Being a Better Person

Happy Hump Day everyone! The weekend is around the corner and I must admit it has been a busy week so far. In between errands and chores I have had some time to think about what it is I want to accomplish daily in order to make the world a happier place. Each morning I wake with the drive and desire to make a difference one small step at a time. I surf the internet constantly reading blogs and articles that make me happy and most importantly make me think. What can I do better? What can I contribute? CNN published an article in February of this year stating 10 things people could do in a week to become a better person. I will post the link to the article below so that you all may read and decide for yourselves if you too can become better people.

Do you think you could use a little improvement? I know I sure can. One small step can make all the difference.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/02/09/tf.better.person/index.html

The Wealth of the World

We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. ~Frederick Keonig

I came across this quote today and realized how much sense it made to me. It is essential to be grateful for what you have in your life. Stop comparing your "stuff" to what others have. What you have is enough. Be happy, be grateful, be compassionate and be giving. Just think by being all these things you hold the wealth of the world in your hands. Happy Saturday everyone!

The Power of Two

Happy hump day! Wednesday has arrived and it brings all of us just one step closer to the weekend ~ how fabulous! I'd like to share the most touching, most wonderful story with you all, it is about a project fellow blogger Dani at http://twodollarproject.blogspot.com/ has taken on.

Dani is conducting a project where she leaves envelopes that contain two dollars all over everywhere she goes...the grocery store, the library, the post office etc. Also in the envelope is a card asking whoever finds it to email her and tell her what they did with the two dollars. It is her small way of making a difference in people's lives. Two dollars might seem like very little but it can make a difference. Visit her blog and find out how. She has a great video posted that explains her project better than I ever could. It is very touching and I guarantee it will make you smile today. Her blog The Power of Two is under my blog list on the right!

20 Stamps Later

Happy Monday! Want to check out an awesome blog...click on the 20 Stamps Later link on the right. Heidi posts the most awesome pics ever and she hosts some pretty cool contests on her blog as well. Pay her a visit and say hello, I promise you will love what you find.

Samantha's Purpose

Happy Saturday evening to you all! Those of you who read my blog regularly know about a cause near and dear to me...Samantha's Purpose. I have a added a button so that those of you who wish to open your hearts and your wallets may donate to this wonderful cause. I know that in today's world giving is not easy, but keep in kind that your small donation will help families with children with special needs. Thanks to you all!

Oh the Smell Of Lavender

Tomorrow I am headed to the Blanco Lavender Festival in Blanco, Texas. I am super excited as I love all things lavender and cannot wait to cut my own. I am thrilled because my friend Jeannie Ralston author of the book The Unlikely Lavender Queen will be there speaking about her book. It promises to be a great time!

Words To Live By

One of my very favorite quotes. Very wise man that Mr. Wilde.

A Happy Place

Good morning to all! As I have mentioned before my days begins with a cup of coffee and a review of all the blogs I read daily. My friend Toni who has a wonderful blog named Metropolitain which celebrates her love of all things French, posted something that immediately made me happy. I decided to recapture her post in order to share it with all of you. There is a graphic designer named Fifi Mandirac who lives in the most beautiful place and designs the cutest paper goods, fabrics etc you will ever see. Just looking through her pictures brings a smile to my face. What a happy place to live! Take a look for yourself....I am posting some pics below. You may also visit here website at http://fifimandirac.com and since you are already surfing the net stop by and visit Toni's blog as well at http://lefrancemetro.blogspot.com

Hope you all have a very happy day!

Ink Obsession Designs

Just want to give a huge shout out to Erin who designed the layout for Oh My Blog and has created the most wonderful notecards and calling cards for me as well. Erin you rock! Please check out her website and take a look at her fantastic designs for yourself (you can find her website under links I love).

Cheers!

For all the tired housewives out there..here is something just for us. I am about to have a glass, CHEERS!

Mad Housewife Wine! Gotta love it!

Kindness

I love this quote by Emelia Earhart, I think it too great not to share. Enjoy your Sunday everyone!

No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves.

Remind Yourself to be Kind

Are you one to write an endless to do list with loads of tasks that just have to be completed? Do you place post it notes in random places around your home or office reminding yourself of things to do?  Do you remind yourself to be kind to yourself and others by tying a string around your finger? Why not wear a string ring?  Visit www.string-ring.com for more.  I can't wait to get mine!

Taking Care of Me

As a busy mom it is hard to remember to take time out for myself.  It is often almost impossible to do.  As a result I (and probably other moms out there) become frustrated and irritable.  I hate feeling this way and decided to do something about it.  I decided that for the next two weeks I am going to give myself a little treat everyday.  Don't misunderstand, I am not planning to buy myself elaborate gifts on a daily basis (especially in today's economy) but I will give myself a little something.  I began treating myself this past Tuesday and so far it is making me feel great.  I would love to hear how you treat yourself and if you haven't started doing so yet...now is as good a time as any to begin.

The Lives Project

Summer is here and I know everyone is itching for a good book to read and some cool tunes to listen to.  I have a solution...it is called The Lives Project.  The Lives Project is a collaborative effort that my friend and author Gil Gonzalez and talented musician Jon Taglieri put together in order to amaze you all.  

Please visit their website at http://www.thelivesproject.com/ for all the information you need in order to get your hands on a copy.

Carpe Diem

Life is short and most people don't realize the truth of this statement until it is too late.  We live our lives in such hectic manners that we literally never "stop and smell the roses".  Today I am posing a challenge to end this!  I am determined to live my life as best I can, being generous and compassionate to others while taking a little time to take care of me along the way.  Are you up to the challenge?  

Today is the Day

Please read the latest from Jeannie Ralston.  I urge everyone to open their hearts and read a great book for a fantastic cause!

Some people just have the right attitude--like the parents of Samantha Garcia. Samanta was born premature four years ago and developed cerebral palsy; her parents looked at this not as a tragedy but as an opportunity to do something meaningful. That's when they created Samantha's Purpose,  a non-profit that provides financial assistance to the parents of children with special needs who require therapy but are not eligible for governmental assistance. 

I'm proud to be donating funds from the Seed Campaign to Samantha's Purpose during the month of June. She and her parents prove that often you can't change what happens to you in life, but you can change how you look at what happens to you. This is a theme of my book, but to be honest I think Samantha's parents demonstrate it better than I ever did!

If you've got to buy things, why not make each dollar go farther and help someone else in the process? If you buy your Amazon products through my website,you can be doing good when so many people are in need (and donations are down for many non-profits.) On my home page, click on "Buy the Book," which will take you to Amazon.

Once you're at Amazon, either buy my book (smile! thanks!) or find another product to buy. Amazon will return a commission on any item purchased to the Seed Campaign. EASY!