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Runny Nose and All
Published on 2012-05-15 15:33:00
So it's concession time here and I hope I'm not alone in this malady that plagues me daily! Here goes nothing: my nose runs when I workout. I'm not talking just a little drip but a bonafide river coming from my nose type of thing.The other day I did a burpee and had the inevitable river running rampant! During the next burpee, I wiped out! I pretended it was from all the sweat pouring from my body but, the likely culprit was probably my river of snot! Seriously, it is THAT bad!I carry tiss [..] > read more
Just Call Me Coach!
Published on 2012-05-09 16:53:00
My past P.E. teachers would never in a million years believe that I have added a new title to my resume! I am now a Coach! Eeek! I will join the Coaching staff for the Girls on the Run fall session! I will be teaching girls about self esteem while training them to run a 5k.I never was very athletic in school. I was a dancer and singer and an actor but never an athlete. In fact, I considered myself to be overweight as a result of the uber skinny, popular girls. In hindsight, I realize that [..] > read more
52.8
Published on 2012-05-02 11:04:00
No, that is not the number of miles that I run in a week but it is the number of pounds that I have lost in 11 months! The weight is coming off much slower now that I am within 10 pounds of my final goal but I am still pushing forward!I get lots of questions about how I did it and where to start and my answers are always the same! First, see your doctor for a complete physical to make sure your body is ready. Second, start eating better! I go by the 90/10 rule. I eat perfect 90% of the time [..] > read more
A Lesson in Loss
Published on 2012-04-23 18:55:00
Today we had to put our beloved beagle, Boscoe, to sleep. I knew it would come sooner or later after his kidney failure diagnosis two weeks ago but I really thought we would have more time than we did!He stopped eating Saturday night and I knew that my food loving dog was really not feeling good! He did nothing but sleep and drink gallons of water and ring the bells to go outside to do his business. He was not the fun loving beagle that we loved and I knew I had to do what was best for him.The [..] > read more
So Close Yet So Far
Published on 2012-03-27 19:48:00
Weight loss is never easy. We all know that very well! I am close to the finish line, however, so I keep plugging right along! I have lost 50 pounds so far and only have 13 to go to hit my goal!I am in a single digit size for the first time since Jr. High and I am healthy! I love it when the Knight tells me that my athletic legs and small booty look good! The biggest motivator, however, is the effect that is has had on the Diva! Just today, while we were out and about, she asked to go to M [..] > read more
Truth
Published on 2012-03-06 17:08:00
So the truth of the matter is I have hit a small plateau in my weight loss journey! Last week I only lost .4 of a pound from the previous two weeks! I am in the home stretch so I know that I need to kick it into high gear to keep the losses coming! Running, cycling, kickboxing, step and strength training are all a part of my normal weekly routine and I just keep plugging away at it.Truth: when i started this journey last June, I was 217 pounds and size 16.Truth: I now weigh 170 and just bou [..] > read more
Taking The Next Step
Published on 2012-02-11 20:44:00
I am always asking myself; what's next? Where do I go from here? How can I help others get what I have? Lately the answer has been loud and clear! Become a personal trainer!! What?!? You heard right! I have studied the human body and the effects of diet and exercise since 2003. Does that mean that I have always put what I have learned into practice?? That would be a resounding NO, but this time is very different from the rest!Always before, I was in it for me and only me. Granted, it st [..] > read more
I Am Melting!
Published on 2012-01-31 20:48:00
Maybe I am not melting but I am still losing weight! At today's weigh in, I was down another 4 pounds so I am 2 pounds away from another mini goal and 14 away from my final goal! I am excited by the thought that I could be at goal by my birthday, at the end of May, which is also my one year mark for my weight loss journey!I am not resting on my laurels! I am constantly tweaking my eating and my workout routines. Last week, I adding an early morning spin class to my schedule 3 mornings a week [..] > read more
Secrets of Success
Published on 2012-01-17 17:22:00
I watch Dr. Oz occasionally and today it was all about herbal diet supplements that promise quick weight loss for anyone willing to shell out the money! It makes me laugh when they claim that you need not change anything about the way you eat or workout! I also watched an infomercial for Sensa, you sprinkle it in your pizza, burger or fries and you lose weight!Please!!!!! I get so aggravated at these claims so I am going to tell you the secrets of my success! I am even going to divulge my s [..] > read more
Save on Prescriptions with Walgreens
Published on 2012-01-13 21:00:00
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine. Walgreens and Express Script have been unable to to come to an agreement to keep Walgreens as an Express Script provider, so what does that mean for customers? Many customers are having to switch pharmacies or drive farther just to fill their prescriptions! Do you fall into this category? To see if you are impacted check the back of your insurance card to see if Express Scripts [..] > read more
Happy New Year!
