It's Beginning to Look a lot Like....

So many Christmas' of past have been challenging. In looking back there is no way to weigh which are worse in some kind of top 10 list. But honestly like many people I want this time of year to be one of celebration, cheer, and... generosity. This year we have had so much occur and in just the last couple months it has been things like termites, our porch falling apart (and needing to be demolished), a skunk in our wall (spraying just about every night), and I can go on - and on. All of that which costs money to be taken care of in a year where I have felt fluctuation in my business that I am still working on and on and on.
And I read things about gratitude, positive thinking, and all that jazz. Stuff I really do believe in. But sometimes you also get tired of the gratitude, positive thinking, and all that jazz... and cry. It is December 18, we have no tree, no decorations up. And every year my husband gets so excited over the oodles and oodles of gifts I have wrapped for him under the tree. But this year so far there are just a few small things of which I have bought for him mainly from doing extra side jobs like online surveys. It pains me more than I can put into words to disappoint him. Tomorrow I shop for Hennessy's Christmas gifts thanks to PetCo and the $40 in Pal Rewards they were so kind to gift to me due to a shipping and technical mix up on her last food order.
I want things a certain way.
And just don't see them being that way this year.
My sister, aunt, and several friends have mailed gifts to Jim, Hennessy, and me already - and this year I do not know when I will be able to gift them in the way I would like. Even mailing cards to clients, friends, and family seems unlikely this year.
I want to be the powerful all mighty positive grateful force to be reconded with, but at the moment of writing this blog tonight I would not be honest with any of you if I preached that stuff when I am not feeling it.
Less than a week til Christmas.
We'll see what the week brings.
In the meantime, I want to end this wallowing post on a few notes of gratitude.
I am grateful to have the bestest smartest cutest dog in the entire universe as my dogauter.
I am grateful for a husband who gets me and still loves me. He is the greatest husband in the entire universe.
I am grateful for Starbucks hot chocolates (made vegan with almondmilk of course).
I am grateful for Yogaglo.
I am grateful for Young Living Essential Oils.
I am grateful for LA Kings hockey (and tonight's win).
Happy New Moon!

The Magic of a PetCo Santa

The title of this blog is well...
A bit sarcastic.
Hennessy is my fur kid so every year since our first together in 2006 we have gone to see Santa wherever he is taking holiday photos with dogs. She's never been overly fond of the big red furry man, but she is always a good sport for me. And in thinking about it yesterday it amused me to think  when I have her do things with me like photos with Santa, the LA Kings Ice Crew, selfies, etc - those things just do not matter to her. It really is something to contemplate - the example and life lessons from Hennessy are significant - and she is never wrong!

My Husband's Birthday

The above pictures are from my husband's birthday on Friday! We spent the morning having breakfast with dear friends, went for a hike in the afternoon, and I made his favorite meal for dinner. When I reflect on the insanity and unpredictability of the world and life, I am reminded of just how important it is to spend days like we did on Friday - celebrating my awesome generous caring funny husband. The amount of future catch up, people pestering me for answers on work stuff, cleaning up the house, etc isn't what is valuable... it is the time spent with those you love! Happy Birthday Jim!!!

The Streak Ended

Boo! Skipped Zumba tonight to cheer on my LA Kings but we lost and our winning streak ended. I know it is the beginning of the season and not realistic that we'd win every single game all season long - but a girl can dream! We got Ottawa up tomorrow. And it is going to be another triple digit day in the Lemon. Do I skip Zumba again? Go Kings Go!

What Matters Most

This past year has been challenging for many. And in the daily upsets, grips, changes, and upheaval - the one thing that is my personal constant is my family (shown above in pumpkin form): me, Jim, and Hennessy. Grateful for love; thoughtfulness; playful times. And in that there is peace (or at least the light of it) when things are blah.

2017 LA Kings 5K

The Annual LA Kings 5K (and this year also a 10K) to me is like the pre-beginning of the hockey season every year. This year's race took place on September 9. It benefits the Hydrocephalus Association. For the past 4 years my husband, dog, and I have participated. Hennessy gets her picture taken with the ice crew every year.

And I see how many Kings players I can get tongued tied talking to (though this year I got more tongue tied talking to Jeff Carter's wife then I did him since I really admire her work in animal rescue).

