Looking back on 2013

The year isn't quite over yet but, as I sit by the fire with a glass of wine on this New Years Eve, I am feeling nostalgic. My brand new journal sits on my bedside table, crisp and ready for all my new adventures and feats in 2014! 2013 was a good year, nothing life changing or altering but, a journey worth taking nonetheless. Some friendships were strengthened, others were tested. Some goals were reached, while others had to take a back seat. Family bonds were tightened through weddings, momentous birthdays, shared holidays and of course, facebook! All in all, a fantastic year.

Here is a recap of the highs and lows ...

Single best moment of 2013: There are so many little moments of joy that happened this year. Life really is all about the little things - and someday we will look back and realize that those little things were really the big things. I guess if I had to narrow it down and name 3 great moments of 2013, I'd say: Celebrating my Mama's 80th birthday with all of my family in the same room, Going to my 1st Mom's Weekend at my son's college and Watching my kids serve dinner to homeless folks on the streets, on Christmas Eve.

Single worst: Probably the day I sat in the dermatologist office and heard "we need to schedule surgery for this." Thank God it was benign.

Favorite race: Far and away, the iconic Bay to Breakers in San Francisco ON my birthday!! 3 girlfriends, 2 states, 1 open road -- priceless!!

 

People who stood by my side this year: My hubby of 23 years is my absolute rock. He is my best friend, my biggest  fan and continues to be the best man I've ever known (next to my dad, of course). Lord knows, I haven't always given him reason to love me but, he has stood by me through it all and I am so glad he did!

My running partner who has shown up morning after morning at "dark thirty" - at the track or on the street halfway between our houses. She pushes me to be the best I can be, she talks me into running when I'd rather sleep in and she never ceases to amaze me with her quiet wisdom or good advice. I am so thankful for the time spent running alongside her - it is truly food for my soul.

Best thing we did as a family this year: Building a fire pit in the backyard. It is true when they say "build it and they will come." And by "they" I mean precious family memories. We spent so many wonderful nights sitting around that fire pit, roasting marshmallows and talking about our day. This next summer , I want to have a sign made that says: "Welcome to our fire pit, where friends become family and family become friends". Just like those ooey, gooey s'mores, this is the good stuff in life!! 

 

Scariest thing that happened this year: I'd have to say our family boat outing for AJs birthday at Lake Billy Chinook on August 26th. We were in the middle of the lake, swimming and having fun in the sun, when a freak thunder and lightning storm came out of nowhere! The ride back to shore (and safety) seemed to last for hours! But, my amazing hubby got us all there safely and we had some great video footage to post on Facebook!

Greatest lesson learned: That life is all in how you look at it. The glass is either half full or half empty ALL the time -  it just depends on how you look at it. If things look bleak,  just change your perspective. Things could ALWAYS be worse, someone is always worse off than you. Count your blessings not your problems. Focus on the good in the world. A grateful heart doesn't have time to feel sorry for itself.

Best book read: Hmmm...I guess I'd appear pretty shallow if I said the "50 Shades of Grey" trilogy, right?! I read some good books this year but, probably my favorite was Wild by Cheryl Strayed. The second best would be Past Forgetting, a book my dad gave me, which was a memoir written by Eisenhower's mistress. My goal for this next year is to read more. There is nothing better to me than curling up in bed with a hot cup of tea, cozy socks and a good book on a cold winter night!

Well, that sums up my year! It was fun to take a look back. Hope you enjoyed it. Wishing you all a safe and happy New Year's Eve spent with those you love...and a very, very blessed 2014.

We don't twitter we don't tweet we just live on Flanders street

I feel kind of bad because I am stealing a fave saying of my dear 81 year old dad for the title of this blog but, I love it! My dad is known for funny sayings (most of them old adages like "no use crying over spilled milk" and "don't burn daylight"). But, this one is a real Burke original and deserves a place all it's own!