Published on 2011-12-31 22:53:00
I knocked one goal off of my 2012 list by running a 5 k today! I even shaved 9 minutes off my time! Yup, I beat myself!! It's all up from here!I hope that you all have a blessed new year! > read more
Where is Winter?
Published on 2011-12-29 15:30:00
It certainly is NOT in Central Illinois! Yes, we had 2 inches of snow earlier this week but today it is 50 degrees and not a cloud in the sky! I am loving it!Today was a rest day from running in preparation for my first (running) 5k this Saturday so the Diva and I went to the park for some much needed play! We walked to the park and played with new friends then walked home. I would say this is the perfect day but then I get to thinking: where is winter? What is in store next? Will the nex [..] > read more
Goals!
Published on 2011-12-27 18:56:00
This past July, I set a goal to run a 5k in 2012 and I am happy to say that I will beat that goal by one day! Yes, I have participated in a 2.5k and a 5k, however, due to my knee surgery I was only able to walk them! Saturday December 31,2011, I will ring in the new year running in the Frozen 5k with the Frozen Chosen team. I am nervous and excited all at the same time.My New Years resolution is to keep putting one foot in from of the other at a fairly quick pace! I want to add to my 40 poun [..] > read more
Success!
Published on 2011-12-20 10:28:00
Yesterday we traveled to Springfield for my heart procedure. I was nervous but OK for the most part! I had to check in by noon so we left home around 9:30 to allow us to find St. John's since we had never been there! We found it with no problem!Once there I went through check in and labs before being taken to another floor where the procedure would be done. Around 12:30 a nurse took me back to prep me which took about 45 minutes then the Knight got to come hang out with me until they took me [..] > read more
Looking for a New Phone? Try the LG DoublePlay
Published on 2011-12-18 22:00:00
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of LG DoublePlay™ for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine. The LG DoublePlay™ has everything that you are looking for in a phone! You start off with dual (yes I said dual) customizable screens that operate in tandem or separate! The full QWERTY keyboard and Swype make texting a breeze and you can update Facebook while surfing the web or texting (every multitaskers dream come true)! Add to that a 5 megapixel camera with a flash [..] > read more
I Am NOT The Biggest Loser!
Published on 2011-12-17 17:32:00
I did come in 13th out of the 85 remaining contestants that came to the final weigh in! My final weight loss for this 10 week challenge was 16.2 pounds for a total weight loss of 36.8 pounds! I am pretty happy right now!I still want to lose another 20 so I will continue with my diet and exercise and hopefully be at my goal weight by my birthday on May 31, 2012 when I turn 44!! The best feeling was having my body fat taken and being in the normal range for my age and weight!! That really made [..] > read more
Today is THE Day!
Published on 2011-07-04 11:50:00
Yes, I know it's the 4th of July but it is also the first day of the rest of my life and I decided to make it better in the long run! How? Well, I laced up my running shoes and programmed my iPhone with some great music, set the alarm for > read more
Bad Dog
Published on 2011-06-28 13:09:00
You know it's not gonna be good when you look out on the deck and see your dog covered in mud! All the rain yesterday gave Capone the perfect playground for his mischief making and he took full advantage. I turned my back to go get a towel so I cou > read more
The Perfect Summer Chick Flick
Published on 2011-06-26 04:01:00
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Monte Carlo for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine. If you are looking for that perfect girl movie then grab your girlfriends and your daughters and go see Monte Carlo. The movie opens > read more
No Computer
Published on 2011-06-20 17:55:00
Yes, I have a computer but I made a promise to myself that I would only be on when business warranted and NEVER on the weekend! So I have not turned my computer in since last Thursday and I am OK with that! I still check email and Facebook from my p > read more
Follow up
Published on 2011-06-16 17:13:00
So I finally got to see my doctor following my ER visit on the 5th. She is a GP so she just did the same old routine: take notes, listen to my heart and send me for labs! Oh, and schedule me for a 24 hour halter monitor! I am > read more
Today is a Work Day
Published on 2011-06-14 14:51:00
Most of my days are spent with the Diva out by the pool or playing at the park or going to lunch but today, I had to actually work! I had a wedding, a family shoot and a Diva shoot to edit and get off of my plate! Oh, and the house needed > read more
Store Brand Baby Formula Victorious in Court
Published on 2011-06-09 03:02:00
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of storebrandformula.com for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine. This week a U.S. Circuit Court upheld a $13.5 million false advertising claim against Enfamil maker Mead Johnson. The case > read more
My Trip To The ER
Published on 2011-06-06 13:08:00
I think I jinxed myself! Is it possible? Oh, yes it is! Saturday evening my niece called to say that she needed me to take her to the ER for abdominal pain so I drove 15 minutes to pick her up and brought her back to the ER. While waiting for her > read more
Remembering
Published on 2011-05-30 15:22:00
Remembering...That freedom is not free.Remembering...That someone died for me.Remembering...The families who made the sacrifice.Remembering...That friends have suffered and lost.Remembering...That I never will forget!Thanks to all who have served and > read more
The End and The Beginning
Published on 2011-05-24 15:24:00
No this is not a post rapture that did not happen post! I am still here and so are you so obviously nothing happened! This week marks that big day in a teen's life when they are considered an adult to the world at large! Ready or no > read more
Trial by Fire!