My husband runs the race (and always does incredibly); Hennessy and I walk (and always lag along enjoying the morning).

Tomorrow is officially opening night of the new hockey season. I am nervous. So many changes in the organization this year from coaches to players. I'll be watching! I may be yelling at times. I'll be cheering.... Go Kings Go!

Times Are Changing...

As a Cancer Sun Sign... I don't do well with changes.

One of my long time Full Management Speaker/Author clients has decided to “semi retire” so he has decided to cut his hours due to less work he’ll be accepting from now on.

Therefore, I have an opening for a full management client starting October 1. I am VERY picky about these rare openings as it really does have to be a good match for optimal success. Also due to the fact that full management work takes more time than I am compensated for (due to my own insane diligence and work ethic) I need to start working more intelligently with my time as it is beginning to affect many areas of my life negatively.

For that reason, some of this time I have becoming available will also be spent on increased consulting clients and teaching more essential oils classes. 

I am staying positive that I can make this work. 

I can start to improve the areas of my life that need improvement. 

Start living that OolaLife.

The fog from the above photo will lift.

If any of you know a speaker, author, entrepreneur, athlete, or other public figure / celebrity who could use my management and / or preferably consulting services I would greatly APPRECIATE the referral. Also if anyone is interested in hosting an essential oils class, I would LOVE to teach more and more classes. I can teach 101 basic oil classes (like the one I did this past Saturday), classes about oils for pets, oils for babies / children, using oils for a toxic free home, and much more! These classes do not have to be done in person; if we live in different locations, let’s schedule a fun virtual one!

Thank you so much for reading my blog! THANK YOU so much for your love and support!

Website for more info! www.life-enlightenment.com 

"Value Yourself to Master Yourself"

Lots of thoughts today.
I cried at Target. Things have been stressful today. This month. Last month. This year.
I am still working on Elena Brower's YogaGlo classes for Self Care for Women. Great timing on that.
Recently Elena's brilliance has brought me reminders such as "value yourself to master yourself" and she taught me what substantiate means.
I have also learned I need to look at how my time is spent. Having people ask me to resend client bios and head shots, clients asking me to resend radio show details, following up on things I have asked people for numerous times... not the best use of my time. My what feels like limited time lately.
The dog in that picture above - my Hennessy... I am so grateful for her in my life. She is love, she is fun, she is smiles, she is everything in one cute package!
Another quick lesson from today - you never know the impact you might have on others. After crying at Target, my husband asks me if I want to grab a snack at Starbucks. Well there is a Starbucks inside Target and one the same shopping center; I said it didn't matter that one of the ones right where we were would be fine but he decided let's go to our usual hangout one. Well that was the perfect choice. One of the baristas who I feel makes the most magical beverage who I haven't seen in a while was working. Since she started another job she only works every once in a while so it was a rarity to see her there today... and she made my hot chocolate. She was a bright light in my day - and all she was - was awesome authentic self.
Let's all look at how to value ourselves in order to master ourselves and remember that just being ourselves we can bring brightness and blessings into the days of others... sometimes without even realizing it.

To Salute Oneself

Today in yoga we looked at how do you salute yourself in the quiet of your own mind?

First off I wanted to really understand what salute means. By definition "a gesture of respect, homage, or acknowledgement". How often do we salute ourselves? Ever? And in the quiet of our own mind?

So in contemplating this I came to recognize how often I put myself down in my own mind (which is A LOT) so I take this statement from yoga as a reminder to at least in my mind catch myself when I have negative self talk going on and make a gesture of respect and acknowledgement about something about me that is awesome - recognize myself! Recognize what I accomplish. Recognize my cool traits. Recognize me for just being me.

Namaste!

Equanimity

Today I started a new program on YogaGlo called Self Care for Women: Practices for Resilience and Grace taught by Elena Brower. Today's fist class was called "Equanimity". I have to be honest, I wasn't entirely sure what the word "equanimity" meant even though I have heard it many times. I looked it up and by the picture above you see it means "mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation". I can certainly see that needed in yoga as there is an attempt to reach certain benchmark poses. And in life - yup, every day. I tend to get frustrated pretty easy ...even if you can't see it on the outside there is a good chance I am feeling it on the inside; just hiding it. I feel my lesson for the day from this class is to gain that equanimity on the inside AND on the outside; in yoga AND in life. I love classes taught by Elena. She is very wise. I always take away far more than a yoga practice from her classes. This is a four week program so I'll share more wisdom the journey continues.