Last summer when my sister and I were going to the wedding of an old family friend, my dad told us "if anyone asks about your mother and I, just tell them: We don't twitter we don't tweet we just live on Flanders street!l" We thought that was pretty funny and clever (and didn't have the heart to tell dad that twitter and tweet are basically the same thing!)

The thing about my dad is that he is a very wise man and many times throughout my life, he has given me words to live by.  When I was a kid and somebody hurt my feelings, he'd make me feel better by saying "sticks and stones may break my bones but, names will never hurt me." When we would go on a road trip, he'd say to all of us kids in the back seat before we left home, "speak now or forever hold your pee!" To this day I still say that to my kids!

One of my favorite "Burk-isms" is when he says "Nobody goes there anymore cuz it's too crowded" when referring to a popular restaurant. Again, we don't have the heart to tell him that somebody must be going there! We just smile and nod in agreement! 

I love that my dad's words of wisdom have become part of who we are as a family and I love it when my kids repeat something he has said or say "grandpa comes up with some pretty funny stuff." Makes me think of simpler times when families passed things on from generation to generation. A time when families sat around the dinner table and actually talked to each other. Or danced around the coffee table to old Nat King Cole Christmas tunes playing on the record player. When they went on long Sunday drives or drove to Disneyland without a single handheld device or a portable DVD. They didn't twitter or tweet...and man, life was sweet!

party of three

When my son left for college last year, I had visions of all kinds of new-found freedom for my husband and I. After all, our workload had been reduced by 50%, we were down to just one kid. We would have tons of alone time, many romantic getaways, all kinds of spontaneous nights out...Right?

Wrong!

What I failed to take into the equation is our 12 year old daughter. Sure, she is plenty old enough to stay home by herself. Heck, she can even babysit other people's children now! But, given the choice between staying home by herself (B-O-O-O-ORING with a capital "B"!) or join us for a dinner out, you can probably guess which one she chooses! Yep, more often than not, the smiling hostess greets us saying, "Untermeyer Party of 3, your table is ready!"

I guess we could just make plans and not give her a choice in the matter. But, the fact of the matter is that I don't really mind her tagging along. I look at it like we probably have 1, maybe 2 more years left where she thinks it's cool to hang with her parents! I don't want to wish that away. She will be gone in the blink of an eye so, why not enjoy this time we have with her? My son had 6 1/2 years with us to himself, why shouldn't she have the same opportunity?

I have friends who will invite us out to dinner or a late movie, and I have to turn them down, saying "I don't want to leave (our daughter) at home all evening by herself." They sort of roll their eyes or text back "k" but, I can tell they think I am being silly. I don't care. We only get our kids at home with us for a short while and I know the heartache of sending a child off to college so, I'm not in any hurry to let her go. My husband and I will have plenty of time once the nest is empty for those impromptu, romantic rendezvous' with each other. My daughter, on the other hand, will only be a little girl for a little while longer. Pretty soon, our dinners out will be competing with her social calendar, friends, boyfriends and job responsibilities. We will be begging for her to come spend an evening with us!

So, for now, we will enjoy the extra person at the table. The funny looks we get when we arrive at a fancy restaurant with a bottle of wine (that screams "special occasion") in one hand and our daughter holding the other. We've grown to love our little Party of Three. It's quality time with our daughter that we won't get back.



Another added bonus?

We have our own photographer to capture special moments

(like our 23rd anniversary dinner last weekend!)

5 Fab Finds

1.

Love this skirt!

I got it at TJ Maxx on sale for ten bucks!

It's made by Cynthia Rowley, 100 % Linen,

Fully Lined.

Brown and White Striped.

It's pleated at top with pockets and sort of puffs out!

I thought it was fun and whimsical and you could dress it up or down!

 $10.00 TJ Maxx

 2.

Salad To Go Bowl by Systema.

This is a great little bowl to take salads to work in.

It has a top divided section that you can put toppings in and a lower

section for the lettuce. Plus, a lil' salad dressing cup and collapsible fork and knife. 

How cool is that?

$7.99 World Market

3.

I love this sign for so many reasons!

I came across it when I was downtown the other day.

