Twofer Tuesday: Spring forward inside & out!

Winter is over, spring has sprung, and with it,  the desire to spring back to life yourself. Why should this time of year be dedicated only to the blooming that occurs in nature? After all, we Moms deserve the opportunity to refresh, renew, and "bloom" ourselves. Unfortunately, after a winter of personal "hibernation", it can be tough knowing were to begin. To get you started, I have comprised a guide to help you spring forward for a season of awakening. I have include an Easter basket of my favorite products to boost your personal confidence levels, and, a few points on what God has to say about your personal relationship with him. A complete awakening requires not only a focus on your outward appearance, but an inward assessment as well. We are God's creation, and while it's important we put Him first in all things, taking care of what He has sovereignly created, is an act of love and stewardship. Yes, beauty is fleeting and charm is deceptive, but we have been entrusted with the fragility of one body and one life. God expects us to maintain this gift. Let's spring back to life!

Spring is in the air! The blossoms are out, the days are longer, and we're ready to get out and about. But wait, your arms and legs haven't seen daylight in months. Your smile has dulled from lack of fun in the sun, and your overall look could use a Spring pick me up. Fret no more, here is a list of products to get you bloomin' again.

1. Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub. Shed that winter skin by gently exfoliating. This product is gentle enough for daily use- even sensitive skin types. It's also designed to even skin tone and texture. Exfoliating will reveal smoother, fresher, more radiant skin. This step will also prime your skin for step two!

2. Jergens Natural Glow Healthy Complexion Daily Facial Moisturizer. This is a daily moisturizer designed to gradually create a healthy glow. No Umpa Lumpa orange here! The color really does give a sun kissed look. In addition, you can get a color to fit your skin tone- I have the fair/medium, no surprise there! The addition of SPF 20 gives it another plus in my book! Don't forget to exfoliate so your not blotchy, and blend, blend, blend, or you will end up with a massive line of demarcation!

3. Jergens Natural Glow Foaming Daily Moisturizer. This is for the body, and meets all the standards of it's facial counterpart. It may be purchased in lotion, or foam, and again, has a shade for every skin tone. What I prefer about the foam is how quickly it dries over the lotion. Also, the foam seems to have no offensive odor, as most products containing self-tanning agents tend to have. The foam also bears the approval of allure magazine, with an editors choice award. Again, don't forget to exfoliate to keep your look streak free. Oh, and, wash your hands!

4. Crest White Stripes Premium. Don't forget those pearly whites! The premium brand of stripes offers the same whitening ability as the original, but in seven days instead of 10.

5. Cover Girl Outlast Lip Stain in Saucy Plum. These lip stains rock! They provide beautiful color without being sticky like the outlast lipstick. And choosing stains that fall under the berry, or plum category, actually make your teeth appear whiter! Double bonus! My favorite colors are Saucy Plum and Cinnamon Spice. Buyer beware... they can also be very drying, make sure you are using a lip conditioner on your pout when not wearing the stain.

6. MOROCCAN OIL. Don't forget your tresses need pruned, too! Start by getting a good trim, especially if it's been more than 3-6 months since your last snip. Once you have your hair back to life with a trim, it's time to maintain with a fabulous hair oil for all types. The intoxicating light sent and instant absorption will leave all hair types shiny and conditioned. No rinsing necessary! My hair tends to be dry, frizzy, and I have a lot! Living in the humidity of the south sure doesn't help my cause. Using MOROCCAN OIL is a must for my mane!

7. Cute pair of the seasons hottest shoes. Lastly, we turn our attention to the feet. Now, I KNOW your peds have been neglected through the winter. Get ready to bear those piggies again with an at-home pedicure. Soak them, scrub them, clip them, and then paint then your favorite spring time color. Next, follow up with some of this seasons hot trends in shoes. Consider a sassy pair of T-Straps, Wood Soles, Peep-Toes, or my favorite, Wedges. With a cute pair of shoes on your feet, you can conquer anything, one step at a time.

And there you have it. An Easter basket of goodies to help you feel refreshed, renewed, and ready to bloom.

