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Friday, June 28, 2013

If Tomorrow Never Comes


If Tomorrow Never Comes, the song by Garth Brooks is one of my all-time favorites and a great reminder that tomorrow is not promised to us and in the blink of an eye everything can change. 

Last year, around this very time, our family was reminded of the heartbreaking fact that in a matter of seconds tomorrow looks much different. 

Everyone at one time or another has taken for granted this Earthly life. We plan future events, push things off until later dates, and even after we get reminders that tomorrow may never come we fall back into old habits. Now I'm not saying we shouldn't plan events in the future because, let's face it, the world just wouldn't go 'round if we did it that way; nothing, however, is set in stone so don't forget to factor in the uncertainties in life. 

I received an email last week at work talking about stress, it mentioned a few things to do to help manage day to day stress as well as long-term stress. The very last few paragraphs are what stuck with me, a reminder that we all need to loosen up on occasion and Play, don't take yourself and/or life too seriously. 


Here is the passage from the end :: 
"If I had my life to live over again, I'd try to make more mistakes next time.  I'd relax.  I'd limber up.  I'd be sillier than I've been on this trip.  I know of very few things that I'd take seriously.  I'd take more vacations.  I'd be crazier.  I'd climb more mountains and swim more rivers and watch more sunrises.  I'd do more walking and looking.  I'd have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones."

"You see, I'm one of those people who lives life prophylactically, sensibly, hour after hour, day after day.  Oh, I've had my moments.  But if I had it to do over again, I'd have more of them.  In fact, I'd try to have nothing else -- just moments, one after another -- instead of living so many years ahead each day."

"I've been one of those people who'd never go anywhere without a thermometer, a hot-water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat, an aspirin, and a parachute (just in case).  If I had it to do over again, though, I'd go places, do things -- travel lighter than I have this time."

"If I had my life to live over again, I'd start barefooted earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall.  I'd play hooky more often and wouldn't have made such good grades, except by accident. In short, I'd ride a lot more merry-go-rounds and pick a lot more daisies, if I could live my life over again."



I know I don't want that to be me, living a life of "I wish I had" or "Maybe Next Year", I want all my loved ones to know exactly how I feel about them and I don't want to live a life regretting I didn't do something or tell someone exactly how I felt about them. I want to start living in the "Right Now" and I hope you will join me! 

Is there something in your life you keep putting off? Tomorrow is not promised to you, so what are you waiting for?

Linking up with Tiffany and Mandi


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Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Thirty-One Love + A Giveaway

I had a Thirty-One party last week and it was my first one in a LONG time, sometimes I forget how fun this company is when you can get together with a bunch of ladies and talk about purses/bags/totes…etc! 

I joined Thirty-One back in February of 2011. It was brand new to the area and I was one of the first few to join in North Dakota. I joined this company because, for one, I LOVE bags and have been a lover of huge purses since high school but I also joined because I loved the values of this company. Thirty-One, now that is a unique name for a company and my first thought was "that has nothing to do with bags and they have more than 31 items, what the heck" but when I was told it comes from Proverbs 31 I thought that was awesome. A company that isn't afraid to share their religious beliefs, to talk about God, and a company founded by a woman for the purpose of encouraging and empowering other women - That is something I liked the sound of! I didn't plan on selling a lot or doing many parties but these products are addicting and it spread here like wildfire; I didn't mind though I loved getting to meet new ladies and share my own love for these products. I currently have a wonderful team of ladies selling underneath me and I've been promoted to Sr. Consultant!! If you have ever thought about doing direct sales or want to join a company with great values just ask me about this one, I'd love to have you join my team! Or if you ever need a Consultant or help placing an order just let me know!!

Proverbs 31:31 - "Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."


Now with all this talk about Thirty-One don't forget I have teamed up with the lovely Kelly from Today Was A Fairytale and her other sponsors for a great giveaway! I have a fabulous Large Utility Tote up for grabs so don't forget to enter for your chance to win that and other great prizes!


...

Connect with Kelly:

Connect with Sheree:

Connect with Jessica:

Connect with Julie:

Connect with Stacy:

Connect with Laura:

The giveaway will be open through Thursday (tomorrow) with a winner being announced on Kelly's blog on  Friday morning. Good luck!!

Open to US residents only.




 

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Friday, June 21, 2013

Packing up...

The hubby and I are packing up and going on a camping trip so I will be even more MIA than previously!! I hope to update you on lots of exciting things when I get back but in the meantime go and check out the photography I've been working on! I have three new preview albums up on my Photography Facebook page … Enjoy!!  >> Facebook.com/LBPhotography0







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Sunday, June 16, 2013

It is Daddy's Day


Today is all about my Dad! Steven and I aren't parents yet so until then my Dad gets to bask in the glory, like he should. 

My Dad is pretty amazing, he is a hard worker, loving, understanding, a jokester, intelligent, a handyman and of course my list could go on and on. 


My upbringing and lifestyle is pretty much owed to my Dad. As I've said before I didn't really appreciate growing up on the farm when I was younger. It took me growing up and looking back to realize how lucky I was to have all the experiences I did as a kid. 


