This will be brief. Keeping on theme with my post yesterday and last week's challenge, it is a good week to just.....how do I put it?.....just breathe.......be........be happy with who you are today.
I first titled the challenge "just be." Then, I realized that is exactly the problem. We all often see ourselves as "just" a mom. "Just" a wife. "Just" single. "Just" fill in the blank.
Challenge......be
There is no "just" about it. Each of us, each and every one of us, are amazing. Amazing as we are today, right now, in this very moment. You are amazing. You just have to recognize it.
I am obviously all about finding little ways to improve myself. But, for today, this week, I can take a break from improvement, and try to be happy with who I am and who I want to become.
Can you? Just for now?
Consider it a vacation from challenges. Summer is coming to a close and we all need a little R&R.
Leave a comment and you are in for a prize. The winner will receive a $20 gift card for the restaurant of their choice. There is nothing like feeling amazing about yourself while eating equally amazing food. Contest is over at Saturday's end.
The only catch? There is always a catch. Your comment must begin with the words "I am amazing because"
Showing posts with label prize. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prize. Show all posts
8.12.2008
7.12.2008
summer woes & the perfect solution
It's been a while....
a very long while....
since I have strutted what my mother (and plump grandmother), gave me in a swimming suit.
(You know where this is going).
As the baby slept today, I sat out in the hot sun watching the other 2 kiddos play in their 4 foot wide imitation swimming pool filled with mud. I was melting. So, I glanced across the fields to the neighbors. It looked like no one was home. Perfect.
Inside the house, I dug through my unorganized, drawers and found the bit of fabric that was, a baby later, still supposed to cover everything I wanted covered. Riiiiiiight.
Slipping in to it......scratch that ......stuffing my glorious self in to it, I then spent 20 lazy minutes on my back patio. That was long enough- definitely easing myself in to a little post baby skin exposure.
Anyhow, to make what I could turn in to a very long depressing post, a little shorter: I needed something to cheer myself up. SO, I am announcing, the best ever give-aways from the Ponytail Challenge are coming next week.
I am so excited that it is borderline ridiculous how excited I am. If you check back on this blog on no other day in your life, I suggest checking back on Tuesday.
And, if you didn't pick up on it already, I said give-aways, plural.
a very long while....
since I have strutted what my mother (and plump grandmother), gave me in a swimming suit.
(You know where this is going).
As the baby slept today, I sat out in the hot sun watching the other 2 kiddos play in their 4 foot wide imitation swimming pool filled with mud. I was melting. So, I glanced across the fields to the neighbors. It looked like no one was home. Perfect.
Inside the house, I dug through my unorganized, drawers and found the bit of fabric that was, a baby later, still supposed to cover everything I wanted covered. Riiiiiiight.
Slipping in to it......scratch that ......stuffing my glorious self in to it, I then spent 20 lazy minutes on my back patio. That was long enough- definitely easing myself in to a little post baby skin exposure.
Anyhow, to make what I could turn in to a very long depressing post, a little shorter: I needed something to cheer myself up. SO, I am announcing, the best ever give-aways from the Ponytail Challenge are coming next week.
I am so excited that it is borderline ridiculous how excited I am. If you check back on this blog on no other day in your life, I suggest checking back on Tuesday.
And, if you didn't pick up on it already, I said give-aways, plural.
6.17.2008
CHALLENGE.........Grand Re-opening
Furniture stores do it all the time. Car lots too. In fact, I think our local furniture warehouse has "opened" 5 times.
SOOOO- the blog had a makeover, which means it is time to start over! It is the Grand Re-Opening of the Ponytail Challenge.
Back to basics.
Those who have been with me from the beginning- way back 3 months ago, skip ahead. Those who haven't, let me explain. It is so much more than a ponytail......
You know you have one. You have your standard "do." Your hair might be short, maybe long- maybe somewhere in between. Likely though, you do it the same, day after day after day. For me, it is in a ponytail. Not a cute ponytail- a grab the closest stretchy item (rubber band off the rolled up newspaper, the baby's headband, snip some old nylons w/the scissors- sounds crazy, but it works great), reach, slick, twist and voila- 15 seconds and I am ready for the day. Cute eh? Not really, but it could be- if I just took a little time for me.....even an extra 30 seconds to add a part & ribbon. A little pretty instead of a little frump.
Take some time just for you.
CHALLENGE.......Ponytail Challenge
You cannot put your hair in a ponytail for 1 week (If your standard "do" is something else, change that- you get the idea.)
