Motivation Monday: Night, night

Cats? Check. Beer? Check. Sleeping whilst holding beer upright? Check.

Did you follow the tips to a better morning? Well, check out these methods to continuing your awesome day...and sleep tight!

• Fit in a quickie. No time to workout today? Not to worry, spend a minute or two in plank or try these 60-second workout ideas.
• Wind down. Mindless TV? A good book? A walk? Whatever it is that you need to do to clear your mind and wind down, you've earned it!
• Let it go. Whether you've downed a whole box of cookies or missed out on yet another workout, don't dwell on it. Tomorrow's another day!
• Drink tea. A calming, warm mug of herbal tea can help you wind down and prep for bed.
• Have a healthy late-night snack. Make sure that you have low-calorie, healthy snacks available for that moment of weakness.
  
• Go ahead, have a glass. There's nothing wrong with unwinding with a glass of red wine every night — it's even good for you!  
• Stay organized. Prepare for tomorrow, do laundry, put away the dishes, and cross some of your household chores off your list so the rest of your week doesn't look daunting.
• Go to bed. Ensure you set a bedtime that gives you at least seven hours of shut-eye.
• Laugh. No matter how horrible your day was, try to find something that makes you laugh. 

(Content courtesy of Huffington Post and Fitsugar)

Motivation Monday: Good Morn'

 Start your week, Monday and morning off right! Try these tips for a healthier morning.

• Avoid the snooze button: While tempting, pressing the snooze button doesn't extend your sleep; once interrupted, your quality of sleep isn't the same.  
• Stretch: Just try 10 minutes! Not just an easy way to energize your morning but also a method to ease tension.
• Make your bed: A clean space means a clear mind, and it will be nice to come home to after a long day at work. 
• Go for a quick run: Running in the morning can save you a lot of time after work, clear your mind, and kick-start your metabolism.
• Turn on the tunes: It sounds simple, but listening to your favorite song is one of the easiest ways to gear you up for the rest of the day. 
• Eat breakfast: Try one of these 41 breakfast ideas for simple, healthy meals.
• Drink water: Starting your day with water will help wake you up, kick-start your metabolism, and hydrate your body.
  
• Pack healthy snacks: Packing healthy snacks will ward off hunger and prevent you from reaching for that 3 p.m. bag of chips.
• Moisturize: Moisturizing after your morning shower will lock in moisture, preventing itchy, dry skin, especially in the Winter.
• Smile: Before you head out the door, smile! 

Or, you could just listen to the opening of American Dad...data proven to enhance any mood. 

(Context from Huffington Post and Fitsugar)

Thrifty Thursday: Polished Shorts

It's springtime albeit many of you might not feel 'springy' based on your current forecasts. But alas, sunnier days are in the horizon. Hopefully...

So, in light of warmer weather ahead I was inspired to post my favorite spring outfit - polished shorts. I like the juxtaposition of a casual, linen Bermuda with a preppy blazer and wedges. I even try to get away this look at work...but I do work for a non-profit, in San Diego which is almost in-line with the dress code of software engineers (think: slip-on shoes with socks, a retro tee and disheveled hair). I know this because I live with one of these. =)

So, here are some great shorts at a thrifty price! Check 'em out.

Aeropostale $18

American Eagle $29.99

JCrew $16.99

Happy spring!

What's New Wednesday: Donate

I recently learned about a local non-profit, My Girlfriend's Closet whose mission is to distribute free, gently used clothing to local teenage girls and young women in need.  This prompted me to clean out my own closet and donate; I encourage others to do the same and contribute to this great cause. Get your spring cleaning on and help out! Below is information about the donation process.