A Fun Afternoon of Wellness on September 2

Walk and Talk - An Afternoon of Wellness
Saturday, September 2, 2017
Ever since I was a kid I was interested in wellness and exercise. 
My mom and sister spent one summer going to McDonalds everyday for lunch where I opted for a salad or sandwich at home knowing that fast food wasn't the choice for me. I picked vegetables in the garden with my Grandma, often eating them as soon as they were rinsed. And animals were always my friends not my food.
Then exercise... I am happiest when I am moving. As a kid it was years and years and years of tap, ballet, and jazz. We had 6 dogs so walking our dogs everyday after school and in the evening was my other favorite past time. In high school my best friend Laurie and I would power walk. Our peak was a 10 minute mile. In my early 20s I even became AFAA (Athletics and Fitness Association of America) certified to teach and train in the fitness arena.
This all kept going...
Living on my own I would make sure to read all labels, research what was in my products and food, and strive for chemical free living. Some situations and set backs a long the way but all in all - healthy living.
And now at 44, I am vegan. I do yoga, walk, Zumba, and hoop dance. And I also am a Young Living Independent Distributor. Essential oils support all areas of my life from cleaning products, to beauty products, to dental products, etc. Plant based! You can't go wrong in my opinion when you use what is naturally grown (ok... except for strawberries which I am oddly allergic to).
So - while doing yoga (of course) the other day I came up with the idea to have a fun afternoon of wellness with some friends. We'll go for a walk, have a snack, chat, laugh, and I will share some information about essential oils.
If you are in the San Diego area reading this and would like to join us, you are invited to an afternoon of wellness. Join me, Jim (my husband) and Hennessy (our pooch) at Liberty Station! We’ll meet at Starbucks at 3 pm (2401 Truxton Rd, Liberty Station, San Diego, CA 92106), enjoy a nice walk for 30 – 45 minutes, then head back to Starbucks for a snack of your choice. (There is also a Trader Joe’s, Panera Bread, etc. over there so we can all grab whatever snack we feel drawn to.) Then I will lead a conversation about how to kick toxic chemicals out of your home using wonderful essential oil products. Come for the fun, the frolic and the education! 
Here is the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1916886665217879/?acontext=%7B%22ref%22%3A%222%22%2C%22ref_dashboard_filter%22%3A%22upcoming%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22[%7B%5C%22surface%5C%22%3A%5C%22dashboard%5C%22%2C%5C%22mechanism%5C%22%3A%5C%22main_list%5C%22%2C%5C%22extra_data%5C%22%3A[]%7D]%22%7D

Reconnection in Mercury Retrograde

Another Mercury Retrograde upon us....
Some blasts from my past which have brought such delight.
Last Thursday I got to see my former step sister (her dad and my mom were married for almost a decade) who I haven't seen I believe in about 13 years (see picture above). She is the same very smart, caring, beautiful person she was as a kid and teenager. It was such a blessing to be able to spend a bit of time with her while she and her husband were vacationing in California from Virginia Beach.
And the next day on Friday I had the delight of talking to my high school BFF, as they say today, about life, business, and family. I've missed her and thought about her for many years after we lost contact (by college, moving, no Facebook yet). It is amazing how we still connect like we always did, we really understand each other, hold similar beliefs and interests, etc.
Sometimes mercury retrograde can be frustrating...
Sometimes it brings blessings.
I wish all of you the latter.
Happy New Moon Solar Eclipse Day!

NingXia Red + LA Kings

Saved up my Essential Rewards Points and bought the family two bottles of Young Living's Ningxia Red. And when you drink it in an LA Kings mug... joy to your morning!  Young Living NingXia Red benefits include support for energy levels, normal cellular function, and whole-body and normal eye health. It is such a amazing tasty kick start to the day! Happy Friday!

