Day 3

December Photo-A-Day Challenge

Day 3:  Red

Canada Post red mailbox, the ladies at the post office loved me today! Sending lots of packages from my Love and Farkles sale!

Day 2

December Photo-A-Day Challenge 

Day 2:  Your favorite holiday movie

I always loved this one! The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus

Day 1

Posting a photo a day for this 'Capturing December' challenge!

Day 1: My view today.

Making a new Xmas wreath for our door, enjoying our decorated tree and the warm fire

Time for a Change

I am a starter.  I like to start things.  I get excited to start something new.  I start all kinds of projects and jobs every day.  But I seem to have a hard time finishing them.  Party because I get distracted by my kids or other things that NEED to be done (like making coffee or a meal) and partly because I crave that feeling of starting fresh. 

  But as I walked around my house tonight, I realized this has to change.  I saw so many starts, things that were almost complete, tasks or chores left unfinished.  From laundry that needs to be put away, a half compete sewing project on the kitchen table and an almost finished application that needs to be mailed off.  Why can't I just get this stuff done?  I make lists all the time, I love crossing things off my list when they are done.  But the funny thing is that I make a new 'to do' list every day or so because only 1 or 2 things are crossed off (I am a chronic list maker!) and sometimes I even add a completed item to my list just to have something to cross off! (I see a pattern here haha)

  So I'm making a change.  Starting today, September 1, 2014, I plan on becoming a finisher!  I think this will just help me feel less stressed about every day little things around the house and feel more in control.  I like my lists but I think I will simplify them.  Make one each day but not make it a mile long, have it be more realistic.  And then I can have a list of long term goals and projects to do, things that have no time limit and are not urgent.  That way I have them written down so I don't forget about them, and can work on one at a time when I have the time!

  I am also going to stop making excuses and finally add 'workout' to my every day 'to do' list.  I will add it into my day and make it a priority. (And I completed a short weight circuit tonight for day 1!)

  I think these are great changes to make in my life.  Small changes but they will have a great impact!  And I feel writing this down will make me more accountable too :)

  What changes have you made recently to better your life?

Customizing My Business, Love and Farkles

  I recently designed a new logo for my business and really wanted something personalized with it for my outgoing packages.

New Logo

  I decided I wanted a stamp and I knew just the business to ask: Brickbubble!  I have been a fan of Brickbubble for quite some time as they (husband and wife team) create the most beautiful custom designs using laser engraving and mediums such as wood, metal, leather, fabric and so much more.  Diane also designs beautiful jewelry and wall hangings that I LOVE, there really isn't anything they can't create!

  So I decided to get my new logo on a stamp, but I wasn't sure if it would work or turn out like I envisioned it. I was worried the flowers were a bit complicated.  But Diane assured me that it was no problem and took my order.  A few days later she emailed me a photo with the sample.  It looked awesome!  I was very impressed and so excited to receive it in the mail.

  Once it arrived I stamped it on everything!  It is the perfect size for my outgoing envelopes for my orders. I can also use it for cards, tags and anything else I want to personalize with my business.  I love having a custom stamp! I would highly recommend them!

If you would like to check out Brickbubble, follow these links:
Webpage:  www.brickbubble.ca
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/Brickbubble
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Brickbubble

Love my custom stamp from www.brickbubble.ca

  I was also getting low on my business cards so I decided to update them with my new logo on my next order.  I now have my logo on the back of my mini cards to match my stamp! (I order from MOO)

Mini cards from MOO

  Now everything is matching which makes me feel like I'll look more professional and polished with my orders!
  Do you have personalized items with your business? What types of products do you use and what makes them unique? 

**This is a personal weblog. The opinions expressed here are solely my own and I am not paid to promote these businesses**

 

My Love of Coffee

Dear Coffee,

  I just wanted to take a few moments to tell you how much I adore you.  I love the smell when I open the bag of beans first thing in the morning.  And then the soothing sound of grinding you up!  Some mornings I don't take the time to appreciate you, Coffee, as you just needs to be flowing in my veins ASAP!

  It's a comforting sound hearing the the coffee pot go drip, drip, drip as you brew all your goodness into the pot.  And then the best part of the morning is hearing those lovely 3 beeps of the machine letting me know you are ready.

  Nothing makes me more happy then the first taste of hot yummy goodness in my belly.  Now if I could only finish a whole cup of joe that was still hot at the last sip, I would be in heaven.  But Coffee, you must wait if the kids want their breakfast!
  (Although, I am working on that with my ever growing collection of coffee mug warmers. Because who doesn't love a little sweater for their coffee cup!)