I can't even begin to think of everything my Dad has done for me and I'm forever grateful to him for all the life lessons I've learned along the way. I grew up a Farmer's Daughter and I know that will come in so handy now in my journey through life as a Farmer's Wife. I'm so thankful to have a Dad who provided for my sister and I but at the same time taught us what hard work is and that money doesn't grow on trees. The importance of family and good christian values has been instilled in me since a young age and these are the same things I want to pass down to my future children. 


I think my love of travel comes from my Dad and I definitely know I got his good sense of direction. He has passed down many things to me that I will take with me through life: his love of playing cards and board games; the knowledge that there is a pork chop in every can; telling stupid jokes can get a person to smile even if it is the last thing they want to do; determination and knowing that sometimes you have to do stuff you don't like in order to get the outcome you want; there are countless other things I've learned from my Dad and I know I will continue to learn from him day after day.  


Dad, thanks for everything you do and have done for me and helping to shape me into the young woman I am today. I'll forever be your first born and your little girl! - Love LB



I hope you got to celebrate your Dad today too!! 


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Thursday, June 6, 2013

The Little Things

I have been a little MIA on the blog lately but don't say I didn't warn you. Summer + Me + Blogging is not a good combo. All those ladies who have full time jobs but still find the time in the summer to write 2+ posts a week should seriously get an award. 

I have been enjoying all those Little Things that make life worth living and I think Summertime always makes them a little sweeter! 

This is what I've been up to Lately :: 

1 :: It has been about two years since I got new glasses so last week I was on the search for some new ones - they should be here in a week or two so stay tuned to see what I chose

2 :: One of our friends has a summer internship in NYC so of course we need a few 'good bye for now' beers - I would love to go visit this summer but with all we have planned I feel like my summer is already over before it has started

3 :: Was at the lake last weekend and the weather this year hasn't been the best but even in the gloom I love Spirit Lake

4 :: Hanging out with my sister was so fun - we had a great time singing karaoke and one of my sister's friends won the competition and tickets to a concert festival in MN {we totally helped his chances with our *rockstar* voices aka > I think we sing better sober}

5 :: My moms birthday was Tuesday and Steve and I were glad we could celebrate with her - we had a great time taking the LONG way to supper but who doesn't love cruising the backroads on a nice evening

6 :: We tried out a new place to eat on Tuesday and are so glad we got the recommendation - there aren't many places to eat in our area so it is always nice when a new bar/restaurant opens up {even better when we hit it up on beer special night}



I'm a sub on a summer sand volleyball league and actually getting ready to go play now and will post this when I get home. {Hiii I'm Home} I have a lot of fun with the ladies I play with and it is a good excuse for some exercise {wait I mean beer drinking}!! 

Lately I've been super busy with my little side photography business and when I get some photos edited I'll be sure to let you know! In the meantime let me know what you've been up to lately; and please tell me how do you keep up with blogging in the summer!! 

Oh and if you haven't entered my giveaway yet  CLICK HERE and ENTER NOW!!



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Wednesday, June 5, 2013

May Cara Box {Reveal}


I signed up for the Cara Box exchange once again for the month of May. If you are new to my blog and have never heard of Cara Box go check out Wifessionals and the great swap she has going on.

As much as I love this exchange and meeting new bloggers I will be taking the rest of the summer months off unless I see an awesome theme. I'm just too busy in the summer and can't devote my full attention to the project.

May's Theme was "Let's Get Regional" and we were to send our partner items from our region. I had fun with this theme because I could showcase some items that wouldn't be possible without our amazing farmers {my hubby included}. Head over to Jody's blog to see what I sent her.

I really enjoyed getting to know both of my partners this month, it is always fun to see how other people live in different regions compared to good 'ole North Dakota. 

My other partner was Michelle from Kansas whose husband works on a farm so our lives are pretty similar, she is also a fellow wine drinker so next time I'm in KS we may just have to have a glass {or 2}. 

Here is what was in my fabulous Cara Box:



Watkins Lavender Hand Cream - This will be perfect for my sensitive skin and I love lavender, there is just something so relaxing about that smell

Fresh Made Sunflower Brittle - I'm nibbling on this now and it is delicious, this bag probably won't last long at my house

Sweet Wine Muffin Mix - I can not wait to try these, I'm getting super hungry right now just thinking about them


Popcorn Bowls - Aren't these just the cutest things ever?! Now Steve and I each have our own little containers, so perfect 


Sunflower Seeds - Now these aren't the kind you eat but plant. I can't wait to see some huge sunflowers growing in our yard. This may be a fought over item in my box though because both my mom and sister want some seeds

Cinnamon Candle - I love the scent of cinnamon, it just makes my house feel more like a home

Undeniably Yours by: Becky Wade - I'm almost done with Safe Haven so I can't wait to start on a new book by an author I've never read


Cara Box


I would love to thank Michelle again for this wonderful Cara Box!! It was a perfect one to end with for the summer. 


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