Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Firmoo Crazy Giveaway


Hello guys! I am so excited to share this news with you today!
I now own two pairs from Firmoo and I love them so much! 
Do you wear prescription eyeglasses? It's a known fact that you should have your eyes and your prescription glasses updated once a year to reduce the risk of your eyesight. 
 Don't miss out on the Firmoo free offer!
Bet you guys didn't know this.... if you are a first time customer at Firmoo, you can also get your first pair for free . 
Only pay a minimum $6.95 shipping fee.
But for those who missed the free pair, you still don't have to be discouraged because they have another limited time offer which will save you 20% off on frames + total shipping fee

Head on over and enter for a chance to win!!

Paola & Zumba


Meet my good friend Paola. Isn't she beautiful?!?
She is from Colombia. I love her accent so much!
If you want to see someone dance...watch her!
She really knows how to shake it!

We have been in our new Ward since December now.
We are so glad that the Lord helped us find our
home because we love our Ward so much.

In the LDS church, we have something called Visiting Teaching.
Each Sister is assigned other Sisters to "look after"
We minister, support, show our love, help each other grow
and serve each other in times of need. Paola was one of the Sisters
that I was given. About a month back at church, I went up to introduce
myself to her. From the moment I met her, there was just something about her
and I knew that from there on out we would become great friends. 
Also come to find out, she lives two houses down in our neighborhood! Crazy!

Paola is the one who introduced me to ZUMBA! I am seriously hooked guys!
I am not a real big workout kinda gal to be honest with you. Running on the treadmill or
doing the same motion on the elliptical just doesn't do it for me. I love to dance!
Zumba is a dance and a fantabulous workout all in one. Score! Right up my alley!


We have two choreographers that we love. Tasha and Bianca.
Here is a little sneak peak. View Tasha's website HERE

Have you tried Zumba?

Monday, April 29, 2013

Currently.



Trying to: get over being sick! this cold/flu thing is a nasty little bugger! going on 5 days now! grrr!! 

Meditating on: this scripture from the Book of Mormon:

"Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever. Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

Alma 37:36-37


Lovinthese for the spring and summertime. I have some just like the Romantic Pink ones and they are so comfortable! It's like wearing sweats or yoga pants!

Reading: Finding The Angel Within by Pamela H. Hansen. I highly highly recommend this book! It's a must read!

Excited for: a fun girls night out on May 11th! Wahoo! Can't wait!

Waiting: on the Lord. Trusting in Him. Trusting in His perfect timing and plan for us to start a family. I know it will happen without a shadow of a doubt and when it does I will be shouting with joy and praising Him! I am holding onto His promises! He knows all my hearts desires and I know that if I delight myself in Him, He will give me the desires of my heart. (Psalm 37:4)

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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Words For Wednesday



Friends. They are treasures in our lives waiting to be discovered. Coming in all shapes and sizes, they bring much laughter and joy into our lives. Yet, when life takes a down-turn, they become shoulders we can lean on, and hands that lift us up when we need them most.

When God created us, He never meant for us to be alone. He wants us to have friends who will love and honor us, just as we love and honor them. I thank God for all the special friends that He has brought into my life, and I trust Him to increase and sustain these quality friendships.


“The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.”

-Proverbs 27:9-

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Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Lovin' Yourself


I want you guys to take a minute to think about something. Do you love yourself?
What's your answer? Yes? No? Some days yes and some days no?

How much we love ourselves really determines how much love we are able to give towards others.

If we don’t love ourselves in a healthy, balanced way, then we won’t be able to spread the love of God to those all around us because we can’t give away something we don’t have already to begin with.

When I met Josh and we became friends, I really took the time to figure out ME first.
I knew I had to be secure and love myself and God first before I could love anyone else.
What a huge difference that made. Now I am not saying that I don't have bad days where
I struggle with who I am...because I do. All the time. I am imperfect. We are all imperfect.
But I know how my Heavenly Father sees me. I know that He has singled me out and chosen me to be His child. He is pleased with how He made me and His love surrounds me all the time.
 I am the apple of His eye. I take so much comfort in this.

Now when I talk about loving yourself I am not talking about a selfish, 
self-centered kind of love for that is arrogant and puffed up. 

There is a balanced way to develop a godly appreciation
 for who you are and the talents & abilities that God has given you.

I think one of the biggest problems we have today is how we feel about ourselves. It seems many people have a broken record playing in their head that keeps repeating, 
“What’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with me?”

We compare ourselves to other people (totally guilty of this) 
and wonder why we can’t look or act like they do. 

Satan wants us to feel bad about ourselves. 
He tries to mess with our thinking so we are always wondering why something is wrong with us. 
And many times we make the mistake of getting mad at ourselves because of it.

The Bible says that those who are in Christ have been made righteous.  


 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; 
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
-2 Corinthians 5:21

This means that in Christ, we are as we ought to be. 
God created us. He approves and accepts us by His love and goodness.

Gods love is one of the most important truths we need to know. Loving God and then yourself in a healthy, balanced way is the first step toward fulfilling our destiny and becoming a vessel of God’s love so we can spread His love to others. 

