504 Main by Holly Lefevre: rethink

Showing posts with label rethink. Show all posts

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Introducing bareMinerals Skincare!

If you have been reading 504 Main for a while, you may remember last year I did a series of posts with Bare Escentuals as part of their Rethink campaign. Those posts were some of my favorite. At that time I had never tried bareMinerals...Oh I had seen the infomercials, but had never taken the next step....

Well, I finally did it...marched down to Macy's picked up a starter kit and let me tell you, I was hooked. I wish I would have started wearing bareMinerals wen I first saw the infomercials. Seriously my favorite makeup.

And now...guess what...they are launching a skin care line...oh I am so excited. As I get {cough, cough} older I am looking for that magic to maintain my skin and keep it healthy!

bareMinerals Skincare

"A transformative new way of caring for your skin that’s simple, super-effective and incredibly easy to use. Powered by 100% pure RareMinerals Active Soil Complex, enjoy increased cell turnover, fewer fine lines and wrinkles and the famous bareMinerals Naturally Luminous glow. If that’s something you’re looking for, then this might be the revolution for you."

I am beyond excited to try this. The products all are "Powered by our RareMinerals ActiveSoil Complex with its unique electrolyte delivery system, it’s formulated to perfectly moisturize combination skin. It also includes a powerful blend of antioxidants that help protect against environmental stressors."
- Bare Escentuals website -

***********************

The bareMinerals skincare lines includes:

*Cleansers include a purifying facial cleanser, deep cleansing foam, and exfoliating treatment cleanser

*Moisturizer to hydrate and improve firmness, texture, and radiance

*Treatments that include firming eye treatment, blemish therapy, and pure transformation night cream

Want to see the series of rethink - I will be reposting some of them soon anyway - click right to read the last rethink post which has links to all others.

Guess what, there will be another giveaway coming up too!

Go check them out on Facebook too!

Disclosure: I have received no monetary compensation for this post. In exchange for this post I will receive a sample of the skin care line for myself and one for a giveaway.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Rethink A Natural High

Hey Everyone! Happy Friday!

It's time for Rethinking day...
the last rethinking day...
with Bare Escentuals at Rethink What Matters.

Today's topic is Rethink A Natural High.
Yeah, don't ya just love the themes.
I know you are always thinking I am
going to talk about something else.

My Natural High

As a mom I have flashes of brilliance, with a lot of sparks and misfires in between.

...I am not patient...I admit it that being a mother has been a test of patience for me.

...I like to move quickly...ya know "you can rest when you are dead" sort of philosophy, but tell that to a 2 year old collecting rocks for her brother.

...I am selfish, but have had to learn and fully accept that I made the decision to have children, and although I am still important, they are my #1 responsibility...they come first.

Even with all that {and I could go on}, there is one thing they give me that I could have never imagined...ever...they bring me a pure, simple, innocent joy...they are my natural high. Even on bad days, a smile, a giggle, a hug from them melts my heart. I can think of nothing that makes me happier than simply stopping and being in that moment, any moment, with my kids.

I will walk by Joe's room and hear him singing to Taylor Swift, and just stop in the hallway and listen. Sometimes I hear him telling himself a story or playing with his Pokemon {which I still don't get!}. He tells me silly jokes and I laugh and his eyes light up.

Jules makes me "coffee" all day. She gathers her baby dolls, has me swaddle each one perfectly, and reads to them. When I sing to her, she joins in and she always asks for more. I can often hear her singing to herself and am just simply delighted to hear that little voice.

The two playing together...their giggles, their love, it fills my home and my heart. Jules runs and hugs Joe after school - she misses him all day long. Joe reads to Jules, Jules snuggles with Joe. Just this week, Joe has been really sick and while "Monkey see, monkey do" Jules also wants to be sick, she is tending to her brother, making sure he is OK.

So at the end of the day, when Joe tells me "I love you more than the whole galaxy" and Jules tells me "I love you more than toast," I am higher than a kite and so very grateful for these little people who teach and test me on a daily basis.

So what's your natural high?

Go visit Rethink What Matters. Answer the five questions...{did I mention there are prizes?}. See below for a listing of previous posts in this series.

