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)!!!!!

Birthday Week - Day 2 of 7

Today's plan was to go to the beach, but due to unforeseen plumbing issues... didn't get to go. So my fun thing for day 2 of birthday week ended up being a trip to Victoria's Secret tonight. The first one I went to - which is my preferred location since VS and Pink are the in the same store so I can shop both brands in the same place - closed at 6 pm (mere minutes after my arrival) so we went to another mall not too far away. I went to the Victoria's Secret Pink brand store there. I arrived to this one a half hour before they closed. I used 3 (yes, THREE) gift cards I had on some new clothes AND received my annual free cooler! Now that is pretty fun!
Topped off the evening with Chipotle (free thanks to my hubby) and a hot chocolate from Starbucks.

Birthday Week - Day 1 of 7

At the beginning of 2017 I had decided I was going to do one fun thing per day. Well, that lasted about two weeks. Not to say I don't do fun stuff but just not everyday. I allow life and especially work to get in the way. So for my birthday, I decided to commit to doing one fun thing for myself per day during the week of my birthday. Today was Day 1. Jim and I went to a fairy event. It was a blast. I love fairies and nature so it was such a blessing that this particular event just happened to fall on the first day of my birthday fun week.