Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Extra Hours: How Do I Utilize Them?

We are so lucky this year because today, due to the earth's rotation around the sun, we have 24 extra hours to accomplish something a little extra. Life, with it's surprises, changed my plans so I find myself headed to my accountant today. I had to move the appointment up but did they have to do it this week? We like our accountant, but hate what takes place. But I wont let that one appointment ruin my Leap Day!
 What about you? Do you consider these extra 24 hours a blessing or curse? How will you spend this day? Maybe you will take in an extra workout or you can say since this day only comes every four years you get a cheat day! Be sure to check websites of your favorite business because many companies are offering special offers for today. Mother Nature is dishing out some fierce weather for travel woes. Just be sure and make the best of your day.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Another Year and Birthdays

 I just had a birthday and another year has gone by without fail. We cannot stop time nor the aging process, but we can make them easier. The life we live and aging are a state of mind. Perception truly does create reality. I want to perceive the best I can in life and age without shame. I feel very fortunate that on my birthday I was able to do a vigorous workout and enjoy a cupcake for celebratory purposes. Take the best care you can of your body (you only get one), emulate Pollyanna and "play the glad game". Be present in every moment and steal five minutes to reflect daily.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Book Review

5 star review Barnes and Noble.
A Simple Act of Gratitude by John Kralik. The author writes about a low period in his life and how a simple decision to write one thank you note per day changed his life. I found this book inspirational and an easy read. The book gives further proof that reality is what is perceived and how just saying thank you and letting people know how much they mean to you can bring about a growth in relationships. It makes you realize how thankful we should be also in the lives we have and for our  health. Showing that taking care of your body will allow your body to take care of you. A simple act allowed the author a lifetime of growth. After reading this book maybe you too will resolve to write your thank you notes.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is a day of repentance and marks the beginning of Lent. People can make a decision to give up something important to them during Lent season. If anyone out there is like me, I am giving up something for Lent that I hope stays gone long after Lent. In my opinion Lent is a good time to throw away the guilty pleasures and make a new habit that may leave you for the better. I just feel like some things in life are not good practice. I've notices several people mention they will give up sweets during this time and I say goodwill to you. My birthday is Friday therefore I know no way would I try to give up sweets, but it may also be something to consider down the road, but I have my sights on bigger things this year. At the beginning of 2012 I declared this to be my year and so far it is and I continue to seize this year for all I can.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Mardi Gras!!!

It's Mardi Gras(Fat Tuesday) time to prepare and feast before we go into a time of fasting. Not everyone goes into a time of fasting, some of us just enjoy the feasting. Today you can enjoy some festivities with family and friends and enjoy long traditions and maybe a slice or two of king cake. When it comes to Mardi Gras you may notice a color scheme in which I explain below:

Purple Represents Justice. Green Represents FaithAnd Gold Represents Power. Be sure to use these colors in your Mardi Gras festivities today and maybe just throw them into your outfit for fun! Enjoy Mardi Gras! Until tomorrow, on Ash Wednesday.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

President's Day 2012



In honor of President's Day photo of Mount Rushmore. President's Day originated by fellow Americans desire to celebrate the birthday of the first President of the United States George Washington. In years to come another President, Abraham Lincoln, also shared a February birthday. Many stories have been passed how the third Monday in February is this celebrated holiday, but the important thing is we have the day and it is an important factor in our history. Take a moment today to reflect on our forefathers, what their goals may have been and how you may honor those goals and values in your life today.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Learning to Live


Are you living your best life? Have you reached your own expectations and beyond? I've read self help books, watched Oprah, try to keep an open mind and yet am still striving to become better. Over time we acquire several techniques that we can use to stay more balanced and become more focused. I have learned keeping a journal is truly life changing and very informative.
Have you noticed successful people use positive mantras and visualization to attain their goals and pull more positive energy into their direction? They seem to speak of making acts of kindness, love, and compassion a daily activity in life. In today's society I feel we need more people striving to become more, reaching out to be that better person your Mother always told you about when you were a child. We see and hear so much negative in our lives that I hope I am a bright ray of light shining for all of you. Together we can grow, learn, and become better caretakers of our fellow man. Peace and love be with you and as Ellen says at the end of her show, "Be kind to one another."

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

John Kennedy Elusive Hero by Chris Matthews

I just finished Chris Matthews book about JFK and found the read to be informative, historical, and inspiring all in one. This book reminded me why I have long been drawn to politics and politicians and how people are still fighting the fights they believe in today. I was reading this book while Mimi Alford was being interviewed for her new book concerning former President Kennedy. I have no interest in tabloid fodder and that is my only opinion of that topic.
In Chris Matthews book he gives us many views of this man who was taken at an early age. He gives us a peek into his school years, military service, celebrations, and tragedies. It will take you inside his presidential campaign, presidency while showing you a glimpse of the man, husband and friend. Make no mistake Matthews does not make the former president an angel on any account, but I feel this book is worth the read no matter your political affiliation because it gives you a look at history and how some things came to be and some of the wars fought and won by Americans as a whole.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentines Day!