Happy Rethinking!

BIG, HUGE thank to everyone who participated in this series with me.

Next Friday begins "I'm Tickled Pink" an on going feature highlighting cool products, ideas, writings, bloggers - you name it..if it is fun, newsworthy, useful, or inspirational, I am looking for it. Just drop me an email if you or someone you know should be featured....and grab a button too!

Check out the previous posts in this series:

Rethink and Grow

Rethink Your Environment

Rethink...Finding Yourself

Rethink PDA

Rethink What A Revolution Feels Like

Rethink Your Must Haves

Rethink What You Are Investing In

Rethink Friends With Benefits

Rethink What Matters is a campaign by Bare Escentuals that challenges me...challenges all of us to Rethink What Matters. Each Friday through March 26, 2010, Bare Escentuals will pose a new topic for us to consider, to ponder, and to discuss. It is not just about makeup...it is about living your life and what is truly important. So gather your girlfriends...you never know what you'll discover!

Want to join in on the discussion...
There are prizes and free products to be had..and more importantly thought provoking topics coming your way. Just visit Rethink What Matters to answer 5 simple questions. Then you can see how your answers compare with others. Seriously it takes no time at all to do this...and you may learn a little something about yourself or your friends! And if you are lucky enough to live in San Fransisco, New York, or Chicago the Quickie Van could be coming your way.
DISCLAIMER: So, here's the back story and legal who-ha I must include. I was contacted via email about this campaign and checked it out myself. I thought it was interesting and thought provoking. I was not paid for this review/post or compensated in any way (products or otherwise).

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Rethink Your Story

Hey Everyone! Happy Friday!

It's time for Rethinking day with

Bare Escentuals at Rethink What Matters.
Today's topic is Rethink Your Story.

{Disclaimer Alert} If you read Rethink and Grow,

you will see some serious similarities here.

When I was in college, or even high school for that matter, it was easy to imagine what my life was going to be...I had it all planned out. I was not going to get married or have kids. I wanted to go to design school in New York (I did go to design school...but in L.A.) and be the next Donna Karan. That was it - end of story - I was going to be fabulous and successful and never look back. Since then I have had to rethink...and rethink...and rethink my story.

I never imagined I would do anything with my life other than be a fashion designer...but it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. I got married and hubby gave me the opportunity to explore a new path. He despised the last two bosses I worked for {um yeah, they were creeps in different ways} and he really hated where most of the companies were located - not the safest neighborhoods {do I have stories!}.

So hubby said {pleaded with me, really}, "Quit your job." I did and not long after than I received a phone call at 7 am {seriously 7 am! I am not working and do not have kids...who's calling at 7 am?}. It was a crazy woman {yet another story} asking me if I could write a book or part of a book...huh? "Sure," I say, "I got a A in English."

After that, I began working on my second book, and became a wedding planner. These events changed my story. Set me on a different path...a path that felt right and that I continued on...Until I became a mom - we all know how that changes our story {dads too!}. And then I moved...another change. Another kid...another change. With every change, I rethink my story.

My story is no where near done. I am not sure how it will end or what the next chapter will be. I want to write more, I want to be involved with my kids, I want to create beautiful things, I want to relax and enjoy this wonderful life I am so grateful for.

Of course, my letters will help tell my story to my kids one day. And, when all is said and done, I hope my story includes that I was a good friend, a good daughter, a good mom, a good wife. That I was kind, respectful, responsible, passionate, and compassionate. And I won't lie, or try to pretend that I do not want my story to include that I was successful in my career and looked fabulous while doing it all.

So, what's your story?
How has your story changed?
What are you hoping your story includes?

Go visit Rethink What Matters. Answer the five questions...{did I mention there are prizes?} Then come back next week for some more!

Happy Rethinking!

Check out the previous posts in this series:

Rethink and Grow
Rethink Your Environment
Rethink...Finding Yourself
Rethink PDA
Rethink What A Revolution Feels Like
Rethink Your Must Haves
Rethink What You Are Investing In
Rethink Friends With Benefits

Friday, March 12, 2010

Rethink Friends With Benefits

Hey Everyone! Happy Friday!

