Book Review: Run Your Butt Off

RUN YOUR BUTT OFF A Breakthrough Plan to Lose Weight and Start Running By:  Sarah Lorge Butler, Leslie Bonci, and Budd Coates Published: March 15, 2011 **** Shed unwanted pounds and keep them off ONCE AND FOR ALL with Run YourButt Off!, a back-to-basics, test panel–approved weight-loss plan and beginners’ running program that yields sustainable, healthy…

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Scenes from Our Week – Week 43

We finally had a week where we were mostly at home.  I spent a lot of my week on the porch in our new furniture reading and enjoying the cooler weather. Pat took the kids to Des Moines to watch our baseball team play in the state tournament.   Even though we didn’t win, I…

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Book Review: Solomon’s Oak by Jo-Ann Mapson

SOLOMON’S OAK By:  Jo-Ann Mapson Published:  October 19, 2010 **** Solomon’s Oak is the story of three people who have suffered losses that changed their lives forever. Glory Solomon, a young widow, holds tight to her memories while she struggles to hold on to her Central California farm. She makes ends meet by hosting weddings in…

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My mom, A Schwannoma, and Our Last Three Months

This is my mom and I from March of this year.  We had spent the weekend together and had so much fun.    Then, just a month later, everything started going downhill.  Mom called me on April 20th, to let me know she had just gotten home from the ER.  She had been struggling with…

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Product Reviews: tili bags, Masqueology, Stila, and thebalm

Here is what I thought of last month’s box of goodies.  It took me a bit longer to try them all and give you my full opinion.  Watch for this month’s review soon! tili bags These cute little travel bags are the perfect size for carrying lip gloss, smaller toiletries, or loose change.  They are…

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Porch/Patio Before and After

Last summer we decided it was time to replace the deck that was built by the previous owner.   After much thought and discussion we decided on a screened-in porch.   Because the deck was still in good shape, we were able to use the deck supports and build from there.   After hiring our…

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Scenes From Our Week – Weeks 41 and 42

Many of you know my mom has been sick.  In mid-April, she went to the ER for diarrhea that couldn’t be controlled and left finding out she had a mass the size of an orange that was on her lung.  Three months and multiple doctor appointments, labs, x-rays, CT scans, PET scans, and retelling her…

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10 Years with Mary Kay and My Favorite Products

This month I have been a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant for 10 years.  My sister-in-law, Julie, is a Mary Kay Sales Director and talked me into having my own business.  As a huge fan of Mary Kay products almost since I started wearing make-up, it was an easy decision.  Over the years, I have…

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Bennett’s 11!

On July 19th, 2001, at 7:35 AM, I delivered this happy little boy.   He surprised us by coming 2 1/2 weeks early.   The summer was much like this one, hot and humid, and with chasing a 1-year-old, I was ready to pop!   At 8 pounds 6 ounces and 21 inches, I was…

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Quote for the Day

“One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats.” -Iris Murdoch How do you treat yourself after reaching a goal, getting through a tough week,  or just ending your day?  If we don’t treat ourselves every once in awhile, life would just be dull.  When we set goals, it is important to…

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