Positive Impact and Christmas Pics

Really liking this hat I got for Christmas!

 Merry Christmas everyone! I do hope that your Christmas Holiday was special, joyful, and full of wonderful memories. I so love this time of year...Don't you? Christmas Day was quiet, restful and relaxing at my house. My husband was out of town visiting family during the holidays...It was our first Christmas in separate locations. We definitely missed each other but stayed connected via Facebook and Facetime on our Iphones.

What an amazing age we live in,

right?!! I remember many years ago when I was young, watching spy movies on TV with James Bond talking on telephones with real time face to face communication. I always thought that was so cool! At that time they were not available.





Now we can send a
letter to the other side of the world from our computer in seconds...And I can enjoy face to face conversation with my hubby via Skype or Facetime even when he is miles away...Amazing!

I took this close up of a beautiful ornament!

Back to Christmas...I spent Christmas with my daughter and a good friend from Texas...We cooked dinner together at my place, enjoyed some great conversation, tried to learn a new dance (I'm still working on it), and watched a couple of Christmas movies. It was great and I enjoyed their company...

 

 

My table set for 3

I am so very thankful for my life, family, and friends. I am thankful also for the opportunity to contribute something positive, good, and inspiring to those around me. I love helping and encouraging people. It truly blesses and feeds my heart to love people, to add something good to this world, to be a part of the solution and to not just talk only of what's wrong with everything and everybody. Enough already...I plan to find more ways next year to have positive impact in my world. I invite you to do the same. Everyone of us has something that is valuable, worthwhile, and neccessary to those around us. Believe that. Make your world a better place right where you are. That's what Christmas is about.That's what Jesus came to do...That's what this life is all about...




A friend's Christmas Tree

I hope that your heart is rich and full with love of life, love of family and friends, and most of all God's amazing, incredible love. Check out more of my Christmas pics below.

You're loved...
Sandra

Leave a comment and THANKS for visiting...

My backyard a few days before Christmas!

I almost had a white Christmas!

 

 

 

 

A window display

 

My friend Christie's house...I love it!



 

My First Style Post!

So this is my first syle post! I'll be sharing my personal style likes and dislikes and hope to learn about yours in the process.
Like most girls I like pretty things...pretty clothes, shoes, jewelry etc. I tell my daughter that "I like to look like a million without spending a million." I love deals and finding great pieces at excellent prices, remixing and repurposing styles and clothes. I will be 52 in January...I can't believe that I am that old!! When DID that happen?! But I don't mind as long as I grow old with passion, grace, and style, and enjoyment of life...I plan to still be wearing my heels at 70 and beyond...Okay we'll see!! HaHa.

Jacket - Gallery (Birthday gift from hubby)
Dress - Chicos (thrifted)
Purse - Kathy Van Zeeland (Garage Sale)
Shoes - Miss Bisou (thrifted)
Belt on dress - Avon

The great thing about growing older is that you have had many years to work through your insecurities, develop your sense of style, learn what you like and don't like, what works and doesn't work for you...Well mostly...I am still working on things! But most of the time I don't go out of the house looking like "a hot mess" as my daughter would say. (In case you don't know, a "hot mess" means that you need to turn around, go back inside and get dressed again! 'Cause child, nobody needs to see the mess you are looking like right now!)

Which reminds me of a funny story...I remember many years ago when my kids had a conversation with me saying something like, "Mom, we want you to promise us that when you get old, you will not leave the house with 3 different kinds of old folks plaids and stripes for your outfits...they were serious, really! What gave them the idea that I would dress that way?! Don't know...

I would describe my style as eclectic...I like a variety of styles...I'm a 70's girl. I love bell bottoms (but I like skinny jeans too) and colors and prints from those years. I like classic pieces but I also like a little style edge and trends...I like to check out the latest styles and trends and add a bit of that to my personal style making it my own. I love dressing up for special occasions or for no occasion at all. Just because I want to!

I'll share some of the websites that I like later.  I think the most important thing is that you feel good about you and feel great in what you are wearing. God created us to be beautiful and to feel beautiful...He loves beauty! Have you checked out his handiwork lately, this earth we live on...IT'S AMAZING!! As long as we dress with style and grace, we're good!

This is what I wore to church on Sunday nite...By the way this dress was a part of my Black Friday/Value Village shopping spree...$7!!...I so enjoy thrift shopping and I love me some animal print!...What do you think?

Sandra

Leave me a comment and tell me about your style...

Thanks for visiting

My Weekend - Part Two

Check out my fun wild hair!

