What did I do today?~

It seems like every day starts off like a whirlwind and is followed by a hurricane of activity all day long.  For most of us, our day starts with the rude awakening of an obnoxious alarm clock.  As if it weren't bad enough once, I often hit the snooze button so I can be woken up in this rude manner AGAIN.  Once I decide I can't stand the buzzing any longer, I hit the ground running.  I take care of breakfast for the family, pack lunches, clean faces, brush teeth, get everybody dressed and out the door so we can rush around all day doing what exactly?  We all have our jobs, even the kids because going to school is their job.  As for me, I seem to run around all day long doing "things" but at the end of the day when my husband asks how my day was and what I did, I am often at a loss to explain what I did all day.  Maybe it is because I did so much - cook, clean, laundry, make beds, training, run errands, get everybody where they need to go, made sure everybody's homework is done, nightly baths, bed time rituals, write my blog, etc.  It seems as though my day is filled to the brim, but what exactly did I do?

As I ponder this question, I feel like I need to slow down.  Take a deep breath, and stop doing stuff so I can do more of the important things that actually matter.  Long, slow passionate kisses with my husband, play with the kids just because it's fun, stop to photograph a rainbow because it is beautiful, stand still long enough for that gorgeous butterfly to land on my shoulder, hug my kids for no reason at all, visit with a friend just because we need some girl time, etc.  I'm not saying that all the other stuff isn't important, but life is short.  Therefore, tonight I'm going to let the laundry sit so I can cuddle on the couch with my husband and tomorrow I'm going to make time to stop for just a moment to smell the PINK roses!

"Each day, and the living of it, has to be a conscious creation in which discipline and order are relieved with some play and pure foolishness."

--May Sarton

  I hope all of you take some time to enjoy your days.  

XoXo...

100%~

So many things that are behind this saying,

and all of them, 100% TRUE!

Sometimes you just need to let it all out.

Cleanse your soul,

Release the pain in your heart.

Then, when your tears have dried.

You will regain your strength,

find your balance 

and once again

be strong.

Maybe even stronger

than you were

before

the

Tear...

Journey Home~

I know that I am not the first, 

&

 sadly...

I will not be the last.

To lay to rest a loved one that 

fought valiantly against Breast Cancer.

Determination, Grace, and Dignity.

While living each moment till the last one came.

I watched, prayed & hoped that she would beat the odds.

Now, as the hot, stinging tears run down my face.

I choke back the lump that is in my throat.

I will prepare to pay my respects, to the newest 

Warrior Angel that has earned her wings.

I will not quit fighting.

In her memory, and for others that still fight.

I will continue to do all I can,

 so that no one else has to get that call.

That their loved one's fight is over.

I know that she is no longer in pain.

She has been released from all of that,

as she made her final journey home.

I know that she is in a better place.

Even as the tears stream down my face.

I know that I am not alone.

I have a Warrior Angel that will 

watch over me as I continue 

the fight.

Rest In Peace...

XoXo

Motivational Monday~ You Are

XoXo

Thank you Weather~

Due to some really nasty weather, I have lost my blog post for tonight several times.  I am getting frustrated, so I have decided that my flaky internet connection wins .... for now.

Catch you all tomorrow!!!  XOXO...

Savvy Saturday~ Great Lakes Outdoor Supply

I want to take this opportunity to introduce you to 

Great Lakes Outdoor Supply located in Madison, Ohio.

They have an Amazing outdoor store. 

 I am not the outdoor expert by any stretch of the imagination, but walking into their store

 I actually got excited about the possibility of trying out something new.  

They have a display to the right when you walk into the store that makes you feel like you just stepped into the great outdoors.  

Different animals that have been preserved and put into a natural setting.

Then as you walk down along the one side you come to an area that is set up for 

bow hunting. 

It is a very impressive set up.

 This picture, is just a small sample of the display that they have in the store.

 They have many different styles, as well as price ranges.

Then across the back wall is all of the guns.  

Everything is set up in a very clean and well designed manner.  

Actually enticing you to want to look at the different styles 

and features of the guns on display.  

Which lead me to my fundraiser for this year.  

I was so impressed with Mike, and his staff that 

I proposed an idea that I have never tried before.  

We did our homework & found two guns that we thought people would

 be interested in buying raffle tickets for.  

I was apprehensive about trying this, but after extensively talking to Mike,

 I felt that this would be a good fundraiser.  

There are safety's that are in place,

 and I am just selling a chance at winning one,

 not actually giving a gun away.  

The guns that are on raffle are on display at the store

 so that people can go up and look at them if they are interested. 

 I decided on these two particular guns not only because they have a touch of pink on them, but they also could be used as good weapons of choice for a concealed carry.

  This year I plan on getting my concealed carry licence. 

 I know that this fundraiser will not appeal to everyone, and that is ok.

  We each have to work within our comfort level. 

 With this fundraiser I hope to not only raise awareness, 

but it might just get someone to get out and try something new.

  ( Expand your comfort level ).  

Even if you never have the intention of using either of these weapons

 for more than going to the range and firing off rounds.

  Knowledge is power, and I would rather have the training

 and never need it. 

Then find myself in a situation & not know what to do.

  I respect the fact that others will not have the same view as me,

 but if you do. I would love the support for my fundraiser.

I have enclosed a link for you to check them out, 

but if you are in the area. 