It was on the sidewalk in front of a fun sports bar called JC's!

I just love it and I totally agree!! :)

FREE

4.

This is hard to read, but it is a Scavenger Hunt.

The top section lists things to take pictures of and

the bottom is a list of things to do.

A few weeks ago, our local paper printed up a bunch of fun

scavenger hunts for kids to do in the summer.

I saved it and had it laminated!

When my niece and nephew came to stay this week,

we went downtown one day and did it!

It was a lot of fun finding all the cool things in our town, taking pictures of things and

then comparing notes when we were done!

We walked around town for 3 solid hours and didn't spend a dime!

Since it's laminated, it's easy to write on and you can use a write on/wipe off pen

and re-use it over and over!

FREE

5.

YUMMY!

I saw this recipe on facebook or pinterest.

It is such a great alternative to a sandwich with bread!

You take half a cucumber and cut in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds,

spread laughing cow on it, put tomatoes, avocado, green onions on top

and add turkey slices.

Then, top it with the other cuc half OR eat it open faced.

So deeeee-lish and healthy!

I will be taking these in my lunch when school starts up!

Around 180 calories for 2

 



5 Fab Finds

1.

Took my daughter school supply shopping and found this little nugget!

I am going to use it for site words for my students.

I spent a lot of unnecessary time last year making my own...

hole punching each index card, and putting the ring thru them all. Ugh.

I love the way this one has a little rubberband that holds the pack shut and a colorful cover.

Well worth $2.00 at Staples

2.

Football Season is just around the corner...

and that means all things GREEN and YELLOW!

Can't wait to paint my toes for the first Duck game

with these cute little glosstinis!

CoverGirl

outlast stay brilliant

glosstinis

$2.99 each Target

3.

Last week, I told you about my fave lotion the Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream...

but, it doesn't have any SPF :(

I found this lotion at Trader Joes the other day and I love it!

It's fragrance-free, has SPF 15 and cute packaging (very important).

I can wear them both and get the best of both worlds.

$3.99 TJ's

4.

I bought this Wine Wrap on Amazon after seeing it in my Real Simple magazine.

I got one for me and one for my sis-in-law.

It's great for picnics or if you are sitting out on the front patio and

want to keep your wine cold.

You just put it in the freezer and it velcros around the wine bottle.

Just be sure and hold it from the bottom and not the sides when you carry it out,

or you might just lose the whole bottle!

$9.99, Amazon

5.

My fave quote of the week!

Heard this on a TV commercial (for a paving company,

their tag line is "If your driveway looks bad, It's your asphalt!")

I changed it up a bit to relate to running and moving your ass each day!

I had my daughter take a pic of my shoes and she edited it for me.

I really like the way it turned out!

FREE!



5 Fab Finds

Alrightee, Here are this week's 5 Fab Finds...

 1.

12 Pack of Kind Bars.

Love these bars and when I found a box of 12 minis at REI

I was super excited!!

They are the perfect size to throw in your gym bag or backpack and they are

packed with yummy ingredients and whole nuts!
The best part was when I bought them, the cashier said I had some REI rewards

so, I only had to pay $3 for the whole box!! Suweeet!

$14 for a box of variety 12 pack minis, REI

 

2.

I'm such a sucker for these little signs.

Found this cute one at a new shop in town

and couldn't agree more!

$8.00 Francesca's

 

 3.

My sister told me about this cool little drink they are selling at Red Robin

so, I wanted to check it out!

It is super yummy and refreshing - made with Coors Lite (my fave!),

ginger liquer and lemonade.

It normally comes in this fun cup that looks like a can that you can purchase

but, they had run out so I didn't get one! :(

Not a Coors Lite fan? They also make one with Blue Moon and orange vodka!

$5.99 Red Robin

4.

All my shopping paid off!

When you collect $150 in receipts at the Old Mill,

you can turn them in for a Silipint of your choice!

I chose this green one with a yellow "Dogtown" logo.

Love it!

FREE with $150 in receipts while supplies last

5.

I had a facial this week at the beauty school.