Oola for Women - Day 21 - 21 Day Challenge

Today's #OolaforWomen Challenge is to come up with 3 steps to put your knowledge into practice.
Since reading the Oola for Women book I have been doing this every day on an index card. 3 steps a day equals 1095 steps per year... so in a year, where will you be? Where will I be? Even in the couple weeks I have been doing this I have seen more balance. It might not be completely visible in my OolaOne YET but in some of my other 7 key areas - definitely. For example, taking 3 steps a day led me to do my first Lammas ritual in years last night. So the Faith key area is becoming more balanced.
This Oola stuff works!
If you are interested in the OolaLife (who wouldn't be??), check out: http://www.oolalife.com/

Oola for Women - Day 20 - 21 Day Challenge

Today's #OolaforWomen Challenge is to do a random act of Oola.
Could we really be on Day 20 already?
Wow! I never know where time seems to go to.
Anyway, for today as I was walking this afternoon I decided that my random act of Oola was going to really be something very random. I bought a scratch off lottery ticket and asked my husband to give it to any of his teammates at his men's meeting tonight that he felt inspired to gift it to.
I do not know the outcome or anything.
That is what I felt inspired to do.
Random Acts of Oola are sooooo fun!

Oola for Women - Day 19 - 21 Day Challenge

Today's #OolaforWomen Challenge is to link your passion to the life you visualize.

I love this challenge - who doesn't love to talk about their passions?!
How can I incorporate Hennessy, fitness, the LA Kings, and essential oils into my daily routine? I do! Now to work 'em all in to make big money so that all I do all day is spend time around my passions!

In today's challenge the OolaGuys advise a process they call "in, out, do." From the email: "First, look inward and take note of how you use your passion and where you can improve. Second, look out and find mentors, books, or information to learn how to use your passion more in your parenting, relationships, career, and other areas of your life. Third, take action and include your passion in your daily routine. It'll empower you to overcome those challenges and roadblocks that life throws your way." 

Hope your week is off to a great start and that you are living the OolaLife (or working toward it like me)!

Oola for Women - Day 18 - 21 Day Challenge

Today’s #OolaforWomen Challenge is to schedule and commit to doing two small acts of balance in the next couple days.
But do you want to know how yesterday's challenge went first?
I sucked at it! Less than 5 minutes after reading yesterday's challenge and posting here about it I couldn't find my client's United Mileage Plus number then I got lost going to pick my husband up from his speaking engagement. Complaints, complaints, complaints flew out of my mouth.
Ok - it is obviously that is something I need to work on.
And for today, I am actually working on the Oola For Women book so already scheduling and committing to THREE small acts of balance per day! I have been doing that for a week now and it is going well.
Happy Sunday! (side note today's picture is brought to you by San Diego - that was the view from the baby shower we attended yesterday! nice - nothing to complain about there). :)

Oola for Women - Day 17 - 21 Day Challenge

Today’s #OolaforWomen Challenge is to go 24 hours without complaining.

Ah yes, the OolaAccelerator, Discipline.

And this shall take just that.

I find myself in complain mode often with all I need to handle in a day. So ok - 24 hours - no complaining. Can I do it?

Stay tuned.

And the 24 hours starts.....NOW! GO! :)

Oola for Women - Day 16 - 21 Day Challenge

Today's #OolaforWomen Challenge is to check your attitude toward change.

"This challenge is about initiating change in your habits and in your heart to make you a more authentic, selfless, loving woman." 

This is one of the reasons I am working so hard on myself this summer - doing this challenge; reading books like Oola For Women and others; etc.

Happy Friday!

Happy Day 16 of the Challenge!

Oola for Women - Day 15 - 21 Day Challenge

Today's #OolaforWomen Challenge is to acknowledge your high and low from today and find gratitude in both.
The first OolaAccelerator is Gratitude which is what today's challenge is all about. I first learned about incorporating a gratitude practice in my life when I signed up for Kim Coles' GPS (Gratitude Passion Success) program in 2015. And since then feel I have been really good (not perfect) about this. It is all about acknowledging gratitude for everything. For example.... there are the obvious things to have gratitude for like the breakfast we ate this morning or the beautiful sunny day. But the challenge is really in finding gratitude in the not so fun stuff. And sometimes it is more readily obvious and sometimes it takes time to show itself. For example - when losing one client; you could then sign an amazing on. Show gratitude for the time you did spend with the client who has moved on AND for the new one that just showed up. 
It is only 12:03 pm as I write this. My high from today so far was the delicious hot chocolate Josiah at Starbucks made me for. I am soooo grateful for that (and that he was the first to find out the secret way of making them from May). And the low was not being able to find the topic I submitted for a client who was accepted to speak on a cruise. I find gratitude in that by being thankful that now it may open up for her the opportunity to present something that might be even better than what I had in mind originally. And I am grateful for the lesson of how with technology sometimes you have to save things to more than one place in case one disappears.
Wishing everyone a truly Thankful Thursday! 

