Motivation Monday: Best Version

Striving to be the best version of yourself is no easy feat - it's a daily battle/struggle/challenge but the idea of working towards being the best you can be equates success. Just "trying" counts in my book.

Thanks to Anne Naylor from the Huffington post, here are 10 tips to being your best. Check it out!

1. Know what you want. Maybe you have a talent you have longed to express and develop. If not, you probably know how you would like to be experiencing your life - perhaps with more happiness, better communications with the ones you love, greater fulfillment in your work. Knowing is deeper and stronger than wishful thinking or hoping. It is a conviction so solid that you can base your life on it
2. Engage with your intention. Daily nurture your vision - see, feel, hear how you will be experiencing the fulfillment of your the life you want, both inwardly and in the world. Use your imagination.
3. Practice your passion - take action. If you have a talent, keep working with it. If you would like to be happier, do things that make you happy. Better communications? Be willing to learn, practice, improve - and make mistakes from time to time. Your intention will speak volumes. Fulfillment? Adjust your attitude. "Nothing will work unless you do." [Maya Angelou]
4. Raise your energy - turn up the heat. Love yourself and be grateful for all you have in your life, right now. Pay attention to your blessings. Look up. Learn to forgive and laugh at the mistakes you make along the way. Each day, feel the enthusiasm for your vision, as if it has already happened. Stay open for the remarkable to take place. It will. "There are two ways to live your life - one is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as though everything is a miracle." [Albert Einstein]
5. Gather positive people around you. At the very least, spend time with people who are supportive and for you. Enrich yourself by getting to know others who are actively creating the best for themselves, and learn from them.
6. Get rid of what is unnecessary. Clear the clutter! Live lean with only that which you need around you. The feeling of freedom you gain will liberate you closer to what you really want.
7. Organize yourself for success. Find ways of dealing with life's necessities so that you are not distracted by them. Only agree to do what you will actually do. Learn to say no to what does not fit for you. "If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves." [Thomas A Edison]
8. Set no time limits. Learn to live in the present moment and respond to your intuitive guidance. There are times when to act; times when to hold. You will get to know which is which.
9. Believe in yourself - believe in your vision. Feeling doubtful? In these challenging times, young children may teach us something. As adults, we can also be persistent in going for what we value.
10. Treasure yourself. Do the things that show you care for yourself: eat foods that serve your body; drink plenty of water; get enough sleep; exercise regularly; make time and space for fun; stay focused on your vision and intention. Taking care of your health is a wise investment of your time and attention.

Thrifty Thursday: Fall Wedding

Trying to find a fall-ish wedding dress for an unpredictable climate, like Chicago, has been a challenge. Ordered two from Charlotte Ruse - returned. Searched the racks at my local boutiques - nada. Forever21? Nothing age appropriate. But I did find a dress 40% off at Urban Outfitters. Let's see if this works!

Now for the shoes...I'm thinking:

 

 

 And for a purse?

 

 What do you think?

 

What's New Wednesday

What's new? Support, style and challenge yourself.

Support.

Words Alive is hosting its 10th annual author's luncheon event on Tuesday, November 12 from 10:30am-1:30pm at the Hilton Torrey Pines. This year we are featuring prolific author, Alice Hoffman in conversation with A Way With Words, Martha Barnette. Tickets are $100 and the money raised benefits the 1400 at-risk youth, adolescents and families we serve monthly. Interested? Visit www.wordsalive.org for more information! Or, you can call us at 858.274.9673 (WORD).

Style.

This Friday I'm getting a much needed make-over. I purchased a hair cut, partial highlight, toner, conditioning treatment and mimosa Groupon from Phillip Edwards Salon. Only $69! Check it out! Here's to getting pampered!

Challenge.

Do you have just a few minutes to work out? Well, try a progressive challenge. Currently I do squats, push-ups and planks every morning. For squats, I started with 50 and add 5 each day. Push-ups? I try to do 15-30 full range push-ups, adding one each day. And planks? Start with 1-minute and progress to 4-minutes.

That's what's new in my world!

Tasty Tuesday: Spiced Rum

It's fall - my favorite time of year. And with fall comes decorations, delicious (fatty) recipes and festive cocktails. Enter fall drink #1: Captain w/ Apple Cider.

How? Pour (over ice is best, but not necessary) spiced rum into glass, fill with apple cider, stir. Um, easy and tasty. Happy fall time!

Read more: Captain's Spiced Cider recipe

Motivation Monday: Perspective

The events in Nairobi emotionally affected me - 69 dead, 175 wounded, 40+ missing/held hostage. The idea of experiencing this horrific event is unimaginable - the fear these innocent people know, witnessed and encountered brings tears to my eyes. No one should ever face such tragedy.