It's time for Rethinking day with

Bare Escentuals at Rethink What Matters.

Today's topic is loaded...

Rethink Friends With Benefits.

I had a friend with {some} benefits once

{get your minds out of the gutter peeps - I said some benefits!}

and it wasn't so beneficial.

So, in keeping with my G and sometimes PG rated blog, let's chat about friendships. Personally, I think all friendships come with benefits. All friendships are not the same and friends come in and out of our lives for different reasons...and let's face it sometimes that's the part that hurts our hearts.

Some friends inspire.

Some friends push you towards greatness.

Some friends are always ready to listen.

Some friends you just have fun with.

And if you are lucky, you find a few special people

that encompass all of these things.

When a friendship is good and true and real it stands the test of time.

Now, let's explore some friendships....

"Girl" Friends

I have a group of 3 friends...two of them I have know since 2nd grade. One of the group I met in my sophomore year of high school. At one point we all lived in So. Cal. We graduated high school together, went off to college and came back. We went to each others weddings...we were in each others weddings, we laughed, we cried, we had fun...and as we got married and had kids, our kids played together. Two of us have moved from So. Cal. {I am one} and we all do not talk as much as I would like or as we used to, but I know that I can call any of them at any time and they will be there for me...that is a friend with benefits.

"Boy" Friends

Some time after college, I ended up hanging out with a group of boys I had known since high school {and some before}. It was perfect...none of them were dating anyone say, and I was dating someone...but it was not quite "right." When I look back, it was some of the best times of my life. We went to clubs and bars, we went water skiing and boating, we had BBQ's. I was even the "go-to" gal for work parties and events - I got to go to a lot of cool events. I reconnected with them all via Facebook, and saw them at my high school reunion and was reminded of the fun times. Times have changed...it all changed after I got married. But I will always remember the ease we had with each other and the friendships that meant so much to me at that time of my life...And really, what is better than celebrating Easter with burnt hamburgers and guacamole while watching the Ten Commandments?

{Old} New Friends

When I had to move a few years back, I was terrified. How was I supposed to make new friends? My entire life was in L.A. Well, it took a little while, but it happened. I was warmly welcomed by some wonderful ladies up here and am so thankful for the friendships that have welcomed us in our new home. They provide fun and friendship and support beyond what I could ever imagine. I would be remiss to not mention the friends I have reconnected with via Facebook...without FB, I would have missed out on "new" relationships that I never expected or imagined I would find.

"Blog" Friends

How can I not mention all my new blog friends. When I first started this blog, I expected nothing really. I figured I would ramble on and I urged a few friends to follow. Boy was I wrong...I am truly amazed at the inspirational and talented and witty men and women I have met in blogland. I am thankful for the interaction I have with everyone and am truly enjoying the connections I have found here.

That's it...a look a some friendships in my life. I am happy and blessed to have been friends with some amazing people...some are still a part of my life and others are not, but they are not forgotten, nor has their imprint on my life.

Have you had a friend with benefits? What do you consider to be a benefit? Do you offer any benefits? {keep it clean people! I sure hope I am not deleting obnoxious comments tomorrow from the jokesters out there.}

Go visit Rethink What Matters. Answer the five questions...{did I mention there are prizes?} Then come back next week for some more!

Happy Rethinking!

Check out the previous posts in this series:
Rethink and Grow
Rethink Your Environment
Rethink...Finding Yourself
Rethink PDA
Rethink What A Revolution Feels Like
Rethink Your Must Haves
Rethink What You Are Investing In

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Rethink What You're Investing In

This week's discussion topic at Rethink What Matters is

RETHINK What You're Investing In

When I first saw this topic, I had two trains of thought.

1- Hubby does the investing. I do the spending. I married a money dude for a reason. {And who wants to talk money these days anyway}.

2- My biggest investment is my kids. I virtually walked away from a thriving wedding planning business to be a mostly stay-at-home mom. I stay up late working {when I do have projects here and there}, so that during the day I can do for them what they need done for them. There is no bigger investment I can make for myself, for my children, and for society than raising capable, respectful, hardworking, and honest individuals.

