Countdown~

The count down has begun...  

Ten days till I will be participating in my final
3-Day of the season.
Today I filled out all of my paperwork.
Picked out my tent mate
&
now just waiting to print out my credentials.
The realization & excitement is starting to build.
A touch nervous as this will be my first time
walking in Tampa.
Taking out the packing list and checking it twice.
Making sure that I have everything that I need.
3-Days 60 Miles...
I can do this!
For the Survivors who have battled, 
the Warriors that are fighting,
and for all of our
Angels that have earned their wings too soon...
Each step I take is for them.
Honoring, Fighting & in Memory.
10 Days...
Till I set off on a new adventure...
XoXo
<3

Motivational Monday~ Shake things Up

Sometimes it is hard to take advice,

 even when you know it's in your best interest.  

My friend told me, "your wound too tight."  

Maybe, this is part of what has caused my migraines to come back with vengeance.  

So, with that advice...

 I listened to another friend that suggested me trying Zumba classes.  

I wasn't really sure that it was for me,

 but after a little nudging,

 I decided that it was worth checking out.

  My first class, the instructor showed up late.

  Though the class was challenging, I decided that it wasn't the class for me.

  The second class I went to, I really liked the instructor, 

but felt I wasn't challenged in the class.

  So, I tried once again.

  This time, I not only found an instructor that I liked,

 but she challenged me to push further.

  I can tell you that I left the class drenched 

& 

feeling like I actually got in a work out.  

I have decided that I am going to continue with my classes.

My goal...

To take at least two classes a week.

If I can take more...

Great!

If not, I want to at least keep to the two.

Usually, in the winter months I stay close to the house.

This season, I plan to shake things up & push myself to do more.

It is easy to get stuck in a rut,

a comfortable numb.

Not this Season...

Not this Woman...

It's time to do something, just for me!

What will you do to shake things up?

XoXo

<3

P.S. 

Thanks to my Friends for helping me to find something,

 "Just for Me"...

Fall Walk~

As the weather starts to change, 

and the leaves begin to fall, 

it is the perfect time 

to get out into nature.  

Take a deep breath as you take in the cool crisp air.

Let the beauty of the colors, 

surround you.

The leaves starting to fall, 

hearing them crunch beneath your feet.

It is the perfect time to get out and take a walk.

Clear your mind take in your surroundings.

Enjoy the day as the time is fleeting.

Just for today, 

take a moment to take a walk...

XoXo

<3

Savvy Saturday~District Hardware and the Bike Shop

I have the pleasure of introducing you to District Hardware and the Bike Shop. 

They are family owned & operated, they have been serving the community since 1971.

This weekend in Washington DC our Pink Family gathered to experience their 

3-Day.

In the wee hours of Friday morning two of our 3-Dayers Kris & Ken 

( who are known as the Tu-Tu Brothers ), who have served as our road safety for many years and in different cities had their bikes stolen.

It was imperative that we get bikes for them to ride, 

while still trying to recover their bikes.  

Another one of our 3-Dayers out of Florida, Dylan got ahold of 

District Hardware and the Bike Shop.  

They heard our cry for help and were all too willing to help us.  

So, for their amazing customer service, sense of community & charity, 

I wanted to feature them in the blog.  

I hope if you are in the area you will stop by and give them your business.  

I know that I will be giving them my business in the near future!

www.thebikeshopdc.com 

Community focused with a family feel providing both bicycles and hardware.

If you want to read more about their history... http://thebikeshopdc.com/history

                             From big projects to small projects, keys to kitchens, 

and new bike sales to repairs, we're here to help. 

We have affiliate programs with the following groups

:

Commuter Check, 

Virginia Tech Alumni, 

WABA

1108 24th St NW 

Washington, District of Columbia 

20037

Hours of Operation:

Mon-Thurs  9:00-700pm

Fri- Sat   9:00- 6:00pm

                                                              Sunday  11:00- 5:00pm

XoXo

<3

                                    It even got picked up by the news!  FOX-Washington DC

Fantastic Foodie Friday~ Lemon Mousse

If you’re looking for a super easy, no bake dessert that you can pull together in just minutes, then this is it...  

(If you can plan ahead a bit, I actually prefer it after it’s had a little time to chill in the refrigerator). 

It’s light and lemony and something I make often when I need a little something sweet. 

I always have lemon curd on hand in my pantry, which is readily available at many good grocery stores. This mousse is perfect on its own, served with fresh berries or turned into a trifle that’s layered with fruit and pound cake.  This is not my usual recipe that I post, as I try to stay on the light & healthy side of things.  