This brings me to my post today: perspective. Sometimes perception is skewed by insignificant, materialistic concerns or nonsensical anxiety.  It's common to be overwhelmed with a sense of uncertainty, hopelessness, sadness and at times depression. But, is your life really that bad? My guess is no. If you have food in your belly, a roof over your head, clothes on your back and friends/family then no. Working with at-risk teens and young adults who do not have these basic needs, I have no excuse to not maintain perspective. Regardless, I still need to be reminded.

So, the next time you are feeling sorry for yourself, are lost and/or cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel, try these four effective practices to gain perspective.

Effective Practice #1: Read

Losing yourself in a book can open your soul and is an excellent way to understand life from the vantage point of someone else.

Effective Practice #2: Seek out a person who is 80+ years and initiate a purpose-filled conversation.

This practice makes my heart ache as my go-to person to gain perspective was Leroy. He had such an innate ability to listen, absorb and share his opinion only when mattered. I'll never forget his words, "be firm, fair and consistent." His words will forever resonate and impact me. Leroy was a man who lived through the great depression, fought in two wars, survived life before cell phones and continued to make a difference in others' even after he passed. Now that's perspective.

Effective Practice #3: Volunteer

Volunteering is unique in that it gives you a very pure opportunity to connect with people that you may never have met otherwise. Plus, you are empowered to make a change - maybe a small change but a difference none-the-less.

Effective Practice #4: Examine the actions of kids 5 years and younger

Aside from being absolutely hilarious, there is a serious lesson to be learned from children. Kids can just be...they are care-free and live in the moment. You were once like that before becoming potentially cynical, seemingly responsible and an adult. Take time to see the world through the eyes of a five year old - it's refreshing.

What's New Wednesday: Just Fab

It's boot, moto and bootie season. Time to get some new soles on those feet and experience fall! Recently, I took advantage of the Just Fab deal - first pair is half off! That's $19.95, folks! Any other pair? Just $39.95 for boots, wedges, flats, sandals and heels. Check it out!

Here are my fun, new boots!

11 years...

Time sure flies. Today marks the 11th anniversary of my mother's passing. And with each year, I'm reminded of what an amazing person the world lost on September 17, 2002. While my heart aches when I think of that moment at 6:04pm on that very day, I relish in her memories and life lessons. My mom was the most thoughtful, giving, heartfelt, goofy, carefree, fun person in my life. I smile when I think of her - it's hard not to. She was my best friend, confidant and biggest supporter.

Here are my some life lessons I will carry with me forever...and hopefully pass on to my children. Love you mom!

• Smile everyday...even if it is hard
• Don't be ashamed of what you do, who you are or whom you love
• Laugh. Incessantly. At everything.
• Love unconditionally
• Worry about everything, anything and everybody
• To go get the "thing in the thing in the thing"
• Be innocent sometimes and open to learning, understanding and being overwhelmed
• Dress up - for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas; for any holiday or for any excuse
• Apologize for the weather, even if it isn't your fault (lol!)
• Clean, clean, clean...and then when things are clean, clean some more =)
• Cherish your memories

Love you mom! Always and forever.

Motivation Monday: Be Real

Megan - a friend, sister and someone that is always real.

With Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, social media and an age that traditional communication is seemingly by the wayside, the concept of being "you" is starting to get lost...

As I get older and our society becomes faster paced, I've sadly encountered friends, foes and acquaintances that are just not real. Or, they are scared to be themselves. They lie - about their plans, their life, their intentions and who they are to themselves and to others. Why?

Okay, we have all told a white lie. Or exaggerated a story or two. Heck, we are human. But it's a different story when people incessantly lie about the most inconsequential things. And I think the root of it is lack of appreciation for the beautiful people they are or can become.

So, here are 30 things to appreciation about being...well, you! Thanks to Tina Buddha!

The Good Things You Do for You:

1. You let yourself learn new things, which helps you grow and contribute to the world.
2. You do good things for your body, like exercising and eating healthy foods (even if not everyday).
3. You honor your life by making healthcare a priority.
4. You take time away from work to simply be, which allows you to feel balanced.
5. You bounce back from bad days and disappointments.
6. You do what’s right for you, even if it’s not easy to say no to other people (and even if you occasionally people please).
7. You choose to be around people who make you feel good about yourself.
8. You work toward goals that make you feel passionate and purposeful.
9. You smile, which benefits both you and the people around you.
10. You give yourself the sleep you need to feel energized and balanced each day (even you sometimes need to get better sleep).