 Thank you, Coffee, for all that you do. For keeping me sane and happy, each and every morning.

 Love Me

My FAV tank!

** 'Runs on Caffeine' tank from DickTees. Hoop from Meg at HooperFit**

**This is a personal weblog. The opinions expressed here are solely my own and I am not paid to promote these businesses**

My First Half Marathon Experience

Well, I did it!  I can finally cross this off my bucket list!

21km Half Marathon.......CHECK!

  I have always enjoyed running, although I don't do it as often as I would like.  It's a great escape from every day life and a perfect stress reliever.  Just throw on your running shoes, some good tunes and just go!

  So a few months ago my sister, Kim, asked me if I wanted to run a half marathon with her.  I of course said yes, as it is something that I've always wanted to do.  I told her she needed to sign me up so I didn't chicken out!  She also said she would run the whole thing with me (which I am so grateful for as I didn't think I'd be able to finish on my own) So she signed us both up for the Victoria Goddess Half Marathon Run.  And she gave me some pointers on training.  (My sister is amazing...she has ran in lots of difference races and events, even completing a 24 hour race!!)

  A few days go by and I do one 6km run (my usual route).  And then denial sets in. "Im not really going to run 21kms, am I?"  I kept telling myself I had lots of time to train, that I would run 'tomorrow'.  Well, needless to say, the race day approached a lot faster then I planned!  I did manage to get a few runs in, including a 13km (my longest ever!) but that was it. I think I fooled myself into thinking that it wouldn't be too hard plus I knew my sister was going to push me and keep me going. 

  The day before the race, Kim and I head out to pick up our registration packages which included our race numbers and pretty purple event shirts.  Then we went for drinks, appys and a huge steak dinner. Isn't that what you're supposed to do the night before a half marathon? Ha ha....ummm no!

Race Day: 

  We wake up super early (I don't think I slept much anyways between excitement and my youngest daughter waking with a nightmare. Her words: 'I fell on my head then a giant bird came to eat me' -where do kids get this stuff?)  We sneak out of the house and head to the nearest Starbucks to pick up coffees and head to the start line.

  Adrenaline is flowing at this time, or the caffeine has kicked in, not too sure.  We lace up our shoes and pin our numbers on the front of our tanks.  My mom meets us at the starting line and gives us a quick hug for good luck.  Was so nice to see her as she had been gone on a 5 week holiday in Spain!

  Countdown starts.  Heart was beating fast.  Thousands of women standing together, ready to go. The energy was incredible. 

  And we're off! Now I won't go through all the emotions I felt during all 21kms as much of it was a blur!  But I do want to talk about the ending.  My sister had told me that the last few kms could be the most hard. Just knowing you are so close and trying to push through and finish strong.  And I totally agree now that it does happen. 

But something pretty magical happened to me near the end. 

(mini back story)

~A few days before the race, my daughters and I put nail stickers on.  They were 'good luck charms' for my race.  I had a bird, Shayla had a butterfly and Kelsie had a ladybug.  They were to help me fly faster for the run.~

  So during the last 2kms I look up and see an eagle soaring overhead.  Eagles have been present many times in my life, especially when I need extra strength (my sister and I saw one right after we were close to having a car accident) They are always there when I need them.

  Not long after a black and yellow butterfly flew right in front of Kim and me.  I almost lose it as I tell her about Shayla's sticker and why we all had them. This was my sign from Shayla to keep going.

  And then as I round the last corner, I look down and see a ladybug on the ground.  I can hardly hold back the sobs.  There was my sign from Kelsie.

  I run to the end on wobbly legs and the tears are streaming down my face as I see my girls at the finish line cheering for me.

My biggest fans cheering me on!

  We high five them as we pass and from somewhere deep down, I get one last burst of energy so I can beat my sister across the finish line (sorry Kim!  Might have been the only time I would ever win against you!)

I win!!

  My mom, sister-in-law and daughters congratulate us with big hugs.  What an awesome accomplishment and I'm so proud of myself!  My time was 2:40, which I'm happy with. I'm glad I completed it and didn't give up!

  I don't know if I will run another half marathon, but a 5 and 10km are on my bucket list now.  It is amazing what your body can do if you set your mind to something.

  But I wouldn't have been able to do it without my sister.  She pushed me through and kept me going the whole time (with a few walking breaks)  I'm so happy to have ran my first race with her.  She inspires me!  Love you Kim!!

Love my sister!

 "The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul" Proverbs 13:19