Oola for Women - Day 14 - 21 Day Challenge

Today’s #OolaforWomen Challenge is to finish something that you started.

For me I typically do not rest until I have finished what I have started even if it interferes with other things. 

However, what came to mind here is the back room of our house which doubles as my office. It needs cleaning up. I have started cleaning it, only to have it get cluttered again - it feels like such a monstrous task at this point to "finish it" - and will it ever really be finished is how I feel about it. So with today's challenge, unfortunately I do not have the hours in the day to "finish" it; I AM however going to commit to spending 10 minutes a day cleaning it up for the next two weeks and at the end of two weeks (August 9), I bet it'll be done! I'll check back in with you all on that day with an update (and maybe a picture). 

Oola for Women - Day 13 - 21 Day Challenge

Today’s #OolaforWomen Challenge is to identify the envy in your life.

I do not find myself often envious of people but I have to say - in the past month I did feel a twinge of it when I saw a friend of mine who has 4 kids was able to go to the Harry Potter exhibit at Universal Studios when I have wanted to go for two years in a row for my birthday but my husband and I haven't had the extra funds to do so. Envy isn't a fun feeling. And one to be nipped quickly I feel so it goes right to a place of gratitude instead. 

Oola for Women - Day 12 - 21 Day Challenge

Today's #OolaforWomen Challenge is to write down one dream you want to accomplish this next year and read it to yourself every day for the remainder of the challenge.
Since I am also reading the Oola For Women book I wrote down my "OolaOne" this weekend and here it is: "Pay off all debts and always have plenty of money to remain debt free easily and effortlessly."
And So It Is!

Oola for Women - Day 11 - 21 Day Challenge

Today's #OolaforWomen Challenge is to admit the areas that you stand in your own way.

OolaBlocker.... Self-Sabotage

"All things are possible." 

"Don't stand in your own way!"

I feel as though self sabotage for me may be around self esteem. Second guessing myself. Never thinking anything I do is good enough even when others have told me how happy they are or how spectacular I am. 

Belief in self is where my self sabotage lies.

In my 20s I was magical; could do anything.

Some life stuff happened.

Now in my 40s, I am reclaiming that magic and return to greater self confidence.

Oola for Women - Day 10 - 21 Day Challenge

Today's #OolaforWomen Challenge is to acknowledge where anger arises and what you can learn from it.
I find most of the anger in my day is surrounding my work. It is the reason why in my business I am trying to do less of the full management and more with my consulting / training as well as essential oils.
In my day I feel like I deal with so many people flaking, not replying to requests in a timely manner, not listening to their manager (me) only later to tell me I was right, chasing down details for events and media down to the wire because people seem to wait til the last second.... and I can go on and on and on... see - ANGER! 
So - I am acknowledging where anger arises today; and what I can learn from it I feel is to let it go. Perhaps people need to reap their own repercussions from actions and I do not always have to be the one running around to make everyone happy; make sure all is in order; etc And honestly I cringe even typing that because letting it go can mean my reputation too but this is definitely an oolablocker I am experiencing big time.
Onward to go work on this....
Happy Saturday!

Oola for Women - Day 9 - 21 Day Challenge

Today's #OolaforWomen Challenge is to decide how long you will carry the guilt from your past into your future. 
This is a tough one for me as I have OCD and tend to have feelings of excessive responsibility to others. I have felt guilty over things I have had nothing to do with, over people I have never even met, and over things other people haven't given even a second thought to. And although I logically know all that, in most cases sometimes even after the numerous years and work I have done, the OCD thoughts still creep in.
So this is a great challenge for me. 
And unlike the graphic sent in the "Day 9" email (see above), "Never let your guilt hold you back from growth." - I know I have done that many many times. Thank you, OolaGuys, for having me take a closer and deeper look at this today.

