take the challenge...

as i sit here and ponder back to the last year of my life, one saying comes to mind... "if god brings you to it, he'll bring you through it"


2011 was an interesting year for me. it shaped me, changed me, made me mad as hell then brought me to some wonderful places, pretty much all at once! but for that i am grateful! (BIG time) 


now here we are, just a day away from another year ending and another beginning. normally, i'd just be excited to gather with family and friends and welcome the new year with good food and great spirits! this year i'm feeling quite different. when you reflect back on all the years past and all those "resolutions" you promised you would keep, so often that ends in disappointment or failure! always has bothered me so much! i know damn well, i have the will power and i could keep on any task i set myself too - but sometimes in the middle of this "unessecarily busy" life we lead, we lose track.


last year, i promised myself that i would stick with my resolution, come hell or high water! then i said, i really had to do it this time and if i made it something so off the charts - i'd have no reason to hate it, be bored with it and quit by february 1st! it was different and it was creative. for those of you who don't know, my resolution last year was to start this blog.... 

nearly 20 articles
65 facebook fans 
& 1 year later - i'd call this a damn good labor of love.
(now these numbers could be higher, and sure i want them to be but beggars can't be choosy!)

so with my mini success here, i got to thinking did i really even make a resolution? i mean ultimately, i had said this was what i would do, and i did it - for a lot longer then i even thought i would. this resolution was way more then that however, it's given me an outlet. 
i've expanded my writing, my outlook and now i'm looking into very awesome business ventures - all because i placed what i remember being, just "a silly bet with myself".


this was now my thing! people love it, ask about it and are excited for the next article i'll post. it's an honor and a privelge because to me it was just "a little something" where i wanted to share my great ideas and bits of information.  i never anticipated it would now be shaping my life in 2012...  (that announcement, you'll have to wait for!)


now back to the real reason we are here... a challenge.


it is my proposal to you is, this new year do not make a resolution with yourself. make a solution. promise that you can do just one thing this year that will change your outlook, make your future brighter. do something so out of the ordinary that it doesn't only shock the people in your life, but yourself. put yourself out there, get a little vulnerable and try something new and different! 


now please remember, this isn't bad, it isn't anything until you try it! it could be so much more then eating 6 more vegetables a day, drinking more water and quitting smoking. those are all great things, beneficial in the long run too, of course. but this year make a solution... give in to the fear of the unknown, so maybe you'll start a cupcake making business, become a tutor, run a marathon or volunteer more!  trying it out, is to believe in yourself! i say, commit to this challenge of a dream or a passion and make it the one major thing you focus on for the next year and if you do it right, YEARS to come! 


i am awfully glad i did & even happier to have shared it with all of you!
thank you for your support, keep spreading the secrets <3

survival of the fittest...

well here we are, christmas eve eve and if your anything like me - you have some last minute shopping, wrapping & baking to do. but if you're not doing any of those things, help a pal out!
( if you know my number, i pay well & i can use all the help i can get! )


with all the hustle and bustle we tend to forget what we really are in store for come "gathering time". the holidays bring about this family reunion vibe and sadly it can be a hindrance on the celebrations! here's how to curb your scrooge'isms and be merry instead!


yuck, don't like the food? 
how could you - i don't do seafood personally. and it's italian tradition to eat 7 fishes on christmas eve! my family is gracious enough to offer pasta and chicken in place of that but some other houses may not be so kind.... so EAT before you go to any function. even if its a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. keep yourself full, you'll be less cranky that way too! 
and another reason to keep yourself full, is if you plan to drink...


don't be a LUSH! 
sure a glass or two is fine and dandy but the last thing any family function needs is you teaching your cousins beer pong, or telling them where the gifts really came from! be mindful of your slurring tongue. if you're not driving and plan to be tipsy, drink a water in between every cocktail, we don't need puke on the presents!


be our guest.
...well our helpful, clean up after yourself, make yourself at home but never come into my home empty handed - guest! sure homemade is better, but the thought will always count! do show up with at least a dessert or bottle of wine for the hostess. and yes, even if they tell you not to bring something! if there are children, be the cool cousin - head to the dollar store, get a bunch of coloring books and some crayons and let them go crazy! 


lets play 20 questions.
the next scenario is going to happen, and i hate to say i saved the best for last but if needed - read this then practice your speech in the car on the way there!
in an inquisitive, shrilling but caring voice -  either one of your aunts or your grandma are bound to ask you these following questions:


"are you still with that boyfriend of yours / are you engaged yet" /  "you looked like you gained weight"/ "when are ya gonna have a baby" / "did ya get that damn promotion yet"


LISTEN UP! all of the answers to the above will be - quick, painless, basic AND answered with a smile. the more information and details the deeper the hole! so remember the golden rule, keep it simple! 


i come from a very big family ( parents are divorced, moms remarried and all 3 parents come from a family of 5 kids +)  however i am really looking forward to the reunion, its been too long that i've seen my loved ones! but the older i get the more stress i begin to feel at these sorts of events! all the details and did i forget somethings just flutter my head! quite franly i need to be at the mall RIGHT NOW doing more of my last minutes, ahh just another part of the holiday survival kit! maybe this wont be the case for you, BUT it could be. so if that is the case, stay strong and avoid eye contact on the tough questions! 


wishing you all a wonderful and happy holiday with your loved ones! :) . <3


PS. thank you for all the love and support on this blog, i'm gracious beyond words.
soon we'll be coming up on one year and will be making a very big announcement and hoping to spread the "good word" like wild fire! <3

it's the most wonderful time of the year...

and boy, it is coming very fast! with two weeks and counting until christmas, i feel very under prepared! now lets see - i've bought the products i'll need for my personal handmade "craft/gifts"however, i haven't started making them! i've got a list of potential recipes i'll try out for parties, and no ingedients! and oh yesss, the shopping... well my shopping is no more then a LIST!  certainly not my proudest confession but that's where i'm at! 


this year i have a precise list of what i am buying for the ladies in my life. as far as the men go - they are picky and difficult. especially my boyfriend! ( sorry if you're reading this babe. ) in case you are in the same position or are having some trouble with the "picky people" on your list, this gift guide will certainly help you wrap it up!

REMINDERS

please know you STILL have time - so buy online.

the amount of coupons you can combine are endless.

oh and did i mention, they are are all under $100!

1) scent'sational

for men & women $50 fragrance sample set

included is a voucher for a full size bottle of your choice!

www.sephora.com 

2) tech'sessories

many top designers (michael kors, dvf, & juicy to name a few) are making compact and CHIC cases for your apple & nook devices! some may be on the pricier end or over $100, but many double for a small wallet, with enough space or a lip gloss too!

nordstorm and shopbop will have exactly what you're looking for! 

for the guys:  www.iphoneappcafe.com/10-best-leather-cases-for-iphone-4

  

3) understated, classy but USEFUL - for the guys!

my brother never uses his wallet yet he prefers a rubberband, 

well not after this christmas!

money clip by coach $48 

lots and lots more goodies for the guys at www.coach.com

4) baubles, beads and pearls, oh my! 

statement pieces are more fancy then an expensive piece jewelry. 

they add some glitz to any basic ensemble! 

and a little does go a long way.

target and forever 21 have the MOST affordable and unique pieces!

5) a book a day...

may not keep the doctor away but it will make for an awesome gift!

plus it adds personal touch, 

anytime i've read a good book i've always shared with a friend! 

and lucky for you there are ENDLESS amounts to chose from!

there are so many good reads out now,

then afterward it serves as a fab coffee table accessory! 

check out the kate spade etiquette collection at neiman marcus.

now go be merry and bright 

oh, and get shopping dolls! <3