::Created for More:: Turning 37 with #MyJaSummerStyle

::Momma Disclosure:: This is a sponsored post in collaboration with James Avery, all opinions expressed are my own. 

I turned 37 last month. And, in celebration of my birthday and my partnership with James Avery, I’m taking some time to reflect on this new year of life... and the opportunities it will bring to improve and grow. No need to be sad or feel regret, life is about living and learning and growing older...and hopefully wiser. 

There are so many lessons that I’ve learned over the years. Good, bad. Sometimes sad, life-changing and traumatic. So many experiences and people who have helped me and supported me along the way. Most importantly my family. And, in 37 years all I can say and think of is... I was created for more. More than just being a Momma or a professional.

Along the way, I’ve made many mistakes. Encountered so many problems and obstacles. Been faced with many issues. Some of which I’ve come out victorious and some of which I’ve failed at. I'm human. Not perfect. I say that all the time. I have many faults and make mistakes. Not everyone likes me. I’ve learned to live with this. Such is life. 

And, even though some days are tough and my confidence dwindles or I feel unworthy... there are always those moments, those people and certain words that remind me that I truly was created for more. If there is anything I’ve learned is that to make an impact you don’t have to be the smartest, the prettiest or even the most perfect. You just have to be human and care about others.

I am loving my partnership with James Avery and their customizable pieces which constantly remind me of my purpose and that I was created for more! I know that in order to achieve this I, at times, need to slow down, take a deep breath and be reminded of what my true purpose is and how I will achieve my goals.

Year 37, I’ve embraced you and I’m ready for the road that lies ahead. I don't know what it will bring but so far life has not let me down...

No matter what is going on around me, I am choosing to re-think, re-evaluate and re-do those things I know I can do better.

What about you, how are you embracing your purpose and what you were created for? James Avery can help you express this through all of the perfect and uniquely crafted items.

::GIVEAWAY:: Do you want to win a James Avery gift card? You still have until July 30 to enter to win! Post your favorite way to wear their jewelry and use the hashtag #myjasummerstyle 

Staying Positive in a Negative World :: Guest Blogger from Houston Latina Bloggers::

::GUEST MOMMA BLOGGER TODAY::

Staying Positive in a Negative World by Erica Martinez

I am a mother of three beautiful children. Every day I see more and more negativity take place in the world around us. Growing up I remember as a kid I just worried about my favorite cartoons that I was going to watch on Saturday afternoon and staying up a little late because it was the weekend. These days our children go through so many more advanced issues that we never even had to deal with until adults. 

With technology becoming and being such a huge part of our everyday lives, it is important to keep a positive outlook on the world around us. Who we associate with and what we allow into our space has a great impact on how we handle everyday issues. 

Let’s be real…staying positive can definitely be a true task for some of us when so much negativity is surrounding us on a daily basis. Whether it is an unhappy customer, family issues, illness or death, a failed relationship, we all can relate to having some type of negativity we deal with daily. We hear of so many sad stories and real-life events that take an emotional toll on us and sometimes staying positive can be very hard.  

Let’s look at some ideas on how to stay on that positive vibe:

Keep positive friends around!

Keeping friends who are upbeat and positive will keep your mind focused. You will be able to have your own circle of greatness and positivity surrounding you to help you stay in the right mindset. Don’t ever underestimate a good girl’s night out- whether that is a movie night and popcorn or a dinner at your local favorite diner. Keeping good vibes around is the best thing in town!

Find your happy place!

Do you have that favorite spot you just like to be when things get out of control? That is what I call your “Happy Place.” It’s a place that helps you unwind and relax when things are just a bit too much! Keeping a happy place is one of the best assets to keeping negativity out of your mind and heart. 

Make time for you!

