Sometimes We Need To Just Breathe.

It's Sunday! Yeah and boo! Boo because tomorrow is Monday :( 

Yeah because today I decided is a day to breathe. The weight of the world has seemed heavy on my shoulders, the kids have been extra lovely (sarc.) and my internal compass is discombobulated! I need a day to relax, to breathe. To center myself, gather my mind, nurture my soul. I hope you have a great day and don't forget to make time for yourself! It is something that is often neglected! Enjoy your Sunday! 😀

🌞 day <--- lol that amused me. (More than it should have. 😜)

Xx,
Michelle

Loving People When They Are Less Than Lovable

This is such a true statement, and also a really hard one to remember! When I think on my life, and my most unlovable moments, these are times when I did need love the most. When I was hurt, angry, sad, lonely. I think we can all admit that when we are feeling these emotions we may be less than lovable. We may have negative responses, attitudes, anger but in reality we need love. Even though at the time we might not admit it. I have a hard time remembering this, especially with four kids and a husband on sick leave! With so many people in the house there are bound to be moments of negativity and emotions on the rise. It is especially hard when I am overly stressed, to react with love to my children and husband. Some days I don't want to even deal with it. I struggle with the fact that I was an only child, and loved my alone time. My alone time helped me center myself. As a mother and wife you have to make sacrifices for your family, so my alone time has shortened greatly! I know that when my husband or children are acting in a negative manner, that I need to step up and do something. Even if I am feeling less than lovable that day. If I don't do it, who will? I don't want my children to look to the wrong people for love and acceptance. That is what I did and it lead to more pain and heartbreak in my life. So remember next time a friend or loved one is acting like a donkey (😉) that they might just need some love!

Xx,
Michelle

People can't change! (Or can they?)

This is one phrase that drives me crazy. A person can't change. I beg to differ. I absolutely believe people can change. I myself, have changed many many times I think people don't want to change or chose not too because, let's face it change can be hard. Especially when it comes to aspect of one's self. To say you need to change is admitting that you are not perfect. Our bodies are changing all the time cells are bing made as one ones die off. Our brains are changing, our taste buds etc, but people cannot change? Yes we can, but it requires daily work and looking inward. When I was growing up my parents were the example on how not to be and I learned a lot of negative behaves and reactions from living in that environment. I realized that I was being to treat people the same way my mother did, and honestly it made me sick. I had to make a conscious effort to think first and be aware of how I was treating people and reacting to situations. It was extremely difficult at first, but you have to have to want to change. Change for yourself to be a better person, not because someone is telling to you change. I still struggle with my attitude and responding to people but I don't mind. This means that I am still learning and growing. So what do you think? Can people change and why don't they?

Recipe For Life

(Image courtesy of foto76 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

Add a pinch of balance, a dash of moderation, mix well with a cup of common sense, bake at 365 days for 12 months, enjoy! 

Lol well that got cheesey quick!! I don't claim to have have life figured out but I do think that we as people tend to over-complicate things, I know I do! It took me awhile to get to where I am and I believe that it is because of my recipe.

First is balance. The is a natural balance in life. Good/evil. Right/wrong. For every act a reaction. In your personal life you have to work on balance. When bad comes you have to find the good in it or make some good. Balance the negative with a positive. While it would be awesome to have the scales tip with the weight of good things, in my world that just don't happen so I have to balance them myself.

Second is moderation. it seems like we are living in times of extreme! I see all these fad diets and man, it drives me crazy! One year you hear eggs are great. They are the "incredible, edible egg!" Then all of a sudden eggs at full of cholesterol and are bad for you. Then they went back to being good. I have seen this with many products. To me it is simple. Everything in moderation!! This goes with things in life. We need to show self control and stop over indulging. It is ok to want. Want gives you motivation. But you also be content. Don't the want take over your life. In so many was can this be dangerous and produce negative effects.

Common Sense Where has common sense gone? In the way people act and treat each is other has become deplorable! So often you hear about stopping the bullying in schools and Love one another. Where is this for adults? We have to set the example. The internet has allowed people tool rip people apart while they hid faceless behind the computer. It is simple to me. Treat others how you want to be treated! If you want to be forgiven (which I think most people at some point in their life want to be forgiven!) Then you have to forgive others, and most import forgive yourself. You are human and mistakes! Now let me ask a question. When does some need love the most? Answer: when they are less then lovable. This is a hard one, I admit. But think about it from you point of view. When you are hurt, sad, angry you don't act like an angel. You need love even if you don't want to admit it at the time.

So sorry this is a long post, I just felt it was important. And like I said I don't claim to know it all, or have all the answers. Just wanted to share what was weighing on my heart!

Xx,
Michelle

The World In Which We Live

I don't really use social media. I created a Google+ profile awhile ago and have been using that. Then I went to Tmz to post a comment and found Disqus. I watched  comments and exchanges between people and was sickened. People just attack others left and right and on a personal level. How do you attack someone on a personal level when you don't even know the person? What kind of society do we live in now? Maybe I am old fashioned. Maybe parents stopped teaching respect to others. In this day and age all you hear about is acceptance, love, respect. Where is it? While I might not agree with someone lifestyle choices, religion, or political views, it doesn't make that person less of a human for it. It is not my job to judge others. We all bleed red last I knew. I don't want someone to judge me so why would I do that to them. It is great to be passionate about issues, but i feel that one you attack someone, that person misses your point and automatically becomes defensive. Here's the thing tho, most people on the internet want you to get all worked up and fight back. I like to laugh at them and tell them they are funny because I don't care what people say, and chances are what they say to me probably isn't worse than what I have said to myself. I try to remember that people who others are most likely hurt themselves, weather they lack self esteem, or someone has hurt them. You need to forgive them, love them, and if you are religious pray for them. This is hard because it is hard to love someone when you feel that they don't deserve it, but honestly that is when they need it most. You may not be able to get through to that person but you can feel good that you rose above the hate and negativity, because they doesn't seem to many people who will.

