Dream It? Do It!

I have had a string of randomly weird things breaking in my life. Over the past year, we have had to (or still need to?!) fix, repair or replace our furnace, hot water heater, dryer, water tank from the well, toilet, stove, multiple lights (bulbs keep burning out… a lot), internet connection and both vehicles have required some significant work. And my husband is seeking a new job.

But I am thankful. I am thankful to have my husband and my daughter. I am thankful to have extended family. I am thankful for our health. I am thankful for our garage (hey… it’s been snowing since November… you’d be thankful for a garage, too!)

 

My point is, some crazy weird stuff has happened TO us (as in, we did not make these things happen), but that crazy weird stuff isn’t all that bad. But for a while, it was really starting to get to me. It felt like every month some major thing happens that we have to deal with. It was stressful, expensive and I was just about done with it. What am I saying? Crazy weird stuff will always happen. There will always be *something*. What I’m trying to do is to make that crazy weird stuff that WILL happen into good stuff!

To manifest means to make clear.

I’m making it clear what I want. I want my family together. I want my house and cars in good shape. I want my husband to have the job he deserves and a creative place to make art. I’ve got goals and I am going for those goals. Just flat out going for them.

If I Dream It, I Do It.

I do want to state that I am not much for spirituality. This isn’t about me finding God or following some path of destiny. I do not have the “chalk of fate” here.  What I am doing is approaching life with the perspective that there are things I want, and I am reaching for those things. Every day, with deliberate, methodical action.

That might just be why I feel better about my stuff breaking. Instead of dreaming and wishing and hoping, I am just DOING. I’m taking action and doing things to work on my dreams.

Find Your Spring Lipstick Color

Mine, I think, just might be Orchid Petal!

To find the perfect lip color for spring, start with your skin tone! Light skin tone? Try Petal Pink or Pink Blossom. Medium skin tone? How about Poppy Pink, Orchid Petal, Red Tulip, or Rose Bouquet. Dark skin tone? Go for Plum Verbana, Honey Flower, Day Lily or Chocolate Rose.

I'm not much of a lipstick wearer... I truly prefer lip gloss because of how lipstick feels to me. But this lipstick feels creamy and not sticky. It isn't heavy feeling and has moisture to keep lips hydrated. This is important for me because I'm the type of woman who reapplies my chapstick like every half hour! Ultra Color Indulgence Lip Color is brand new, comes in 12 lovely floral colors, and is on sale right now for $4.99 or 5 for $20!




I have my list of colors ready to order: Orchid Petal, Peach Petunia, Poppy Pink, Honey Flower and Rose Bouquet.

Let It Go Through Four Steps to Mindfulness

That ice queen might be on to something: we all need to Let It Go. 

We are what we are. Some things we can change and some things we truly cannot. Elsa could not change her “power”. But she could change how she used it, by moving from fear to love. It’s a great story, and an excellent life lesson. AND easier said than done.

• Children want a toy and throw tantrums for it. They can’t just let it go.
• Teens have conflict with a peer and make drama about it. They can’t just let it go.
• Adults can get obsessed with political issues. They can’t just let it go.

So, the million dollar question is: How do you let it go? How do you release the fear, anguish, and hurt that goes along with something you just cannot let go of?

Four Steps to Mindfulness

1. Breathe. Focus on breathing. Don’t try to stop thinking about whatever is flying around in your head, just turn your focus to breathing.
2. Be aware of your body. Whatever position you are in, just become aware of your entire body, your limbs and their location. No need to move or anything, just be aware of them.
3. Relax your body. Stretch your muscles if you want, and position in whatever way is comfortable for you.
4. Now, release whatever emotion you are holding onto: concern, worry, fear, anger, apprehension, frustration, irritation, etc. Seriously. Let it go. Replace that negative feeling with something positive: a smile, a happy memory, a pleasant moment from the day, joy, love.