The Good Things You Do for Other People:

1. You have good intentions.
2. You accept people for who they are and try to keep an open mind.
3. You make people laugh, whether you have a dry humor, an acerbic wit, or a caricature-like personality.
4. You listen to the people when they need an ear.
5. You’re compassionate toward other people.
6. You make selfless decisions to look out for the people you love, even if not always.
7. You forgive people when they make mistakes, even if sometimes it’s hard.
8. You vocalize it when you notice something you value, admire, or appreciate in someone else.
9. You help other people reach their potential.
10. You’re honest with people, even if sometimes vulnerability feels scary.

The Good Things You Do for the World:

1. You care about your work and you do it passionately.
2. You want to make a difference.
3. You vote to create positive change.
4. You recycle to preserve our natural resources.
5. You choose not to litter.
6. If you’re a parent, you’re shaping the next generation.
7. You give back, whether that means volunteering, donating old clothes, or simply helping a stranger in need.
8. You call for help when you see something potentially hazardous.
9. You teach something valuable to someone every day, whether you realize it or not.
10. You make positive changes in yourself—and being the change you want to see is the best way to change the world.

So next time you find yourself in a rut, bad place or spilling out a lie, think back at the 30 things you do for you, others and the world! And be real.

Feels Good Friday: Family-time

I rarely see my family as my older brother lives in Nevada; my dad lives in Florida and my little brother is still stationed in Tennessee. Since my mother's passing in 2002, we have been disconnected but regardless share a bond that is unbreakable. We might annoy each other - heck, drive each other crazy - but there is no denying that we love each other. My husband even comments that despite everything my family has overcome and endured, we have an innate ability to just reminisce about fond memories, laugh and joke around as if time, experiences and life have not passed.

Over the Labor Day weekend, Nick and I traveled the approximately nine hours to Twin Lakes to camp with my brother, Greg and my niece, nephew, and ex-sister-in-law. Despite the travel, distance and smoke from the rim fire, it was such a needed vacation to spend with some of my family. I left feeling full and refreshed.

Want to see some photos? Here you go!

Want to learn more about Twin Lakes? Check it out! And here is the beloved campsite my family has spent many summers, Annett's Mono Village.

 

Thrifty Thursday: Football Digs

 

It's that time of year again - football! And you might be wondering how to support your team while still looking fashionable. Yes, I know this has been on your mind. I'm positive all my male readers are sitting on the edge of their seats to learn ways to look stylish while watching the game. So, you're welcome.

Idea #1: Pair vintage tee with a funky skirt

Idea #2: Paint your nails

Idea #3: Just add a hat

Check out the 25 chic ways to support your team!

What's New Wednesday: Lola

I recently went camping with my older brother, Greg and his family at Twin Lakes. And as a result, I got to meet, cuddle and play with their newest addition, Lola.

As an 11-week Basset Hound puppy, Lola is arguably the most adorable dog on this planet. My favorite part about Lola is her over-sized ears as she walks, trips and clumsily tramples on them navigating her surroundings. Next would have to be her eye lashes that frame her big, 'I just want to love you' eyes. It gets me every time! And if her cuteness wasn't enough she has such a sweet, gentle disposition - just whimpering to have you snuggle with her. Welcome to the world, little Lola!

Check out some photos of my nephew, Hunter with Lola (and a cameo from 6-year old basset, Skippy).

 

Want to learn more about Basset Hounds? Click here! Interested in adopting? Check out the San Diego Basset Hound Rescue.



Tasty Tuesday: Egg Salad Sammy

 

What to do with 24 hard-boiled eggs in the house but not much else in the fridge? Well, make an egg salad sandwich of course! Easy, yummy and resourceful. Here's a quick and easy recipe.

Motivation Monday: Top 10

I'm back! From my camping trip, to the unbearable heat, to a super busy schedule, I had little time to dedicate to the blog. But taking a week off was a needed break and an excuse to be re-energized.

Friends and family often ask why I created this blog - to be honest, it's merely to keep me accountable. This forum challenges me to be positive and motivates me to try new things.

So I thought I would focus today on the top 10 strategies for motivation (as Mondays are about motivation). Here you go!

1. Set goals. Be sure they are realistic and achievable.
2. Establish a reward system for progress made toward your goals.
3. Expect set-backs and when they happen, re-direct and renew your energy toward your goals. Don’t give up.
4. Use the power of positive thinking and believe in yourself.
5. Tell others what you are trying to accomplish and seek support from loved ones.
6. Learn to say no to options and distractions that deter you from your goal. Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal.
7. Establish routine and regular exercise; meditation, a run or yoga, even if it is only 15 minutes a day to start. This will help you to cultivate discipline.
8. Use positive imagery to help you achieve your goals. Imagine yourself as you will be and feel when your goal is achieved.
9. Spend time reflecting about what has stopped you from achieving your goals in the past.
10. Practice extreme self care. Good health is essential to positive thinking and feeling, which will take you a long way toward achieving your goals.

    

    I like Marley's expression here -  he looks motivated