Then, I realized, that this year, I am also investing in myself. I am rediscovering the things that make me happy - the things not tied to kids or hubby {I realize that if you have read the other posts, some of these revelations have been written about in one form or another, but the topics - many of them- are tied together, at least for me}. I am trying to recapture that girl who wants to be adventurous...who has big dreams and realizes she is not too old to go out and grab them...that my life is not going to end next year when I hit one of the big b'day's - it is just going to get better, because I have been on a journey of investing in myself.

Here is my list of "What I'm Investing In":

1- Exercise - get back on the wagon girl! - like I used to (a few months ago). Find a new sport or activity to try.

2- Clean out the closet - the old clothes and the junk. I like my stuff, but enough already!

3- Implement some sort of better organizational system {I am a disorganized organized person...I know where everything is but no one else does}.

4- Journal to release my feelings and express myself without judgment {non-blog fodder].

5- Continue to improve my eating habits and pass those good habits on to my kiddos.

6- Be better with the $$$$. I like to spend {shh...don't tell hubby...OK, he already knows}...but mainly I treasure hunt these days. Oh, and then there are the sunglasses and shoes and bags and jeans...

7- Do better by the environment - I am pretty darn good, but admit that I get lazy every once in awhile. I want to compost too {not really want...but know it is a good thing}.

8- Believe in my writing and continue to find my voice and the confidence that goes with it.

9- Create and create some more. Over the last few weeks, I have had a new energy DIYing and tablescaping. I love it. Hubby encourages it because he knows how much I love it and how happy it makes me.

10- Allow myself to take time to relax...to watch a movie, to sit and have coffee outside...to make an obstacle course with the kids and do it...to play in the sand...to take a walk, to swing, to scribble with the crayons, and not be afraid that the world is passing me by...that if I do not do "X" today I will never have that chance....that I have blogs to catch up on reading and commenting {yes, I am behind, but I am doing all I can}...that I have posts to write...to remember that I do not have to do anything other than be a responsible parent, wife, adult, and member of society.

That is my list of "investing"...and in the a.m. I am sure I'll realize I missed some things, but as part of investing in myself..it is time to go to bed!

What's on your list? Are you investing in anything?

I want to know! Really!

Go visit Rethink What Matters.
Think about your "Must Haves."

Answer the five questions...

{did I mention there are prizes?}

Then come back next week for some more!

Happy Rethinking!

Holly

Check out the previous posts in this series:
Rethink and Grow
Rethink Your Environment
Rethink...Finding Yourself
Rethink PDA
Rethink What A Revolution Feels Like
Rethink Your Must Haves

Want to join in on the discussion...

There are prizes and free products to be had..and more importantly thought provoking topics coming your way. Just visit Rethink What Matters to answer 5 simple questions. Then you can see how your answers compare with others. Seriously it takes no time at all to do this...and you may learn a little something about yourself or your friends! And if you are lucky enough to live in San Fransisco, New York, or Chicago the Quickie Van could be coming your way.

DISCLAIMER: So, here's the back story and legal who-ha I must include. I was contacted via email about this campaign and checked it out myself. I thought it was interesting and thought provoking. I was not paid for this review/post or compensated in any way (products or otherwise).

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Rethink Your "Must Haves"

This week's discussion topic at Rethink What Matters is

RETHINK Your "Must Haves."

At first I thought, I could go "deep" and talk about the "must haves"
for sustaining my sanity and creativity in this crazy world...
but I really don't know that answer...I just keep plugging along...
figuring it out as I go...really, I have no plan!
Then, I thought I could just go light and easy, have some fun...
and tonight...after this week...I am thinking light and easy
is the best way to approach my "must haves."

I could cut to the chase, after all,
the first sentence of my bio sums it all up...
"Makeup, mochas, and "I love you Mama get me through my day,"
but that is no fun - Let's elaborate!

I did decided to limit my "must haves" to 5 per category.
And, just so ya know, the categories are just kind of random.
Have fun and make your own list!

Must Haves in the A.M.

*One {or three} make-it-at-home mochas.

*Kiss and hug from Joe.

*Kiss and hug from Jules.