I love this time of year..So many fun things to do, people to see, things to be thankful for...
Here are the rest of my weekend happenings...I went to a book signing for a friend of mine at a local art gallery here in Olympia. I intend to do a post on the gallery and the artist who had the book signing later. I think that some of you would enjoy visiting there...It's a great place with lots of beautiful stuff.

 With David, Robyn, (Sandra) and my David at art gallery...



Later I spent time with some friends at a "Girls Christmas Fun Nite." Good friends, uplifting encouraging words, laughter, good food, and dancing...and a cute little baby to play with. Fun hanging out with these ladies...I feel like I have sisters everywhere...Hope that you are taking time to enjoy all of your love ones and friends...

 

 

 

Although I haven't done much shopping, I did manage to get my Christmas tree. Or actually the truth is that David, got our tree cut and home. But I did help. Here is the one we chose...I love the smell of a fresh cut Christmas tree.  

 

 

 

This is the one that's saying "Take me home Sandra."

 

 

 

David making sure there are no critters in our tree and having fun in the process. There is NO WAY that I would have my head in that tree!!!

 

I'll post some pictures of my tree when we're done with it...Hey I know that although this is a beautiful and wonderful time of year, a lot of people struggle with loneliness, sadness, loss and all sorts of hurting emotions. I call them the "Holiday Blues." They can hit  when you least expect it. I know because I have been there before. I want to encourage you to reach out to others...Tell someone what you are feeling. Don't isolate yourself...Don't fall into that pit. It's very hard to get out. I found that the best way to resist the "Holiday Blues" is to get busy and involved with life and helping people. Get involved with your family, church, community center etc. Resist the urge to sit and focus on your problems, finances, emotions or the fact that you or alone at Christmas. You have so much to offer. There are people who need what you have. Focus on that...And remember that God loves you. Allow Him and the people in your life to love and help you...

Blessings and love to you

Sandra

 

 

 

 

 

 

I conquered it baby! Yes you did...

 

 



 

 



My Weekend - Part One

 

Hi all...Hope your weekend was great! Unlike myself I do hope that you got some Holiday shopping done...Because I surely didn't. SANDRA!! What are you waiting on? Seriously I don't know...Help me Jesus! Okay, for real I am going to take care of it this week...Don't let me off of the hook guys!
 
 
Here is a little of my weekend...It was a full and busy weekend. On Friday my Honey and I went to my favorite restaurant in Olympia, "Heartfire." (We had a giftcard from some friends that totally took care of the bill...Don't you just love that.) I love the atmosphere and beauty of this place; and it's on the water with a beautiful view...How could you go wrong? The food is good too, but I go because it is a feast for my eyes and my soul...(Sappy, yes) Sometimes when I go out to eat, it is all about the food; I just want to enjoy a great meal. But sometimes it is all about the atmosphere and ambience...I want a cozy place that relaxes and nourishes my soul. So we enjoyed a great meal and evening there.
 
 
 

Right here I will inject some "Sandra Musings"...You need to discover what "nourishes your own soul." It's different things for different people. It is an ongoing journey discovering "you." Several years ago I called my husband at work and told him that I would like to go out for the evening. It was a Friday and he was happy to do it. So together we decided to go to a local bar-b-que place that we love to eat at. The place is pretty basic with no frills or extras, but we like it. Although the food was very good, and the company was excellent, I felt something was missing.




Later that evening I realized what the problem was...I was not just looking for a great meal and great company...My soul needed something more specific. I needed the right environment, cozy atmosphere, beautiful and warm surroundings...I wanted the whole package. It was a surprise to me because I didn't even realize what I needed. (I laugh when I think of women expecting men to always understand and know what we need...I don't even know or always understand MY OWN SELF!!! HaHa)

 

It has taken me years to learn to think and become aware, to examine and identify  what's in my own heart, and then a few more years to have the courage to share it and reach for it...Life is a journey, but that's not all...Discovering "you" is also a lifelong journey...Learning what truly drives you, what you really need and like; learning who God created you to be and being okay with your differences, quirkiness, uniqueness...It's a journey that is worthwhile.

Keep ENJOYING your Holidays...Bless somebody good!
Sandra

Don't forget to Comment!!
 

  

 

 

 

 

Healthy Recipe - Black Bean and Kiwi Salad

Hi all...Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!...Hope yours are going great!...

I am still doing my Holiday Healthy Eating Challenge. Although I am enjoying some holiday foods in moderation, I am making sure to exercise and eat plenty of fruits and veggies...The one thing I am not eating is sweets and desserts (except for an occasional vegan dessert) with no butter, white sugar, or eggs...And I love to make fruit sorbet or dessert smoothies in my Vitamix. I am learning that there are some great desserts that taste good and will not be destructive to my health. I'll share some later...Sugar can be very addictive and habit forming for some people. It took me years to realize that was the case for me. It sounds ridiculous, but when I start eating sugar it seems as if the more I eat, the more I crave. I would love to be able to eat some pie, cake and cookies but that doesn't work for me at this time. Maybe never. Anyway here is a salad that I love to make. You can add or remove different veggies according to your own personal taste...