I would encourage you to take a trip out to

 Great Lakes Outdoor Supply

 Mike and his staff are very friendly, as well as knowledgeable about their merchandise. 

I was impressed with the store and the staff from the moment I entered their store.

I can't imagine them not having what you need  for whatever sport 

you are interested in, but I am sure if they don't have it, they can either 

get it for you or send you in the right direction to get it.

They have raffle tickets at the store to sell,

 or you can contact me directly 

to get them.

A Huge Thank You to Lisa Cummings for working with me 

and designing the Fliers, Raffle Tickets & T-Shirts.

She constantly amazes me with her willingness to support 

whatever ideas that I come up with and help me to achieve my goals.

Great Lakes Outdoor Supply 

6595 North Ridge Road.

Madison, Ohio 44057

440-428-0313

Fantastic Foodie Friday~ Curvy Girl’s Dinner Recipes

A woman should celebrate her curves, but extra weight around the middle can have dangerous implications for your health. Accentuate your shape by whittling your middle with these dinner recipes. These three delicious meals contains no simple carbs, which are often stored as fat. Using simple substitutions and protein, these dishes will leave you satisfied without pasta or bread.

Carb-Cutter's Chicken Cordon Bleu

Ingredients

1 chicken breast

1/4 cup chopped spinach

2 tsp sun-dried tomatoes  (or red pepper)

1 tbsp feta (or low-fat cheddar)

Coating

1 tsp ground pistachios

1 tbsp ground wheat germ

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice a pocket lengthwise into each chicken breast half. Stuff each pocket with 1/4 cup roughly chopped baby spinach, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or red pepper, shredded low-fat cheddar or crumbled geta. In a small bowl, mix together wheat germ with ground pistachios for each chicken breast. Coat the chicken breasts with the mix by firmly pressing it into both sides. Place chicken on baking sheet, spray with a little olive oil and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the it is cooked through and the juices run clear (depending on thickness). Turn the chicken over half way through.

Steak and Mozzarella Kabobs

Ingredients

2 oz beef per skewer
4-6 small mozzarella cubes on separate skewer

Directions
Use lean steak (strip), cubed about 1 inch. Stick mozzarella balls in freezer before grilling and only grill briefly as balls melt easily. You can also grill the steak on one skewer and the balls on a separate one. Grill on medium-high, turning often for 3-5 minutes.

5-Minute Rice-Free Risotto

Ingredients

Yields 5 cups

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1 small cauliflower grated on large holes of box grater

2 cups finely chopped Portobello mushrooms

Freshly ground pepper

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

3 tbsp parmesan

1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley

Directions

Warm the oil in a large saucepan, stir in onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the cauliflower and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until softened. Mix in the mushrooms, salt and pepper and cook for 3 to 4 more minutes. Turn off the heat. Blend in the yogurt and Parmesan, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.

Henna Heals~

I have always been intrigued with Henna.  

I have never had it done, but one of these 

days I am sure that I will.

I came across this article today 

on the Today's Health Web site.

Thought that this was a clever

way for people to take back 

control of their appearances.

I am hoping that they will start doing 

this in more places, as I think it 

could benefit many people as they

progress through their cancer journey.

For those of you that don't know Henna 

starts out as a brown paste when applied,

then as it dries it falls off and leaves behind 

a design in a terracotta color.  

It lasts about two weeks.

So, when you get tired of the design.

It will be just about time to get a new one!

I have included two links so you can...

One, read the article.  Henna Crown  

 Two, find them on Facebook.  Henna Heals

I hope to go to their shop one 

day and get some Henna designs

of my own...

XoXo

                            

Two Simple Words~

Today held 86,400 seconds, did you even use one to say Thank you?

This weekend we will be celebrating Memorial day,

most likely with our loved ones.

Most don't even give this weekend another thought.

 For them, it is a chance 

to celebrate & have a good time.

For me, it has quite a different meaning.

As all of you make preparations to celebrate Memorial Day and the long weekend, PLEASE take time to remember those who have given their lives for our freedoms and those who are fighting right now. 

We owe them so much. God Bless them, each and every one.

This is:

~the weekend for picnics ~ a Soldier gave us that freedom.

~the weekend for Family ~ a Family lost a Member for you.

~the weekend for Friends ~ they have been counting ONE less now for years.

~ the weekend for MEMORIES

~ how are YOURS?

In lasting Memory, of those Honorable men and women, found in ALL branches of Service;

Dedicated to those living and those who are but the gray shadows of this, our collected past…

YOU are NOT forgotten!

So many people have forgotten the easiest

& most meaningful thing that you can say...

Is simply...

Thank You.

It doesn't have to be a long winded speech,

just a Thank you for your Service...

Some will never know the sacrifices that are,

and have been made.

We didn't do it for the fame or the money,

we did it because someone has to...

As I wake up in the morning, and as I go to bed at night.

I Thank those that protect my freedoms.

I know that the road is not an easy one,

and that you rarely hear the words 

Thank You.

I don't take for granted you or what you do.

I am eternally grateful

& 

for those that have paid the ultimate price 

for my freedoms...

I say, 

I hope I can be worthy of your sacrifice.

Too many people are caught up with 

things that really don't matter.

I could make a list, 

but you know what...

They don't matter!

Take the time to say Thank You!

It's the easiest thing you can do,

and it means so much...

Be Thankful Every Day.