Now, we turn the focus to a beauty secret that is imperishable, inner beauty. Being beautiful begins within, regardless of the season. What better time of year then Spring to begin afresh and anew? While our outward appearance is not God's priority, letting yourself go does not proclaim the fact our Father is King of Kings. Even the Proverb 31 women described in the bible, is dressed in fine linen and bears an appearance pleasing to her Husband, as she represents her family and God. As mentioned in the opening paragraph, we are not to be consumed with our outward appearance. 1 Peter 3:3-4 reminds us not to let our adornment be only outward- that will only go so far- we are to seek an inner beauty that is imperishable. By maintaining both an inner and outward beauty, and demonstrating a quiet and gentle spirit, we become the ultimate in "power under control". This means we are able to control ourselves, our words, and our actions. We are powerful, respectable, and strong, and at the same time we are quiet and still before God. This is the imperishable beauty secret, and will serve women well, in any season of life!

Twofer Tuesday: It CAN be done!

Some inspiration for your Tuesday, touted as the most productive day of the week. What steps will you take in the climb to your goals? Remember, it's easy as ABC! To Achieve, you must first Belive, then Commit to seeing your Dreams to fruition!


Take a RISK,
Take a CHANCE,
JOIN the Club,
Join the DANCE,
Learn to FLY,
Learn to SOAR,
Strive for JOY,
Strive for MORE,
BE BRAVE - Just DO!  
Be Brave - be YOU!

-My favorite refrigerator magnet



Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
But, he with a chuckle replied
That "maybe it couldn't" but he would be one
Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.

So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, as he did it.


Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that;
At least no one we know has done it";
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.


With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.


There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
There are thousands to prophesy failure;
There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.


But just buckle right in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
That cannot be done, and you'll do it


-Edgar Guest

The Princess Diaries: I went to the Ball!

Friday, February 25th.

I've made it! Months of anticipation and training have finally reached their pinnacle! Disney's Princess Half Marathon weekend has finally arrived. I couldn't be more excited to be participating in this grandest of  Balls! Although, my glass slippers have been traded for a pair of running shoes, and my tiara is affixed to a ball cap, I have never felt more like a princess!

Cinderella Castle, as seen from our room at Bay Lake Tower.

Our adventure begins by checking into our "castle" for the weekend, Bay Lake Tower. Our room comes complete with a view of the castle that started it all, Cinderella Castle. Next stop, Disney's Fit for a Princess Expo, where we receive our running princess packets. I have been placed in Corral C, along with my Sister, Princess Shasta. In addition to running the 1/2 marathon, we will also be participating in the Beauty & the Beast Family 5K, making for a lot of packets to retrieve. Once this is complete, it's time to dine. Our carriage (family car) transports us to Sanna, at Animal Kingdom Lodge's, Kidani Village. We dine on an amazing selection of Indian style breads, Tandori short braised ribs, and chicken with red curry sauce. We conclude the day with some down time at our castles pool area and a Signature Dining experience at the California Grill, at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Um, have you ever had a steak that could melt in your mouth? I did! To cap off a great day, Wishes, from the California Grill!

Saturday, February 26th

Today brings a 4:30am wake up call! We must have the carriage rolling toward Epcot by 5:15am, leaving us one hour to get parked and to the 5k staging area by 6:15am, for a 7am start. Belle & Beast encourage us as we begin our 3.2 mile journey around and through Epcot. I was so proud of my family! They did amazing and had so much fun in the process! With such any early morning, I was skeptical we could pull it off. In fact, I remember saying, "For the record, I think this is a bad idea, it's just too early, especially for Brooks". I was proven wrong. Upon completion we headed back to the resort to park our carriage and change our shirts. Then, it was off to Magic Kingdom for a day filled with, well, MAGIC! My neurotic self was a bit worried. According to my @TouringPlans crowd calender, MK crowds were anticipated to be at a level 8.9 out of 10, in other words, busy! But, I had a plan we stuck to and we got it all in! We ended the evening at MK with a perennial favorite, Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade. Last, but most definitely not least, Wishes, this time from our room! I must say, Tinkerbell must have sprinkled the children with Pixie Dust, because they could not have been better troopers!                                

