HOLIDAYS

November 26, 2013

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Christmas is an enchanting time. I have always enjoyed the holidays, but this year things will look a little different. Maybe not to the naked eye, but in my heart. The holidays have always been about things to me. As much as I hate to admit it, Christmas has had a selfish place in my heart. In the past I was always concerned with getting the next new gadget or clothing item. I made it a point to indulge in all things holiday related. This year, I want to get back to the basics with Christmas. It is a time to reflect on Jesus' birth, family, togetherness, giving, and gratitude. I don't really need anything, so why is my heart filled with so much empty longing for stuff? Why do I ignore what I have and desire only what I don't? Don't get me wrong, giving gifts that are thoughtful and meaningful are completely okay. I am just talking about the wanting (and expectation) of "things" that aren't needed, and how it can hinder the true meaning of Christmas. (Please give to your family and friends. I am not saying not to).

This year I am hoping to rid myself of the selfish desires I have had in the past. The holidays really aren't about "things" although that is what society tries to convince us of. We have to remember that although that iPad is a nice gift, in the end you can't take it with you. Memories, love, and togetherness is what matters.

What about you? Are you going to be starting new traditions that don't include tangible gifts?


BLACK FRIDAY

November 25, 2013

I am not a big proponent of Black Friday, but I say if you can do it from home and not have to venture out, go for it!

As you may or may not know I am a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant, and I am offering a Black Friday Sale this coming Friday (Nov. 29) starting at 6 a.m. There will be a 10% discount on all orders (excluding the items listed below) until 11 p.m., and free shipping on orders of $50 or more! To get your 10% discount you may place an order on my site (www.marykay.com/mbarrett7150). Be sure to add coupon code BLACKFRIDAY in the notes section of your order.

The items below will be offered at a deeper discount. These items are in stock and can ship immediately! A surprise discount between 15% and 30% will be offered on November 29 starting at 6 a.m. The earlier you shop the more you save! You will receive the discount upon processing of payment.
(prices below do not include SURPRISE discount or taxes + shipping).

Mary Kay TimeWise Age Fighting Moisturizer (Normal to Dry Skin): $24
Mary Kay TimeWise 3-in-1 Cleansing Bar (Normal, Combination, & Oily Skin): $20
Mary Kay Lash Love Lengthening Mascara (I Love Brown): $15
Mary Kay Cream & Sugar Lipgloss: $14
Mary Kay Subtle Tanning Lotion: $17
I have two Botanicals Sets (cleanse, hydrate, freshen) for Normal/Sensitive and Dry/Sensitive Skin: $44 


In order to receive the SURPRISE discount you will need to place an order by email at mbarrett7150@marykay.com or Facebook. I will also be available for any questions you may have about products! 

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving and I will see you bright and early Friday morning! 

SECOND CHANCES

November 23, 2013

 
When I get the chance to love again...

1. I will not take it for granted. I think love is a special thing and it doesn't come around everyday. That special person will be in my life at the right time and I don't want to mess it up by taking it for granted.

2. I will understand where they came from. Everyone has a past and everyone has a story. The best part of being in a relationship is learning something new everyday. I never want to stop learning.

3. I will be their "best friend". As cheesy as it sounds, friendship is an important part of a relationship and/or marriage. If you can't be friends, how can you be anything else?

4. I will forgive. Forgiveness is hard, especially after getting burned a few times. Even when its hard, and even when I am hurt, I will give them a second chance. But if it turns into third, fourth, or fifth chances, maybe its time to reevaluate.

5. I will listen more and talk less. Listening can be a powerful tool and should be used often. With listening comes understanding and productive conversation. No one can say how they feel, what they want, or what they need if both parties are always talking and not listening.

6. Take my time. My first marriage was a whirlwind and while the notion is romantic, it's not always realistic. Don't get me wrong, my parents met and married quickly and are still married to this day, but next time I won't rush. Refer to #3. Friends first.

7. Play. Laugh. Smile. Enjoy. I think two people in a relationship should enjoy each other, and that's always been my goal. In life bills pile up, work becomes stressful, and drama happens, but I think a relationship should be a place of solitude when life gets tough. You can never laugh, play, smile, or enjoy your partner too much.

8. Learn new things. I think doing adventurous and new things is a must in a relationship. Life can become a routine, but its nice to spice things up a bit. Taking a cooking class, going to a new city, learning a new hobby are all great ways to learn something new and ignite new conversations. I think this will become a point in my next relationship.

9. Chill out. I can be quite intense, even when I don't try to be. It's good to be with someone who is a bit more laid back with a go-with-the-flow mentality. One of my goals is to learn to relax. Life will happen no matter what and little things will come up that I simply can't control. It's important to take time out and just get back to what's important. I am sure my partner would appreciate this.