Lately I have been pondering these questions......

How much joy do you have? 

Do you enjoy spending time with yourself? 

Do you spend enough time with God?


Meditating on this scripture lately also:


"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will"
-Ephesians 1:4-5


Remember that God loves you unconditionally. 
He created your temperament, your talents, and all your other traits.
You are beautifully and wonderfully made in the image of a loving Heavenly Father.

We all have specific areas we can grow in and things to 
work on and that is quite alright. We are imperfect but God is perfect.


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Monday, April 22, 2013

I'm a Mormon Monday



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Friday, April 19, 2013

Friday's Letters Link Up




Dear Friday I am so glad that you are finally here. It's been one crazy week and I am ready for the weekend! 

Dear Boston Victims My heart aches for you. I can't imagine the hurt and pain you are facing now.Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that God will bless and strengthen 
your hearts and souls during this difficult time.

Dear Jesus The world needs you  now more than ever. 

Dear Hubby I am so grateful to be married to a man who supports, encourages and shows love to me all the time. Even when I am at my weakest....you always find a way to bring a smile to my face. Thank you for always being there for me. Thank you for being such a wonderful man of God! Thank you for being YOU! 

Dear Zumba After just one class I am so hooked! I can't wait until Monday again! My body feels A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! 

Dear Paola (new friend from church) I love you!! You are such an amazing daughter of God!


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Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Words for Wednesday


"God is the original initiator of love. 
Before you ever began wanting Him, He was pursuing you."

You may not realize it, but God is ravished by you. 

You make Him smile.

You make Him laugh.

You make Him leap and sing for joy. 

You make His heart beater faster.

The blemishes, scars, and extra 
pounds may weigh on your heart,
but they do not weight on His.

God loves your freckles. 

He loves your funky-shaped toes.

He loves your uniqueness.

He love the smile that only your face can radiate.

He loves you when you're awake, vibrant and full of life.

He loves you also when you are down, struggling, and lethargic.

He loves you just the way you are.

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Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Beverly Swimwear Giveaway Winner



Congrats Libby!

Please email me with your address:  


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Monday, April 15, 2013

I Am a Mormon Monday: Meet Janssen Bradshaw



About Me:
 I grew up in Las Vegas, which always seems to strike people as funny when they find out I'm Mormon, and then went to BYU, where I got married and also graduated with a degree in history. My husband and I moved to Austin, Texas, where we both worked for a while before returning to school (he got a masters in accounting, I got one in library and information studies). We lived in Boston for one year where I was an elementary school librarian, but after we had our first daughter, we moved back to Texas. Now I stay home with our two little girls, where I do a lot of writing and blogging, and keep the dishwasher full with my constant cooking experiments. My library card is always maxed out.

What is hope and what do you hope for?
Hope is faith in things that haven't yet happened or are still a work in progress. I hope for my girls to grow up to be happy, smart, strong, and faithful. I hope for a life where I can continue to grow and learn, spiritually and mentally. I hope for my marriage to keep getting stronger and better and more fulfilling. I hope for a testimony that doesn't waver and is strong enough to hold onto when things are tough.

How do you live your faith?
I feel like being a mother gives me the opportunity to live my faith on a daily basis because my girls are watching my every move. I want them to see that I really do value the things I tell them I value (prayer, family, scripture study, my relationships with my Heavenly Father and Savior). Having two little shadows around makes it pretty clear when I'm not living up to the standards I want to be. Truly, though, I feel like the clearest reflection of how I'm living my faith is what I see in my own heart. I can do all the outward things - attend church, have Family Home Evening, do my visiting teaching - and still look inside myself and know if I'm actively living my faith or if I'm just playing out my responsibilities. I want to live my faith completely, inside and out.

Thanks, Kimberly! What a beautiful collection of faith and hope you've gathered. 

....................................................................................................................................................

Today is the last day to enter to win a vintage swimsuit from Beverly Swimwear!

Good luck guys!

Enter HERE


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Saturday, April 13, 2013

Saturday Meet & Mingle Blog Hop

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Friday, April 12, 2013

Friday's Letters Link Up



Dear Stomach Problems
Seriously?!? I have had enough already!
GRRRRRRRR!!

Dear Kerrin
I am so glad you are back from NYC!
I can't wait to see your pretty lil' face and hear all about your trip!
I hope you took a ton of pictures lady!

Dear Friday
I don't know why...but it
 doesn't feel like a Friday to me. 

Dear Jessica
Can't wait to have dinner with you tonight!
I love you so much friend!

Dear Yoga Booty Ballet
You kicked my butt last night!
I'm a little sore, but feeling great today.

Dear Bobbi Brown Makeup
Your stuff is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!
Why do you have to be so expensive?!?

Dear House
Why can't you clean yourself?
I can't keep up with cleaning you all the time.
How do you get so messy so fast??