*Saying bye to hubby before he takes off to work.
*A quick email check {come on...the computer was off for 6ish hours!}.

Pretty "Must Haves"
*{Really} Good moisturizer and 70 SPF sunscreen {2 for 1 must have}
*Spellbound perfume by Estee Lauder - Yes, it is from the 90's. I have tried new scents, but this one is apparently "me!" People stop me all the time (really) asking me what I am wearing.
*Mascara - In "Very Black." Big lashes are a must for me.
*{Cheap} Lip Gloss - Color 568

*MAKEUP - I love my makeup...and guess what about 2 weeks ago I went out and bought the Bare Escentuals Starter Kit. After who-knows-how-many-years of watching the infomercials I did it...and you know what I am kicking myself for not doing it sooner. My skin feels great...the coverage is fantastic...I {Heart} Bare Escentuals! They have won me over B-I-G time.

Relaxing "Must Haves"

*Sitting in the sunshine.

*5 minutes of quiet {somewhere, somehow, someplace}.

*A good book - Fiction or Non-fiction {mostly non-fiction} - I love books.
*A steamy hot shower - 'Nuf said.

*A Mocha - Yes, fueled by caffeine!

Entertaining "Must Haves"
*Good music - Sets the mood {I almost always forget to turn it on though}
*Candles - Makes everything {including people} look better and makes a room feel warm.
*A clean bathroom - the whole house does not need to be spotless, but the bathroom must be.
*Great food/beverage - It doesn't need to be fancy, but it needs to be good and fit the occasion.
*A smile and some great conversation - Do I need to elaborate?

Pantry "Must Haves"
*Lemons - Put lemon on it my kids will eat it.
*Balsamic vinegar - Better yet, put balsalmic vinegar on it, my kids will devour it.
*Cinnamon - Buy it in bulk!
*Almond butter - Even the kids prefer it over peanut butter.
*Mommy's vice - Special Dutch Chocolate No-Sugar Added Powder from the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. I mail order 4 or 5 canisters every month for my make-it-at-home mochas.

Crafty "Must Haves"
*Good Glue - All sorts...glue sticks, white glue, hot glue, tacky glue, and even Mod Podge.
*Glitter - It must sparkle.
*Sharpies - Best pen {Marker?} ever.
*Shape Cutters - I have punches for shapes and blades and templates to cut all sorts of crazy things...but sadly no Cricut...yet!
*Paper - Handmade, scrap book, cardstock...you can do crazy stuff with paper!

Make-My-Life Complete "Must Haves"
*Finish and sell a work of fiction
*Travel to Norway, Spain, and Greece {No all at the same time silly!}
*See my grandkids - I am not being morbid, but if my daughter {or son} wait as long as I did to have kids...I am going to be really up there in the years.
*See hubby retire...on second thought what would I do with him around the house all day...he needs a job!
*Build our custom home.
{Honestly, I have not thought about this much...but I can guess what I will be dreaming about tonight!}

What are your "Must Haves" to get you through your day?
What are your Make-My-Life Complete "Must Haves"?

Go visit Rethink What Matters.
Think about your "Must Haves."

Answer the five questions...

{did I mention there are prizes?}

Then come back next week for some more!

Happy Rethinking!

Holly

Check out the previous posts in this series:
Rethink and Grow
Rethink Your Environment
Rethink...Finding Yourself
Rethink PDA
Rethink What A Revolution Feels Like

Want to join in on the discussion...

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Rethink What A Revolution Feels Like

This week's discussion topic at Rethink What Matters is

RETHINK What A Revolution Feels Like.

When I saw this topic, I thought, maybe I will just skip it this week, but then I began to think...the brain went off on its own tangent and I have been rethinking what my own revolution feels like all day.

I am a complete and total rule follower. I could never get away with anything anyway. If I broke a rule, I told on myself. As I got older, I lived in the city in which my Dad was a police officer...and for a long time thought the world began and ended in that city...so wherever I went someone was watching me. I actually did move to a neighboring city...Dad knew people there too. I had my own personal patrol unit - what every single girl living alone needs!