Whatever. I hear your whining now. It is too hot. Are you serious? It is summer time. I have yard work to do. Blah. Blah. Blah.
You will thank me, I promise. Do your hair- you will look good and most importantly of all, you will feel good. I am not saying you can't pull your hair up- just pull it up with a little effort. IE: I can still wear my hair in a ponytail, but I need to actually brush it, part it, use a real hair elastic, and ohhhhhh....my....curl the ends even. Quite possibly, when it is 90 degrees tomorrow, I will put one of those cutesy scarf thingy's around my head too. Don't have a cutesy scarf thingy, but still adamant on a ponytail- (with effort, of course)? I saw a woman at a churchy function using a man's tie. It was darling! Anyhow, my point is...and we all know I tend to get a little off track....do your hair everyday for a week.
Also, seeing how this is a Grand Re-Opening, we definitely need a grand prize. Leave a comment to be in a drawing next week. The winner will receive $$$ from me for her favorite hair salon and/or a beauty supply place, like a gift card to Sally's or whatever happens to be the hair care place to go in the winner's hometown. $20
Put the Ponytail Challenge link button (see column on left), on your blog & get an extra chance. Be sure to let me know about it of course!
Here's to happy hair. Are you in?
By the way- for those who read yesterday's post....I am going to do it. Be prepared - I will be fishing for and needing encouragement. Maybe some of you will even play along.
SOOOO- the blog had a makeover, which means it is time to start over! It is the Grand Re-Opening of the Ponytail Challenge.
Back to basics.
Those who have been with me from the beginning- way back 3 months ago, skip ahead. Those who haven't, let me explain. It is so much more than a ponytail......
You know you have one. You have your standard "do." Your hair might be short, maybe long- maybe somewhere in between. Likely though, you do it the same, day after day after day. For me, it is in a ponytail. Not a cute ponytail- a grab the closest stretchy item (rubber band off the rolled up newspaper, the baby's headband, snip some old nylons w/the scissors- sounds crazy, but it works great), reach, slick, twist and voila- 15 seconds and I am ready for the day. Cute eh? Not really, but it could be- if I just took a little time for me.....even an extra 30 seconds to add a part & ribbon. A little pretty instead of a little frump.
Take some time just for you.
CHALLENGE.......Ponytail Challenge
You cannot put your hair in a ponytail for 1 week (If your standard "do" is something else, change that- you get the idea.)
Whatever. I hear your whining now. It is too hot. Are you serious? It is summer time. I have yard work to do. Blah. Blah. Blah.
You will thank me, I promise. Do your hair- you will look good and most importantly of all, you will feel good. I am not saying you can't pull your hair up- just pull it up with a little effort. IE: I can still wear my hair in a ponytail, but I need to actually brush it, part it, use a real hair elastic, and ohhhhhh....my....curl the ends even. Quite possibly, when it is 90 degrees tomorrow, I will put one of those cutesy scarf thingy's around my head too. Don't have a cutesy scarf thingy, but still adamant on a ponytail- (with effort, of course)? I saw a woman at a churchy function using a man's tie. It was darling! Anyhow, my point is...and we all know I tend to get a little off track....do your hair everyday for a week.
Also, seeing how this is a Grand Re-Opening, we definitely need a grand prize. Leave a comment to be in a drawing next week. The winner will receive $$$ from me for her favorite hair salon and/or a beauty supply place, like a gift card to Sally's or whatever happens to be the hair care place to go in the winner's hometown. $20
Put the Ponytail Challenge link button (see column on left), on your blog & get an extra chance. Be sure to let me know about it of course!
Here's to happy hair. Are you in?
By the way- for those who read yesterday's post....I am going to do it. Be prepared - I will be fishing for and needing encouragement. Maybe some of you will even play along.
5.26.2008
Leaving Comfort Zone, Part 1
Complete opposites. Vinegar & water. Salt & sugar.
I am quite certain that I am the sugar.
The saying "opposites attract" would be the definition of my husband and I's relationship. I don't think this attribute always has an attraction result, but for the most part, we do all right.
He is very extrovert. Me- not so much....I mean, not at all.
He cracks the risque jokes and likes to be the life of the party.
I find my safe corner of the room and stuff my face with appetizers.
My husband will laugh at any joke and get fired up about sporting events.... loudly fired up.... you know the kind- jumping off the couch, screaming at the TV, pumping his fist- you get the idea.