Valentines Day gift


Happy Valentines Day!! Hope everyone has a day full of love, happiness, and blessings. Did you know you can have more than one Valentine?! What? Why of course you can, it can be a significant other, best friend that is always there for you, even your Grandmother! That's right, you heard me! Today is celebrating love and it's a great time to show someone that loves and cares for you how much meaning they have in your lives.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Gratitude

Such a simple word that can bring feelings of goodwill and boomerang a host of positive encounters. Each and every day for many things we should feel grateful. Do you feel grateful that you are able to read a blog on the internet? Well, you should! It is a known fact that those who keep gratitude journals experience increased happiness and bring into their lives more fortunate events. It has been suggested that when you wake in the morning one should take a deep breath and think of things you are grateful. When you focus on the positive things in your life it gravitates more positive that you want to come into your life. We all know that we can make or break our day with a mental feeling of well being. Today I am so blessed and grateful for so many things I will not bore you with reading them, but you too, I am certain have many people and things to feel gratitude toward.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Snow? What Snow, Mother Nature?

Mother Nature must be playing a joke, right?















Mother Nature must really be upset with us here in New Jersey because according to the calendar it's February and as you can see we can't get snow to stick. I was excited to think we may get a nice blanket of white in the overnight hours only to awaken to this sight. I had an idea with the forecast in the evening that our chances were not looking good and unfortunately the weather man was right. I'm sure there's some kids, skiers, and fellow snow lovers out there sharing my pain. At least the temperature is cooling down so it does feel like winter outside. Maybe I will just  go on Pinterest later today and look at other areas that have snow. Oh well, winter is not over yet so I still have the opportunity to enjoy "The Big One".

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Dinner and a Movie, yes please!

I have been to several cinema locations in my time so I've seen quite a bit as far as offerings. Just when I thought I'd seen everything the AMC theater location at Menlo Park Mall in Edison, NJ took me by surprise. I've been to theaters where alcoholic beverages, sandwiches, and a variety of health snacks were offered, but not before did I have a waiter! We bought our tickets and a friend asked where the concession  stand was located and we were informed we could order once we got in the movie. My first thought was ok this should be interesting. We get in the movie and 3 employees are standing there and we ask for help finding our seats, a young man steps forward to tell us he will be our waiter this evening and will show us the way. The seats are leather, large and cushy with a tray. Condiments are available at the end seat of your row. The menu with cloth napkins are located on your tray/table. You could have about any drink alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Appetizers, Sandwiches, Chicken Quesadillas, Waffles Sundaes, Popcorn and all the candy were in the offerings.The best part was your seat had a call button. We enjoyed some great snacks and a terrific movie. Man on a Ledge was the movie by the way. It was a nice experience and I'm sure we will catch a few more showings there in the future.

Monday, February 6, 2012

New York!!!

For those of you following my tweets and Facebook postings you already know that I went into the city yesterday. It was a beautiful day to go with lots of sun and no snow on the ground. We got up and went to the train station to be on our way. The only mistake I feel we made was we didn't dress warm enough. Jeff nor I wore gloves or a hat therefore our heads and hands were just a tad cold. We arrived at Penn Station without a clue as to what we wanted to really see or do. We just took off walking, and it didn't take long to see we were headed right for Times Square. We hopped on a sightseeing bus and I feel it was worth the money because we were able to see China Town, Little Italy, Greenwich Village, Canal Street, Wall Street, and much more while we were seated and a guide telling us a little about the sights we were seeing. The nice thing with the bus is you can take in several things while getting  off and on as you need.   My three favorite things of the day were: The Empire State Building, The Bull on Wall Street, and of course Macys! Anyone that knows me knows my love for Macys. The New York location resides on a city block and has 9 floors, several restaurants (including McDonalds), along with a few Starbucks. It was heaven on earth for me. We have decided to go into the city a few more times because we didn't do and see all we wanted in one day. But have no fear, when I do, I'll share all my gossip with you!

Friday, February 3, 2012

Go Red!!!

It's a beautiful day in February, it's National Go Red Day! Today we wear red across the nation to bring awareness to women about heart disease. I love this because I sometimes feel that pink and breast cancer have flooded the markets to the point that women think if they take care of the tah tahs all is covered. As women we must be diligent in our health and welfare. After all, women are the caretakers of the family. Find a family physician that you feel comfortable with, make healthy choices, and get moving! Yes, you heard me try to do some physical activity everyday. Don't ignore the warning signs your body is telling you. If you are experiencing a new symptom don't be afraid to discuss it with your healthcare provider. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Where are you now?

Today begins February...ahhh my favorite month for two reasons: Valentines Day and my Birthday! Also when we start a new month it should be a time to reflect where we are going and if we are on schedule with the goals we have set. January is gone and I am hoping your resolution(s) are not gone too. If you have been leaving some things by the wayside please reconsider them today. The way I see it is if it was important enough for you to consider, then you should not quit. Get back on the horse today and see the number 1 on the calendar as a fresh start. I may not talk about exercising as much as I have previously, but I am still working out on a daily basis. My page and blog are projects that I wanted to see take off the ground and I am doing those also. Everything we visualize is something we should bring into reality. We should never stop dreaming or trying to reach goals. Practicing these habits is what allows us to grow as human beings. Life’s up and downs provide windows of opportunity to determine your values and goals. Think of using all obstacles as stepping stones to build the life you want.        
Marsha Sinetar