Every now and again we need to indulge... 

3 tablespoons lemon curd
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries or blackberries), optional

Place lemon curd in a small bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat cream in a medium bowl until medium peaks form. Transfer to bowl of lemon curd and gently fold in cream until well incorporated, taking care not to deflate whipped cream. Place berries, if using, in a serving bowl and top with lemon mousse.

Serves 1.

The Bike~

Touching story that I had to share...  Recently the kids at school had a walk a thon.  The Top fundraiser would receive a bike.  The 3rd Grader at Michigan Primary who won the bike,  was called to the office to pick up her prize.  As she stood in the office she turned to see a boy sitting there eating his lunch.  She asked... "Is that they boy that has been sick?!?"  They told her, Yes...  Without hesitation, she said,   "I want him to have my bike!"  This young boy... Cayden...   has been fighting cancer, has had surgery,   and is now in treatment.    It is at moments like this that touch my heart.  How a child, that worked tirelessly to win   the bike of their dreams, saw another in need  and didn't think twice or had to be "coached".  She saw another child struggling and   wanted to make a difference.  I know that she did not do this to gain   any kind of recognition, she did it out of   compassion.  If we all could only be like this little girl...  XoXo  <3

Rough Patch~

Struggling...

I know we all do at times...

So I keep looking towards the light...

Not giving up...

Continuing the Fight...

XoXo

<3

Few Words~

In light of recent news,

I have been struggling to write tonight.

So I hope that this can speak for me...

XoXo

<3

Motivational Monday~ The 3 A's

A question was posed to me today, what do I think holds more weight... 

Attitude, Actions, or Appearance? 

I do agree that all three of these A's work together.  

I have always been told growing up that,

 "Actions speak louder than words". 

Going along with that, 

you need to back up your words with action.

  Other wise, your words are a waste and eventually will become hollow and meaningless. 

Attitude, well I would be lying if I said that I don't believe that attitude is important.

  I realize that you can't always be a beam of sunshine 24/7, but sometimes,

 you need to squash the negative to keep moving forward.  You are going to come across situations in your life that are down right ugly at times,

 but it is your attitude towards it that will ultimately determine the outcome.

  Then we come to Appearance, this one for me, is a work in progress... 

For you see, I think in this life we are consumed about appearances.

  We are so worried about what others will think, that some forget to take their own feelings and thoughts into consideration.

  They actually become almost an after thought.

  I am not saying that you should never worry about appearances, 

but they should not dictate your every thought or move. 

So which one holds more weight for you?

  Food for Thought...

XoXo

<3

Little Things~

When we think back to times gone by,

 it's the little things that we miss.

The sound of someone's voice, 

the talks we used to have. 

Their spirit,

and 

the way you felt when you were in their company.

Images of moments past, 

that flash in your minds eye...

Preparing meals together, 

then sitting down to eat.

Spending moments in the sun, 

all the hours having fun.

Their laugh, 

the way they would smile.

The way they would walk

 or their style...

A gleam or twinkle,

 that you would see dancing in their eyes.

The way they would hold you near,

 chasing away all of your fears.

Words left unspoken, 

words left unsaid,

 floating around in my head...

XoXo

<3

Savvy Saturday~ Flopped

The first picture would be how this Savvy Saturday

 turned out..

FLOP!

The person that I was working with,

didn't get the information to me

so, I am sorry to say...

This Savvy Saturday

turned out to be a flop...

So I found the picture below

to bring back a smile...

This Monkey is made up of 

10,000 Flip Flops!

Though there is no business 

to feature tonight...

Maybe I have left you with a 

Smile...

Which is more valuable.

Try again next week...

Have a wonderful weekend.

XoXo

<3 

Fantastic Foodie Friday~ Natural Scents

I decided in the spirit of the season,
 I would share a different kind of recipe. 

As of late my migraines have been  

coming back with vengeance. 

 I have been trying to find natural ways  

to substitute foods, cleaners and even scents.  

Taking out all of the unnatural ingredients. 

In my digging I came across this, 

what I thought was really  

creative and a beautiful  

way to decorate and sent your home. 

I have always loved the smell of the  

Jack-O-Lantern as it illuminates the room. 

Now here is a twist on that idea... 

You can use Apples, Oranges, or Grapefruits. 

If you want you could even use spices to enhance 

the scents. 

( pictured above they used whole cloves with the fruits ) 

Cut the fruit in half, then 

simply core out your Apple, Orange or Grapefruit, 

once you are done...  

Place a tealight in the bottom of the fruit. 

Carve a circle or another design in the top 

of the fruit. 