The facial is $25 and they use only dermalogica products (my fave!)

It is the BEST pampering you can do for yourself!

I bought this skin smoothing cream that they used because I just love the way it feels

on my face and it smells sooooo good!

Made with cucumber and grape extracts.

Just wish it had SPF.

$36 at Phagans (but I got a 10% discount since I had a facial!)

 



Travel Bucket List



I was just perusing one of my favorite blogs...and it was all about the Travel Bucket List. It got me thinking about the places I've been and the places I'd like to go. I don't really think of myself as a world traveler, but it was fun to write down all the places I've been and it made me realize that I have been to quite a few beautiful places and experienced some pretty cool things in my 48 years. I feel blessed to have traveled to 12 of the 50 states and to a few places outside the US. I would love to make it to at least half the states before I die and travel to some other faraway places.

Places I've been...

United States
Portland, OR (born and raised)
Sacramento, CA (lived here during my middle school years)
Vancouver, WA (lived here after college)
Minneapolis, MN (interviewed with Northwest Airlines, late 80's)
Dallas, TX (Gamma Phi Convention, late 80's)
Savannah, GA (Vacation, early 90's)
Miami, FL (en route to Jamaica, 1990)
Maui, HI (Vacation, pre-kids, 1993)
Sun Valley, ID (skied at Bald Mountain, pre kids)
Orcas Island, WA (Family vacation, mid 90's)
Seattle, WA (many times)
Nashville, TN (MOPS Convention, 2004)
San Francisco, CA (many times)
Boise, ID (Duck/Boise State football game, 2010)
Lake Tahoe, CA (several times as a kid, once as an adult, 2011)
Anaheim, CA (Disneyland, 4 times)
Las Vegas, NV (13 times!)
Lake Tahoe, NV (once)
Phoenix, AZ (once or twice)
Scottsdale, AZ (several times)
Tempe, AZ (Spring Training, 2012)

Other
Negril, Jamaica (honeymoon, 1990)
Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Mexico (carnival cruise, 1996)

Want to go...

United States
Montana
Wyoming
Colorado
Utah
New Mexico
Massachusetts
New York
New Jersey
Vermont
Connecticut
Maine
Illinois
Louisiana

Other
London
Costa Rica
Ireland
Italy
France

The 12 States I've been to...

*Washington
*Oregon
*California
Idaho
Nevada
Arizona
Texas
Georgia
Tennessee
Minnesota
Hawaii
Florida

*Lived in these states



5 Fab Finds

I am changing the name of my weekly blog to "5 Fab Finds". It's catchy, it's quick and I'm fairly certain I can come up with 5 things I love each week.  Here is this week's FIVE... 

1. 

My friends' son turned 12 this week and I made him this little cookie bouquet!

We had gone hiking a few weeks ago and he LOVED the

wafer cookies that my daughter had picked out.

He was really bummed when she ate the last strawberry one!!

So, I told him that I'd buy him some for his bday!

I decided to get a little creative and poked some cake pop sticks in the bottom of 12 cookies,

put 'em in a mason jar...and filled the jar with green easter grass and some colorful hard candies.

Put a bow on it and VOILA! It's a personalized cookie bouquet!!

I'm fairly certain you can put cake pop sticks in anything and make it festive!!

 

 2.

Got a killer deal on towels at Kohl's!

Found these awesome 40"x70" HUGE colorful striped beach towels for $9.99 each
(Regular price was $39.99)

(I also bought six bath towels, a hand towel and a bath rug that were on sale...my entire bill was $88.88 and I saved $185.00!!)

WOW I love it when I save more than I spend!

3.

The only thing better than a thoughtful birthday gift from a friend...

is a thoughtful birthday gift from a friend, 2 months after your bday!!

I LOVE this plastic wine glass with the beautiful University of Oregon logo.

The thing that makes this reallllly special and FAB is that my friend's husband

is a die-hard Oregon State Beaver fan so, I know it pained her a little to buy this!!

I will be drinking my next glass of wine or margarita from this cup!