Sunday, February 27th

The morning of the Ball has arrived and I hardly slept a wink! My 2:45am alarm, turned into getting up at 2:38am anyway! Not staying at a "host resort", we were responsible for our own transportation to the ball. Hence, the crazy wake-up time. I didn't know what to expect as far as traffic and road closures. Luckily, I know my way around the "World", so we had no problems. Once parked, I am taken aback! Spotlights galore, pink and blue flags, music blaring, and a red carpet entrance, my anticipation was mounting! I quickly ate a banana, took a Nuun hydration tablet, and we head for the party. As we waited in line for a picture in the staging area, the DJ kept reminding us to start heading to our corral. Now, I know why! The start line was about a 30 minute walk from the staging area, especially with a herd of 17,000 princesses trying to get there. We finally made it to Corral C, worming our way toward the front. And now, the moment we all have been waiting for, 6:01am....and we're off, 13.1 miles of magic here I come! There were DJ's, characters, acrobats on trampolines, and music- "I've got the power", by snap, was playing at about mile 11ish, I so needed that! Mickey, Minnie, the Princesses, and even eye candy in the form of a few firemen, also graced the course! And all along the way, spectators and VoluntEARS, there to encourage, hydrate, and even call you by name! Ya, I know they read it off my bib, but still! I even received a bit of a surprise, running into a co-worker from Charleston! I knew she was there, never thought we would actually "run" into each other, but magic always abounds at Disney!! More importantly, women encouraging other women to not give up. Mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends alike, all running together. Maybe it was to beat the odds, maybe it was in memoriam, or maybe just to try something new. Whatever the reason, for 13.1 miles we were all Princesses united! After a sprint to the finish line (I was told you're not supposed to do that, anyone know why?), I was no longer a "Princess in training", I was an official Princess! And it felt fantastic!

After re hydrating and changing out of a sweaty tutu, we headed into Epcot to "walk off" our run. I love Epcot, World Showcase, specifically! I could spend hours just exploring each pavilion, sampling each country's fare, and taking in the entertainment. What a marvelous way to bring closure to a most magical weekend!

Official 1st 1/2 marathon Princess time: 2:24:08, with photo ops.

Lastly, overheard at Disney's Princess 1/2 Marathon, "Oh, look at all the lovely tutus! I want a tutu, but with my shape it would need to be a four-four!" - Fairy Godmother.

For more information on Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend, or other runDisney events, please visit http://www.disneyprincesshalfmarathon.com/
OR
For information about Disney's Worldwide Outreach Program, VoluntEARS, please visit
http://www.disney.go.com/disneyhand/voluntears/details.html

Thirsty Thursday: Thirstin' To Run

As I approach my first half marathon my training is in full effect! In fact, I completed my first 10 miler this past week-end. I must say, I was proud of myself, I had never ran 10 miles in my life. I am not a runner, though I consider myself to be in great physical condition, running is just too....boring, too...mental for me. So, I guess it's natural to have questioned myself a hundred times as to why I would choose to run ANY race.

Why did I chose to run 13.1 miles anyway? Why would I deliberately decide to tackle a challenge I really had no passion for? Well, here is the answer: It's in Disney World, and it's the Disney Princess Half Marathon, Hello! Yep, I can totally run around in Disney World. I must say, the idea of running this race was nothing short of a personal epiphany. As I drove home from teaching a kick-boxing class this past May, I begin to tell myself I needed a new challenge, a goal, something that needed training and preparation. For some reason I was restless about finding this said challenge. Then, at a red light, it happened, "I should run the princess"! I didn't know when it was, or any of the details surrounding the event, I just knew that was what I should do. As soon as I got home, I was on the computer looking for information. I came across the promotional video and I was done! That video had cemented in me the desire to run this race. I was so excited I felt like I could have ran it right then! I call my sister, fill her in, send her the link for the video, and insist we do this thing! She's in! Now, how to sell my husband? First, he says no....then, decides it's a matter of me going to Disney without him...ha ha...truth comes out. Finally, I sell him on it, and at the end of the day....the whole family, plus my sister, will be Disney bound!