Then light the candle, replace the top  

and enjoy the scent as it lightly  

decorates your room and gives of a warm glow...

XoXo

<3

You shouldn't need a Sign~

Maybe just a reminder...

At times we all need to hear that 

we are Special, Needed 

&

 most of all...

Loved...

Sometimes,

all it takes is just hearing

that you are perfect...

Just the way you are.

Tonight,

I don't want you to wonder...

You are loved beyond 

measure...

XoXo

<3

Just Walk~

In my quest for spreading awareness in the month of October.  I can start by clearing up a few misconceptions that some people have about participating in a Susan G. Komen 3-Day Event. First off...  Yes, it is a 60 Mile walk, over the course of 3 days. With that being said, if you start out and you are only able to walk say, 10 Miles...They are not going to leave you stranded by the side of the road, in the hopes that you have money for cab fare to get to camp... They have sweep vans that will take you to the next pit stop, and if you are done for the day they have a SAG Bus that will transport you back to camp. Look, not everyone can walk the 60 Miles. It really is OK! Just by getting out there you are making a Difference! Let me also say, that no one helps you raise the $2,300 wanting you to push yourself to the point of getting hurt. I have participated in many of the 3-Day events over the last 3 years,  I can tell you from first hand experience... It is hard to admit that you are having a problem. That you may need to sit out for a while, but you know what? It is better to set a reasonable goal. Say you walk all of day one, walk as you can day two, and then day three finish strong, while be able to walk into closing... Walking into closing on day three is... Well, it's indescribable, but it is one of the most amazing experiences that you will ever have! A flood of emotions and getting to see everyone as they come in one last time. It is better to listen to your body and know when to slow down, then to end up getting hurt to the point you can't finish. Everyone wants to walk all 60 Miles. To ensure you have the best experience, get out there and do training walks, make sure you have the right gear and you are working out the kinks before the walk. The last thing you want,  is to be on the event and have problems that you could have avoided. Talk to people who have walked before, they are your best resource. Find what works for you. Then get ready for a life changing experience & Join us! XoXo <3

3-Day Talk~

Ok, in the interest of trying to Raise Awareness in the Month of October.
I am going to be writing the next several blogs about the Susan G. Komen 3-Day.
I hope that by the time I am done that I have not only given you more insight, 
but maybe, also inspired you to participate in at least one.
( WARNING: They are very addictive! )
I may calm some fears, while answering questions and maybe giving you food for thought 
as you prepare to take a Journey of a Lifetime...
To start out, I am going to start with breaking down the 3-Day Language.
 So you know what I am talking about in future blogs...  

Definitions:

SGK~ Susan G. Komen Opening Ceremonies~ Where everyone gathers for the first time.   Your first taste of what is to come. You might get a little over whelmed, with all of the commotion at first, but it will be OK... ( Promise ) They have places that you can have photo ops.   A table where there is a banner that you can write a message on, ( if you get there early enough, as they will use this in the actual ceremony. ) Another table by a blow up wall that has circle stickers, where you can write your goals or hopes. There is a trailer that has SGK items that you can buy ( in case you need a last minute item ) Lastly, a tent that is open for late check in if you need it.   Whew, if all that weren't enough... Then there is the emotional Ceremony where you will get to meet our Dynamic Spokeswoman. Dr. Sheri Phillips.  After the Ceremony, it's time to hit the asphalt and start your Journey of 60 Miles... Breakfast~ The first day, you are on your own.  So make sure you eat a good meal before you head to Opening Ceremonies.  After that, they will have breakfast for you, make sure you get up in time to eat a good meal before you head out on the route. 3-Dayers~ What we lovingly call each participant that is involved in a 3-Day experience. Walkers~ These are the dedicated souls that Journey forward pushing themselves mentally as well as physically to complete 60 Miles bringing about awareness with each mile they walk.  You will see them in all different kinds of outfits and they all have a different reason for being at the event.   Each one of them has spent countless hours raising a minimum of $2,300. Crew~ These selfless angels of mercy are doing all the behind the scenes and not so behind the scene jobs to assist the walkers as they participate in the 3-Day.  They are not required to raise any donations, but most do it anyway in the spirit of the event. Youth Corps~ These amazing kids range in age from 10-16. Each one has their own reason for wanting to be at the 3-Day.  They go through what I understand, is a lengthy interview process and are required to raise a minimum of $500.00.   Their dedication and their spirits will move you on event.   Camp Angels~ These are people that just volunteer to come in and help set up tents ( sometimes carry bags ) and help with dinner service. Sweep Vans~ Uncontrollable Fun on 4 Wheels, Impossible to miss as they always are turning up in different Themes ( that are usually really BRIGHT ) and if you still can't find them, you will usually know that one is near by the sound of a cow bell!  Once a Van stops, you will be greeted by two Highly Motivated & Spunky team members that will "sweep" you off your feet and help you get to the next pit stop where you can get food or seek medical attention if needed. SAG Bus~ Depending where you are on the route, this bus will either take you to Lunch or if it is after Lunch, they will bus you right back to camp. Lunch~ Yup, it's as simple as that, but when you are walking 60 Miles it seems like a whole lot more! ( and just so you won't be disappointed, there is a Theme here and port-a-potties! ) Pit Stops~ These are wonderful areas that also have a Theme. ( Seeing a pattern here? ) There is an area that you can fill up your water bottles, ( Yes, bring at least one of your own! )   ( I will cover a packing list in a future blog. )    There is a tent that you can get a snacks at. A tent where you can seek medical attention if needed & don't forget to visit the port-a-potty! Grab-n-Go's~ These are the down & dirty essentials... They have basic snacks and hydration as well as port-a-potties. ( You'll never guess... They have a Theme! ) Cheering Stations~ These are amazing oasis that some are "official" and others are just "make shift", but trust me when I tell you that each one is a slice of Heaven as they can give you just the pick up you need to push forward as you are walking the 60 Miles.   Lots of cheering, smiling faces and well wishers give you the energy to push on... Camp~ Here is your home away from home while you are on event.  The camp is split in to many different areas.  You have the showers ( prepare yourself, they are in trailers...) They have a towel service ( highly suggest ), and the infamous port-a-potties! They have the tent area ( where you will sleep in a PINK Tent, with another 3-Dayer ). Camp's Main Street has several things you will want to check out. First, it is where you can pick up your camp mail & sweet treats. ( because before the event, you will end up giving out the address to everyone you know! ) You can get a foot massage!  ( Don't miss this one!!! ) There is Kendra, who runs the New Balance shop & has Bingo where you can win great items and fill out entries to win some really cool NB Shoes. They of course have the SGK Trailer and extended shop where you can find all sorts of great SGK 3-Day items. They have an area that you can get on a computer & charge your cell phone. The dinner area, they have the serving tents then the main tent where we all eat and have our camp shows. Lastly, but most meaningful.  The Remembrance Tents.  There is one large tent, then outside, there are tents, one for each of the cities we walk in... ( This will be a blog of it's own. ) Dinner~ This is a must!  After a full day of walking, you need to replenish.  Make sure you eat before you take your shower ( as you wouldn't want to pass out in the shower! ) A great time to relax and enjoy the company of your new friends.   Holding~ Here is where the party is at while you are waiting on all of the walkers to come in! Once the last walker has come in, we all move to Closing Ceremonies. Closing Ceremonies~ Now that your Journey of 60 Miles is complete it is time to come together one last time.  This time, as a United Family.   You may have come as a First Timer and Alone.   You are now part of the 3-Day Family.   This is an extremely emotional Ceremony.   I don't want to give too much away, but I promise you... You will remember it... Always... I know that this was a lengthy blog, but once you have participated in a 3-Day... You know that you can never capture it all, no matter how hard you may try. I hope I am doing this justice, and answering more questions while putting fears to rest. And Yes, there is more to come! XoXo <3

Motivational Monday~ We each have our Reason

                           Something or Someone inspires us to step out and make a change.

                                                                    Three short years ago,

I made a decision to join the war against Breast Cancer.

It started out to Honor 3 women in my life that helped to make me who I am today,

 it has grown into so much more than I could ever have dreamed of...

I now walk for those that can't, those that are fighting, have fought, 

continuing to fight, have lost their fight,

and even those that have yet to enter into the battle...

Through my journey,

I have met some of the most amazing people.

I never would have met them were it not for our common bond of Breast Cancer.

So, as much as I want to rid the world of Breast Cancer ( and every other kind ).

I have to find a silver lining, which for me, is the special bonds that I have made over the past 3 years.

We laugh together, cry, get goofy at times, and even get angry,

but thru it all we support each other the best way we can and we never give up

our Hope, Dreams, Believing or Love for one another no matter how rough the road gets.

We all have the power to touch a life...

To Inspire...

To Bring about a Change...

Some are able to donate their Time, others their Talent and others with a Donation.

Each one is Invaluable...

With each act of Kindness, we are making a Difference...

Even if you can't see it today...

Sometimes, you are just planting a seed.

It may take a while to bloom,

but it will...

Find a Passion,

find Your Passion,

and Fight for it!

XoXo

<3