I avoid conflict {except on reality TV shows} in my own life. I'll take you down if you mess with my kids {assuming they didn't deserve whatever was being dished out}, and when planning a wedding I will fight for my clients. Personally I do not rock the boat.It just freaks me out! All this considered, I figured I am not a revolutionary...but I was wrong.

Rethinking what a revolution feels like starts within me...this is the year for optimizing my health - cutting out the crap {for the most part...sweet indulgences will still be here and there} and eating pure clean, real food, as well as working out {again} regularly. This is the year to reclaim me - the girl who got pedicures every week has not had one in months! This is the year to sell the book proposal sitting on my desk and finish the other 5 that are "this close" to being done...and finally find the confidence to start on my work of fiction {eeek...did I say that out loud?} This is the year I empower myself to make changes where I feel they are needed - whether that be in friendships or careers {I'll keep the hubby and kids}.

More importantly, as I thought about this subject, I realized that when I decided to become a parent, a mom, I took on the role of "revolutionary." I am now a role model and responsible for teaching and nurturing two precious beings into adulthood. I need to show my children what it is to be a friend, a good spouse, a good parent, a good person, a responsible person. I need to do whatever I can to make this world a better place for the kiddos. I need to recycle. I need to vote. I need to care about my neighbor. I need to be an advocate for my children and teach them what I believe is right and wrong {I have very strong opinions about many things, but just choose to keep them off the blog}.

I have realized that my own revolution is not selfish,

it will ultimately help my children too.

So, that's the story of my revolution.

Are you a leading your own revolution?

What your story?

Go visit Rethink What Matters,

answer the five questions...

did I mention there are prizes?

{maybe you will win!}

Then come back next week for some more!

Happy Rethinking!

Holly

Check out the previous posts in this series:
Rethink and Grow
Rethink Your Environment
Rethink...Finding Yourself
Rethink PDA

Want to join in on the discussion...

Friday, February 12, 2010

Rethink...PDA with Bare Escentuals

This week's discussion topic at Rethink What Matters is

RETHINK Public Displays of Affection.
{I know you thought I was talking about
blackberrys, ipods, cellphones, whatever!}

This topic was definitely more "light"

as compared to the previous topics and posts...

We don't really "do" Valentines day here.

I am not one who is much for PDA either...

but I have been known to flirt to get my way

...{shhh...don't tell!}..

although it worked much better about 10 years ago!

So, no in depth, thought-provoking comments from me today...

I am just going to ramble on about a little Valentine's Day story.

A Valentines 2fer

I seriously blow a big raspberry at Valentine's Day!

I have never liked it...maybe because I never had a boyfriend.

{yeah, yeah...boo-hooo, right.}

Well, it would be my luck that one year,

I really had a V-Day celebration.

Yes, this story is going to make me sound like a "player,"

but I assure you I was not. I was just "in between" relationships.

One man trying to woo his way back...

and one just trying to woo.

I am at work...not expecting anything.

Then I hear the receptionist buzz my desk.

"Holly, please come downstairs. You have something waiting."

I was expecting fabric, buttons,
the garments back from the dye house...

Nope...Red Roses...BEAUTIFUL red roses!

WOW...a first for me!

Two hours later...

"Holly, please come downstairs. You have something waiting."

I was now definitely expecting fabric, buttons,
the garments back from the dye house...

Nope...Red Roses...AGAIN!

WOW...a second first for me!

I was feeling pretty special.

Then, somehow, I ended up with two semi-dates that night,

and a game of musical flowers.

Man #1 comes over, Man #2's flowers go in the shower.

My apartment was only 400 sq feet...

where else was I going to hide them?

Man #1 leaves, his flowers go in the shower...

Man #2's flowers come out of the shower,

Man #2 comes to pick me up.

I actually told Man #2 about Man #1's flowers.

Man #1's flowers come out of the shower too.

No need to leave pretty flowers in the shower!

It's all about honesty...

I married man #2.

Do you have a crazy Valentine's story? Please tell!

And go visit Rethink What Matters,

answer the five questions...

did I mention there are prizes?

{I have not won...maybe you will!}

Then come back next week for some more!

Happy Rethinking!

Holly

Check out the previous posts in this series:
Rethink and Grow
Rethink Your Environment
Rethink...Finding Yourself

Want to join in on the discussion...

