To Get Up, Get Ready And Get Out! And #MotivatingMonday Link-Up

How many people hold themselves back from doing truly remarkable things because they are afraid of criticism?  How many others have truly broken through and achieved remarkable things because they tried things and weren't afraid of failure or others' criticisms? 
Today I'm grateful for the things I do, regardless of what others think.  The times I go out without doing my hair, dressing up or putting on make-up.  The times I have done things regardless of how I felt at the time.  
I have a friend who has been going through excruciating cancer.  It came once, went into remission but came back again.  She has been dealing with it one day at a time.  She is now on the upswing again.  But long before that, in the midst of the worst part, she had moments of happiness.  She chooses to live in the present and appreciate the good.  She also does physical therapy with a group of people that believe no matter what is happening that they will get up, get dressed and get out!  And so they meet together, in various stages of health and they support each other.  They each have a purpose, and that is to contribute to their circle of friends.  In turn they are supported and made whole in spirit.  
You have a purpose and a reason to be here.  Just get up, get ready and get out! And don't let anyone tell you that you can't!

Today is Motivating Monday!  We all need a little motivation!  I, for one, love to explore other sites for motivating, mostly non-sponsored posts, tips, pictures and videos!  If I happen to find a great one, I'll link it up and share it with you!  It's like being featured!  Sometimes I miss some amazing posts.  So, in addition, if you'd like to link up yourself, you can do that too!  I'll visit your site, comment, promote and publicize! Don't be shy--I'm really very supportive!  Remember, any link to your posts helps your blog numbers increase!  Have a great week!

A Teeth Whitening Product That Works! #SmileBrilliant Review

I recently wrote about my belief that a smile is one of the best assets in social life, health and  business life.  And the better your smile, the more it can do for you. One lesser known fact is that every decade you age, your teeth lose whiteness by 2-3 shades.  Your teeth actually age you more than your face does!   Now it begs the question - What is the best way to get a brighter smile?  I know that there are the natural ways to get whiter teeth.  For instance, I've heard of natural methods like, coal powder, orange peel, salt, oils, and even egg shells.  And I don't fault them, have even tried some myself.  But I would just like a quick, easy, and effective way to get my best smile.  I was introduced to and provided products from a professional tooth whitening company that is as professional as professional can be, but for a fraction of the cost.  It's called Smile Brilliant. 

Instead of taking a trip to the dentist to get trays made and buying the whitening solution from the dentist, you purchase the kit online, take the impressions yourself, send them into the lab and they send back the completed trays along with the whitening paste.  It saves time and money to do it this way.

I must say I was the ultimate procrastinator, though, because I had the notion that only trained dental assistants are qualified to make the impressions, not someone like myself, who has never taken a dental class in my life.  I didn't know if I would be able to make a good impression of my own teeth.
 But I really needed to make it happen and finally one evening I set aside an hour to do just that.  I read through the detailed instructions included in the kit and was able to make my impressions.  Luckily they do provide you with an extra ball of clay in case you make a boo boo with the first try, which I did.  I sent in my impressions and they came back very quickly, within a week!  

I then started the whitening process, using their highly effective whitening gel.  My teeth responded very quickly.  I only did three 15-minute sessions and they whitened up about 3 levels.  I was really impressed. There is an after-whitening gel, which  in addition to de-sensitizing your teeth, seals up any tiny crevices or cracks in your teeth to keep the enamel from breaking down.  It's just extra service they provide with the regular whitening process! I highly recommend using this because it really helps with the comfort and effectiveness of the overall process!

 This experience came in a timely fashion because I was noticing that my teeth had some yellowing issues and more often than not, you would find me with my mouth closed, to avoid showing my teeth.  I'd still smile, just without the dingy yellows showing.  Now I'm not ashamed to show my pearly whites, and I can practice what I preach about the art of smiling!

Make sure and check out the Smile Brilliant Website, for lots more information and testimonials along with before and after photos. 