Donate Clothing: My Girlfriend’s Closet needs gently-used, fashionable clothing and accessories for teenage girls and young women ages 13-22, including:

• Jeans
• Pants
• Shorts
• Skirts
• Shirts
• Sweaters
• Jackets
• Coats
• Dresses
• Party dresses
• Pajamas and robes
• Shoes
• Purses
• Belts
• Hats
• Jewelry
• Clean stuffed animals
• Unopened makeup and toiletries

My Girlfriend's Closet collects clothing throughout the year at the drop-off locations listed below. Please be aware that these are volunteers’ private homes.  Donations can be left on the front porches, preferably in plastic bags or boxes.  To receive a tax-deductible receipt, please provide a self-addressed envelope with your donation.

Pt. Loma
1058 Novara Street
San Diego, CA 92107

Mission Hills
3240 Curlew Street
San Diego, CA  92103

La Mesa
8317-1/2 University Avenue
La Mesa, CA  91942
(house in back on left)

Rancho Penasquitos
9120 Rowlett Avenue
San Diego, CA 92129

Del Mar
Del Mar Dress Company
213 South Cedros Avenue
Solana Beach, CA  92075

Spa Gregorie’s
2710 Via de la Valle, #B-270
San Diego, CA  92014

If these locations are not convenient, please contact Denise Seymour at (619) 226-6853. And check out other ways to donate and/or volunteer:

  
Sort Clothing
Twice a year before each distribution event, volunteers are needed to load/unload the truck and sort the clothing.

Distribute Clothing
Volunteer to set up the distribution event. Volunteers are needed for 3 separate shifts to set up the store, check in the girls, replenish the clothes and provide assistance to the shoppers.

To volunteer or get more information please contact: mgc.sandiego@gmail.com

Tasty Tuesday: Pesto

I have been digging pesto...a lot lately! Pesto on everything. Yum, yum, yum. So when I was planning my menu for a 'thank you' dinner for my friend, Carter - pesto of course was the main ingredient.

Here is a simple, yet delicious slow-cook meal.

Ingredients:

• Thinly sliced chicken breast
• Pesto
• Chicken broth
• Butter
• Pasta and/or vegetables

Directions:

Place thinly sliced chicken breast into the crock-pot. Evenly spread pesto sauce on each chicken breast. Add 1 cup of chicken broth and 2 tablespoons butter into the crock-pot. Cook on high for 4-hours.

Place on low and cook pasta and/or veggies as a side dish.

Motivation Monday: Love your life!

Florence, Italy - where we spent our 30th birthdays!

Thanks to last night's insomnia and Huffington Post mobile, I am bringing today's motivation post courtesy of Rulaca State. Thanks, Rulaca for bestowing your wisdom upon us and making my Monday a little easier. Good stuff!

Just turned 30? Or have been checking this age box for years now? Here are 10 tips to love your life (and yourself) in your 30's:

1. Embrace your physical appearance. Period. Determine what you like about your appearance and own it. Forget about what you want to change. Your sexiest accessory can be your confidence.  
2. Take control of your health. Sleep more, drink water more, visit your doctor..more, rest more, exercise more, eat healthier, meditate more, focus on the positive more and enjoy the small things...MORE!
3. Find a personal mantra. It doesn't really matter what your mantra or where it stems, it matters that it resonates with you and that you know you can find comfort in it when you need to. 
4. Get a hobby. If you don't have one already, find a hobby. Something that really engages you -- physically, mentally, creatively, whatever. My hobbies are blogging and photography - they help me realize there is life outside of chores, work and exercise. =)
   
5. Seek inspiration. Trust your eye and your personal point of view. Pin it. Bookmark it. Photograph it. Keep it in your mental (and literal) files for a creative boost when you need it.
   