I know this one is always hard for me. Being a mom to three children and running so many projects, my main priority is always taking care of everyone else. Yes, of course, we still need to do our motherly duties, but I think we forget that we are important too! Take time for yourself. Take a nice relaxing bath, go to the movies, shop a little. (In moderation of course! Then we will be worried about what we bought!) We need to always understand we matter too!

Cut out Negativity

This is also a bad habit to break because it pertains to so many things. This could be eliminating negative people, gossip, and just anything that is not released into this world in a positive way. I know lately, turning on the television brings instant negativity. I’m not sure why we can’t hear about all the good things that happen in and around Houston? But, it does seem that we only hear about the bad things happening which can have a huge negative impact. I personally stop watching the news. It was just a bit much for me and it has helped. Figure out where your negativity is in your life and release it! Believe me, you will feel so much better when you do!

Staying positive can help you feel great and express greatness in the world. Smiling at those around you, showing kindness to those around you and encouraging and sharing the positive vibes will make impacts on everyone you meet. Bringing kindness and positivity into the world begins in our home. I make it a point to show my children to be kind and treat those around us with respect. It all begins with you and you can make that change in the world.

My name is Erica Martinez. I am a mother to two children and one future stepson... so really 3 beautiful children. I am a writer and event planner. I own my own company Socially Elevated. I love making new friends and being a part of a group of strong women!

IG: @tx_southerngirl 

affiliate link for Momma of Dos-  TARGET

::Latina Home Party:: Open to TEXAS & COLORADO #ad #LatinaHomeParty

::Momma Disclosure:: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with Latina Home Party and DiMe Media. All opinions expressed are my own.

After a long week at work sometimes this Momma needs a good relaxing drink! How fun would it be to host your own event where all Momma's could just sit back relax and enjoy a refreshing Summer drink? Latina Home Party is offering just that! Learn more about this fun opportunity and sign-up today. It's open to all Latinas in Texas and Colorado but it ends SOON so sign up today!

We’re excited to share the first event of Latina Home Party and tell you how you too can be a part of the party! The launch of Latina Home Party will feature Palm Breeze. Palm Breeze is a sparkling alcoholic spritz, all hosts that apply must be 21+. The best thing about this opportunity is that it’s FREE!

Latina Home Party is looking to sign up hosts living in Texas and Colorado, if you fit this demographic, sign up to host a Palm Breeze party HERE. Confirmed hosts will receive the follow home party products to share with friends and family at their own home party:

• $25 Gift Card
• 15 Palm Breeze Lip Balm
• 20 Drink Umbrellas
• 2 Flower Garland (for party decorations)
• 15 Leis
• 1 Info Card for Host
• 2 Framed table card (for party decorations)
• 15 Palm Breeze sunglasses
• 3 Palm Breeze Beach Balls (for party decorations)

What an awesome party pack! Host a movie night with your friends, share with your book club, or just a casual get together will turn into a great night with the Latina Home Party, Palm Breeze party box.

Make sure to sign up soon as registration closes at 11:59pm EST on Thursday, June 29th.

SIGN UP HERE: http://www.latinahomeparty.com/host-a-party/?projectid=90

What is Latina Home Party? Latina Home Party provides you exclusive access to new products and services to try at home with your friends and family. We provide you with the fun, you provide the location and the atmosphere! Latina Home Party is a community of collaborative marketing by Hispanic women. Here you have the opportunity to participate in marketing activities from your favorite products and be able to collaborate with your favorite brands. You learn about new products just to be launched to market at the convenience of your own home (try them for free) and influence with your opinion some of the best known companies in the world.

::M Live! The Expo About Modern Midlife:: JOIN US THIS WEEKEND

::Momma Disclosure:: This is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own and true. 

Register for free online with code: MOMMAOFDOS

Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/m-live-the-expo-about-modern-midlife-tickets-28532414219

::DESCRIPTION::

When it comes to menopause, we all get there at different times, with different circumstances, for different reasons, and at different times in our lives. There's not one thing about menopause that's the same for any one of us—but we all arrive at that place, that intersection, at some point or another.