Friday, February 5, 2010

Rethink...Finding Yourself

This week's discussion topic at Rethink What Matters is

RETHINK THE NEED TO FIND YOURSELF.

When I first saw the topic, I wasn't sure where to go with this.

I felt like I had answered the first question in this week's quiz

"Are you what you wanted to be when you "grew up?"

in Rethink and Grow.

Then I started to think {woooo-whooo!}.

The second question this week was

"Do you have a true passion?"

My answer was..."Yes it is...my kiddos."

So this question, and this answer messed with my head a little. First of all, when I decided to have children, I did not relinquish myself...my interests...my dreams, but I did commit to these little people to be all I can be, and to help them be all that they can be. They are the reason I live the way I live, and do what I do. So, my kids are my passion, but that doesn't mean that I cannot have my own passion...something that is all mine and does not involve a husband, kiddos, or of course anything illegal or immoral {let's be clear here}.

Like many moms, I have gotten lost a little along the way. I think it happens all too often. We give and give to our kids, to our husbands, to our families. We are work at home moms, and we are stay at home moms, but we are individuals too. I know there is only so much time in the day...I stay up until all hours of the night catching up, reading, blogging, crafting...but clearly that is not the answer, I am exhausted and I live for mochas.

Even when I was single, I lost myself...it is so easy to do, no matter our age or marital status. Back then, I was caught up in my career. Caught up in advancing myself within my chosen industry. Caught up in being something - the right thing - to the {much older man} I was dating.

In trying to find myself, I am learning to enjoy the small moments of time when I get to do what I enjoy, what I want to do. I treasure hunt {code words for thrift stores and garage/estate sales}. I write {not always on my blog...that is another story}. I create - I cannot tell you how much fun I had with this last Valentine's tablescape. I am trying to do "stream of consciousness journaling" to just express myself without inhibition or editing. I turn off the computer and lose myself in a movie. And, when there is not time for "more," I sit with a steaming hot mocha on my deck and listen to the waves crash and the seals bark. And, yes, many times that involves watching the kids play and giggle too, but that's OK, they are TWO of my passions, without everything they have taught me, I would not be the person I am.

So, ladies how do we do it? {OK, I will include the guys too...I have seen men get lost as well} How do we keep ourselves - our vibrant spirits - alive. How do we find time for ourselves? How do we not lose ourselves in our lives, in our children's lives, in our husbands lives? And, if we do lose ourselves, how do we find "us" again? And, finally, what is your passion? TELL ME...I want to know. Really, I do!

So, do it, go visit Rethink What Matters,
answer the five questions...

did I mention there are prizes?

{I have not won...maybe you will!}

Then come back next week for some more!

Happy Rethinking!

Holly

Want to join in on the discussion...

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Rethink...Your Environment

This week's discussion topic at Rethink What Matters is

RETHINK YOUR ENVIRONMENT.

To catch up, read Rethink and Grow, the first post in this series.

The house you grew up in....

the road you walk to school...

the mountains your camp in...

the ocean you swim in...

the air you breathe...

This is your environment.

How has it impacted you?

How have you impacted it?

On a large scale - the largest scale - we must all think about our Earth and what we can do to relieve the stress on our planet...even simple gestures help. I conserve energy {seriously it has to fall below 55 in the house for the heater to be turned on}, I repurpose, I reuse, and I try to find homes for my own unnecessary items. I bring my own bags to the grocery store, the drug store, the craft store...or skip the bags altogether. I buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste, purchase locally grown and/or organic products, and we have pretty much weaned ourselves from bottled water.

And, you may notice that I have saved probably the easiest, most obvious one for last...recycle. I am proud to say our recycle bin {which is the same size as the trash bin} is fuller than the trash bin. I have been recycling forever. True, it may have started by high-tailing it to the redemption machine outside the grocery store to get 3 cents per bottle...and it may have been mainly a way to get the empty wine cooler bottles out of the house before Mom and Dad found them...but it counts!

On the other hand, I do not drive a hybrid, nor do I have solar power, and I will admit I do drive sometimes when I could walk {Ed Begley Jr. will not be asking me to be a part of his show anytime soon}.