6. Figure out how to de-stress. Maybe it's taking long walks, going to a movie, reading a book, watching mindless reality shows, cooking dinner or hanging out with friends/families. For me, it's bubble baths...with a side of champs/wine/beer (I'm not particular). Whatever it is, finding a way to control your own mind and the random roads it travels down, is a really important factor in taking care of yourself mentally and feeling your best. 
7. Help others. It's not quite as simple as doing a Goodwill drop twice per year. Volunteering your time, your insight or your talents can be rewarding in so many ways. It lets you take the focus off yourself for a little while, reminds you that your life is abundant and rich and simply warms your heart. Letting yourself be completely selfless in order to restore your spirit. You will come out of it feeling brand new.
8. Stop comparing. This is a tough one, friends. But the only way you will feel comfortable in your own skin is to truly live in it.
9. Know how to say no. Or I can't. Or I don't want to. It's so important in this busy life to be able to set your own limits and stick to them, even if it means letting someone else down.
   
10. Buy the handbag after all. Or whatever it is that makes you happy. In moderation, of course. But buy it. Indulge yourself. Treat yourself. Reward yourself with the little things that bring a little sunshine into your day.

What's New Wednesday: Luck

The past year has been trying to say the least - loss of Leroy, missed opportunities, failures, family issues and of course removing my brother from life support. Despite this, I believe good things are in store for my family and me. And over the weekend, my husband serendipitously found a GIANT four-leaf clover in our yard - the odds to finding such things is 10,000:1! This gave me hope. Yes, I realize luck isn't the only factor to success - heck, it's a very small part of it. But I like to look at the world in this light - it's almost more romantic in a way.

Regardless if luck is by chance or something you manifest, here are some interesting reads to increase your luck. Check it out!

• Ways to improve your luck
• 8 ways to bring luck
• Improve your luck scientifically

"Take Luck" (fellow Brian Regan fans will appreciate that one...)

10 years!

The Beginning, March 2004

Today marks 10 years with my best friend, love and life partner, Nick. Time sure flies by with a blink of an eye...

At the ripe age of 22 whilst sleeping from couch to couch and living out of my vehicle, I met Nick on a random day in Pacific Beach, San Diego. A day of which I decided to buy and sport a Chicago Cubs hat to my friend Amber's dinner party. Nick, a blue-eyed young hooligan who only wore sweats (hmm...weird) decided to ask sarcastically if I knew what the "C" meant on my hat. With a snippy quip, I responded, "Chrissy bitch." Nick was in love.

Fast forward, we are now in our thirties navigating our careers, balancing family, paying bills, maintaining our home and relishing our faded youth. I honestly can say I'm the happiest I've been in years. Despite challenges, family losses, financial struggles, and disagreements, we have overcome and thus are a stronger unit.

Then, March 17, 2008

Because of our journey, Saint Patrick's Day is now a special holiday for me. I smile when I think about our wedding six years ago on that beautifully sublime seven-mile beach in Negril, Jamaica - the faint sound of this song playing in the background. It was the best day of my life!

And now, we are still the silly, goofy, child-like couple that laughs, cries and supports each other. Love you, Nicky-poo!

Now, March 15, 2014

Fun Thing Friday

In effort to see the world from a different perspective, I have been taking pictures of things that make me happy. So, I decided to change up Fridays to "Fun Thing Friday" showcasing what has made me smile.

So, here it goes!

Thing 1. A new perspective. Today I organized a Time/Stress Management Workshop for my scholarship recipients, The facilitator, Mona had wonderful tips, suggestions and applicable methods to improve your daily life. One thing that really stuck with me is a simple formula: E(event) + R(response) = O(outcome) which refers to the fact your only control is your response to an event.

Thing 2: Grandpa's Banjo. After my brother's passing, we collected some family heirlooms to safely keep for my father. One of these items is the banjo of my late Grandpa Green - the 5'2" horse jockey spitfire my spirit most resembles. Today, my husband decided to re-string so we can learn how to play! Check it out.

Thing 3: Flowers. It's springtime in San Diego, and with the help of mother nature and some caring people in my life, I'm surrounded by beauty.

Thing 4: Budding Garden. After a strange winter, we finally replanted our garden with peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, hot peppers, jalapenos and mint.

