Book Review: The Happiness Project By Gretchen Rubin

THE HAPPINESS PROJECT By: Gretchen Rubin Published: December 29, 2009 ***** Gretchen Rubin had an epiphany one rainy afternoon in the unlikeliest of places: a city bus. “The days are long, but the years are short,” she realized. “Time is passing, and I’m not focusing enough on the things that really matter.” In that moment,…
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The Perfect Halloween Treat

Every year I purchase a few of these coupon books to hand out to family and other children around halloween.  Who doesn’t love a FROSTY??? They are the perfect treat and a great way to give to others while also giving back to a much needed organization.
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Scenes From Our Week

Since October started, it has been quite hectic around here.  I turned 40, left for a trip to California, subbed at school, went on a field trip with Reagan, attended a wonderful Surprise party hosted by my husband, cheered on our son, Patrick at the Middle School State Cross Country meet in Des Moines, attended…
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Book Spotlight: Better Than Chocolate by Sheila Roberts

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CHOCAHOLIC It’s mid-morning. Breakfast is over (a nice, nutritious one), and little Sheila is sitting at her computer, writing away.  Where was I going with this scene? Do I need this scene? This needs to be better. I can’t think. I know what I need: some chocolate to…
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Book Review: Wonder By R.J. Palacio

WONDER By: R.J. Palacio Published: February 14, 2012 **** I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He’s about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you’ve ever been the…
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Week 4 Peak 313 Living and Active Challenge Update

Last week was crazy busy for me.  It was my birthday and I was preparing to leave for a weekend getaway with some girlfriends.  But, I still got at least 30 minutes of exercise into my day.  It wasn’t the running that I had been doing, but it was still exercise.  I took walks with…
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Attitude Check

Monday’s can be tough for some people, but it is our attitude that really sums up how we react to things….challenges, Mondays, change, chaos, stress, etc.  Our attitude in any situation CAN make a difference.  Today’s inspiration is…. The only disability in life is having a bad attitude. Oscar Pistorius, South African Olympic and Paralympic…
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40 Before 40 Complete….Sort Of

Tonight my 40 Before 40 project is over.  I will be 40 tomorrow.  I have been working on achieving 40 items during this, my 39th year.  Even though I didn’t accomplish all of them, I feel really good about the ones I did accomplish. I would like to think that in the next year, I…
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Week 3 Check-In with Peak 313 Living and Active Challenge

I completed another week of the challenge and am feeling really good about the changes that I am making.  It isn’t so tough to go down to the treadmill and fit in my 30 minutes.  I actually look forward to it because I get some DOWNTON ABBEY time with it.  What will I do when…
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Scenes From Our Week – Week 52

Well, it has been one year since I started my goal of posting Scenes From Our Week….snippets from our little corner in Iowa.  I’ve been sharing photos of our family, friends, and scenery throughout the last year.  I hope you have enjoyed seeing them as much as I have had taking them.  This project forced…
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