Dear Blogging Friends
I still have some spots open for April.
Sponsorship rates can be found HERE


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Thursday, April 11, 2013

Abundant Life Blog Hop



Don't you love it when you come across awesome websites or blogs that you have never seen before
and you could possibly (if you had the extra down time) to search the website or blog for hours on end??


I have a dear friend from our ward who sent me some 
great websites to help me deal with my stomach problems.
These websites provide yummy recipes and healthy tips/tricks.

My favorite out the bunch that she emailed me was Weed 'em and Reap

I spent almost an hour on this website going from page to page to page.

Here is one of her recipes that we tried the other night.
It's so easy and tastes fantastic!


Chicken, Rice & Veggie Soup

2 c. brown rice (soak for 12-24 hours before cooking)
3 cans (or 6 cups) organic chicken broth
1-2 lb. organic chicken (depending on how chicken-y you want it)
2 c. diced carrots
1 medium onion, diced
3 clove garlic, minced
4 TBS.  butter, lard or tallow
2 handfuls spinach
salt and pepper to taste

Directions: Saute onion & garlic in oil, then add rice and brown for 2 min.  Pour broth & rice mixture in crock-pot and start on high.  Cook chicken separately, then dice and add to the crock-pot   Cook on high for 3-4 hours.  About midway through, add diced carrots.  When done cooking, add 2 handfuls of spinach and serve!

Wahla (guessed on the spelling) 


Check back every Thursday to link-up with Rubi and I! 
Here are a few ideas of what you can share on your posts:
What is motivating you to be healthier?
What do you do to stay healthy?
Have you tried a new plant-based meal lately? Share the recipe!
Workout tips & tricks
Anything new you've learned about living a healthy lifestyle

Rules:
-Follow your hosts Rubi & Kimberly
-Link-up your post NOT your blog

-Comment and tell us what you think!

-Copy this button to your blog post
so others can join the movement too! 



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Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Words for Wednesday

Dress: Anthropologie // Shoes: Victoria's Secret

"In the search for our best selves, several questions will guide our thinking: Am I what I want to be? Am I closer to the Savior today than I was yesterday? Will I be closer yet tomorrow? Do I have the courage to change for the better?"

-Thomas S. Monson 


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Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Beverly Swimwear Giveaway & Winner of Shabby Apple Giveaway



Today I am excited to team up with Beverly Swimwear to give you guys an awesome Giveaway!

Beverly Swimwear makes retro & vintage inspired modest swimsuits in fun prints and colors.

One winner will win this cute retro swimsuit pictured above (size medium)

Enter below with the Rafflecopter widget for a chance to win.

Good luck guys!!



Winner of the Shabby Apple Giveaway is:



Congrats Michelle! 
Please email me @ bostonksox@gmail.com


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Monday, April 8, 2013

Insta-Weekend


(Meet baby Ellie my new niece) 


 (Beautiful morning for a walk)

(30 minutes to General Conference!)

 (Henry B. Eyring)

 (Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

(Ann Taylor Skirt: Thrifted for $5.00!) 

 (This is the first year in our new home. These pretty yellow
 flowers are blooming all over our backyard along the walls)



(Highlights from General Conference)



****CHECK BACK TOMORROW TO ENTER THE BEVERLY SWIMWEAR GIVEAWAY****

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Saturday, April 6, 2013

Meet & Mingle Saturday Blog Hop

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Friday, April 5, 2013

#MIGHTYLOVE PROJECT


Have you guys heard of Natalie Holbrook from NAT THE FAT RAT

I discovered her blog just a couple of weeks ago. Her blog is now on my top 5 list!

She is a great writer, has a great personality and has the cutest little family ever!

She is using the internet for good and wants to spread a whole lotta love everywhere.

Here's how it works: between now and April 12th (that's next friday) let's spam the internet with compliments to all the women in our lives we are grateful for. On instagram, on twitter, on our blogs, however we feel most comfortable. This is all being tracked by a hashtag tracker, and each hashtagged post or tweet or "grampliment" will count toward the goal. The tag is #mightylove. If we can all participate and get 500 hashtagged compliments by next friday, go mighty will make a $500 donation to a battered women's shelter in NYC.


You can post as many compliments over the week as you'd like, there's absolutely no limit! 

Just use the hash tag #mightylove and make sure to tag Natalie so she can follow along: @natthefatrat

Here is an example that I did to kind of give you an idea and get your creative juices flowing:



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Fridays Letters Link Up


Dear Friday
I am so happy that you are here!
It's been one long week that is for sure.

Dear Jessica
I can't wait to see you tonight!
It's been way too long. I miss you!

Dear Husband
I loved spending the day together on Tuesday
after my procedure. Thank you for breakfast,
lunch and taking me to see the new 
Gilbert Temple that is under construction.
Love you bunches!

Dear Saturday & Sunday
It's General Conference time!
Wahoo! Counting down the hours!

Dear Beverly Swimwear 
I love your modest swimwear
Thank you for the free swimsuit!
I love it so much!

Dear Readers
Check back next week for a 
GIVEAWAY from Beverly Swimwear!
You wont want to miss this!


Linking up with....

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