Sunshine

Hello Friends! Happy Tuesday.  Last week this beautiful mama-to-be nominated me for this!

She asked ten questions and I loved them!! You're supposed to nominate 10 people, but I am running short on time, so I nominate you! If you're reading this and are a 'sunshiney-person' then feel free to copy these questions and post on your blog.  Leave a comment letting me know, so I can learn more about you!

1. Who is your blogger inspiration?

When I first began blogging, I was so excited to stumble upon other women my age who were head over heels in love with their husbands.  It was refreshing to see women like Danielle put it all out there! She has been an inspiration from day one.  I also enjoy Kelle Hampton's blog, as it reminds me to stop, slow down, and smell the roses.  It's very easy to get caught up in the newest trend, fun accessory, expensive tote, but her blog takes me back to what's important in life: Enjoying the Small Things.

2. What is your biggest dream?

To grow old with Joe and see our child(ren) marry and have children....I just know we will be amazing Grandparents. It may seem silly, but we're not granted that many tomorrows, so being grandparents sounds like a good dream to me!  I can picture us sitting on a big old front porch watching the kiddos play in the front yard. 

3.  How do you gain inspiration for your writing?

I must say that I have even more admiration for writers, ever since I started to blog.  There are days where I feel as though I have nothing to say, so I don't.  There are days when I have so much to say, and yet no time. I write from my heart; I try not to think about (or care about) what others may think when they read what I write.  I am not here trying to please anyone, I simply love to write.  I also enjoy looking back on all of the times I've captured in my writing.  My life inspires me....

4.  What is your favorite holiday tradition?
I am a Christmas gal, through and through. I love everything about it! My favorite tradition is decorating our tree.  You can see my posts about it here and here and because I was so big and prego, Joe wouldn't let me get a huge tree last year haha--here. I cannot wait for Brooke to see all of the pretty lights and ornaments this year!  The first phone call I ever had with Joseph, he told me how he bought this house and fell in love with the upstairs, where you can overlook into the living-room; he said he couldn't want to see his {future} children's faces all lit up when they saw presents under the tree.  *tear* I know, how could I not marry that guy?!

5.  If money were no object, what would your perfect weekend entail?

I'd fly to Italy with my hunny.  We just fell in love with Rome; I'd rent a private jet so we could travel in comfort style and we'd stay at a beautiful hotel overlooking the old city.  We'd eat as much as we could and bring back as much cheese and vino as they'd allow!

6.  What is your favorite fall activity?
I am so excited for the pumpkin patch this year.  I've been dying to get some adorable photos with her and the pumpkins.  I'm looking forward to some hot apple cider, donuts, and maybe even a hay ride.  But most of all, I want to see how many pumpkin patches we can hit up in one month! haha

7.  What is one passion you may or may not share on your blog?
Dancing. 

I think I've shared a few times my love for dance.  I took ballet 14 years.  Jazz. Pointe.  Hip Hop.  Even tapped for a summer.  I danced a little bit in college when I was a part of Show Choir.  The last time I "danced" was when I was 26 and auditioned for "Dancing with the Teachers" on our local morning news.  There were 100 people who tried out and only 8 of us made it. [I came in 4th!] It was always an outlet for me and I LOVE it.  And? I MISS it. Heck, I even miss dancing out at the clubs!! Minus the whole staying out til 2am thing.  Zumba was a great outlet that  I really should get back into again...

8.  What is your exercise routine?
Speaking of Zumba...Yeah, we (even my husband was saying he wants to workout more) need to get better at this.  Right now I take walks with Brooke and try to do "something" [a Yoga DVD, Jillian Michaels, the elliptical] I need to stop making excuses and just DO.  My friend Nikki gave me a goal of 4x a week 30 min.  Now I just need to stick to it!!

9.  What was the last book you read?  How would you rate it?

I am currently reading The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson. It is a leadership book that was recommended from some of my top team members.  It is an easy read and so much of it applies to my life already.  I laugh and tell my husband that he could've written it, because so many of the tips the author gives, my husband does.  It all stems from the same ideas, and either you are or you aren't successful.  It is not hard to be good at certain things, but this book is the perfect reminder, "What is easy to do, is also easy not to do."  If you ever wonder why you're not where you want to be in something with your life, grab this book and read it.  Even if it's just 10 minutes a day...you'll start shifting your mindset and I guarantee you'll start to see changes in your life. 

Go read it now!!

10.  Share one thing about yourself.

 I am constantly working on being a better person.  I take it really seriously and listen to audiobooks, read leadership books, and try to surround myself with positive and uplifting people.  I even stopped watching Real Housewives (gasp, I know) just to see if that was a bad influence.  I still will watch it from time to time, but I don't want to be like those women. OK, I want their clothes and figures, but their personalities? No thanks.  I believe that if everyone spent as much time on herself, really working on trying to be the best she could be, a lot of problems would solve themselves.  Jealousy, insecurities, pessimism----it doesn't have to be a way of life.  The more I step outside of my own mind [and stop worrying about what others think of me, as it really is NONE of my business] the more comfortable I become in my own skin. I love this feeling.