Great Things in '18 - August Edition

Girls, we are in month 8 of being intentional and rocking it out at doing some good things this year.  I hear a couple of you.....so what you haven't done every single month, so what you totally meant to but didn't get it done.  Around here we are about what we did accomplish and not about what we didn't.  Whether you've done one month or all 7......Good Job!  Or maybe you are starting here with the August focus and I say Welcome!!!

This is the perfect month to start because we all know someone who fits this month's focus.

For August we are focusing on honoring and recognizing a single lady.  It is just fun to surprise someone, do something special for them, let them know they matter.  You can choose any single in your life, young or old, widowed or never married, single mom or single with no children.......Remember your choice, your way. Send them flowers, a spa package, chocolates, dinner gift cards or whatever you think will make them feel special

Here is our inspiration verse for this month
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12-14




I hope you enjoy making someone's day this month.  I will give you a few reminders as we move through the month, but it is up to you when and how you execute this month's challenge.

As always, thanks for reading and thanks for doing Great Things in '18!!!

Orange you glad you worked out?

Ok, I don't think I have mentioned this yet, but I joined Orangetheory Gym.  I haven't talked about it for a couple of reasons:

1) I have been too tired
2) I wasn't sure how long I was going to last
3) I was just too tired

The premise of the whole thing is that it is heart rate based workouts.  I wear this little heart rate monitor

and on the big screen in the gym I can see my heart rate throughout the whole hour.  I start out in grey, move to blue which means I am good and warmed up, then to  green which means I am really engaged, then to ORANGE which means I am in my optimal heart rate and red is the final category which means you are above and beyond....I have only seen red once or twice.

You get this little report sent to your phone after each workout.

The goal is to get at least 12 minutes in the ORANGE zone or above each workout.  Apparently this particular day I got 9 orange points and 3 red points.....rockin' it out....yes ma'am!


Now I hear people talk all the time about how energized they are and how much better they feel when they exercise and I just have two words to say about that " Not me".  I don't look forward to gym day.  I don't feel like I could move mountains when I finish a workout.  I feel like I want to drive through Krispy Kreme and have them give me a cup of glaze and a straw.

But here is what is working for me by going there
1) I am a value minded person.  So if I am spending money, I want to get my dollars worth.  It is pricey but that has made me go at least 4 times per week.....yes, I know this is psychological but it works for me.

2) It is an organized class with a coach in every session.  Someone is there telling me exactly how long I have to row,

Photo from Orange Theory site

exactly what exercises I am to do in the weight room

Photo from Orange Theory site

and how much to incline my treadmill as I power walk.......

Photo from Orange Theory site

literally, they sometimes say "put your treadmill at an incline of 10 or greater" with a straight face....I know....who are these people? But I need this because otherwise I just think ......meh that's enough and get back in the car and drive home

3) The class is different EVERY TIME......yes, this I need too because I just get bored with the whole gym thing.  I show up now, someone has a structured workout all set up for me and all I have to do is spend an hour doing it.

4) It is a really good workout.  I mean the reason I pulled pictures from online and they are not of me is because I must maintain a shred of dignity and it is nothing pretty to see.

My other motivator is these two lovelies joined with me

So we have made it a fun thing.....dress alike....go to class together....take ibuprofen together.....good times!!!

They will be headed back to school soon so I will be solo.....unless one of you wants to join me.

Make it a great Monday and a wonderful week.....I am off to get in my orange zone.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale - Coming to a close

Well this weekend is it, girls.  The Nordstrom Anniversary sale will officially end on Sunday.  Whatever you have been thinking about buying.....now is the time.  Prices go up on Monday and I really don't want you to have any regrets.  I know it is a million degrees outside, but fall is coming and you are going to want some new boots.  Or maybe the Christmas in July wrapping session has inspired you to get your holiday shopping started.  Just in case here are a few items that are still in stock for you to consider

This large wooden tray is on my Christmas list

and do you know what makes a salad extra delicious......a wooden salad bowl

This one is substantial.  It is a great size and has some heft to it.  I love it and I really wanted to curl up in this throw right in the store.  There are 14 color options and it is only $25.90.  It is super duper soft and we should all own a couple and give 3 as gifts.....just saying.....I think it is an admirable goal for us

If you need a baby gift, the Little Giraffe Blankets are part of the sale

and if you need a wedding gift, these towels are scrumptious

Now if you need some clothing or shoe ideas, you can see us trying on several of our finds here.

Have a great weekend!  If you missed Wednesday's post click here because there is a grand opening you won't want to miss!

Talk to you on Monday

New Store! Yes please and Thank you!!!

So we have been driving by this new building and stalking it to see what it would become.  I could tell from day one it was going to be good.  I was right!   It is in Providence and is directly across the large parking lot from Taco Mama.  So if you stand at Taco Mama with your back to their door and look straight ahead you will see this

and  you know what you should do? Run..... not walk right on over......but please be mindful of crossing the street #safetyfirst.  We had dinner at Taco Mama on Saturday and thought we would just walk over and take a peek in the windows.....well they had a soft opening that day so we got to pop in for a bit.  We met the owner Teresa who I must say was so sweet and kind.  She has a very welcoming and engaging spirit.  She also has fantastic taste!  I took just a few photos to show you guys.

There are great candles

And clothing

Home Decor

Dishes and Furniture

Light Fixtures

Bedding

Lamps

and did I mention this bed

Inspirational signs

Honestly, don't you love absolutely everything?

Here is the best news.....This Friday and Saturday is the grand opening.  They will have all kinds of fun things going on including giveaways.

Here are just a few things they offer:
*Vintage furniture that was painted and restored by Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan
*Furniture and home accessories from lines including Magnolia Furnishings by Joanna Gaines, Klaussner, Four Seasons
*an authorized Hunter Douglas dealer offering custom blinds, shutters, and shades
*in-home Interior design consultation

I plan on going by each day this weekend.  Once you go, you will see what I mean.  There are literally just so many beautiful things to look at.  Plan on making a stop by.  Plan on staying for awhile. And plan on putting it on your list as one of your new favorite places to shop.  It is already on mine!

I will see you here on Friday for another chat....and hopefully I will see you at Vintage West Interiors for a little shopping!