Oola for Women - Day 8 - 21 Day Challenge

Today's #OolaforWomen Challenge was to replace fear with 20 seconds of courage. 
20 seconds is all you need - that is what the email said this morning.
There is so much I have fear over. This was a hard one but what I did with my 20 seconds of courage was admit that I am ignoring a lot of my financial stuff; including cash and checks (not just the bills) sitting here on my desk because I don't want to and don't feel like I know how to deal with this current situation. For today, I admitted that, went to the bank to deposit checks on my desk; put the cash in my purse; and dated all the bills as to when they are due. It's a start... and 20 seconds is all I need, right? 

Oola for Women - Day 7 - 21 Day Challenge

So… Today’s #OolaforWomen Challenge was to take 30 minutes and do something for your soul – something you're passionate about. 

I did a 60 minute Zumba class at the park next door. I still can't believe the fabulous Evelyn teaches that class for the community for free three times a week. It is so generous of her! It is so fun! A blessing to be able to take that time to just groove to the music outside in nature!

Oola for Women - Day 6 - 21 Day Challenge

So here is today's challenge: "So...Today's #OolaforWomen Challenge is to look at your current friendships and disengage from a negative one. Evaluate your 3-5 closest friendships and adjust your boundaries or set a boundary with a toxic friend who may have a negative influence in your life. This could mean unfriending them on Facebook, asking for a change you need within the relationship, or not responding to negative texts from a controlling or manipulative friend in your life. When you set a boundary in a negative friendship, you make more room for positive relationships that make you feel like you are blessed with empowering, healthy relationships."
Believe it or not, I feel like all of my current friends are cool. I did a much needed toxic friend overhaul many years ago and have stayed fairly toxic free. I also only keep a close few friends and they are the awesomest. However when I read today's challenge what it brought to mind is a business group on Facebook that I am a part of and every time I see a notification from them I cringe. I do not like the vibe, the feeling of judgement there among each other. I don't even really post in there; just read the posts from time to time. I have remained a member due to a feeling of obligation - the leader of this particular group is a wonderful business acquaintance who I really like and has referred clients to me. For today's challenge though I am going to cut those strings and dismember myself from that group! Yeah me! And..... before I hit publish here on my blog....... It is done! Left the group!

Oola for Women - Day 5 - 21 Day Challenge

Today's #OolaforWomen Challenge is to pray about something as often as you think about it. I was amazed when I woke up to this message. The message in the email stated "Pray about your worries, your stresses, your fears, your questions, your blessings, your loves ones." Doing this today really helped me to shift my perspective. And I believe that shift in perspective can only increase my faith, positivity, and well being.

Oola for Women - Day 4 - 21 Day Challenge

Today's #OolaforWomen Challenge is to acknowledge and appreciate a stay-at-home mom. I would like to acknowledge one of my dearest friends Kathy. I have known her since the second grade. And although know she lives on the East Coast and me on the West, I still have the same huge love and appreciation for her that I always have. She is an amazing friend - one of the best I have had / have in my life. Sadly, since I live across the country I have never had the opportunity to meet her two children but I follow her life on Facebook (of course) and get to see pictures of them, of her, her husband, parents, etc. I see how hard she works, how much she cares for her children, all the while continuing to keep up with friends, chores, errands, and all the often crazy stuff life throws at us. I am going to be honest here.... I can barely (and on some days don't) keep up with my work, house stuff, dog, husband, etc. I do NOT know how someone like Kathy does it when you add two children to the mix. Wow! I am in awe! Kathy, I acknowledge and appreciate you for who you are and all you do!

Oola for Women - Day 3 - 21 Day Challenge

Today’s #OolaforWomen Challenge is to take time to connect and enjoy the company of your family. So, I invited my husband to Friends TV time tonight. Something we used to do together every night was watch Friends’ episodes but since other things like work and finances have been stressors as of late we have been focused on that stuff rather than our together unwind time. Tonight, we will take time to at least enjoy one episode of our favorite show and some focused time together before bed. 

Oola for Women - Day 2 - 21 Day Challenge

Today's #OolaforWomen Challenge was all about the second F of Oola which is Finance.

