What a Journey

What a journey it has been since I decided to sell our family home two years ago right before Brooke graduated from high school.

I didn't want to lay roots down again and with my newfound freedom becoming an empty nester, life could take me anywhere I wanted.

The last two years have been a beautiful transition.

I love being an emtpy nester. Brooke & Alex got married, Rowan (my grandson now 10 months old) was born, I landed a successful career where I got the Salesman of the Year Award for 2019, I've gone on several vacations, and my brother began his new church. My new home church.

Two years ago, my transition began after I sold our family home in a luxury apartment community filled with perks. Then, buying a condo and it falling through 3 days prior to closing, resulting in my apartment already being rented, my needing to move out, and my parents condo was the perfect segue. They are snow birds and have been in Florida all winter.

They are driving home now and tomorrow I get the keys to my new home. What timing!

It's been a journey God knew I needed. He provided each step and to my new home. It's so beautiful and I cannot wait to get in and make it my own.

All this waiting and it's here.

Tomorrow.

Tip of the Day

Thank goodness I went mattress shopping before the pandemic happened. To buy a mattress, you have to know what kind you like then lay on hundreds to figure out which one is absolutely perfect, because you will sleep on for years to come. 

Too hard, too soft, then I found it and it was just right. Ashley Furniture had my perfect mattress and the best deal. I would just need to buy the box set ($200) to go with it and pay delivery ($75). 

I took my time mattress shopping then the pandemic hit. So, I decided to shop around and the internet seriously makes it easy to find the best deal. 

WHO KNEW?! Home Depot's website popped up with the same mattress including the box set, less than just the mattress at Ashey's, and FREE delivery. YESSSSSS! Bonus points:  I picked up Home Depot gift cards at Giant Eagle to use the cards for my purchase now I get a FREE tank of gas. 

That's my shopping tip of the day. Home Depot online sells mattresses and they don't even carry them in their stores. 

A lengthy call to set up internet and tv today, the salespersons "best" offer was decent and while she took forever, I hopped on their website to check out offers and found the same offer $20 less per month and a $300 Visa gift card! She honored it. Yea, thanks for the best offer. *eye roll* I have a fabulous deal now for a whole year. 

I'm down 25 lbs. and cannot wait to take over a weeks worth of vacation to get moved and settled in my new home. Just in time for the warm weather this is supposed to finally arrive towards the end of next week. Thank you, Jesus!

One week left until I move into my new home and I am [what's a good word for bursting with excitement?!] SO excited! 

Pandemic Quarantine

This is a season in life that will pass. Everyone has felt it's impact with nationwide and worldwide quarantine and my heart goes out to the millions of unemployed people and businesses greatly impacted. The magnitude of it's ripple effect will be felt for some time.

Being still is a time for rest. What a challenge for those who don't know how to be still. For me, quarantine feels like a continuation of a January winter, when it's so cold out and dark early, you don't want to go outside. I can handle this and I've found enjoyment in slowing down for a while. 

Having two days off in a row is nice. Not working excessively is nice (although I am a workaholic by nature and I like it that way, too). Having time to do projects I haven't had time for at work has been productive and having time to binge watch favorite new shows at home has been enjoyable.

I'm blessed I am still working and that both my son-in-laws are still working. I am blessed my family is healthy and well. I'm blessed I am in a home by myself where another's constant chatter, their stress or emotions doesn't affect me. I like quiet and I like be by myself.  

The Governor is talking about re-opening businesses and people are ready to burst out of their homes like spring emerges after a long winter. I get it. 

There is a season for everything and the best thing about seasons is that they constantly change, and this season in life will change, too. The secret is to learn to be content in all things and while your in this season, learn something new and make the most of it.

Multi Collagen Protein

What I love most about protein shakes, now specifically my AN Bone Broth Protein (chocolate) and Multi Collagen Protein shake, is that they are the super healthy version of a chocolate shake. Yum! 

It's like a dessert that is highly beneficial for you and you are encouraged to drink it. I am a HUGE Dr. Josh Axe fan. His logic and methods are solid and he provides everything I need to be successful on Keto. 

His facts and logic on organic foods makes sense in a way I've never heard it before. I love his quote: 

Pay the grocery store now or the pharmacy later. 

Isn't that the truth! He also breaks down in detail the nutritional differences between organic and modified foods. Ewww. I'm a fan because my results have been tremendous. From weight loss, the process, lower blood pressure, better rest at night, more energy, down 3 notches on my belt, no sugar crashes, and so on. 

Let's talk collagen. Unusual topic, I agree. I take it because it is highly recommended and designed to promote healthy skin, hair, nails and healthy joints. 