I politely clap. If everyone else is cheering, I might add in a little "woo-hoo."
Dare me? How dare he?
He even strutted his stuff at a family reunion in a G-string just to win a bet.
I will avoid any potentially embarrassing situation like the plague.
If you are still imagining an extended family member wearing a G-string in front of the family, also include an almost 90-year-old Grandma cheering him on.
He lives much more in the "moment," whereas I analyze and obsess over everything.
In fact, just today, we were discussing my oddly shaped nose. He made a reference to a similarity to Owen Wilson's nose........
I haven't stopped looking in mirror all night. I keep running my fingers along the profile of my nose over and over and over again, thinking about how big and funny it is really going to look as I age.
He probably doesn't even remember saying it- nor does he really think that Owen Wilson and I are long lost twins...... at least I hope he doesn't really think so.... but it wouldn't be bad if we were because then I would know someone famous and maybe he would buy me a fabulous house on the beach. Hmmmmm.... mental note to get going on my genealogy.
Anyways, continuing on.
I like to play it safe. I used to put myself a little more "out there," but I have let myself become a little boring. I prefer the term comfortable over the term boring, but you get the idea.
I have a basic routine life. I think most mom's do. Get up, feed kids, dress kids, change kids, hopefully feed and bathe self....... then start over. Or if you go to work each day, your days are likely quite routine too.
I am stuck in a rut. I need to "get out of my box." I need to leave my Comfort Zone...... here goes.
CHALLENGE.......Leaving Comfort Zone, Part 1
Streak.
Bare Naked. Streak.
Now, let's not get crazy here.... I am just talking through your house.
If and when I accomplish this challenge, I can guarantee it will be in the night, in the house and everyone else in the house sound asleep. Doors shut, blinds down and all lights off.
Have I gone and lost my marbles???? Possibly, but you have to admit that doing this will make you laugh, give you a little bit of a "rush," and definitely give you something to smile. Who knows- maybe I am the only self-conscious, easy to embarrass person out there, but I am guessing not.
Have fun and I hope you don't "get caught." Good luck.
Don't forget to leave a comment to get a chance at the prize.
I am quite certain that I am the sugar.
The saying "opposites attract" would be the definition of my husband and I's relationship. I don't think this attribute always has an attraction result, but for the most part, we do all right.
He is very extrovert. Me- not so much....I mean, not at all.
He cracks the risque jokes and likes to be the life of the party.
I find my safe corner of the room and stuff my face with appetizers.
My husband will laugh at any joke and get fired up about sporting events.... loudly fired up.... you know the kind- jumping off the couch, screaming at the TV, pumping his fist- you get the idea.
I politely clap. If everyone else is cheering, I might add in a little "woo-hoo."
Dare me? How dare he?
He even strutted his stuff at a family reunion in a G-string just to win a bet.
I will avoid any potentially embarrassing situation like the plague.
If you are still imagining an extended family member wearing a G-string in front of the family, also include an almost 90-year-old Grandma cheering him on.
He lives much more in the "moment," whereas I analyze and obsess over everything.
In fact, just today, we were discussing my oddly shaped nose. He made a reference to a similarity to Owen Wilson's nose........
I haven't stopped looking in mirror all night. I keep running my fingers along the profile of my nose over and over and over again, thinking about how big and funny it is really going to look as I age.
He probably doesn't even remember saying it- nor does he really think that Owen Wilson and I are long lost twins...... at least I hope he doesn't really think so.... but it wouldn't be bad if we were because then I would know someone famous and maybe he would buy me a fabulous house on the beach. Hmmmmm.... mental note to get going on my genealogy.
Anyways, continuing on.
I like to play it safe. I used to put myself a little more "out there," but I have let myself become a little boring. I prefer the term comfortable over the term boring, but you get the idea.
I have a basic routine life. I think most mom's do. Get up, feed kids, dress kids, change kids, hopefully feed and bathe self....... then start over. Or if you go to work each day, your days are likely quite routine too.
I am stuck in a rut. I need to "get out of my box." I need to leave my Comfort Zone...... here goes.
CHALLENGE.......Leaving Comfort Zone, Part 1
Streak.
Bare Naked. Streak.
Now, let's not get crazy here.... I am just talking through your house.
If and when I accomplish this challenge, I can guarantee it will be in the night, in the house and everyone else in the house sound asleep. Doors shut, blinds down and all lights off.