We were today challenged to learn something new about money. Well, this is a big one in our family right now. And I am not interested in the lame advice you read over and over again - eat in, don't drink coffee out, keep a budget, etc.... sorry all but that advice is old and doesn't work any longer - with the price of food these days - it is pretty comparable. An Amy's vegan meal at the grocery store is the same price as a vegan Chipotle burrito bowl and a bag of bagels at Albertsons comes out to the same cost as buying my bagel at Starbucks (plus they'll even toast it for me if I want). And a budget - I can have a budget, a spreadsheet, a Quickbooks program... .but when you are self employed and income fluctuates, unexpected stuff shows up all the time, you need more than someone saying to you "keep a budget"....

So.... I wanted outside of the box ideas today! And here is what I found:
50 Ways to Make Money: Maximizing, Creating, and Increasing Your Income - https://www.biblemoneymatters.com/50-ways-to-make-money-and-increase-income/
Another website even offers 80 ways:
http://wellkeptwallet.com/80-ways-to-make-money/
And here are some awesome free trainings around mindset:
http://www.mindmovies.com/free.php

Yeah! Let's do this - in gratitude!

Oola for Women - Day 1 - 21 Day Challenge

Earlier this week as I am doing yoga via YogaGlo with Elena Brower she has us affirm "In the light of my own acceptance". And then today I sign up for the #OolaforWomen 21 Day Challenge and they had me come up with 7 things I love most about myself (while running or walking, by the way...).
Well in the 7 minutes we were given to come up with those 7 things, here is what I got (and let me tell you - this wasn't an easy task for me):
1. open minded
2. conscientious
3. good memory
4. strong upper body strength
5. caring
6. my shoe size
7. my make up skills

That was challenging. And do I 100% believe those? Honestly I am not so sure, but I think one of the purposes of the exercise was not to overthink and allow negativity to creep in so I am gonna own those 7.
Thank you, Elena and the Oola Guys!

I love the two words "Vegan Certified"!

As a vegan I am very picky about where I eat. I prefer places that are exclusively vegan or can assure me that what I am eating is indeed vegan. Starbucks has always been one of my go to places. They understand us particular people. They consider all types of dietary lifestyles. A new salad launched this week that is Vegan Certified. How happy that makes me! And then there is that always amazing customer service you receive at Starbucks. My cup this morning brought me a huge smile - that is the way to start the day - thank you, Nicole! Thank you, Starbucks!

Birthday Week - Day 7 of 7

Does the final day of birthday week mean the end of fun?
No. What I have learned from this past week... the importance of taking time to enjoy life; to have fun; to be grateful for everyday.
Picture above is me in the Disney Princess Tiara my Aunt Joan sent me for my birthday. This year, I will be a princess; I will wear my tiara proudly; and I will remember to enjoy life... EVERY day of EVERY year!

Birthday Week - Day 6 of 7

Ok, I am a bit behind on posting...
On July 6 - my 44th birthday my week of fun! I started my birthday off with yoga; then off to breakfast with my husband, dog, and two of my dearest friends Audra and Nancy; then I went to get my hair done by the bestest stylist in San Diego; and the day concluded at a vegan restaurant celebrating with friends. The start to another year. Yet I haven't set any goals in motion, reflected, or looked ahead... I instead right now just stand in gratitude!

Birthday Week - Day 5 of 7

Birthday Week - Day 5! Manicure and Pedicure with Jessica of Happiness Nails! She does such an amazing job! A wonderful hour of relaxation and of course happiness because how could you be anything other than happy at a place called Happiness Nails.

Birthday Week - Day 4 of 7

Birthday Week - Day 4! I finally made it to the beach. And it rocked! Peaceful. Warm but not too hot. Had time to read! Had time to get some sun! Gotta do this more often!

Birthday Week - Day 3 of 7

Today's birthday week day 3 fun was a Zumba class. The class I have been attending at Berry Street Park is on holiday this week so I looked online for other local classes and found one at 24 Hour Fitness. They let me attend it for free; no strings attached; not even a sales pitch! Super cool!
And in the mail today I received a box of presents from my Aunt Joan - it included a few surprises for Hennessy but she hijacked the whole thing - her gifts AND mine. Her excitement over it all was so adorable (see picture above)!!!!!