Published on 2011-05-16 13:20:00
Usually before I leave the house, the Diva is dressed and ready for the day! Yesterday, however, that was not the case! I had to be at church by 8 AM for a rehearsal and left the Knight and the Diva sound asleep and they would join me around 9:15. > read more
We Caught the Easter Bunny!
Published on 2011-05-16 13:05:00
Well, the Diva caught the Easter Bunny! OK, she caught our bunny! After church, she had a private egg hunt and then we brought bunny man outside for some photo fun! We thought it was fun but he did not look amused most of the time! How could you > read more
Test
Published on 2011-05-16 13:03:00
Testing AgAiN!- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone > read more
On Being A Mom
Published on 2011-05-06 09:35:00
Being a mom has changed my life in so many ways! There is absolutely nothing that compares to this part of my life! Now, I am little less conventional since I have an 18 year old and a 4 year old but I would not trade my circumstances for > read more
I Am Guilty of Neglect!
Published on 2011-05-05 12:11:00
Yup, I have been neglecting you all! I know there are no excuses but life and business have been a little on the busy side! The Moody Teen is graduating in a couple of weeks and there is still much to do to prep for that and the Diva only > read more
Dance Your Shoes Off!
Published on 2011-04-18 09:44:00
As Easter is approaching, I could not help but share this video! It speaks for itself with not explanation needed from me! Please watch it through to the end because it is amazing! The song is amazing too so really listen to the wor > read more
FRESCHETTA by the Slice Giveaway
Published on 2011-04-14 08:00:00
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of FRESCHETTA® for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine. I recently got to try and review FRESCHETTA® By the Slice and I was excited when my coupon and 6 piece food stoage set arrived > read more
EPIC FAIL!
Published on 2011-04-13 12:55:00
Wah, wah, wah...............So I told you the other day that the Moody Teen had his final concerts of his High School career and I was all set to be the doting mom with camera (and Diva) in tow. I got to the school, found my seat and proceeded > read more
Help A Girl Out
Published on 2011-04-12 20:22:00
Hey all! My friend, Junie, just started a blog so everyone can follow her amazing motorcycle ride that will cover 10,000 + miles! She is amazing and a cancer survivor! Go Junie!!! Her blog was just created today so she has not > read more
Wait For It..........
Published on 2011-04-11 11:53:00
That's what I tell everyone who visits Illinois because you will like the weather at some point in time! Yesterday was sunny and 82, today is rainy and 60. I prefer yesterday to today but that is OK because I know it will change again soo > read more
Bunny Goes To School
Published on 2011-04-01 15:07:00
Wait!!!! Isn't that the name of a children's book? Who knows! Anyway, yesterday was pet parade day at the Diva's preschool and she was excited to take her pet bunny, Bocephus, to show her class! I was less excited because I ha > read more
To Help or Not to Help
Published on 2011-03-30 15:36:00
That is the question weighing heavily on the mind of my little Diva! OK, maybe not but I like to think that she ponders her choices! She loves to be a help when it is convenient for her and her favorite place to help is the kitchen. > read more
Having Fun
Published on 2011-03-28 19:38:00
My new obsession! Photofunia.com, thank you very much! > read more
My Disappearing Act
Published on 2011-03-28 10:22:00
I know that I do this every once in a while but I promise that I have a good reason! This time it has been a combination of the nice weather and people coming out of the woodwork wanting spring pictures, which is a good thing! Plus, I hav > read more
A Dog & Her Girl
Published on 2011-03-16 14:29:00
This is the dog! She was actually my first girl and she got the name that would have been the Diva's but she (the Diva) took so long to get here that we thought she was not coming! So the dog ended up with her name, Zoey! We got thi > read more
Walgreens - A Name You Can Trust
Published on 2011-03-15 18:00:00
This is a compensated post written by me on behalf of Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine. Walgreens has been my family pharmacy for years! I have come to trust them with my health and the health of my family. I was recently contac > read more
What I am Working on Today
Published on 2011-03-09 14:12:00
I recently did a 50th Anniversary family shoot and it was a hoot and a half, let me tell ya! They were so much fun that I forgot I was working! Anyway, so now I am in full edit mode and I just wanted to share a photo of the youngest from > read more
Time to Spruce up for Spring!