March Birthstone: Amazing Aquamarine

March, our birthstone is the beautiful aquamarine. This ring has simulated aquamarine with CZ embellishments set in sterling silver. I especially like the infinity twist design. Aquamarine symbolizes beauty, honesty and happiness, and is said to promote youthfulness and good health. My personal favorite because it's my personal birthstone! Introductory price of $29.99 (will be $59.99)

Rejuvenate Skin During Sleep

Hydration can happen overnight while you slumber. This cutting edge sleep mask uses Hyaluronic Acid and shea butter to rehydrate skin. 

Hyaluronic Acid is naturally found in the skin, and makes the skin smooth and elastic. Rehydrating the skin with Hyaluronic Acid helps to counter the signs of aging like facial wrinkles.

Shea butter is seen in the micro-beads which add emollient moisturizing.

You don’t have to use an overnight mask every night. Sleep gel masks will transform your skin in a single night, and this soothing moisture can be done a few times a week to improve the effects of dehydration.

Epic π Day

Today is π (Pi) Day. AND it is THE MOST EPIC π Day EVER!

Why?

π = 3.141592653

And, since today is 3/14/15 this will only happen ONCE every century!! So at 9:26:53, celebrate the beauty of math.

DO Something About Domestic Violence

I have been a victim survivor of domestic violence in the past. I didn't plan to get myself in that situation, it took me a very long time to recognize that it was domestic violence and it took a giant series of awfulness to get out of that situation.

For me, much of the relationship wasn't physical violence. But it was very much control. #seethesigns
http://www.avonfoundation.org/causes/domestic-violence/seethesigns

• He controlled where I could go and who I could see.
• I was the only one who had a consistent job but I had to pay all of the bills.
• He made everything my fault. Everything.

The worst part was that no one could or would help. I felt like I was drowning. I had to keep functioning every day. I couldn't get away, and I had no time for myself. All of my time was spent working, cleaning or taking care of him.When I did have friends or family come visit, he made it a miserable experience. Often, they became mad at me or stopped talking to me. That made me feel even worse, and believe it really was my fault. When it finally got a critical point, I asked people I knew for help and received none. Except for one very close friend who not only gave me a place to stay for a length of time but also protected me. <3

If you think someone you know is experiencing domestic or family abuse SPEAK THE F*CK OUT! Seriously. DO something.

http://www.avonfoundation.org/resources/speak-out/

I have been affected by domestic violence. Women I know have been affected by domestic violence. I have friends who have been manipulated, controlled, hit, kicked out, attacked, lied to, lied about, and put in positions of emotional distress and economic instability. I am pretty sure every single one of those women essentially had to claw her way out of each situation with little or no help. That's not right. Women in domestic violence situations often have very little power to do anything or communicate with people. That makes it significantly harder to identify their own position and do take action to removed themselves from that situation. They need help. I needed help. (I even called the police, and received NO help from them. My biggest personal suggestion is to NOT call the police. I know that goes against conventional wisdom, but in my case calling the police did not help. Contact a SafePlace or similar organization.) Begin conversations. Help women feel less isolated. Offer community resources.

Don't be a bystander. Be an UPstander! Provide help.

Why Empowerment Matters

Domestic violence is very real and very scary. It matters to each and every person who has experienced domestic violence. What is most frustrating about domestic violence is that it is very often hidden in private relationships. It is not always as obvious as a black eye. The signs of domestic violence are much more nuanced and subtle. That makes it harder to counter.

What many people do not realize is that domestic violence is not always about physical violence. It is often more about coercion in order to gain power and control over someone. It may have elements of physical assault, emotional manipulation, sometimes control over finances, or maybe social isolation. It’s complicated. 

Why does empowerment matter? Because domestic violence is real. It happens in every community, every class, every culture. It is frequently hidden or difficult to identify. The victim is often in a position where she has been manipulated into a submissive status, and she is afraid to communicate in any way that something is not healthy or simply may not know or acknowledge that what is happening is not right. There is a myth that this is a private issue; the relationship is private and it is none of our business. That myth needs to be shattered to tiny little smithereens right now. It is not private when it is not healthy.

• 1 out of every 3 women are or have been a victim of domestic violence.
• Women 18 to 34 are at the greatest risk for experiencing partner violence.
• Most domestic violence incidents are not reported.