed through my negative thinking and forged foward.  And now I am happy writing on my little blog...it brings me joy.  So the moral of today's post?  Life is short people!!  Do not let how you look, your age, your education level, etc. determine your happiness today or in the future.  I mean, this is our life and we only get one!  So let's not cheat ourselves by limiting ourselves. 



I hope that you all have a fantastic week.  And don't forget to live your life to its fullest!

Always,

Christine

Live Happy and Read!

Hi Everyone...yes, I have survived the flu!  But I'll tell ya, it was no fun.  I really haven't been that sick in soooo long.  It was actually kind of scary having such a high fever and feeling like you couldn't move.  But fortunately I am feeling just about 100%...thank goodness.  Needless to say however, our trip to Palm Springs was sort of a blur for both me and my daughter.  Although I was able to go watch her both days to compete, we didn't do much more than that.

Moving on, moving on...you know, lying in bed day after day while you're sick gives you a lot of time to think about things.  Right now in my life I'm trying to just live a simple, HAPPY life and at times I feel like the world around me is just going so fast that I feel kinda left out of the loop!  When you think about it, you only get one life to live and to live it knowing that you've done you're best.



Ok, so on to less mushy stuff...

 I don't know about any of you, but I LOVE to read.  Reading is what I consider to be my favorite past time.  There is nothing like sitting down with a good book and forgetting what's going on around you, even if it is just for a little while.  So I have a question for you, what are you currently reading?  Would you suggest it to others?  If so, I would love for you to leave a comment with the name and author of the book.  I am currently reading:  Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle by The Countess of Carnarvon.  I am a HUGE fan of Downton Abbey and this is basically a history of Lady Almina and how it actually connects to the show. 

If you're interested in the book you can purchase it here and here.  I'm about half-way through and so far I would have to say that I'm enjoying learning the real history behind the show.  Also, if you're a fan of Downton Abbey, I would love to hear your comments about the upcoming season finale (boo-hoo). 

I hope you all have a lovely weekend.  Talk to you soon.

Always,

Christine

A Very Long Weekend

Hi Everyone...I am in beautiful Palm Springs, CA for the Duel in the Desert cheer competition.  My daughter's team is doing very well and we are hoping to place!  I am having a ton of trouble with my iPhone and it not wanting to upload any pictures so...I will be posting them probably on Tuesday.

I am not gonna lie...I am soooo tired and looking forward to going home tomorrow!  Anyway, I'll be talking to you lovely people in a couple of days!  Have a great Superbowl Sunday everyone!!

Always,
Christine

It's Been a While

Hi Everyone...I've been M.I.A. for the last couple of weeks; mainly due to the start of a new semester for me and competition season for my daughter.  I started two classes last week and all of a sudden I feel overwhelmed, which is so not like me.  Up until now, graduate school has kinda been a breeze...but now, not so much!  I love to be challenged but I really wasn't expecting the massive challenges of these two classes!  But I'm not gonna lie...I'm actually pretty excited about it! 

and...



It is competition season!  My daughter is on an all-star cheer team and we get to travel quite a bit in the next couple of months.  This coming weekend we'll be in Palm Springs, CA!  I've never been so I'm definitely looking foward to it.  Some people still ask me: "what is all-star cheerleading?" Well, all-star cheerleading is basically a mix of extreme stunting and a lot of tumbling.  There are no actual "cheers" being chanted.  The routines are set to really  high energy music and it is an absolute blast to watch!  ESPN actually broadcasts from the World Championships at Disneyworld in April.  It is something everyone should check out.  I bet you'd be suprised how intense this competition really is.

Anyway, I really hope you are all enjoying your weekend.  We are enjoying some much needed rain.  Look for lots of pictures to be posted in the coming week from Palm Springs!!!

Always,

Christine

One Little Word

Starting a new year is always exciting.  The possibilites of what you can achieve with a fresh start are endless.  While reading several blogs on New Year's Eve I came across a challenge called One Little Word.  The idea is to take one word that you would like to live by for the year.  At first, the idea of choosing a word was a little overwhelming for me; then I told myself to have "faith" that the right word would come to me.  I repeated it to myself again and thought "that should be my word, faith."



The thing is is that the word faith can take on different meanings depending on how you are going to use it.  For me, faith means to believe that my Savior has only good things in store for me and that I need to believe that...always.  I'm not ashamed to say that I lack faith in myself and my decisions.  However, this year that is going to change!  I am taking the word "faith" and embedding it deeply into my life.  My hope at the end of 2013 is that my faith in my Savior is unquestionable and that He renews the faith I am lacking in myself.  I really have no doubt of His abilities and I am faithful that 2013 will be a year that I will forever remember.

I would love it if you would join me on this journey.  There are many taking this challenge on and reading their posts and seeing their projects is inspiring.  Check out the info on the class at http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/onelittleword2013.php.  I will definitley be posting pictures of my projects as I complete them.  If you already have your one little word, I'd love for you to share it.

Always,

Christine

Happy Monday!

Happy Monday Everyone!  I hope you all had a great weekend.  Winter break is over for many of us who have children.  How did you feel about seeing your children go back to school?  I think it's always a bittersweet moment!  It's really hard to believe that summer is right around the corner!  It seems that the time has gone by so quickly.  I honestly can remember when my daughter Taylor first started kindergarten and now , she's 15 and a freshman in high school.  As a mom I can't help but think to myselft often that I really only have 4 more years with her at home.  To some of you that may seem like a long time but really, it isn't.  Soon we'll be doing our own college road trips and trying to pick out the best college for her.  It is just an overwhelming feeling knowing that my life will change completely when she leaves for college. 

So what about you?  Do you ever think about the time when you will be sending your children off to college and off to find themselves? 

Always,
Christine

Happy New Year

Hi Everyone!  Happy New Year!  I'd like to thank you all for stopping by my little blog.  We've all heard the saying "out with the old and in with the new" and for me, this is the perfect time to start my blogging adventure.  I LOVE reading blogs; it's something that I can honestly say I'm addicted to.  What I love most about reading blogs is that I take away something inspirational everyday from all of the blogs I read.  Whether it's about lifestyle choices and changes or style inspiration, I feel like I gain valuable information from blogs.  I hope you will be able to say the same of my blog.  I am so looking foward to this new adventure and would be so humbled if you would join me.  So stop by often for your sprinkle of charm!

Always,
Christine