Published on 2011-03-09 02:01:00
This post brought to you by Pier 1. All opinions are 100% mine. Pier 1 is the place to start looking for your spring outdoor furniture! They make it easy to get all your outdoor needs in one great location! I have a deck so for me, the m > read more
It is soooo Close!
Published on 2011-03-08 16:58:00
Graduation is just around the corner! May 27th at 8:00 PM to be exact! AAAAAAAH! Where did this school year go? I am not sure that I am ready for my first born to leave the nest! Maybe I am! I don't know! I a > read more
Express Has the Perfect Swim Suit for You
Published on 2011-03-08 16:00:00
This post brought to you by Express. All opinions are 100% mine. Swim suit season is fast approaching and Express is ready to help you "Dive into the season’s sexiest swimwear" with all the latest looks! If you are looking for women's swi > read more
Random Happenings
Published on 2011-03-07 11:57:00
OK, things are going too good around here and I am waiting for the other shoe to drop but, in the mean time, I will bask in the glow of all the good happenings that are going on! First, I got confirmation that my photographs will be in the Oct/ > read more
Topaz
Published on 2011-03-03 10:06:00
I am not talking about the jewel here but the editing filter that works in PS, PSE and Lightroom! I tried a 30 day trial version of the entire bundle but ended up just buying the Adjust plug in for now. If I decide to get all of them late > read more
Because There Are No Words Needed
Published on 2011-03-02 09:20:00
She
Published on 2011-02-26 07:00:00
Is my youngest.She Is no longer a baby but,Shewill ALWAYS be my baby!Sheis moody and outgoing.Sheis creative and funny.Sheis independent andShe is turning 4 TODAY!and in this picture SHE shows her moody side! LOL!HAPPY BIRTHDAY D > read more
Dear Winter
Published on 2011-02-25 11:51:00
I am over you so you need to move along! I am ready for spring and flowers and warmer temps! I like the sun and gentle breezes that make me feel good! I hate the snow and ice that you bring! Sorry if this dear John letter is a > read more
Hello Saturday!!
Published on 2011-02-19 15:20:00
The weather has been wonderful the last couple of days! I even broke out the flip flops on Thursday and almost all the evidence of the snow storm is gone (except on corners where it was piled pretty high). Today, the windows are open and > read more
Working Again!
Published on 2011-02-15 12:11:18
Now that the snow is melting and warmer weather is on the way, let the shooting being!!! I am so stoked to be getting out and doing what I love! Here is a preview of what I have been working on. I also added a new plug in to PSE so > read more
Working Again!
Published on 2011-02-15 12:11:00
Now that the snow is melting and warmer weather is on the way, let the shooting being!!! I am so stoked to be getting out and doing what I love! Here is a preview of what I have been working on. I also added a new plug in to PSE so > read more
Do Not Disturb
Published on 2011-02-15 09:01:10
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine. Have you ever wanted the perfect get away with your spouse? I am talking no kids, no phones, nothing but the two of you relaxing away from i > read more
Do Not Disturb
Published on 2011-02-15 09:01:00
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine. Have you ever wanted the perfect get away with your spouse? I am talking no kids, no phones, nothing but the two of you relaxing away from it > read more
Happy Valentine's Day!
Published on 2011-02-14 12:16:48
So far it has been a great Valentine's Day! The Diva and I got roses and then went to lunch with the Knight. The temps are up and the snow is melting and life is good for the moment! I am amazed at what the Knight has done today con > read more
Happy Valentine's Day!