A Cure For Strep Throat Without Antibiotics

First of all, I'm not against antibiotics.  But I do want to use them as sparingly as possible because when I do take them, I want them to work.  I think everyone should have that mindset.  Super bugs are no laughing matter and the way to prevent them are to use antibiotics in a judicious and wise manner.  When an antibiotic prescription is filled, it needs to be taken until it is finished!

This past week I was in a battle with strep throat.  I know I had it.  We had a student at the school who was so sick--coughing, sneezing and sore throat. He is in a group home and in state custody and although I hate to say it, as such, sometimes isn't as well cared-for as he should be.   So although he should have been recovering at home, they sent him to school contagious.  Also, one of the teachers that I associate with on a daily basis came down with strep throat earlier that week, missing school for 3 days.  

So, you know that knife pain that won't be relieved, no matter how many sore throat lozenges you consume?  That was me. We were also worried that my husband might contract it and that would be horrible, as he is recovering from reconstructive surgery on his face from the bike accident he had two weeks ago. So, not wanting to come down with it, my husband found a really interesting blog post
(find it linked on Motivating Monday) that talked about an actual confirmed case of strep throat and the concoction the patient drank to ultimately prevail over the horrid beast trying to consume her.  All without the use of antibiotics.  

Mind you, this is the first thing I tried.  If it hadn't worked in a day or so, I would have been at the doctor's office standing in line for my prescription of antibiotics.  Strep throat is not something to play around with.  My mother died way too early because as a child she contracted rheumatic fever, a complication of strep throat. It ravaged the valves of her heart.  When it was found that her heart was working at only 40% capacity, she had already been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She died of heart failure.

Here's what I did:
I boiled 4 bags of green tea for 20 minutes (I'm thinking any strong herbal tea would also work), making 2 cups.
Then I Added and mixed in:

• 1 TBSP Honey
• 1/2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
• 1 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar
• Juice of 1 lemon

I gargled as much as I could stand for as long as I could, getting it as far back of my throat as possible, once every half hour over 5 hours.  I swallowed some, if I could.  I repeated it over the next 2 days. 

Each day I felt a little bit better.  The pain in my throat diminished.  In it's place a cold started to form, with lots of phlegm in my throat.  In addition, I had laryngitis in the mornings to the point I couldn't speak above a whisper.  It has been 8 days now and I feel almost back to normal.  I think this concoction is a definite keeper!

 

Motivating Monday Link-Up And Delusions Of Grandeur

 Try as I might, I can never get to bed at a decent hour.  If I could only quit procrastinating, constantly putting low-priority tasks ahead of important ones, and getting last minute inspirations that absolutely can't wait until morning!  I take small consolation in the fact that:

 

 Perhaps I am a poet.  No, that I am not.  That was my grandmother's department.  A writer, perhaps?  Not any time soon.  A blog post is the extent of my attention to that kind of thing.  A Lover?  Well, not tonight.  I'm coming down with strep throat.  An artist?  Uhhh....I guess if you call my graphic artistry any kind of decent, then yeah.  Ah yes, a visionary.  I am definitely one for grandiose plans and dreams.  

Maybe someday all of my ill-planning will come to something yet! Maybe as long as I am just doing SOMETHING, I can conquer all!  Who knows?  I'll just keep trying!  In the meantime, I'm going to bed!  There is always tomorrow!

Today is Motivating Monday!  We all need a little motivation!  I, for one, love to explore other sites for motivating posts, tips, pictures and videos!  If I happen to find a great one, I'll link it up and share it with you!  It's like being featured!  Sometimes I miss some amazing posts.  So, in addition, if you'd like to link up yourself, you can do that too!  I'll visit your site, comment, promote and publicize! Don't be shy--I'm really very supportive!  Remember, any link to your posts helps your blog numbers increase!  Have a great week!