Perfect for tailgating or camping...

Thanks, Ems!

4.

Love this dress!

I found it at the sidewalk sale downtown at one of my favorite stores.

It caught my eye for several reason:

It's made by Patagonia. It was HALF price. I loved the colors!!

I love the way it feels on, and I love the back of it!

I also love the way the stripes sort of run down diagonally, so it's figure flattering!

Super cute with flip flops or you can dress it up w/high heels.

Might have to wear it to my HS reunion in a few weeks.

$32.50 at Footzone

 

5.

Every cruiser bike needs a bell!

I love this and have been wanting one for my bike for the longest time...

Finally picked one up last night at Art Walk at a darling little store.

As soon as my hubby gets it installed, I'll be buzzing around town...literally!

$10 at Bend Bungalow

 

 

Hope you enjoyed this week's faves! Have a great week!!



Project ME.

Recently, I was blessed with a special gift. It didn't cost anything. It didn't come in a small blue box. It didn't come with a money-back guarantee, although even if it had, I wouldn't take it back.

It was the gift of ME time. Five splendid days ALL to myself. To do whatever I please. Of course, I had to tend to the garden and take care of our dog, but other than that, my days were WIDE OPEN! I could do whatever I wanted for 5 glorious days!!

Now, since I am such a "list" girl...I immediately made a list of all the things I wanted to be sure and do while I had the chance! I mean, there's nothing worse than not taking advantage of a special gift. I didn't want to squander my time away and get to the end of the week and say, "Dang! I shoulda, coulda, woulda done that!" Nope, that was not gonna happen to me!



I set about crossing things off my list. I had the best time. I rode my bike as much as I possibly could. I slept as late as I wanted. I read. I journaled. I blogged. I did crosswords. I went to church alone. I took the dog for evening walks. It was absolute heaven. I realized that I enjoy being with myself and that spending time alone is something I really don't do enough of. Reminds me of that 80's Little River Band song, "If there's one thing in my life that's missing, it's the time that I spend alone."

 

I also spent quality time with friends. Enjoying good conversation and even better wine. Not worrying about what chores I had waiting or what time I needed to be home. I was truly living in the moment.

 

It was a great little hiatus from my busy life. It gave me the renewed energy I needed to power through the rest of the summer. It was truly a precious, priceless gift. The gift of ME.

Life. Thank you for this moment. I love it!

 











Aunt Fab's Favorite Finds Week 2

Okay, I've been a little busy the past week and a half (a trip to Eugene to see Tim McGraw - definitely a fave! and a trip to Portland for a wedding all within a matter of days) but, now I find myself with the house to myself for 5 days. What? So, I finally have time to sit down and post my faves for the week!! :) Here you go...



1.

I don't know what it is about chalkboards, but I love 'em! Maybe because I am a teacher or I grew up with them in the generation before "smartboards"...whatever the reason, I have a hard time passing up a good ol' fashioned chalk and chalkboard...especially one as cute and versatile as this!

It has its own stand and the back side is painted a bright sunny yellow AND it's magnetic!!

I keep it on the bar in my kitchen to write down grocery items or to highlight something on the dinner menu...or just to write down fun sayings!

I found it at a darling local flea market in town...

$12 at Pomegranete French Flea Market

 

2.

OhMyGosh!! Have you tried these yet??

My daughter picked them out the other day while grocery shopping and 

my whole family fell in love with them!

The entire box was gone as soon as it was opened!

They are soooo good - made with healthful ingredients such as brown rice, sweet potatoes and red beans. You just gotta try 'em!

2 for $5 at Safeway

 

3.

Love this saying! Love this shirt!

I found this little gem at a darling boutique downtown.

I had seen it many times before but, it was $26 and I just couldn't see spending

 that kind of money on yet another T-shirt!

Well, the other day I happened to walk by and the sign in the window said:

"All T's $20."

Well, I don't know about you, but twenty bucks is a lot easier to swallow than $26!!

I mean, it's just one bill rather than three!! Right?

So, I marched in and got me this one!