But, midlife is about infinitely more than menopause. And while menopause plays a role, it's not the be-all, end-all of midlife.

Did You Know?

51% of all women are in menopause, but not every woman in midlife has gone through menopause. As women, menopause and midlife are as inevitable as death and taxes. We are the forgotten women. When we are girls and mothers of girls, we are told how to handle puberty, but who helps us how to handle when we go OUT of puberty?


Welcome to M Live!

M Live! is THE Expo about modern midlife - focused on empowering women and providing resources, support, education, entertainment, and opportunities that they can’t find anywhere else. This isn’t your momma’s midlife, this is modern midlife personified.

M Live!—brought to you by Intersection M—features speakers that specialize in integrative and traditional medicine, gynecologists that specialize in menopause and fitness and nutrition experts to provide tips on whole body health and most importantly the opportunity to have your questions answered by a panel of health practitioners that have your best interest in mind. Need motivation? We have speakers for that too! Want to understand finances? We have you covered. Our speaker on finance in midlife will have you set for retirement.

Meet Us At The Intersection!

Being held at the Health Museum in Houston, the day will be filled with information, education, laughter, sisterhood, botox, fillers, advice, questions and answers, vendors who sell fantastic things, a yummy lunch, snacks, giveaways and contests!

It's going to rock your midlife!

We are going to be bringing it, and we want the same from YOU!

Midlife today is what you make it, let's celebrate it together!

FAQs
What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
The best way to get the event is via car or you can always Uber! Parking is free at the Museum, surrounding streets and at the McGovern Gardens across the street.
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
You can contact Lee at lee@intersection-m.com or Faith at faith@intersection-m.com.
What's the refund policy?
We would be happy to refund up to 10 days before the event. Unfortunately, we can't refund after that!

WEBSITE: https://intersection-m.com/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/intersectionm/ 

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/modernmidlife

::Wine Styles Houston with Houston Latina Bloggers::

::Momma Disclosure:: This is a sponsored post. All content is my true and honest opinion.

Are you looking for a great place to host your next company event, meeting or just gather with friends? I had never been to a wine tasting so when we were invited to visit Wine Styles for one of our administrative meetings with Houston Latina Bloggers, I was excited!

As a Momma who works outside the home I know that many daily business interactions are conducted over lunch or dinner. Some time those meetings are very high profile, professional meetings and with very important clients, vendors or organization members who like to have a nice dinner and drink wine. One thing I like to be is well educated in dining etiquetes. You just never know when you will need it. Which is why the Wine Styles experience was very unique and relevant for many occasions.

We received a small tour of the location which is very business conducive if needed, and relaxing for entertainment purposes. I loved the learning aspects of it as well. Our hostess, Crystal Ybarra was great, and so knowledgeable. She not only taught us about the different wines and what foods they are paired with she also taught us of the different senses used when drinking wine. I felt very comfortable learning about the wines and what to look for when tasting and smelling them.

And, if wine is not your favorite drink, they also have events with craft and specialty beers, their next event is December 16th!

Visit their page for more:

Wine Styles Houston is located near 249 on Louetta Rd.  in Vintage Park; 

http://www.winestyleshouston.com/

::Fall in Love with Colonial Antigua, Guatemala:: Leslie~Guest Houston Latina Blogger

**This is a guest post provided by a fellow Houston Latina Blogger**

FALL IN LOVE WITH COLONIAL ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA

By Leslie of Life with Salsa

Our Guatemalan adventure took us from Guatemala City, to Solola, to Jutiapa, back to Guatemala City, to the jungles of Tikal and now we were finally heading to my favorite place, La Antigua Guatemala!

FALL IN LOVE

While everyone we met along the way kept trying to tell my husband that he wouldn’t like Antigua as much as the rest of the places we visited. I didn’t care what they said, I fell in love with the city since the first time I went there with my mother years ago. Well obviously they don’t know my husband either because he fell hard in love with it, so much he wants to move there.