The Art Of Smiling And What It Can Do For You

I love getting smiled at!  I don't care if I'm the one who smiled first or not, it just makes my day.  I'm more apt to remember the person who smiled and think positively about them later on!  Yet so many, myself included, are hesitant to put themselves out there with a smile!  What if the smile isn't returned?  Oh no!!! Plus, some "experts" are now saying that smiling is a sexist expectation placed upon women.  And who wants to have unneeded expectations?  We have enough on our plates. But I say smiling has incredible value, whether it is your health, relationships or job satisfaction.

I had a high-school friend who seemed to be everyone's friend.  Everyone just liked her!  Yes, she was very, very smart, a straight-A student.  And she had a great family.  She had a stay-at-home mom who was amazing and her dad was a California Congressman, who came home most weekends to be with the family. She didn't kill with sarcasm or funny one-liners.  She wasn't particularly gorgeous--other than her mega-watt smile that she wasn't stingy with.  She smiled almost non-stop.  And there was a sincerity about it.  I know that I was captivated by it! I tried to emulate her, because I saw that she had charisma and influence on others.  And I, among others, wanted to be around her all the time. 

More recently, I saw the true value of a genuine smile at work.  I work at an alternative high school.  A former student was a boy in our special education self-contained unit.  He walked with an unsteady gait, couldn't speak very clearly, had some behavioral issues, lived in state custody, but oh, his smile!  He used it everywhere he went and people responded so kindly.  I daresay he was the most loved kid in the school because he gave away his smile freely, without price!  I'll never forget him.

These two experiences are interesting because they represent two totally different backgrounds and genders.  One was relatively privileged and the other was what most would consider under-privileged.  But they both had considerable influence within their own circles.  Another thing is that this influence happened because of cumulative effect.  They didn't just smile once in awhile.  They smiled almost perpetually.  And both individuals had smiles that were sincere and unforced.

It pays to smile!  In more ways than one!  Consider these benefits when one smiles:

1) Lowers heart rate - People who smile and laugh often are less likely to develop heart disease! (Medical News Today)

2) Releases Endorphins - With more endorphins in our bodies, we are able to reduce stress, lessen pain and elevate our moods!  In other words, we become easier to live with!  

3) Smiling increases productivity while working.  It makes sense, because mood is elevated and stress is reduced.  We are more in the mood to be productive!

4) When we smile genuinely, people are more apt to trust us!  Relationships thrive on smiles!

5)  When you smile at someone, at least 50% of people will smile back and thus, it is contagious, spreading the benefits to those around us!

I think that there is an art to smiling.  I think that practice definitely makes perfect.  Experimentation is definitely time well spent!  People can tell if a smile is real or fake.  Real wins out every time.  I believe that the eyes also need to be involved in a truly sincere smile. I've seen people who smile with their lips only, but their eyes look dead.  I've also noticed, too, that when my teeth are whitest, my smile is returned by others more often. 

So go ahead, smile and make someone's day.  And don't worry if they don't smile back!  You're the one that's the winner anyway!

Motivating Monday! Life Happens And Build Your Blog Conference!

This week "life happened" as they say.  The Build Your Blog Conference was this past weekend and I had been looking forward to it, ever since I had been sponsored by Taste Of Home earlier this month.  It was such a treat because this was to be my first blog conference EVER!  
 

Then the day before, I got a call at work from the Sandy Fire Department, telling me that my husband had been in a biking accident and that he was waiting for me at Emergency.  He assured me after my questioning that everything was fine and he was just there for observation and check-up, standard procedure after one LOSES CONSCIOUSNESS!

When I arrived, he was awake, but he looked like a zombie.  His face was swollen and his eye was bloody and bruised.  He had all kinds of road rash and abrasions covering his body.  Apparently he hit a bump while he was braking and pulling into an Exxon Station.  He was thrown over his handlebars and landed on his face.  He broke his left orbitol bones and cheekbones, loosening them from the rest of his skull.  Surgery is this coming Thursday.  He gets titanium plates in his face.  