$20 at What Lola Wants

 

4.

Just finished "The Silent Wife" and had this baby waiting on my night stand!

Just started it and it looks like a great summer read!

It's got everything you want in a juicy novel...4 college friends reunite in Jamaica, issues like marriage, illness, infidelity and the power of female friendship are all covered.

I had heard about it on the Today show (recommended by Hoda!) and reserved it right away!

FREE cuz I got it at the library!!

 

5.

"Them Boys" by Brantley Gilbert

I love this song. I first heard it one morning when I was listening to my ipod on my way to work.

(My son, who was away at college, had loaded all the songs on my ipod, so it had a great mix of good old country tunes and it was a great way to stay connected with him!)

As soon as I heard it, I just started tearing up. I loved the lyrics. I hit Repeat and listened to it over and over again. By the time I got to work, I was a total mess!

My favorite line is...

"Them boys don't know one thing about life, treatin' young girls like hearts don't break, treatin' old men like hands don't shake..."

Even though my son didn't fit either of those descriptions, there was something about the song that rang true! And, suddenly, I was missing my boy something fierce!

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

And, by the way, Brantley Gilbert is coming to the Oregon State Fair!! Wahooo!

FREE cuz I got the video off YouTube

 

So, there you have it! My faves for the week! Hope you enjoyed them. Leave me a comment below and let me know what your faves are!! Have a good one ~

 

 

 



Vitamin D, Tysabri and Running...Rx's for my MS



I just read a very inspiring article on runnersworld.com about a 35 year old man who started running and changed his life. This article resonated with me for several reasons but, mostly because he has MS and started running as a way to lose weight and stay fit for his kids. It got me thinking that more neurologists should recommend Running as a remedy for MS.

I am a big proponent of Vitamin D. I know it can do wonders for people, especially those with MS. I am also a big fan of treatment. Tysabri is my treatment of choice at the moment and I could not be happier with it. I also try and get my daily dose of crossword puzzles because I know it keeps my mind sharp. But, out of everything I've tried, nothing has helped me more than a little ol' drug they call Running.

I started running almost 3 years ago and I cannot emphasize enough what a difference it has made. Not only with my MS but, with my overall health, happiness and well-being. I always joke that if I didn't run, I would surely be in the Nuthouse by now! My daughter said to me recently, "Mom, if you didn't do so many races, we'd have enough money to go on an expensive vacation." I replied, "Ummm, honey, if I didn't run so much, I would be spending ALL of our money on therapy and would be in no condition to even go on vacation." I think she caught my drift!

Now, I realize running is not for everyone. I do know that I am extremely blessed to be able to run. I know there are lots of folks with MS (or not) who cannot run, let alone walk and my heart goes out to them. I have always adhered to the mantra, "Use it or Lose it" because I know there may come a day when I can no longer lace up my shoes and just go for a run. But, for now, since I've learned to run and while I'm able to run, I will. I don't want to look back someday and say, "Man, I wish I'd run while I had the chance."

I know doctor's need to promote their own profession by pushing pharmaceuticals and all, but really the answer is pretty simple: Get moving. Doesn't matter how fast you are. Heck, doesn't even matter if you are walking, rolling or scooting, just as long as you are moving. For me, it is running. For someone else, it may be walking to the mailbox everyday. But, find that thing that makes YOU feel alive and DO IT!

Aunt Fab's Favorite Finds!

I have decided to do a weekly summer post, highlighting my favorite things for that week! I grappled with what to call it: 5 Fabulous Finds, Fab Finds, Friday Five, My Favorite Things...Well, I finally came up with "Aunt Fab's Favorite Finds!" My darling nieces who live in California nicknamed me "Aunt Fabulous" several years ago. Soon, it was shortened to "Aunt Fab" and it just sort of stuck...and I love it!! :) I mean, who doesn't love being called FAB?

I decided not to limit the number of items OR post on a certain day, so this leaves it open for me to highlight as many things as I want each week AND I can do it whatever day I feel like! And, finally, I went with the name because my 12 year old said it sounded good. And, believe me, she should know!