It’s really hard not to get attached to this adorable city filled with so much history. It’s a tourist destination, people from all parts of the world want to experience Antigua and some of them stay. Other like my husband start his plan on how he can go and stay forever.

Antigua is a gorgeous Spanish colonial city that has kept its charm by only allowing to build and restore in the same style over the years. Similar to the rules of the French Quarters in New Orléans. The architecture is not the only thing you will love. Its history is never-ending and around every corner.

HISTORY

Antigua Guatemala translates to Ancient Guatemala. I believe its translation was because what is now Guatemala or Guatemala City was not there. The Kingdom of Guatemala began in other parts and its third was Antigua.

I was always told that Antigua was the prior capital of Guatemala before a major earthquake forced its survivors to move to now Guatemala City. I decided to do research and Ciudad Vieja in Antigua was one of the places that the capital once was. The Volcano of Water or Volcan de Agua erupted and destroyed it. Then they rebuilt still close to Antigua, then an earthquake destroyed the city again.

THE STRUCTURES

The city is filled with old ruins structures of churches, convents and monasteries. You will walk by a beautiful home or hotel and next door is the structure of this ancient building. It’s breathtaking!

The Palace or what is called the Captain General’s Palace is in the center of the city. We walked by it, went it and gawked at it in the morning and at night. You can’t help but try to imagine all the stories and what the walls have seen throughout the years.

Across the street is City Hall which is just as majestic. We sat in central park or la plaza one night and there was a very interactive celebration that started at city hall, went through the park and ended at the Captain General’s Palace.

San José Church is right next to City Hall. Beautiful and always being photographed. The best photographs to me were at night. It has an interesting feel watching it from the central park lit up.

Convento de Santa Clara was the first ruin that I took hubby to, and he was caught off guard. I had told him all about my love for this city and the ruins of all the structures but I don’t think he had really imagined it.

Casa Santo Domingo is now a luxury hotel but it was once ruins. You can enter the hotel and walk around and see what is left of the structure. Worth to stop by and see one of the places I want to get married in.

La Merced Church is bright yellow and has its own charm. Plus there are a lot of street food vendors in that park if you get lucky. About a block away is the Arc of Santa Catalina. Very popular, hard to get a photograph without a ton of people in it.

Church of Las Capuchinas I have to say was one of my favorites. It felt eerie and welcoming at the same time, if that makes sense. I think it’s the essence of how old it is that made me feel that way. The chapel is so romantic and I was told they hold weddings there.

San Francisco Church is pretty big and sits on a large piece of property. It’s one of the older churches and it is being restored. There are a lot of vendors on the property and food vendors. Apparently since it is private property they can sell there.

There are so many more ruins and you can tour several of them but we couldn’t make it to all of them. We took our time with the ones that we went to see. There is too much to see and read plus you pay to tour so you don’t want to just run through them. Just another reason to return.

CLEAN & SAFE

No matter what you see or hear about the dangers of traveling abroad, I can honestly say we felt so safe walking this city, even late at night in Antigua. There are cops patrolling and from what I was told from locals is that they also have tourist police. Which makes sense since their economy is largely based on tourism they don’t want crime to scare us away.

I remember my other visits and don’t remember Antigua ever ugly but this time it was more pristine. Everything was so clean, no graffiti or trash on the streets. I didn’t even see stray dogs, which you see in several parts of Guatemala.

I talked to several expats that we met during our stay. We are not particularly shy especially when we have things in common with people. They explained that the Mayor of Antigua was doing a great job at keeping the city clean and tourists happy. If you go to any touristic area in Guatemala, you can’t hide, THEY know you’re a tourist, you get attacked by the street vendors. This did not happen in Antigua. In fact it was rare that you saw any. Unless you were in private property like a church courtyard or if the church had a park. This allows you as a tourist to actually see the city and not be fighting off sales people. If you’re like me and want arroz con leche for breakfast you end up walking half the city to find it at a church park. So delicious, it was worth the walk and the 5Quetzales, which is 65 cents!