10. Keep it healthy. Relationships are to be based on health. If a relationship causes you to struggle or completely "let go" in areas of your life, it may be time to re-evaluate. During my marriage things that were once important in regard to my health were simply ignored. Other things and stresses became more important, and I forgot to balance out my mental, emotional, and physical health. When both partners are healthy and pursuing health together, the relationship in turn becomes healthier. It's science.

What are your most important relationship rules or tips?

WISHLIST

November 21, 2013

I don't normally create "Christmas Lists" so to speak, but this year I wanted to see how far I could stretch my Pinterest organization skills. These items were chosen for my eyes only, but I thought I might as well share. What's the point of a blog after all?


 You can see the source of all images by going to my Pinterest board {w i s h l i s t}.


 What is on your wishlist this year?

"I AM A GREAT FRIEND..."

November 18, 2013



Today I am in the mood to get real. Really real. If this isn't the kind of stuff you like to read, please move onto the next blog. It's going to get cah-razy.

Well not so much, but I do feel like I have some things to get off of my chest. Again, I didn't want to make this blog all about my failed marriage, but I feel like some wisdom has come from my experience. I think those who have experienced divorce know a thing or two about marriage.

I was thinking the other night about relationships and I have been reading articles about marriage, and things that I want to remember for the next time (I hope there's a next time). One thing that stuck out to me was when my ex-husband said, "You know...I am a really good friend, but I am not a good husband..." Wow. That spoke so much in so few words.

My first reaction to this was sadness. I thought to myself, "Why does it have to be either friend or husband? Aren't both equally important"? Isn't friendship one of the most important aspects of a good, healthy marriage? I think it is. My second reaction was utter anger. I felt angry because I hadn't seen this "good friend" in quite some time. I hadn't felt like I was living with a good friend, let alone married to one. Good friends are honest, thoughtful, caring, and self-less. These are the qualities I think of when I think of a good friend. These are qualities I would hope my friends would say about me.

I don't in any way want to say that my husband was a bad person. To me, good people do bad things and vice versa. I do want to say that for the most part, good friends are good wives and good husbands- if they choose to be. Here's a quote from an article I read online and it really struck home with me...

"BE SILLY… don’t take yourself so damn seriously. Laugh. And make her laugh. Laughter makes everything else easier." Read article here.

This speaks volumes when it comes to marital friendship. Friends laugh, do fun things together, and enjoy each other. Last I checked, friendship wasn't all work and no play. Friends make things light and I think your spouse should be able to do that also! As it says, "Don't take yourself so damn seriously." I 100% agree.

FRIDAY

November 15, 2013

Hey everyone. Sorry it's been so long since I have blogged. I have been busy and kind of enjoying the break and time to get my life settled. I have moved into my new apartment and things are great! I will update you more about that, but here's a little fall Friday inspiration.


Have a great weekend!

FALL Y'ALL

November 1, 2013

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Well, it's a little rainy in these parts today friends. This is the start of a wonderful weekend though. I am moving (once again) and I am thankful for mid 60s temps and sunny weather heading my way. Did I mention I am moving? For the 6th time in three years? Yeah, I am kind of over moving. Luckily, I am moving to a smaller unit in the same complex so it shouldn't be that bad. Every time I move I get a little sad. This time is a little different because I will be making the move alone for the first time. It's bittersweet to be honest. I am glad to be moving out of the last place I lived married, but I am nervous to be leaving what I've known only as a married woman. Divorce brings about all kinds of changes, which tends to bring up some anxiety.

I have been trying to focus only on the positive lately because I want to embrace this new chapter. I want to make this little apartment my own and enjoy a bit of stability. I am honestly so thankful that I have made it this far. If I knew it would be this "easy", I wouldn't have worried so much in the beginning. It's not easy emotionally or mentally, but I really thought I would struggle much more than I have. Albeit I have my moments. I have moments when I think of the holidays coming up and how I won't be experiencing them married. I have moments when I see a newborn baby being coddled in public by it's young parents. I thought by now I would have children, a family, a solid marriage, but I don't. These are things I have to learn to accept everyday.

I don't get jealous of those who have those things, but every life expectation I've had the last three years or so has been shattered. I can't explain the pain unless you've experienced it yourself. It's a different kind of loss. I tried not to make this blog about my experiences as a divorcee, but I have to be honest in saying that this is where my life is right now. I hope to bring some comfort to those who may feel the same way I do, and encourage others to be grateful for what they have. Too much of our lives are spent taking life for granted. I hope to never do so again.

I don't want to end this post on a low note, but maybe it's the rain lulling my brain to sleep. Either way, I will be moving for the next three days and I will be back soon to share some pictures of the place all dolled up!

Happy Friday!