I have not always been like this, keep in mind. It took growing up and maturing to realise. You live, you love, and hopefully learn.

What are your thoughts? How do you deal with negativity and rude people?

Xx,
Michelle

Dealing With The Winter Blues

Hello Friends! Look at this picture above. Beautiful, right? WRONG! I am so sick of winter! Yes, this is a beautiful picture, if you like the cold, slushy sidewalks, bundling up in multiple layers just to go down the street. I, for one, am over it. OVER. IT. Please bring on the sun! I am not asking for summer weather (just yet) some spring weather would be nice.
     Living in Ohio, we have all four seasons. Which I love, I really do! I love spring when everything is warming up and coming to life. I love watching my Lilac bushes grow and the smell of the fragrant flower filling my nose!  I love fall with all it's crispness and colors! And every year I try to love winter. Sure it is beautiful when the snow and ice stick to the trees and plants. And wow is it beautiful to see light hitting the snow and making it glitter. But that is where it ends for me. Why can't we just have snow for Christmas and New Years and then be done with it. Just the other day our temperature was 61 degrees, followed by the 40's the next day. What a tease! There were so many people out and about and to be honest I felt bad for them. Everyone wants the weather to warm up so we can get out of the house and get out of the funk that is the Winter Blues. It is this time of year where we have had enough. I can't wait till the days of not bundling up to walk to library, to not have watch out for ice when walking on the sidewalks. To breathe in the scents of plants, trees and grass growing. When will this ice hell end? I am a summer baby and it seems like the older I get the colder I get. Literally. I remember being a young kid and playing in the snow. My parents were always yelling at me to "zip up my coat" and "put a hat on." I find myself saying the same things to my own kids. In just 5 years I went from running around the house in tanks tops to wearing multiple layers and slippers just to be remotely warm. I. Hate. It.
     So what can be done to help deal with the winter blues? Besides praying for warmth? lol not many but here are a few things that may help bring you n from the cold and warm your spirits!

1. Look into what plants you are wanting to grow in the spring/summer and research what all needs to be done to grow them successfully. If you need to plant indoors then you may be able to start working on that to warm up your "green thumb."

2. Start thinking about summer food that you want to try to make. Remember that some vegetables grow in different seasons. You can also explore the list and maybe find new recipes to add to your oldie but goodie summer food list!

3. Turn on a space heater in your bathroom and pretend it's summer! No, I am just joking. Unless you actually want to do this - then so be it. Go for it! Have a blast!

4. Make a bucket list of things you would like to do when the warm weather finally arrives. You might be surprised at the things you can come up with ahead of time!

I know this isn't a big list. Unfortunately if you live in a place that had winter you just have to wait it out. Be strong, friends! The warmth will be here again!  :)

From my cold location to yours!

Xo,

Michelle

5 Inexpensive Valentine's Day Date Ideas

Hello Friends!

With Valentine's Day right around the corner and Valentine's Day being shoved down everyone's throat on tv, and in stores, I decided to jump on board the Valentine's Day train! It seems like more people focus on the amount of money spent on the significant other, rather than the thought put into it. Let's face it, some times the funds for an over the top Valentine's Day just isn't there, so I have come up with 5 Inexpensive, fun, thoughtful Valentine's Day Date Ideas!

1. Body Paint Date - For this fun date night idea you can purchase actually body paint or if you want to spice things up buy editable body paint or use items from the grocery store such as chocolate syrup, whip cream etc. You can use imagination run wild and think of items that will add color. Take time to paint each other and enjoy the time together! Afterward you can take a picture to capture the moment forever. However I caution you posting it to instagram or other social media sites! Lol

2. Fondue - or should I say "fundue" - yeah I know that was a really bad pun! Anyway, get ur self a fondue pot and have a cosy night in complete with candlelight atmosphere of course! I love having fondue night! I always buy too much food. I forget that since you are taking time making the food you eat slower and fill up on a small amount! Having one fondue pot is helpful if you want to do a cheese course, a meat and veggie course, and of course a dessert course of melted chocolate or other delicious treat! You can use one pot but it is a little more time consuming because you have to clean the pot between courses.

3. Plan a picnic - This one can be done in a living room, outside (depending on where you live!) Or you could even surprise your honey if your significant other has to work. The thing that makes this extra special is attention to detail. Chose food your honey likes, try to think of everything so that you have everything you need to make it special!

4. Cook a recipe together - Get your Chef Ramsey on and heat up the kitchen by cooking a meal together. Plan a menu but have the number of take out near by, in case things don't turn out well. The key is too not stress out about it! Relax and let your creative juices fly! Again remember to set the mood, maybe if you are cooking a pasta dish turn on the French Cafe radio station on Pandora to make it feel more authentic!

5. Play Valentine's Day Guess The Food - With this one you can either use Valentine's Day food such as strawberries, chocolate etc. You don't have to stick to a theme, it is all up to you! Just make it fun! Blindfold and guess the food! You could also have your significant other buy his own food to make you guess so that you do not know what food is in play!


Some people hate Valentine's day, so you if are one of those people you don't have to be left out! Treat yourself to whatever it is you like and do for you! Or you can throw an Anti-Valentine's Day party!

I hope that these ideas have inspired you to think outside a box and remember, you don't need a ton of money to show someone you love them. You don't need a special day to do so either!

Whatever you do this Valentine's Day, I hope it's a great one for you!

                                           Xo,
                                      Michelle