Why I Love Valentine's Day

I'm not sure why some people dislike Valentine's Day so much.  I guess I can't see much wrong with spreading a little love.  Obviously companies can make money on this particular holiday, but that's no different than any other holiday we celebrate around here.

And I get it, when I was single I didn't exactly love being alone and hearing all about the wonderful things other couples got to do.  I can't imagine what it's like to be single now that Facebook has changed our world forever.

But I do believe we all go through things for specific reasons, and all of those lonely or even just terrible Valentine's Days make me appreciate the love I can share today.


As I took a romantic stroll last night with my chi-pin, I started listing in my head all of the reasons why I really do love this silly little holiday.

So, why is it that you love Valentine's Day? You might ask.

It's to receive a box of chocolate in a heartshaped box only to eat one before breakfast.

Because it reminds me that on a Tuesday, I can grocery shop for scallops, filet mignon and lobster tails, and not feel a bit bad.  Had we actually dined out on that, it would have been more than the grocery bill!

It's because I can pick up little fuzzy bears with hearts on them, for $6 and put a smile on the kids' faces.  I will tuck all of the Valentine's decor away soon, and it will all seem brand new again next year.

It's so that I can bake homemade vanilla cupcakes, (hubby's favorite) and decorate them with red or pink  frosting.

Don't forget the heart shaped sprinkles and the pink and purple glitter.

It's so that I can pick out my husband a mushy gushy, lovey dovey card and tell him how much I love him.

It's so that I can reach out and also hear from people that may not get to talk every day.

It's a fabulous excuse to wear more pink!

What's not to love about hearts?

It's building a fire to surprise your husband with, so he could enjoy it and not have to do it all.

It's extra "I love yous" all day long.

It's eating in courses so that the little ones munch on croissants and scallops so that by the main course, they're too full for steak and lobster, and let mommy and daddy have a peaceful, quiet and delicious dinner!! (Thank you for that gift Brooke & Bradley! So nice of you!)

It's taking time to enjoy the moment.  To stay off the phone, be in the present and not stress about jobs, money, adulting, life.

With anything, you can find the good in it, or you can dwell on the bad.

I hope that whether you were single, dating, or married, you found some time to love on yourself and your loved ones.

Sure we can and should celebrate love any and every day of the year, but to see everyone putting a little extra effort into yesterday's affairs, warms my heart just a little bit.

Here's a little look into our day.  I used Instagram Instastory again.

Did you do anything special for yourself or someone else?

Turn that Frown Upside Down

Sorry about that mini whine-fest.  I was having a moment. or two or three and although I'm still in pain, I am not going to let myself just sit and cry about it.  I will sit more often, but I will not complain. #pinkypromise

So, hubby is at swimming with Miss Brooke. I have dinner simmering on the stove.   I wanted to sit down and reflect a bit...

25 weeks 5 days

A few quotes and pictures I found amusing or inspiring…

I woke up today and told this to myself:

And I learned a long time ago, you should never say, "I'll be happy [when]"… You should just always be happy with whatever stage or moment you are in.

Sometimes us girls need to be each other's cheerleaders.  Life can be crazy and moms seem to mostly have it all in their control.

I thought this was great---replace the wine with some Spark and it pretty much sums things up, am I right?

I saw this, as I scrolled…and it hit home.  You really just never know who is watching or listening to you.  In fact, you may be changing someone's life and not even know it!  I always want to inspire others to be their best selves, so I made mental note that I had best be working on me.

So, during my sweet angel's nap time, I sat myself down, watched some videos, listened to some calls, and sipped on some awesome chocolate protein shake.  I had been meaning to, wanting to, whatever you want to call it, putting more time into my Advo biz.  So I made time.  I took some great notes, felt inspired, encouraged and renewed.  It's amazing what just a little bit of effort does for you.  I was SO miserable with myself before I was introduced to AdvoCare.  I cannot explain to you, what this company and all of the people I have met have truly done for me.

Let's face it; I'd love to lay around and be all rich and fancy like--jetsetting off to Florida on a whim.  But really….let's be honest. I'm not on a reality show nor would I most likely be okay with that type of life. I do enjoy working for something, helping others, and really seeing myself grow in so many ways.

For kicks--um it's October.  Next month is November.  Then it's December….then baby time!! So I just need to SMILE!! It will all happen so fast.

Truth: No one wants to be around a negative person.  I've been around them and I run away! I have ended more than one relationship because some people are just so toxic and draining…you just don't need that energy in your life.  Certainly one must look at herself and recognize that if you don't enjoy being around, no one is going to want to be around it either!

I'd much rather be the happy bubbly person in the room, then the witch in the corner complaining.

It may be impossible to paint my own toe nails now, but all the more reason to get a pedicure.  #optimism

{images all via google}

How do you turn yourself around when you're in a slump?  What motivates you?

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.

Feel Lucky, Because You Are

Happy Weekend!!
I just wanted to remind myself 

{and anyone reading}

how it's just as easy to focus on the good in life,

as the bad.
We can sit and complain about all that is wrong,

or simply be grateful and happy for all that is right.

google images

I truly am thankful for my life and all its beautiful happenings.

I wish the same to all of you!
Make it a fantastic weekend.