Luckily he got to come home with me but I wasn't sure if I would be able to attend the Blog Conference, because he was in need of major attention.  I'm afraid I wasn't as great of a nurse as I imagined myself to be in such a situation.  Since I knew his injuries weren't life threatening, I still decided to at least attend some of the conference.  I left him with his pain meds, some soups and ice cream for a few hours, and headed up to the blog conference.

I missed the opening and closing events both days but was able to attend the Taste Of Home Trends Event, which was amazing!  It went above and beyond food presentation and submitting recipes.  Something I learned that is pertinent to any blog is how a post is presented.  Too much text in a post can be intimidating and discourages readers.  On the other hand, too many pictures make a post too busy.  It's all about balance!  I did find out about the top recipe draws and that variation is the key!  

I also got to attend 3 of the 5 classes offered to us.  These classes were so informative and I learned a lot and received some inspiration about blogging that I hadn't had before.  I missed the gala event which, in addition to being a great mixer and a chance to dress up, was where we heard about the Blogger of the Year.  But even having missed some of the main events, I came away loving every minute of it.  I can't wait to go next year!

 In the meantime, hubs is steadily improving and I'm so thankful that his injuries weren't any worse.  We're gearing up for surgery this coming Thursday.  He should eventually realize a full recovery. 

Sometimes life happens at the most inopportune times!  The thing that I felt was all-important suddenly needed to take a backseat to what is really the most important, my husband.  I'm with Oprah who says that every single event in life happens in an opportunity to choose love over fear.  I'm really full of thankfulness because I still have a husband, with a few more scars--badges of an active life, AND I got to attend some of a really great conference.  If I had been filled with fear that my husband wouldn't be OK without me for a few hours, I might not have made the choice to go to the conference at all.  And if I was so consumed about missing the conference, I might have been filled with resentment and fear of missing out.  

Have you utilized your own inevitable life's circumstances into something that can benefit you?
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Today is Motivating Monday!  We all need a little motivation!  I, for one, love to explore other sites for motivating posts, tips, pictures and videos!  If I happen to find yours, I'll link it up and let you know!  It's like being featured!  Sometimes I miss some amazing posts.  So, in addition, if you'd like to link up yourself, you can do that too!  I'll visit your site, comment, promote and publicize! Don't be shy--I'm really very supportive!  Remember, any link to your posts helps your blog numbers increase!  Have a great week!

5 Natural Hair Products With Proven Effectiveness #Aveda

I have been a fan of Aveda Products for years. It started out when Aveda decided that my town Provo, UT would be a great place to insert an Aveda Institute. We are so lucky! There are only approximately 30 of these in the entire U.S.
When you get a service at Aveda, the students use only Aveda products. I have used many of their hair and skin products and absolutely love them. They are as natural as you can get, they smell wonderful and they work! The instructors are great and I know I'll be getting a great service because they always keep track of what their students are doing. Plus there are a lot of really talented students, who are there because they want to make people happy! Below are a few Aveda products that I think are the bomb! First you want to wash your hair with a great shampoo. Because I have naturally dry and curly hair, I love the Dry Remedy products, as well as the Smooth Infusion products to tame my curly hair!

Aveda - Dry Remedy Moisturizing Shampoo For Dry, Brittle Hair (Packaging) 250Ml/8.5Oz

This shampoo restores moisture to extremely dry hair. Use as directed.
Aveda - Dry Remedy Moisturizing Shampoo For Drenches Dry, Brittle Hair

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Aveda - Be Curly Curl Enhancing Hair Spray 200Ml/6.7Oz

I love to embrace my curls when I'm styling my own hair and this spray is the way to do it!
Aveda - Be Curly Curl Enhancing Hair Spray 200Ml/6.7Oz

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Aveda - Women's Aveda 'invati' Thickening Conditioner (33.8 oz.) ($128 Value)

Want thicker-looking and thicker-acting hair?
Aveda - Women's Aveda 'invati' Thickening Conditioner (33.8 oz.)