I did find that a lot of the restaurants in the heart of Antigua although good, catered more to tourists and you paid the same for a meal as you would here at home.

So we ventured off to eat elsewhere. We were also still full from all the food we ate throughout our Guatemalan adventure. We really stuck to snacking. Whenever I saw a street vendor making a doblada or a pupusa that was my meal. Hubby was happy to get his fruit with chile.  Our hotel was close to central park so we walked to a panaderia (bakery) and got local sweet bread and juice for breakfast.

FAVORITE

Our favorite thing of Antigua Guatemala? We stayed next door to an ice cream place on my list, recommended by Tripadvisor. It’s a small place called Sobremesa, the owner also has a restaurant around the corner with the same name and offers the ice cream there too. You HAVE to try it, several flavors of ice creams made with real ingredients. I want to say we tried six each in the few days we were there. Clearly we became obsessed!

If you’re heading to Guatemala make sure Antigua is on your list and take me with you!

::The Power of Vulnerability:: Ana~Guest Houston Latina Blogger

**This is a guest post provided by a fellow Houston Latina Blogger**

Post by Ana of Power to Prevail

The Power of Vulnerability

A year into my project and I have learned that my greatest successes have come from sharing my biggest failures and scariest vulnerabilities. It has been in these moments I’ve discovered how much we all long to know that we are not alone in our struggles. While we all know that life is full of ups and downs it is in our downs that we begin to compare ourselves to others the most. Partially because we are seeking help and guidance but ultimately get embarrassed and keep it to ourselves while everyone seemingly has their act together. Since we only tend to share the positive moments in our lives it feels like an even darker shadow gets cast on our failures because it looks like no one else is failing but us.

I began PowerToPrevail to contribute my voice to the body positive conversation. It struck me that mothers were not nearly represented as much as I felt they should be. Women are bombarded with images of perfection and that’s a struggle in and of itself. Mothers deal with additional pressure of somehow returning to that same unrealistic body after an extremely miraculous event which almost guarantees the opposite will happen. As your story unfolds so does your new reality which doesn’t always reflect what we’ve been told. Ending up with stretch marks, scars, and loose skin we are told is the worst thing that could happen. We get sold on lotions, exercises, surgeries that will “guarantee” to fix all of that. So we end up feeling broken after delivering what is supposed to be one of the greatest gifts known to mankind.

So we hide that away from the world. We cover up our bodies out of a strange obligation to not upset others with the site of our bodies. Shorts and tank top becomes the standard issued mom bathing suit. I know I’m the only one who thought at one point that I should carry around a card to hand to people explaining that I am a mom of 2 amazing kids or that I do workout for all the races I’ve completed or that I have polycystic ovarian syndrome and my hormones are out of control or that I had to have major surgery to save my unborn daughter’s life that left a giant scar on my tummy or that I apologize for having subjected them to my many flaws OR… maybe I’m not the only one. Isn’t it scary how a complete stranger can articulate your own very emotions as if they’re reading your mind? I’m not reading your mind, I am sharing my humanity with you.  

So this is me:

Shocking right? Why would I have a smile on my face with my body looking like THAT? Aren’t I supposed to be covering up and dressing to hide as much as possible? Shouldn’t I be wedging myself into a body contouring corset or at the very least saving up for plastic surgery? I mean I am showing all those things that are the very things we have been told to fear and loathe our whole lives. Shouldn’t I be sharing all the ways I should be working on “fixing” my appearance? My answer is No. I decided to create my own definition and change the conversation. I am a person, not a body. I am a survivor, not a scar. I am a mother, not a stretch mark. I am a woman, not a curve.