So, let's not wait a second longer...Here it is...

My Inaugural First Week of Aunt Fab's Favorite Finds:

 

1.

This is by far my favorite of the week!! It is an insulated water cup, just like the ones from Starbucks, but...it is a MASON jar!! OMG! I love it so much!! I love that it has a handle, I love that it is double insulated to keep water super cold, I love the lid that looks just like a mason jar lid, I love the white straw that doesn't fall out...and I love the design on the front!! The only thing I don't love is that it doesn't fit in my car cupholder...Oh well! It's cuteness more than makes up for it's impracticality.

Bed, Bath and Beyond $9.99

 

2.

This thing is the BOMB-DIGGITY!!

I absolutely LOVE it! It is great for floating the river, hanging out on the lake

or watching an outdoor movie on a big screen (they do that here in Bend!)

It holds 2 people comfortably (but you can easily fit 3 kids) and

it has a built-in cooler!! How cool is that?

The cooler keeps drinks cold OR towels, extra clothes, cellphones and car keys dry!

Big 5 $40

(Reg price is $49.99 but, I got it when it was on sale which makes me love it even more!)

 

3.

This book is REAAAAALLLLY good.

I found it while flipping thru my Real Simple magazine last month.
The article was entitled "Summer Books for Every Reader"and this one caught my eye.

It said, "If you're suffering from Gone Girl withdrawals, here's your fix."

I immediately reserved it at the library (I never buy books!)

and just started it this week. It is so good, one of those can't put down,

twist at every turn kind of book!

and by the way, if you haven't read Gone Girl by Jillian Flynn...you must!

The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison, FREE cuz I got it from the library

(sadly the author passed away from cancer after writing this book, her first novel)

 

 



4.

My hubby and I ran the "Spark Your Heart" 5k on 4th of July last week.

It has become an annual tradition for us.

When I went to pick up our race packets, I was sooooo excited!

Not only was there a cute, comfy, tech shirt (I have no use for cotton when I run!)

there was also an SPF stick and chapstick (not pictured).
Race Entry, FREE cuz our friend's company was a sponsor!

Wow! If only ALL race organizers would follow suit, this world would be a better place!

I am guessing it has something to do with the fact that the hospital sponsored the event!

 



5.

Okay, so this really isn't a "find" per se but, a whole lot of little finds.

Last week my college son decided it was time to spruce up our back patio.

 Boy, has it made a difference in our life!

He found this cool firepit with the Oregon Duck logo on it

(it looks really cool at night when it's lit up!)

Then, he went to Home Depot and bough cinder blocks, 2x4s and plywood. I threw on a few pillows and his old dorm comforter and purchased a few odds 'n ends at Pier One...and Voila!

We had ourselves a comfy fire pit sitting area for right around $300!

I absolutely LOVE it.

It is such a wonderful addition to our living space, utilizing a very under-used area before.

I love to sit out there in the morning sun, doing my crossword and sipping coffee while our dog lays comfortably beside me AND it is so much fun to sit around the fire with family and friends at night

and roast marshmallows and share stories. You feel like you're camping in your own backyard.

 

Firepit, High Desert Ranch & Home $197 (Retails for $300 but, hey we know the owner!)

Cinder Blocks, Home Depot $1 each

Wood, Home Depot $15 total

String of 10 Paper Lantern Lights, Pier One $12.95

Tiki Torch Citronella Candles, Pier One $6 each

Cute Tiki Tavern Hut sign, Pier One $15

Long Bench Cushion, Fred Meyer $24

To all you parents of teenagers, if you want your kids to spend more time at home:

"Build it...and They will come!"

I just wish we had done it sooner!
~
So, there you have it! Aunt Fab's Favorite Finds, Week 1!
Leave a comment below if you want to see more...
And let me know some of your FAVE finds!
Thanks!

AM I A Mess?