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Aveda - Full Spectrum Hair Color Deposite-only Color Treatment 6Natural dark blonde

Aveda hair color is the most natural of any hair color I know. It is actually healthy for the hair!
Aveda - Full Spectrum Hair Color Deposite-only Color Treatment 6Natural dark blonde

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Aveda - - Dry Remedy Moisturizing Conditioner - 200ml/6.7oz

This formula is amazing. Sometimes I even use it as a leave-in for extra protection.
Aveda - - Dry Remedy Moisturizing Conditioner

A Friend...Not A Bully + #MyPostMonday Link-up

Last week, a friend at work shared a tragic event in his family's life.  His cousin from Nebraska, a star high school football player, on a full-ride scholarship, I'm told, committed suicide.  He had it all.  But even guys being recruited to big-time schools can be bullied, apparently.  It's been two weeks since he shot himself, leaving behind grieving family, friends, and a confused hometown. A college will be offering a scholarship to someone else, not their first choice.  But #8 will never be forgotten. How very sad.  It goes to show that bullying knows no boundaries--no amount of talent, or lack of it, no demographic, religion, gender, race, social status or zip code can claim safety.   Below is an actual picture of the boy who was somehow targeted and bullied to the point that he felt he had to take his own life.

If bullying knows no boundaries, how can you prepare your child to be a survivor of the inevitable?  I personally remember being bullied in all grades.  In grade school, there were other groups of girls who would specifically target someone by looks and then try to bully them.  It was easy back then.  I would just run home.  I didn't ride the bus, so I didn't have to put up with craziness there.  In Jr. high school, it was just a matter of being accepted by a bigger group of peers than were in elementary school.  It was hard to find people at lunchtime who I wanted to be with or, conversely, wanted to be with me.  I'm not gonna lie, I spent some lonely times during that period of my life.  And in high school, if you let yourself get too far out of your element, you could definitely be prey to an outside group.  I found myself  alone in the locker room one day, when two girls of different race and background came in.  They saw a chance to get even for every wrong ever committed to them in this lifetime, it seemed, and their revenge was heaped upon me.  They got me cornered and started throwing shampoo bottles, bars of soap and brushes at me.  One hit me in the face.  As they approached even closer, I didn't wait to find out what would happen next.  I exited through the closest doors I saw and headed out toward the pool with the swimming class.  I hung out there for an indefinite period of time.  I didn't tell anyone though.  I didn't want the attention, I didn't want the hassle and I didn't want to appear weak.  But that's where I was wrong.  If someone is bullied, they need to tell someone.  Preferably someone in authority, but if not, just someone they trust. You may need that person to provide witness or just having some support is invaluable!

One of the most important things is to teach your child anti-bullying behavior.  Many bullies have been victims themselves.  If children are bullied in the home, they will probably act out of the home.  If you suspect you are the parent of a bully, you can start helping them to help others through volunteering and sharing. Teaching them to be tolerant of others who are different is really important.  After all, in America, you're always going to get different.  But that is what we are supposed to exemplify--tolerance to everyone.  In other words:

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Welcome to #MyPost Monday! It's all about original content from bloggers who care to share what is on their minds--from Crafts to Camping, Wellness to Wealth, Fashion to Food, and whatever else is on the brain!  I open up with a post of my own and then follow it up with a linky of the week's best original content! It's all about what the writer thinks, believes, and knows. If I happen to find a great original, non-sponsored post, I'll link it up and share it with you here and on Twitter (maybe even Facebook and Instagram as well) via the #MyPostMonday hashtag!  It's like being featured!  I can miss some amazing posts, but I don't want to!  So, in addition, if you'd like to link up yourself while the linky is open that week, you can do that too!  I'll visit your site, comment, promote and publicize! Remember, any link to your posts helps your blog numbers increase! (Affiliate links welcome!)