Thing 5: An anniversary. My husband and I celebrate 10 years together this Saint Patrick's Day. We said no gifts. So, my husband surprised me with a game I have been wanting to own as well as a sweet necklace in honor of our big day. I surprised him too - a golf trip with his brother. =)

What's New Wednesday: College Accounts

Favorite picture of my niece of nephew

In effort to ensure my niece (Shelby) and nephew (Hunter) are supported, my husband set up college saving accounts - essentially investing in their futures. This is Greg's legacy; it ensures his children meet and achieve their goals and dreams, and we want to do whatever in our power to see this happen.

If you would like to contribute, please see below. Greg's estate was turned over to the state which means the children were left were nothing. So beyond the overwhelming loss of a parent, the kids are now faced with restructuring their lives. We want them to know that despite these challenges, there are people that care about their well-being, education and goals.

There are two ways to donate: via check or PayPal. If you have questions/comments/feedback, please comment below.

• Option One: Donate via check. If you are interested in donating and this route is the most covenient, please print out the forms and mail in your donation check. Please use the two links below:
  Click here for a gift contribution coupon towards HUNTER'S fund
  Click here for a gift contribution coupon towards SHELBY'S fund
  
  
• Option Two: Submit via PayPal or Credit Card. If you would prefer us (Nick and me) to handle the contribution via credit card or PayPal, please be advised there are no extra or hidden costs; however, there will be a 2.2% transfer fee once we move into the respective funds. To donate using this method, please click the link below for PayPal: http://bit.do/Sheby-Hunter-College-Fund. We will split the amounts evenly and transfer into Shelby and Hunter's accounts.

Please know that every dollar counts! Thank you all for your texts, emails, Facebook messages, cards, phone calls, snacks, dinners, plants, love and support. This has proven to be a very difficult time  for our family but knowing there are so many people that care really helps.

RIP Big Brother

12/14/73-3/6/14

This past week has proven to be one of the most difficult weeks of my life. On Sunday, March 2, my big brother, Greg had a seizure which caused him to be unconscious and suffer multiple post paroxysms throughout the week. My family and I made the heart-breaking decision to take him off life support on Thursday, March 6 as his brain damage was unsurvivable. Greg passed away shortly thereafter...

We opted to donate my brother's organs to the California Transplant Donor Network in hopes his spirit can live on and potentially save up to eight lives. As of 4:30am on Saturday, March 8 Greg's blood, cells and organs were harvested and prepared for donation. This is a gift that provides our family solace.

Greg was a brother, son, father, husband, brother-in-law, cousin,nephew, employer, neighbor and friend. With his infectious laugh, smiling eyes, goofy facial expressions, funny accents and innate charm, Greg was the life of the party, the one not to go unnoticed and the pillar of strength for his family. Working countless hours with his hands, heart and sweat, Greg made certain to always provide - often time sacrificing his own needs to ensure his kids, Shelby and Hunter never went without. In his final days, I came to realize the amount of pain, sadness and strain my brother endured but despite those challenges it was Greg's way to never burden those he loved. Greg would shield his pain with quips and laughter; and he found solace in dancing, listening to heavy metal and camping with his kids at Twin Lakes. His drive was family, and often our biggest disagreements stemmed from the fact I wasn't close by. That's all he wanted; his family - father, brother, sister, brother-in-law, and kids - by his side.

Greg is survived by his father, James Green in Florida; brother, Desmond Green stationed at Fort Campbell; brother-in-law, Nick Califf of San Diego; son, Hunter Green in Carson City; daughter, Shelby Newton Green in Carson City; mother of his children, Cindi Newton-Green, Carson City; two loving Basset Hounds, Skippy and Lola; and me - little sister, Chrissy Califf, San Diego. 

In memory of my brother, please pour yourself a Caucasian and listen to Free Bird, one of Greg's favorite songs. Love you, big brother.

 

I will miss you, Greggie. May you walk in peace...