I have lots of hair and it always grows like crazy and my nails are naturally really healthy and strong, so it's hard to tell there. It's my skin that I see and feel the major difference. I have really good skin. Approaching 50 years old, I still do not have crows feet thanks to good genes and skincare.

As you get older, the tissue of your skin thins out and it gets even softer. I like my softer skin. Suddenly, unexpectedly, my skin is feeling a new firmness. I've noticed it over the last week or so and I had to think to myself, is this really the multi collagen?  Honestly, I think it is!

20 lbs.

Yayyy! I am down 20 lbs! A photo of 20 lbs of fat was pretty nasty, so I stuck to the 20 lb. bag of potatoes.

In celebration, I enjoyed a piece of toast. To stay Keto-friendly, it was Ezekiel bread with real butter, Swerve (sugar) and cinnamon. I love cinnamon toast and tea so that was a special treat. 

Averaging 12,000+ steps a day on my Fitbit, I've taken lead in the family challenge which is funny. Especially, when I check it in the evenings and if someone is right behind me or has stepped ahead of me, I laugh, get up and get moving!  

#Celebratingmilestones 

Month #1 on Keto Diet

Two ladies on my team at work, both close to my age, shared separately they were on the Keto Diet. I've heard of it, but had no idea what it was. One had lost 80 lbs., the other 120 lbs. and I was stunned! Stunned they both had lost that much weight, because I have only known them since their weight loss for the last 6-9 months.

In 3 months I turn 50 years old and it makes me laugh. Of course I want to turn 50 years old in a really good place and be healthy and strong for my grandbabies. Thus, why I began my Keto Diet experience.

It was one month ago today that was my first day at my Mom & Dad's place in Florida after my conference. I read the Keto book on the way down on the plane to understand what this is, how does it work, and how do I do it the right way.

One month ago today, I didn't go 100% Keto; rather, 75% because I was making better choices, but I was still on vacation. It was when I returned on the March 10th when I started going hardcore. In the 3-1/2 weeks I've been doing this faithfully, I'm THRILLED to share I've lost 19 lbs!

This graph is from my Fitbit shows my resting heart rate before Keto and now.

I feel amazing! My energy level is even and constant. Having hypoglycemia, I haven't had a sugar crash, increased heart palpitations, or any of the usual learned-to-live-with side effects. There are so many health benefits cutting carbs and sugars and I think the one thing I never expected is that I'm not hungry. 

In fact, I am doing 16 hour intermittent fasting, too. My meal hours are really say 12:00 - 5:30 p.m., but I do have a bone broth & collagen protein shake around 9:30 a.m., so technically I'm only fasting 16 hours. Without the morning protein shake, it would be 18 hours of intermittent fasting. 

Here's the thing, as long as I am losing at this rate and feel great, I like my morning shake. I put different combinations of almond milk/water, avocado's, almond butter, and cinnamon and Chia seeds in it. Bone broth (lol), that messed with my mind the first several days. It just sounds gross, but now I look forward to it in the morning. 

I've never done anything like this that makes so much sense. The book Keto Diet by Dr. Josh Axe is the BEST first step if you are interested. I did find a Keto recipe book with fabulous recipes, which is a must when you are cutting out carbs and sugars so you don't feel deprived, you have all new recipes to enjoy.

My plan is to do Keto hardcore until I turn 50 then go into the cycling plan where you go off the Keto Diet every 3 days. It's a lifestyle change for certain, but the benefits are so worth it and when you understand the healthy benefits and logic behind this you're really giving yourself good health just by your daily choices on the food you eat. Food is medicine. 

One month down, three to go to 50! Yayyy!

What On Earth?!

The Coronavirus pandemic is putting a serious cramp on those who had their hair and nails done on a regular basis.  

It's been a few weeks and I've heard and read many comments where ladies are panicking because they need major touch-ups on their hair and I'm guessing their fake nails are starting to grow out. 

One person I was talking to was sharing how she pays $60 every 3 weeks to have her roots touched up and over $100 when it's time to do her hold head of hair. "WHAT ON EARTH?!" 

She mentioned she is using a touch up spray product to cover her roots her beautician recommended. "Yea, I bet!" Here, use this touch-up product to get you by until she's back in business.

Ladies, I've colored my hair every 6-8 weeks for 22 years. For only $7.99 per box Loreal Excellence does a great job. You can even use it to touch up your roots. It works on brown hair (me) and it works on blond hair (Brooke). 

I'm flabbergasted. I dread the every 6-8 weeks hair coloring process I do in 30 minutes in the comfort of home, I cannot wrap my head around the time and the money spent every 3 weeks. 

Perhaps it's time to ditch the fake nails, too. 