Here is something to keep in mind...I use kale and spinach in this recipe. I like to chop them both really fine and thin. It makes the Kale taste better and it is easier for your body to absorb the nutrients from them. So unless you like your veggies chunky, I would recommend chopping them pretty fine. It may take a while for you to get accustom to the taste of Kale...It can be a bit strong at first...But keep trying it (a little at a time) because it is very good for you...

Black Bean and Kiwi Salad

Black Bean and Kiwi Salad
2-3 Cups of finely chopped Spinach
3-4 Leaves of finely chopped Kale - remove stems
1/2 cup or more of frozen corn (thawed)
1/2 cup or more of frozen green peas (thawed)
1 Avocado chopped
1-2 Kiwis peeled and chopped
Chopped red onion (according to preference)
1 can of Black Beans (low sodium, rinsed and drained)
Black Pepper and Garlic Powder to season
Juice from 1 Lime
Squeeze or 2 of Lemon

Add all ingredients together in bowl and stir...Best when allowed to chill and set for 30 minutes to an hour, but can be eaten immediately. Also you may want to add a litte of your favorite salad dressings to the mix.

Optional: chopped mango, raisans or dried cranberries, tomatoes, jalapenos, red or green peppers, romaine lettuce, dash of cayenne, salt or paprika,  

Keep working on your health even during "The Most Wonderful Time of The Year"...
Sandra

If you like this blog, be sure and join this site and sign up by email to stay connected.

Thanks for Visiting!! 

Flashback 2012 - Sisters Vacation Canada

A couple of years ago my sisters and I started a yearly event called our "Sisters Vacation." Each year one of us gets to choose the place of travel and takes responsibility to make arrangements for the group. Last year we went to Los Vegas and this year...Tadaaa...It was my turn to choose our place of travel and make all the arrangements. So I chose...Victoria, Canada! I LOVE that place...I have been several times and I think that even if I went there once a year I would not tire of it. It's a beautiful, easy to travel city, with lots to do and see.



My sisters

The other thing that I love about Victoria is that it is a very 'walkable' city. I really enjoy going to places that I can explore by walking  the downtown areas, checking out quaint, unique shops and boutiques. If you haven't been to Victoria, then you must add it to your list of places to go...You will so enjoy it. This year I wanted to experience Victoria with my sisters. I knew that they would love it.



So I made all the plans and arrangements...And by the way you can get some great combo packages that include the ferry ride, hotel, tour options etc. We began our sisters vacation by meeting at my house and enjoying a couple of days hanging out in "my city." How fun! We went shopping, sightseeing, cooked together, and other such stuff.






The beautiful Butchart Gardens

Then we took a ferry ride from Seattle to Victoria...We spent the next 3 days exploring...We took a tour of the beautiful Butchart Gardens...A must see! We walked the downtown area, took in a jazz show at our hotel and ate at many restaurants. We made some fun and unforgettable memories.

You know every family has what I call it's 'funkiness,' and differences. And mine is no different. But I am so glad that we started this annual "Sisters Vacation." I look forward to it every year. It has been a great time of bonding for my sisters and I. The whole process of trusting God for all the necessary funds, deals, and travel arrangements...Talking on the phone, working out details and anticipating  our time together...All of these things have really added to our relationship.

View from our hotel room balcony! Beautiful

(Of course, we make sure to keep this trip short enough so we don't work each others nerves...you understand, right!) These girls are so funny! I am constantly laughing at/with them. Melinda is sooo bossy (I mean that in the nicest, funniest way, she knows she is bossy)... and we have to make sure that we don't lose Charlotte somewhere, because she just doesn't always pay attention to what's going on.

The historic Empress Hotel

These girls could both be comedians!! My goodness, they kept me in stitches laughing! For real! I am the more serious one of course because I am the oldest. So I am there to keep them in line:)...But really, I love these girls and always enjoy our time together. We are already planning and looking forward to next year's trip!!

We make our trip work by (1) mutual respect for one another and by respecting each others values and opinions (we don't have to agree)...(2) By doing things together on our trip...(3) And by scheduling time for each sister to have some independent 'me' time where she gets to do what she likes...It works.

So I want to encourage you to take the time to make some memories with your family...Focus on what you have in common and start there. Everyone has differences...Don't let them stand in the way of what could be a great memory together...

Sandra