Have I gone and lost my marbles???? Possibly, but you have to admit that doing this will make you laugh, give you a little bit of a "rush," and definitely give you something to smile. Who knows- maybe I am the only self-conscious, easy to embarrass person out there, but I am guessing not.
Have fun and I hope you don't "get caught." Good luck.
Don't forget to leave a comment to get a chance at the prize.
4.21.2008
#4......Extra Baggage
This weekend has brought to light a few.....shall we say....issues that I have.
Friday night, I fed my family pizza. I really, in all seriousness, do not think that pizza is that unhealthy- in moderation. After my 3rd cheesy bread stick & 4th piece of pizza, (all of which were dunked in creamy ranch dressing), it was obvious I don't think too much about moderation.
I exercised last week for the first time in many many months..... I was quite proud of myself. I was even a little sweaty, the heart was thumping and my legs felt like jello. Too bad this all occurred after 10 minutes of jumping on my kids' mini trampoline.... and that was the entire workout session. (Shout-out to mini trampolines- I really do know several women who have lost A LOT of weight doing this. I think you have to jump for more than 10 minutes though.)
I bought 2 lbs. of candy from the bulk section at the grocery store Saturday.
I bought 2 dozen rolls, 2 loaves of bread, 12 bagels, cream cheese and marshmallows. Carbohydrates anyone?
I ate 2 lbs. of candy this weekend...... ok, it isn't all gone yet..... but I kid you not, it is getting close. AND, I only have let the kids have 3 pieces each so far.
Our Sunday tradition is to have Cinnamon or orange rolls. Not for a snack- for a meal.... or two meals.
I could keep going with my terrible habbits, but I wouldn't want to gross you all out.
For those who don't know me, I am lucky enough to have a petite build. I have never been extremely overweight- but I have never been right on target either. I have about 15 to lose. My problem isn't necessarily the weight- but the distribution of the weight. There is some major "baby baggage" to lose. The "muffin top" doesn't stuff into my warm weather shirts. The "junk in my trunk" only gives me 2 pairs of jeans that are wearable.
My girdle is only comfortable for a few hours- seriously- I have a girdle. AND I LOVE IT! Anyone who has had a baby or needs to fit into some cute little dress should get one. It is self esteem in a store wrapped package. I know, I know... you shouldn't think you can buy self esteem... blah blah blah. I LOVE my girdle! I got it just 2 months ago after baby #3 was born. My body decided that pooches are very trendy these days.
Anyways.... CHALLENGE #4
It's all about the extra baggage baby! On yourself and around you.
Lose 1 pound.
(For the skinny mini's out there: gain 1 pound!)
Throw something away.
Clean it out or donate it.
We all have some things we have been holding onto. I still have several old t-shirts from high school. I don't wear them. I just move them around and have them take up precious space in my next-to-no storage home. Why? I wouldn't be that sad if they were lost. I just have a few hoarding behaviors.
A few months ago, I geared myself out to de-clutter. I threw out lots of clothes that aren't in style- I just held onto them in hopes they would fit again & you know.... they might come back in style. I threw out shoes. Really, did I need 5 different pairs of lawn mowing shoes? (Truly, I had 5). And, the old canvas shoes I was keeping for the once-every-5-years rafting trip I go on. Extra bonus- I have a bit of a water phobia- so next time I am invited to go rafting..... darn. I just won't be able to go without my special "rafting shoes."
So, I de-cluttered. It felt amazing! So, this week I am going to try and clean out some more.
Maybe I will get so busy that I won't eat the rest of that candy & then I will lose my 1 pound.
Accept the challenge. This is definitely a prize worthy challenge. Details to come. So, accept & get started!
Friday night, I fed my family pizza. I really, in all seriousness, do not think that pizza is that unhealthy- in moderation. After my 3rd cheesy bread stick & 4th piece of pizza, (all of which were dunked in creamy ranch dressing), it was obvious I don't think too much about moderation.
I exercised last week for the first time in many many months..... I was quite proud of myself. I was even a little sweaty, the heart was thumping and my legs felt like jello. Too bad this all occurred after 10 minutes of jumping on my kids' mini trampoline.... and that was the entire workout session. (Shout-out to mini trampolines- I really do know several women who have lost A LOT of weight doing this. I think you have to jump for more than 10 minutes though.)
I bought 2 lbs. of candy from the bulk section at the grocery store Saturday.
I bought 2 dozen rolls, 2 loaves of bread, 12 bagels, cream cheese and marshmallows. Carbohydrates anyone?