I wanted to share this video clip of a recent speaking event I was lucky enough to be a part of. It's called Ignite Bend and the premise is that each person gets 5 minutes and 20 power point slides to talk about something that is near and dear to their heart! Back in October, I got chosen to speak about MS and what it has meant for me. I hope you enjoy this little video clip.

Game On!

 



I freakin' love this diet!! I wouldn't even call it a diet, it's more of a game! The things I love most about it is that it IS hard, it IS challenging, but IT works and it is soooo WORTH all the hard efforts! Sometimes, it takes sacrificing life's little luxuries to realize our true potential. And, there is something about self-deprivation that leads to growth.

The Game On Diet was designed by Krista Vernoff, Executive Producer of Grey's Anatomy and Az Ferguson, a Personal Trainer. Krista wanted to lose some baby weight but, HATED dieting. So, her trainer, Az, came up with the Game On Diet. The diet consists of several different categories and is based on a points system. So, it's not really about how much weight you lose, it's how many points you earn. I've played the Game twice and both times lost about 7 lbs. and toned up quite a bit. I have never felt better than when I am on the plan. Anything worth having is worth working for!

These are the categories:

Meals - You eat 5 sanctioned meals a day. Each meal must contain 1 carb, 1 protein and 1 healthy fat. The meals must be spread out throughout the day, no less than 2 hours apart and no more than 4 hours apart. In addition to your meals, you get to have one 100 calorie treat everyday!

Exercise - You must exercise (as in break a sweat and raise your heart rate) for a minimum of 20 minutes 6 days a week.

Sleep - You must get 7 or more hours of sleep every night.

Water - You must drink 100 ounces of water a day.

New Habit - You must develop a new good habit and do it everyday.

Old Habit - You must pick one bad habit and give it up everyday. (If you're not sure what to give up, try asking your children! They are usually pretty good at telling you what you need to improve on!)

Communication - You must be in contact with one member of your team and one member of the opposite team every day (via text, emails, phone calls or face-to-face).

There are other things like no alcohol, no snacking b/w meals and only weighing yourself ONCE a day...and there are penalties for breaking these rules. You get points everyday and then, check in each week with your teammates for total weekly points and pounds lost. You just need to lose 1% of your starting weight for the week to earn BONUS points. The BEST part of it all is that you get an entire DAY and MEAL off each week! Sound fun?

Let's Get Started!

Breakfast Ideas



This is by far my FAVE breakfast whether I am dieting or not!
(And not just because it makes a cute lil' "smiley face!")
So easy to make and eat on the go!

2 Nutri Grain Waffles

Tall low-fat Vanilla Latte

1 TBSP Almond Butter

Drizzle of honey

 



Tall nonfat Vanilla Latte

Scrambled Eggs with vegies

2 slices of Turkey Bacon

 

1 c. Blueberries

8 oz. glass of milk

Scrambled Eggs with vegies

(Reading Jesus Calling everyday was my good habit!)

 

Lunch Ideas

Cherry Tomatoes

Steak

Avacado

 

Dinner Ideas

Potatoes

Steak

Grilled vegies in olive oil

 

Snack Ideas

Kashi Cereal

Chobani Greek Yogurt

12 almonds

OR

Fresh Fruit

Hard-boiled egg/Laugh Cow Cheese

Peanut Butter

Vegies

 

100 Calorie Treat Options:

 2 small York Peppermint Patties
Starbucks Tall Skinny NF Vanilla Latte
Starbucks Tall Lite Caramel Frappacino
3 squares (1/4 bar) Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate
Nabisco 100 Calorie Snack Packs

 

Other Ideas:
Make a Journal to record EVERYTHING you eat, the exercise you do, amount of sleep you get, etc! It really helps keep you on track and comes in handy when you play the game again.

Take a Before/After Photo
It's great to see how far you've come!
 

 

 

 But most importantly, Just get started!

30 Days from now, you will be glad you did!!

 

"To be driven by our appetites alone is slavery,

while to obey a law that we have imposed on ourselves is freedom."

-Rousseau

 

 

*There is a book available. I recommend buying it and keeping it on hand for quick reference.