Published on 2011-02-14 12:16:00
So far it has been a great Valentine's Day! The Diva and I got roses and then went to lunch with the Knight. The temps are up and the snow is melting and life is good for the moment! I am amazed at what the Knight has done today con > read more
Customizable Flash Drives
Published on 2011-02-13 09:01:11
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PhotoFlashDrive by Pexagon Technology. All opinions are 100% mine. Are you a photographer looking for creative ways to share photos with your clients? Pexagon offers flash drives for phot > read more
Customizable Flash Drives
Published on 2011-02-13 09:01:00
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PhotoFlashDrive by Pexagon Technology. All opinions are 100% mine. Are you a photographer looking for creative ways to share photos with your clients? Pexagon offers flash drives for photo > read more
The "Ignore Button" of Life
Published on 2011-02-11 14:02:09
I have been sidetracked again! It happens, periodically, that life will throw a wrench into what would, otherwise, be a perfect life! No, my life is not perfect but it could be if lots of things were dropped off the face of the earth into > read more
The "Ignore Button" of Life
Published on 2011-02-11 14:02:00
I have been sidetracked again! It happens, periodically, that life will throw a wrench into what would, otherwise, be a perfect life! No, my life is not perfect but it could be if lots of things were dropped off the face of the earth into > read more
Bright Beginnings Formula
Published on 2011-02-05 01:00:51
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine. I have two kids and one was formula fed 100%! I was young and just went with the flow. I also paid big bucks for one of the national brands that > read more
Bright Beginnings Formula
Published on 2011-02-05 01:00:00
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine. I have two kids and one was formula fed 100%! I was young and just went with the flow. I also paid big bucks for one of the national brands that > read more
Day 3
Published on 2011-02-03 11:02:16
Just so you all know, I am going crazy here! Cabin fever has officially set in! Today is day 3 with the kids home from school. Now granted, the Knight and the Moody Teen have both been out of the house on their own but the Diva and > read more
Day 3
Published on 2011-02-03 11:02:00
Just so you all know, I am going crazy here! Cabin fever has officially set in! Today is day 3 with the kids home from school. Now granted, the Knight and the Moody Teen have both been out of the house on their own but the Diva and > read more
The BIG One!
Published on 2011-02-02 13:13:23
Well, all they hype ended up being not so bad for us. We ended up with 2.5 inches of sleet here in cornfield central. Don't get me wrong, I still would not want to be out on the roads so I am staying put until crews get a handle on the cl > read more
The BIG One!
Published on 2011-02-02 13:13:00
Well, all they hype ended up being not so bad for us. We ended up with 2.5 inches of sleet here in cornfield central. Don't get me wrong, I still would not want to be out on the roads so I am staying put until crews get a handle on the cl > read more
Lists
Published on 2011-01-24 17:52:48
I am just in a mood today so I have been making lists! Lots of lists! You know, sort of like a pro/con list that I would make if I were making a big decision. I like to see things in black and white because it helps me wrap my mind > read more
Lists
Published on 2011-01-24 17:52:00
I am just in a mood today so I have been making lists! Lots of lists! You know, sort of like a pro/con list that I would make if I were making a big decision. I like to see things in black and white because it helps me wrap my mind > read more
Spice Up Your Superbowl Party!
Published on 2011-01-23 09:00:42
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TABASCO® Original Red. All opinions are 100% mine. Are you playing hostess for the big game this year? If so you need the perfect Game-Day Party Menu! Here at my house it is all about t > read more
Spice Up Your Superbowl Party!
Published on 2011-01-23 09:00:00
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TABASCO® Original Red. All opinions are 100% mine. Are you playing hostess for the big game this year? If so you need the perfect Game-Day Party Menu! Here at my house it is all about th > read more
Monday, Monday! La la la la la la!
Published on 2011-01-17 15:02:00
No I am not really in the mood to sing about Monday! This particular Monday brought me a nasty cold so I am still in my jammies just hanging out and playing with some photos! The Diva has done a couple of shoots for me to get ready to mak > read more
Skating
Published on 2011-01-11 15:14:00
Every year our church does a skate night! We always have so much fun! It has been really interesting to see the Diva's progress over the course of the last three years! This year she was all over it! She hit the hardwood like a pro and never look > read more
My Goal for 2011
Published on 2011-01-10 16:08:00
So I have many goals for 2011 but my photography goal is to add off camera flash to my little bag of tricks. I have purchased a couple of books but now I am in a contest to win a seat for an on-line class!! I am so excited!! If you > read more
Helping Teens Cope With Loss.
Published on 2011-01-08 14:28:00
Lately we have been helping our son deal with loss! Having said that, he has lost several people in his life like grandparents and an aunt but he has not had to deal with the death of one of his peers since he was about 4. Recently, an ac > read more
Project 365
Published on 2011-01-03 11:40:00
I have always wondered if I would follow through with a project 365 challenge or if I would start with a bang and fizzle out the second week! I think if I had to do it with my pro camera, it might be tough so I decided to try one with my iphone4! > read more
The Best of 2010
Published on 2010-12-31 10:36:00
I was going to call this the top 10 of 2010 but I couldn't narrow it down to only 10 shots! Lame, I know but I like what I like! So here they are, my favorite shots of 2010 in no particular order!May you all have a blessed New Year! > read more