I ate 2 lbs. of candy this weekend...... ok, it isn't all gone yet..... but I kid you not, it is getting close. AND, I only have let the kids have 3 pieces each so far.
Our Sunday tradition is to have Cinnamon or orange rolls. Not for a snack- for a meal.... or two meals.
I could keep going with my terrible habbits, but I wouldn't want to gross you all out.
For those who don't know me, I am lucky enough to have a petite build. I have never been extremely overweight- but I have never been right on target either. I have about 15 to lose. My problem isn't necessarily the weight- but the distribution of the weight. There is some major "baby baggage" to lose. The "muffin top" doesn't stuff into my warm weather shirts. The "junk in my trunk" only gives me 2 pairs of jeans that are wearable.
My girdle is only comfortable for a few hours- seriously- I have a girdle. AND I LOVE IT! Anyone who has had a baby or needs to fit into some cute little dress should get one. It is self esteem in a store wrapped package. I know, I know... you shouldn't think you can buy self esteem... blah blah blah. I LOVE my girdle! I got it just 2 months ago after baby #3 was born. My body decided that pooches are very trendy these days.
Anyways.... CHALLENGE #4
It's all about the extra baggage baby! On yourself and around you.
Lose 1 pound.
(For the skinny mini's out there: gain 1 pound!)
Throw something away.
Clean it out or donate it.
We all have some things we have been holding onto. I still have several old t-shirts from high school. I don't wear them. I just move them around and have them take up precious space in my next-to-no storage home. Why? I wouldn't be that sad if they were lost. I just have a few hoarding behaviors.
A few months ago, I geared myself out to de-clutter. I threw out lots of clothes that aren't in style- I just held onto them in hopes they would fit again & you know.... they might come back in style. I threw out shoes. Really, did I need 5 different pairs of lawn mowing shoes? (Truly, I had 5). And, the old canvas shoes I was keeping for the once-every-5-years rafting trip I go on. Extra bonus- I have a bit of a water phobia- so next time I am invited to go rafting..... darn. I just won't be able to go without my special "rafting shoes."
So, I de-cluttered. It felt amazing! So, this week I am going to try and clean out some more.
Maybe I will get so busy that I won't eat the rest of that candy & then I will lose my 1 pound.
Accept the challenge. This is definitely a prize worthy challenge. Details to come. So, accept & get started!
3.31.2008
#1...the Ponytail Challenge
Ponytails: Excuses, excuses.
The old standby.
The "I'm running late and don't have time to wash my hair."
The "I'm not going anywhere today, so why bother?"
The "I don't have time to do my hair."
The "My hair looks better up anyways."
Start today. (Whenever today is that you are reading this). No ponytails allowed ......for a week.....straight. You heard me. (Or would it be you read me?) None. Zilch. Zero. You must do your hair everyday for a week! AND it has to be done before noon.
If this challenge confuses you, then this blog is not for you.... unless "letting yourself go" also included a very very short haircut, then you still can be in on the action!
I want you all to know this challenge is going to be very hard for me, if not nearly impossible. However, I, Camille accept the challenge and encourage (make that request...ok beg) for the rest of you to accept too. Leave a comment accepting the challenge and here we go...... a full week of hair do's. Wow. I haven't done that since I was 20. Good luck!
Oh-yeah. No "alligator clips" either. No cheating! If the hair is up and didn't include at least a little effort, it is not a hair do, it is a "I let myself go" do. You all deserve to feel good about yourselves, so do it!
The old standby.
The "I'm running late and don't have time to wash my hair."
The "I'm not going anywhere today, so why bother?"
The "I don't have time to do my hair."
The "My hair looks better up anyways."
Start today. (Whenever today is that you are reading this). No ponytails allowed ......for a week.....straight. You heard me. (Or would it be you read me?) None. Zilch. Zero. You must do your hair everyday for a week! AND it has to be done before noon.
If this challenge confuses you, then this blog is not for you.... unless "letting yourself go" also included a very very short haircut, then you still can be in on the action!
I want you all to know this challenge is going to be very hard for me, if not nearly impossible. However, I, Camille accept the challenge and encourage (make that request...ok beg) for the rest of you to accept too. Leave a comment accepting the challenge and here we go...... a full week of hair do's. Wow. I haven't done that since I was 20. Good luck!
Oh-yeah. No "alligator clips" either. No cheating! If the hair is up and didn't include at least a little effort, it is not a hair do, it is a "I let myself go" do. You all deserve to feel good about yourselves, so do it!
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