2-Winner Mialisia #Jewelry Valentine #Giveaway

 Welcome to the Mialisia Jewelry Valentine Giveaway!  
Mialisia is the answer to the age-old dilemma of 'I don't have any jewelry that looks good with this outfit, even though I have a jewelry box full of it!'
 "We all want to look good and have the confidence that we are showing the world our best self. With the right attitude and the correct jewelry for one's personality and style, jewelry becomes an asset. Who does not want to always look their best? Everyone does, right?  Jewelry can change mood, it can make people smile, it helps one feel more put together, it helps one to find and enhance the look that they want .  It can be a conversation starter, it can extend your wardrobe, brighten your smile, lift your spirits--jewelry makes an outfit!" --Carrie Perucca, Mialisia Independent Designer

 
With one or two pieces you can create a multitude of different looks!  It's all in the 2 hooks on either end of the piece, making it possible to lengthen or shorten according to your preference, make a layered look that is easy to wear, or make a single strand look that is gorgeous!  You decide! This unique capability is called VersaStyle!

There are so many possibilities!  Read Helena's review about her experience with Mialisia Jewelry!

   We are excited to announce that 2 winners will each receive 2 Versastyle pieces of their choice, up to $80! Enter in the Rafflecopter below!  

 Please consider liking each and every one of  the participating bloggers on Facebook!  We work hard to bring great information and giveaways like this to you!

 Open to U.S. and Canada, 20+, Only 1 person, per household may enter.  No participating blogger is responsible for non-delivery of products.  No compensation was received for this giveaway.  Thanks to all participating bloggers. 
This giveaway is no way sponsored, endorsed by, affiliated with, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google or any other social media platform. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Making A Difference And #MotivatingMonday Link-Up

How often have we wished that the world was different or even one aspect of it?  But the vastness of the problem makes us want to crawl into a hole, rather than face the perplexity of the issue.  How much, really, can one person accomplish anyway? Especially when we don't have hours, days and months to devote to a certain cause.  That's where we need to stop and re-wire our thinking!  We can make a difference in our own little space.  

If you haven't noticed this phenomenon, try this.  Help someone, really help them, no strings attached.  You will notice that in the process your own world is made better, brighter and fuller!  It's never the same outcome though.  One time you might learn something totally unexpected.  The next time you might gain a friendship never otherwise obtained.  You may even gain fame or fortune.  But remember, that's not the point!  If done with ulterior motive, it doesn't work.  

I started blogging after I decided to create a blog to help some women in my church group keep updated on cultural activities we participated in.  Not everyone could make it every single time, but they could read about it.  I found that I enjoyed doing it and it snowballed from there.  Now my blogging is out of control, according to some in my circles, but it's something I love to do!  I honestly don't believe I would have started blogging if I hadn't wanted to be helpful at that time. (No strings attached!)

A journalist once questioned Mother Teresa of Calcutta about her hopeless task of rescuing the destitute in that city. He said that, statistically speaking, she was accomplishing absolutely nothing. This remarkable little woman shot back that her work was about love, not statistics. Notwithstanding the staggering number beyond her reach, she said she could keep the commandment to love God and her neighbor by serving those within her reach with whatever resources she had. “What we do is nothing but a drop in the ocean,” she would say on another occasion. “But if we didn’t do it, the ocean would be one drop less than what it is! 
Have you noticed a greater abundance after you have helped someone unconditionally?  

 Today is Motivating Monday!  We all need a little motivation!  I, for one, love to explore other sites for motivating posts, tips, pictures and videos!  If I happen to find yours, I'll link it up and let you know!  It's like being featured!  Sometimes I miss some amazing posts.  So, in addition, if you'd like to link up yourself, you can do that too!  I'll visit your site, comment, promote and publicize! Don't be shy--I'm really very supportive!  Remember, any link to your posts helps your blog numbers increase!  Have a great week!