Book Review #1

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James                                                                                                          I have to admit that I felt as though I was living under a rock when everyone around me was talking about this book and I had never even heard of it.  Was I that out of touch??  It was no surprise that my book club chose this as our first book to read.  Apparently I wasn't the only one who hadn't read this book, let alone know about it!  While, yes, there were some steamy chapters and some places where I could relate to the characters I couldn't help but want to shake the main character Ana.  I suppose it is one of those things where you see the train wreck in slow motion or you're watching a movie and you know the killer is hiding in the closet.  I could see where this was going to go and how it would end.  It was certainly entertaining and a quick read, however not one of my favorites.  In fact, I'm going to pass on reading the second and third books in the series...not quiet my style of book.

Weekend Project #3

Travel Idea

Here is another idea that I came across on Pintrest.com.  Really, it comes at the perfect time now that my husband and I have booked a trip for my 30th birthday and our 5 year anniversary.  There is nothing worse than packing your suitcase all neat and orderly just to open it at your destination and find everything moved around.  I especially don't like when my toothbrush ends up next to my hair brush or under a shoe...can't help but feel a little gross.  This idea is simple enough and can be made quite inexpensively.

5 Years

                                           

Already?!?

My husband & I just celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary.  It has been a while since we've taken a big vacation and decided yesterday that this will be the perfect way to celebrate our anniversary.  I would love to take him to London and show him around all my favorite spots.  We have been saving our Hilton Honors points for years and have enough for 4-5 nights there.  Now I just have to save for the flight.  I've set up a $150 automatic transfer into our savings account every    week (on PAYDAY to be exact).  My hope is that by late summer we will have enough to not only fly out there, but see a show on the West End, take the train out to the country and even visit a friend of his in Scotland.  I can't wait!

Just What Every Girl Needs...

                                      ANOTHER Purse!
I know, I know...I need another purse like I need another hole in my head...but this was a REALLY good deal!  This morning I went to check out the highly recommended Clothes Mentor near my house.  Essentially they only accept gently used, high quality women's clothing and accessories.  Everything is current fashion and at deeply discounted prices.  I found two dresses that will be perfect to wear to work this summer but my most exciting find of the morning was the new Coach purse I picked up.  I.Love.It. 


     Price I Paid: $15   Actual Price: $293       
Price I Saved: $283 


For more information about Clothes Mentor, check out:
http://www.clothesmentormn.com/maplegrove

A New Me

Today I kept the promise that I made to myself yesterday-I lived with no regrets and kept my glass half full. Typically the thought of going to an all-day training offsite would have caused my anxiety to go into overdrive...will I know anyone, who will I sit by, will I get invited out for lunch and please tell me I don't have to speak in front of the group. Today I arrived early, sat down next to a perfect stranger and introduced myself first. Instead of pulling out my Nook (that I brought with so I didn't have to talk to anyone) I made small talk with the strangers at my desk. Woa! Throughout the morning session I was surprised to find myself sharing thoughts and ideas with the group...without worrying about if it was a dumb answer, what people would think and playing it over and over in my head before saying it, then over and over in my head afterwards worrying if I should have just kept quiet. Who is this person?? To top it off, instead of waiting to see if anyone would ask me to join them for lunch - I invited one of my table mates/former stranger to join me for lunch. We had a great time getting to know each other, share ideas, give suggestions, and did the all so important...networking. By this time I was feeling great. I stepped outside of my comfort zone, challenged myself to try something new, and didn't worry about it one bit - just did it :) Now I just had to keep it up! To round out the day I had one more challenge: tell someone exactly how I feel...without holding back and without regret. No more bottling things up. This turned out to be the most challenging part of my day, but I did it. Now I just have to keep it up. It sure felt good though, even if it only lasts for today.

                                                   Day 1 Of The New Me

One Day At A Time

                                               Live, Laugh, Love...

I see this written all the time and have liked it, but not until today would I say that I "got it".  I have learned that I need to Live each day to the limit...do those scary things, tell someone how I feel, challenge myself to try something new.  I also need to Laugh...find the upside to every challenge, work my way through it, and surround myself with amazing friends.  A glass half full will satisfy me more than a glass half empty.  I also need to Love...love myself, love my life, love my family and friends (and tell them I Love them more).  Remember that the sun will always come up tomorrow, but make the most of today - catch the sunrise, watch the clouds go by, and count the stars.   Here is my promise that as of today I will keep my glass half full.

            Cheers to today.

No One is Perfect

                                                         It Will Be Okay

                                                                   
You know what?  No one is perfect.  As hard as you try to avoid it, everyone makes mistakes.  The only thing you can do is try to learn from them.  A great friend told me that continually doing the same thing and expecting a different result is crazy.  Here is my toast to trying something different this time. Time to pick up the pieces and start fresh.  Tomorrow is a new day and things will only get better from here.  There is nothing wrong with taking a long bubble bath, drinking a glass (or bottle) of wine and taking a quiet nap.  Sometimes we all need to take a day to put ourselves first.  Dinner will still get made, the kids will still have fun, everyone will be okay.  Today was my day.                                 


Cheers to a better tomorrow.  

Earth Friendly Detergent

                               It's A Tie!

I have two favorite detergents right now.  I started just using Seventh Generation Free & Clear Natural 2X Concentrated Laundry Liquid with my daughter's clothes, blankets and sheets after she was born.  I didn't want her to have chemicals rubbing against her all day or have her inhale any chemicals.  There are a few different scents that you can choose from, but I preferred unscented for my daughter.  After about a year I decided that we should be washing EVERYTHING in all natural, earth-friendly detergent.  I came across Method Laundry Detergent...mostly because I had a   coupon :)  Anyways, I  decided to give it a try because it is plant based and in a much smaller container.  You just put a few squirts in your washer and you're ready to go!                                                                                                  

**For the Thrifty Mom: Check the Sunday Newspaper or websites like http://www.coupons.com/.  I have found coupons for both Seventh Generation & Method products.  If you join both e-clubs through their websites, you will also have access to coupons or promotions.

Link to more information on Seventh Generation:

http://www.seventhgeneration.com/

Link to more information on Method:

http://www.methodhome.com/

No Chemicals!

                               Free & Clear Natural Laundry Stain Remover

Ever since I had my daughter, I have been much more aware of the household products that we are using.  I came across this recently and decided to give it a try.  It works awesome at getting out grass stains, mud, spaghetti sauce, juice...you name it, it has worked.  The best way I have found is to spray it on the clothes right after they get dirty (so then I don't forget) and let them soak on the dryer.  As soon as I throw my  daughter's other clothes in I add the pre-soaked items as well.  They have come out super clean & best of all - chemical free!

**For the Thrifty Mom: Occasionally there are coupons in the Sunday paper or on websites such as http://www.coupons.com/.  If you join the e-club through the Seventh Generation website, you can "earn" coupons or free products.


Link to more information on Seventh Generation Products:
http://www.seventhgeneration.com/

Great For On The Go

Super Delicious (And Healthy!)

                                              

Let's face it - mornings are crazy busy with a toddler and a dog to get ready, let alone get myself ready too.  I recently discovered this super delicious V8 V-Fusion drink.  While I've had it before in the 46 oz bottle...this is SO much better!  It comes in a handy 8 oz can packed with a full serving of fruits and vegetables. It's great for getting a healthy start to the day as you are running out the door.

Link to more information on V8:

http://www.v8juice.com/