So, the months go by and with five weeks to go I finally start actually running, seven weeks after my proposed training schedule advises I start. EEK! It has been hard trying to fit in my runs with teaching my group fitness classes five days a week. I do get a work-out, but I am so conditioned for them they barley make a dent in trying to train for a half-marathon. You must condition for that too! As of now, I still only fit in two runs a week. And I confess, I am a bit stressed about the whole thing. I am so competitive, but I don't want to miss out on all the on course activities because I am worried about my time. I must get pictures with the characters slated to be at every mile! I guess that's where the training comes in ...must...run..faster!

I have had a few more epiphany's in the process. 1) I run like I teach my classes. 2) My husband and I should go alone and run the Wine & Dine in October. 3) I actually LIKE running, it's not sooo boring. 4) I feel fantastic- maybe it's the endorphins talking?

With that, there are some other confessions too! I would be lying if I didn't say I know exactly where the trees and bush's are that hide me (for a quick break), and I would be lying if I didn't say I was hoping that light up ahead would turn green (again, quick break). And lastly, I would be lying if I didn't say; I am so excited to gain the personal statisfaction of accomplishing my self-imposed new challenge in the "Happiest Place on Earth"!

http://www.disneyprincesshalfmarathon.com/

9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th Blessing of Christmas

Well, my ambition got the best of me. I really had plans to flip the script the 12 days prior to Christmas with my 12 Blessings of Christmas. But, here I am a week into the new year and still trying to get it done. So, lets consider the positive, I am nothing if not determined to finish what I started. Even if it's a wee bit late.

The Blessing of Giving
Don't you just love to watch the look on peoples faces when they open a gift from you? There is nothing more gratifying than finding that perfect gift. Even the anticipation of waiting to give it is part of the fun. And have you noticed the gifts you are the most excited to give also get the most attention in the wrapping? For that moment you become the bearer of happiness, the bearer of joy, the bearer of excitement! Not only that, but what about the happiness, joy, and excitement you receive as the giver? Well, that is the blessing of Giving. Giving by it's very nature is the offering of yourself. It can be in the form of a gift, a favor, a task, a service, or even a smile. So give freely of yourself and the gift will be yours!

Here is an interesting tid-bit from Germany, since my lineage suggests I am three-quarters German ;) German history indicates children received Christ-bundles as gifts. They usually included things such as: a coin, a toy, a tasty treat, an article of clothing and a small stick as a reminder toward good behavior. Hum.... in the South we call those switches!

The Blessing of Family
You will never hear the phrase "going home" as much as you do at Christmas. To "go home" for Christmas is to go home to family. For many it's a natural rite to journey back to the comfort and joy that awaits them. It's a natural urge we satisfy in returning to our roots-an urge to celebrate the passing of time. We once were the children passing out the gifts, running a muck, without a care in the world. Now, we are the adults, making the food, wrapping the gifts, trying to maintain the images we have in our minds of how things "used" to be. So, let those little ones run through the house, a cookie in each hand, with rosy cheeks, and twinkling eyes. For it will all but be gone before you know it.

The Blessing of Peace
Christmas eve has finally arrived, along with the magic that transcends into the dawn of Christmas Day. All the preparations of this Yuletide path of been completed and now it's time for an shift in attitude. It's time to give your heart over to the blessing of Peace! Take time now from hassle and haste, time from trouble and worries, and time from everyday tasks that numb you to the miracle of your very existence. This is a time of celebrating the birth of Jesus- and the birth of you! Let it be a day of gentle thoughts, considerate voice, and patience. Let it be a day of Worship, family, and contentment. Let it be a day of peace on earth and goodwill toward men.

The Blessing of Hope
Now that Christmas is winding down, we begin to focus our sights on another bright occasion poised just ahead. A time of new opportunity awaits, and with it comes new Hope. Fresh from the spiritual enrichment of Christmas, there is no better time to prepare ourselves for the journey of a new year. It's a time of taking inventory of the past year and "resolving" to do better in the next. We have a heart full of Faith and confidence in ourselves and others and in the future that lies before us.
                                                      Tomorrow stands before us now
                                                        What will the New Year bring?
                                                      It brings the song that's in our hearts
                                                         And the tune we choose to sing.
                                                                                  - T.J Mills
A little black-eyed peas couldn't hurt either!