I am guilty of looking at what types of food people buy in grocery stores. You know, looking in the grocery carts around you while in line at the check out. I confess I glance at a good looking guys finger to see if there is a ring, and while salons are shut down, I will definitely add looking at ladies nails to see who's struggling. [I'm sorry, that isn't nice, but it is funny and I will be looking].

At the beginning of this pandemic when stores started running out of toilet paper, I stocked up on hair color and lipstick. If the stores were ever to shut down, I will still look like me. 

Every Other Day

All it took was a trip to the grocery store and touching the cart handle then the key pad at the register for my debit card to think about what I touch after I leave a store. 

BTW, I'm a wash your hands with soap and water kinda girl. Purell is in my purse for those moments like touching a grocery cart handle. 

So, every other day I take disinfecting wipes and wipe my iPhone, my purse handles, the coffee pot, the refrigerator handle, kitchen cabinet handles, doorknobs, light switches, etc. 

My Jeep gets it, too. The start button, the steering wheel, the thing that puts in it reverse, the door handle to open the door, the handle that pulls the door shut, and the seat belt buckle and strap. The garage opener in my car and the garage opener inside the garage. 

I still won't order food out and while all this may sound a little freaky, there is a pandemic that is shutting down the country and I have grand babies. 

Enough said. 

Wedding Planner Secrets

As an events director, weddings fall under my realm of responsibility and my brides think of me as their wedding planner. 

Brides will ask me if they need a wedding planner and I share that only one wedding planner has been a part of the weddings I've done for the last two years and she walked around with clipboard in hand not sure where anything was.

My venue is like my home. I know what we have, where everything is, and nobody but me knows the best flow for our venue. An outside person is lost. They don't know what we have at their disposal and they don't even know where the bathrooms are. Staff answers to me. 

Anywho... as I am preparing to begin a blog for my venue, I was doing some research yesterday and came up with a funny article where I was saying to myself, "YESSSSSSS!" Here are the highlights that I give an, "Amen!"...

30 SECRETS A WEDDING PLANNER WILL NEVER TELL YOU

The Pressure is Intense - As the bride and the groom in the upcoming wedding nuptials, you know the pressure that comes with planning your wedding, so what more your wedding planner? She or he has to deal with all the finicky suppliers, all the fickle guests, heck, even the fastidious family members. But no matter how much stress and pressure they’re under, they will never let you know it. Composure is truly one skill that all planners learn how to master from their very first meeting.

Forget DIY - There are quite a number of couples who have it in their heads that DIY weddings will make things feel more intimate. But there are hardly any wedding planners who will agree with you, out loud at least. Every planner knows that DIY weddings pose more problems than Pinterest-worthy posts could ever be worth. Plus when it comes to the day itself, it’s the planner that has to worry about whether they were able to pull off the look the couple truly desired. Unless the bride or the groom is an event stylist themselves, they’ll never pull off a DIY wedding flawlessly. [Some brides have talent in their family and let's just say some don't. I try to steer them down a path and when they don't listen, I don't take photos for our social media.]

They Lie About the Time - During a wedding, timing is everything, from the bride walking down the aisle, to the couple’s first kiss, to the bouquet toss, there is a time and place for everything. Planners have a strict schedule that needs to be followed, and they will lie to you about the time they need you around, too. If they tell you they need you at 4 p.m. for photos, that’s probably because the actual photo taking will be at 4:30. Don’t be upset if you think she or he is wasting your time. Remember, it’s not easy herding dozens of people together in one spot so if they lie a little about the time, let it go. [Not so much here, I keep a hard timeline and do so down to the minute. I'm flexible IF the bride wants to be, but for those who appreciate tight timelines, I'm your girl.]

Kindness goes a long way - Even if your wedding planner doesn’t tell you, kindness truly goes a long way. Just think about it rationally. Why would you want to help someone who is being rude or just plain mean? For wedding planners, they have to meet with a variety of people day in day out, just to make sure that things go impeccably well on the wedding day itself. Be kind to them because they won’t tell you themselves. [No comment on how I handle this.]

They won’t always like your mom – Wedding planners have a lot on their plate, and having meddlesome mothers add to the equation doesn’t make it any easier. Whether the mother of the bride, or the groom for that matter, has good intentions, it still doesn’t mean that it’s welcome advice. Planners are already dealing with a hundred different things and decisions and having to deal with intrusive moms makes it that much more difficult. But of course, she or he won’t tell you that. [Smile and breathe....]