I’ve have woman after woman tell me that they were so thankful to FINALLY see another body that looks exactly like theirs. I honestly thought I was only me walking around with this kind of body. Turns out that I am far from alone. But how can that be? Haven’t we all been convinced that the only body is the “perfect” one we see in magazines or the ones we’re working hard to achieve?

I don’t know at what point it became our burden to remind each other that we are all human. That we have all been through and are currently going through things.  That the reflections of moments in our lives are sometimes on our bodies. That we are not obligated or responsible to explain that to anyone. That the standards we have been subjected to are biased and baseless because it is impossible and insanely boring for 7 billion people to look exactly the same. The emphasis on the body is a distraction from what truly matters. That we have the power to define ourselves.

I once believed that my body was my greatest weakness and it made be vulernable. I thought the best thing I could do for myself was hide all of that so no one could hurt me but I was only keeping myself in the dark. I took one moment when I felt weak and shared that with the world anyway and instead of hearing criticisms I have been hearing nothing but sighs of relief. We must relearn to celebrate all of our successes and failures because it all means that we are alive and determined to keep going. This doesn’t have to be a lonely road. We’re all in this together. By raising each other up, we ourselves are also raised. I am not afraid to show my failures for surely success will eventually follow but the path to get there must not be taken for granted.  

::5 Biggest Habits of Happy People:: Martha~ Guest Houston Latina Blogger

**This is a guest post provided by a fellow Houston Latina Blogger**

   

Post by Martha of Lifetime of Bliss: 

With today’s fast paced world I believe it’s so easy to focus on chasing happiness rather than acknowledging the fact that you can experience happiness at this very moment. Today I wanted to share with you five habits of happy people. This is based on research and my own findings. 

Simple yet effective! Enjoy!

Practice gratitude

When we take time on a consistent basis to reflect on the things that we are grateful for it is impossible to feel sadness or depression. Take notice of the little things in life that we all take for granted from time to time. Getting outside of your environment and visiting a poverty-stricken country or a local homeless shelter in your area can really put things into perspective. Writing down a few things you’re grateful for or sharing them with a close friend or family member can heighten the level of gratitude you may experience.

Live in the present

When I think about the times I’ve felt unhappy it doesn’t take long for me to discover that many of the negative feelings were brought upon due to me focusing on something that either was in the past or hadn’t even happened yet.  Being mindful of the here and now is crucial. The past is gone, leave it behind  and the future has not yet come. Focus your attention on where you are right now, that is the only moment that matters.

 Give Back 

This is a very important one guys. Ultimate happiness depends on whether you focus your energy on more than your very own happiness but that you reach out and give a helping hand. I’ve heard countless stories from people around the world sharing the fact that when they were in a bad place in their lives and they helped someone in need their sadness, depression, anxiety, etc. went away and then they felt happiness. They felt they had a purpose, a reason to live other than their own survival.

Embrace and love who you are 

Loving oneself can be a challenge. We might have grown up in a hostile environment with little or no loving support. I truly believe each and every one of us is equipped with everything we would need to live an extraordinary life. There is nothing that you are lacking. You are beautifully made in God’s image. Learning to love yourself in a healthy way not narcissistic is necessary to feel happy. When you truly love the being you are, your light will shine onto others and you will be capable of so much more.

Build meaningful relationships

As humans we yearn for human connection, recently I read an article that proved in a survey that if someone claims to have 5 or more friends with whom they can discuss important problems with they are 60% more likely to say they feel “very happy.” This past weekend I watched the documentary, Happy. (Watch the trailer here!) One of the main takeaways I had from the film was the importance of community and relationships. The film showed twenty families living under one roof in Denmark. Cohousing as they call it is a community of private homes grouped together. I loved this idea! Families there built lasting and beautiful relationships. For this reason and more Denmark is actually considered the happiest country in the world.  

Above all, remember that happiness is a choice! Whatever you choose to put your energy into will expand. Choose to focus on the goodness in your life and you will be happy. 