The 6th, 7th, & 8th Blessing of Christmas

Yes, I will finish this series of posts....even if it takes until next year!

The Blessing of Beauty
Nothing accurately portrays the beauty of Christmas more than the Christmas Tree. Ornaments, beads, bows, and twinkling lights, nothing could be more enchanting for kids and grown-ups alike. Speaking of twinkling lights, there origination is said to be credited to the religious reformer, Martian Luther. Legend has it, as Luther walked home Christmas Eve, he could see the stars shining brightly through the Evergreen trees. He wanted to share this joy with his family so he cut down a small fir tree. When he returned home he decorated it with tiny, white candles to represent the stars. He said the glowing tree stood for Christ, the Light of the World. In my opinion, there is nothing more beautiful than that belief!

The Blessing of Friends
Christmas by nature is so festive and fun, and a great time to gather everyone together for some good old merriment! Surrounding yourself this time of year with those special people in your life can instantly bring a heart of gratitude for the blessing of your friendships. Sometimes friends are our family and sometimes family are our friends. It really doesn't matter so long as we remember to cherish them.

The Blessing of Love
I have to say, sometimes the emotion we can feel at Christmas can inspire us to do great things. And from this inspiration is born the blessing of Love. How best can we communicate this spirit of Love than through the power of prayer. It cost nothing to give, or receive, yet it's value is worth more than Silver and Gold. We all have someone in our lives that we can be praying for, prayer is a gift, a gift of love that blesses the lives of both those praying and those receiving. And biblical, the ultimate gift of Love.

The 3rd, 4th, & 5th Blessing of Christmas

At no other time of the year are people more inclined to give then during Christmas. Charity is never more alive, or more meaningful at any other time. Which brings me to the next Blessing of Christmas.

The Blessing of Kindness
Charity has been a part of Christmas for centuries, but the concept of Christmas Charity has largely been credited to the writing's of Charles Dickens.  Dickens used,  "A Christmas Carol", as an opportunity to spread public awareness and interest in  providing to those less fortunate. As time has passed, we have seen this story replayed in many various forms, in an effort to appeal to a wide range of audiences. This time tested classic has stared Mickey Mouse, Barbie, Mr. Magoo, Bugs Bunny, and even, Bill Murray. However, the concept remains the same. Learn from your past, live in your present, secure your future by giving of yourself to others.

Speaking of Christmas past, what do you remember most? Just like we store our decorations back in the attic each year, there are also Christmas keepsakes we store away in our hearts. They are treasures not to be forgotten, worthy of passing on to the next generation.

The Blessing of Memories
The best part of getting out Christmas decorations is sorting through the boxes. Perhaps as we uncover the treasures each box contains, we also uncover our memories of past Christmases. Our hearts are then flooded with the remembrances each item brings.

For me, ornaments conjure up the fondest memories. As I unpack each one, I am brought back to my wedding, each child's first Christmas, that hand print ornament that gets smaller every year, and vacations, every one is commemorated with a Christmas ornament. Basically, every ornament on my tree tells a story. The conversations I have had with my children about our ornaments have been both light hearted, mommies first ski trip, and blessed, my Cross ornament commemorating my Baptism.

Not only have I been blessed with being reminded of such grand and wondrous memories of events in my life, as well as in the life of my family, but the blessing of my memories is being passed down to my children. Leaving a legacy I have hope will last an eternity.

~ Oh take me back to long ago
   That I may see again,
Wondrous days of carefree play
   That surely had no end.
 And even though I'm happy
 With the soul that I became
I wonder why the Christmas pie
   Will never taste the same~
                                      T.J Mills

The Blessing of Faith
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angles were gone away from them into heaven, the Shepard's said to one another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made it known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the Shepard's. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the Shepard's returned, glorifying and praising God for all things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." Luke 2:11-20 KJV