They Do Everyone’s Job - Your wedding planner will end up doing everyone’s job at one point or another. On the wedding day itself, little things begin to unravel like name cards not being in the right place, a flower bouquet that needs a pick-me-upper and a bridesmaid’s messy up-do needing a bit of fixing. But even through the chaos and pandemonium, she or he will do it with a smile upon their face. [Oh the toilets clogged? I will slap an OUT OF ORDER sign up immediately. Oh, your friend is face-down in their plate passed out drunk before the reception event begins? Slow down on the shots. Don't due shots before the reception, some of the bridal party can handle this, some cannot. There's a girl passed out on the entrance outside, I need to make sure a safe person can get her home. I say things like, "Don't pee off our front entrance", "You are not allowed to smoke pot in here", "You need to stay out of our walk-in beer cooler, "Yea, no sex in the locker rooms." Think babysitter. 

Don't get a huge cake – The wedding cake may be an important aspect of the wedding. But unless the couple decides to serve it to their guests, then they should really refrain from getting such a huge one. Your planner won’t insist that you get the smaller cake especially when they know just what kind of 3-tiered cake you’ve been envisioning. But do yourself a favor and save some money by choosing a smaller and less elaborate cake, which you can still serve to your guests if you want to.  [Big wedding cakes make for ugly cuts of cake. I always advise my couples to stay with a small and beautiful cake. Cut the bottom for your cake cutting photos, I will box the top. Save your money and buy sheet cakes. Nobody knows because they are cut up perfectly and brought out on plates. SO much cheaper and better.]

They don’t like all the suppliers you choose – [AMEN!] Most newly engaged couples have an idea of certain suppliers that they want to use, probably since they’ve been discussing marriage for quite some time. But while the bride and groom has chosen a particular photographer or florist, they’re secretly hoping that you choose someone they know instead. At least that way, the planner knows that they are already tried and tested, and don’t have to worry about the new vendor being incredibly unprofessional while on their watch. [Nothing makes me shudder more than when the bridal couple is excited to save money and have their friend DJ. Not true, what I like the very least is when a couple says, "We want a non-traditional wedding." This is ALWAYS key for what I know exactly the wedding I am in for. Every. Time. Back to the DJ. A DJ sets the tone for your wedding. A seasoned DJ is absolutely worth their co$t. Your "friend" may know good music, but there is an elegance to a wedding to achieve that truly seasoned wedding DJ's understand. 

They're used to the drama - Wedding planners have seriously seen it all when it comes to family drama. Not only do they help deal with stress and issues between the bride and groom, they also have to deal with the parents, grandparents and the rest of the wedding party. Oftentimes, the planner ends up in the middle of family situations whether they want to or not, but even if they don’t tell you, they’re used to it. It doesn’t mean they like it though. [Family drama, oh yea, I hear it ALL. Think of a wedding planner as a counselor. I'm great to run drama by as I have an arsenal of tools with dealing with crazy wedding situations.]

They have favorite parts of the wedding-  Just ask any wedding planner but they each have their own favorite part of a wedding. For some it’s when the bride first appears in the aisle to make her way to the front. For others it’s when the groom gets teary-eyed watching his soon-to-be wife walk towards him. And for others still, it’s the first dance or toasts or a number of other things, but whatever it is, they secretly watch out for their favorite part. [My favorite parts are the First Look photos with the bride & her dad, then the bride & groom. The moment that takes my breath away most is the behind the scenes where the bride is about to walk down the aisle and breathing to compose themselves, dad's are teary-eyed sharing this moment with their daughter's, it's the moment every little girl dreams of... the beginning of the crescendo. By this time, I've developed such a good relationship with 98% of my brides, I'm teary-eyed and holding my breath to stay composed. 

They genuinely love weddings - Wedding planners deal with a lot of stress and pressure throughout the entire planning of a wedding. In order to get through it all, they have to honestly love what they do, and for those that are particularly awesome at their jobs, it’s because they genuinely love weddings. [It's an honor to be put into a position where I can add fairy dust and make a brides wedding everything and more that she's dreamed of.]

Planner knows best - Unless you’re a wedding planner yourself, be sure to listen to yours when preparing for your big day. Your planner won’t tell you but honestly, they really know what they’re talking about so make sure to listen to their advice. They know that each and every couple, and their families and guests, will look back upon this amazing day and remember all the stunning little details that occurred on that special day. They are going to do absolutely everything in their power to make it the best day of your life. [A good wedding planning/events director knows weddings and can take all your wishes and make them happen. A well-intentioned Made of Honor, Mom, or bestie, doesn't know the venue or the little details that make the difference.]

Weddings are a ton of work and 15 hour days are long! Being totally "on" playing hostess with the mostess, handing all the major details and (pending) issues is a lot of work. This was a funny article and I wanted to share snippets of what it's really like.