Wishing you tons of love, success and a lifetime of bliss!

Martha is a self-help enthusiast. Her passion for personal development began a few years ago. Currently she works full time as a bridal consultant while working on becoming a life coach. Her vision is to be able to empower and help people realize the potential that lies within them.  http://www.lifetimeofbliss.com

::My Bathroom Scale Broke:: Coppelia~Guest Houston Latina Blogger

**This is a guest post provided by a fellow Houston Latina Blogger**

"My Bathroom Scale Broke" 

by Coppelia Marie, Author, Blogger, Speaker and TV Personality. She's a puertorrican living in Texas, laughing through life and sharing stories with a little latina flavor at www.CoppeliaMarie.com

I left home for a few days to visit family in Dallas and when I came back, I was wondering how much damage I did eating out ... eating birthday cake ... eating chocolate mint Kit Kats and other goodies that my brother brought from Japan!

... And when I stepped on the scale, it was like a fairy godmother had touched it with her wand!!!

I normally weigh close to 150, but the scale said 110!!!

I hadn't stepped on a scale and seen that number since I was in high school! (Honestly, back then, it was more like 115, but STILL!)

LOL!!!

Of course, there are no fairy godmothers (as much as I wish they existed. Especially the bathroom scale kind.) This can only mean one thing. My bathroom scale broke.

Awww, man!

I've spent the last few days sort of joking that I wish the scale was true! And tonight, when I joked about that after dinner (which happened to include chips and queso), my 10 year old son heard me and had a very curious reply. 

He said:

"Mom, that should be the title of your next book. "I Wish the Scale Was True." And the book should be about how you stepped on the scale and you really liked the number, but you were sad that it was only because the scale was broken. But then, you work really hard to make that number come true."

What a concept.

I can actually work to make the number I wish I saw on the scale come true!

Wait, can we actually make our dreams come true without fairy godmothers???

For years I have read many books, blogs, articles and emails; seen TV shows and infomercials, heard radio shows and podcasts that all say YES! Yes, you can make your weight-loss dreams come true. You just have to CHANGE.

Dang it. I was still hoping one of those books or TV shows would have a fairy godmother that I could wish for and she'd appear.

But here's the thing: I WANT to lose weight. I really, really, really WANT to. But I don't want to change.

I don't want to have to meal plan and buy groceries and cook. (GASP!) I admitted it.

I love the idea of healthy eating, but I seldom do it (every now and then I actually attempt meal planning and grocery buying and (gasp) cooking, and I find it's really not that hard. And I feel better physically and emotionally (because I know I'm doing the right thing.) 

But then, I'm not 100% sure why, other than "bad habits die hard," but I go back to the Starbucks drive-thru the next morning, have Chick-fil-A for lunch and get a Chili's email coupon that's such a great deal it convinces me to go out for dinner.

I'm a super Dave Ramsey fan and I've heard his money advice enough times to know that, not only is eating out all the time bad for my health, it's also bad for my budget.

So CHANGE is a no-brainer, right? DUH! Why am I not CHANGING overnight to a healthy-eating, meal-planning, money-saving person?

Because there are no fairy godmothers.

I can't wish myself into a new person.

But I can dream. And if "a dream is a wish the heart makes" (yes, I'm a Disney girl!) And "the dreams that you wish will come true," ... then I'm going to keep dreaming about that magical number on the scale actually being the reality when I wake up and not just a dream.

And as I dance between dreamland and reality, I'll keep reading those books and blogs (like 100 Days of Real Food), watching those TV shows (like NBC's Biggest Loser) and listening to those podcasts (like Jillian Michaels and Dave Ramsey) that, in true fairy godmother form, remind me every day of my dream ... and give me the little sprinkles of pixie dust that inspire me to live out my dream.

Dreaming ... and excited about what I'll see on the scale when I wake up.

~Coppelia