In my home, I surround myself with memories...the old Victrola, the beveled mirror that hung in my Granny's house, the gumball machines, family photos, homemade artwork. I once wanted my house to look like a page in the Pottery Barn catalog, and, I am not knocking Pottery Barn, but I am so much happier with the way it looks now...it reflects us. We have made it our own. Of course, it could have less dog hair...fresher paint, fluffier pillows, and a lot less toys...but all in all it is the place my children can play and be kids. It is a place my friends can hang out with a cup of coffee or glass of wine and be comfortable, it is the place I am the happiest and most serene. When my children are grown and come "home," if they can feel they way I do when I go "home" to my childhood home, I will have done my job.

In the less physical sense, I have tried to create a stimulating {in a non-video game sense, of course!}, safe, secure, creative, and loving environment for my children and my family, no matter where we may be physically. I want their lives to be filled with wonderful memories. I want them to know what it is like to be loved, and cared for, and nurtured. I want them to have a glorious sense of who they are, and the ability to be whatever they choose to be. I want to foster independence and responsibility. And the best way I can do that is by being an example of all that I expect from them.

I know that I am a product of my environment. Are you?

So, do it, go visit Rethink What Matters,
answer the five questions,

and come back and tell me if you learned anything!

OR just let me now how you are rethinking your environment,

how you are helping the environment, or

how you make your environment special?

Then come back next week for some more!

Happy Weekend!

Holly

Rethink What Matters is a campaign by Bare Escentuals that challenged me...challenges all of us to Rethink What Matters. Each Friday through March 26, 2010, Bare Escentuals will pose a new topic for us to consider, to ponder, and to discuss. It is not just about makeup...it is about living your life and what is truly important. So gather your girlfriends...you never know what you'll discover!

Want to join in on the discussion...

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Rethink and Grow

Life is about rethinking.

If you don't rethink, you will never grow.

Only as a 30-something woman can I say I finally get that.

In my early 20's I had to rethink...

what it meant to be an adult.

what responsibility really was.

how I was going to make it on my own.

In my mid 20's I had to rethink...

what it was to be a married woman.
what it meant to be a friend.

changing careers.

forging my own path...what was it going to be...really?

In my 30's I had to rethink...

what it meant to be a mother.

what it meant to be a family.

what it meant to be a good daughter.

what it meant to be successful.

what it meant to love unconditionally.

In my mid 30's (and a little beyond) I had to rethink...

what it means to be a true friend.
my priorities.

my vanity.

my place in this world.

what makes me truly happy, what makes me tick that is mine and mine alone, and that this would not make me a
selfish mother/wife/person.

So what made me rethink about all of this today...
...a small, impromptu get-together with two girlfriends yesterday, and the simple, meaningful, honest discussion we shared...and the pleasure and sense of peace it brought me.

...a campaign by Bare Escentuals that challenged me...challenges all of us to Rethink What Matters. Each Friday through March 26, 2010, Bare Escentuals will pose a new topic for us to consider, to ponder, and to discuss. It is not just about makeup...it is about living your life and what is truly important. So gather your girlfriends...you never know what you'll discover!

This weeks topic: Rethink Going Bare in Public

I would never parade around in the nude (no matter how much 30 Day Shredding I had done!) but I also never leave the house without makeup. I am a makeup lover - did you see my profile, "Mochas, makeup and "I love you Mama" get me through my day!!!!! I have been buying and playing with makeup since I was 10 (although I was not allowed to wear it publicly until I was in 8th grade) I can admit even though I have rethought my vanity...I am still vain.

When I had my son, I vowed that even though I may have that extra baby weight hanging on, and on occasion I may leave the house in yoga pants and possibly a wind breaker (don't judge!) but my makeup will be done and my hair colored, cut, and styled. This was and is my coping mechanism...it makes me feel normal. It makes me happy. It makes me feel good on the inside to look good on the outside.

Want to join in on the discussion...

So, do it, go visit Rethink What Matters and come back and tell me if you learned anything! OR just let me now if you are rethinking anything right now! Then come back next week for some more!

Holly