Make Your Own Scented Oil

I decided to try making my own scented oil. This is something that I have always wanted to do. I read, in Martha Stewart's whole living magazine, about the amazing properties of grapeseed oil. The article had suggestions about what essential oils you can mix into it to make a moisturizer. I love the smell of bergamot and lavender so these were the oils I decided to use to make my lotion. Ebay is my favorite avenue for finding almost everything. I purchased all three and mixed it all up. It smells amazing and keeps my skin so soft for most of the day. I recommend to try this if you have a favorite scent that brings you happiness.

Brooke's Goal #5

Wow- It is apparent that I have not been doing anything for myself for the past couple of months. My last post was in February! No wonder I have been feeling burnt out and need to have a new goal to get back on track. It was so easy to fall into my old pattern, of focusing on the needs of everyone else, and lose sight that I have needs too. In order for me to feel happy and to be a good mom, it is necessary for me to take time to myself and do something I enjoy. Here is my plan- I am going to take the time to do one thing each day this week that I truly enjoy! I am sorry to say that it probably will not be walking on the treadmill. Maybe I will do yoga, but it will most likely be something crafty. I am still working on liking and wanting to exercise.

Today I am going to start my week with a beading project!

Brooke's Goal #4

I just read an article, in the Body and Soul magazine, on feel-good strategies to try. One of the strategies suggested is to start a happiness journal. The idea is to record something that makes you happy. It could be anything from a compliment, a rite of passage in one of your children's lives, etc. The act of doing this helps train you to appreciate these moments more fully and you can keep track of activities you should keep on doing. My goal this week is start my own happiness journal and see where my happiness comes from.

Quote of the Day

Invest in experiences, not just objects.

Quote of the Day

Take the guilt out of pleasure. Sometimes the thing you want most is just what you need.

The Power of Lasting Friendship

I am leaving for the weekend to spend time with Erika and her family. This was a last minute decision to pack up the family and drive to Southern California. We are now on the same coast and are able to visit each other frequently. Prior to her move, we had not seen each other for about 3 years. This made me wonder why friendships last over the test of time and distance. I think there are so many ways to nurture our friendships without spending quality time together. I am a phone person, so I know that chatting to catch up has helped us along the way. It is staying connected in any way you can that helps these relationships thrive. I am so happy to have this blog, as another tool, to cherish our friendships. You are a great support system and I am lucky to have each of you in my life.

Watch out world....

cause here I come! I am planning an overdue vacation by myself to visit a friend of mine that just moved to Hawaii. I have only been away from the kids one night and that's when I went to San Jose to run a 1/2 marathon. Not that exciting! So, I am gathering the determination to buy the plane ticket (without guilt) and live it up. Thinking that is not hard to do in Hawaii.
With this trip on my mind today I found a cute dress and think it will be perfect for my trip. But, its black....and every swimsuit I own is black. So, here is the promise I made to myself. No more black. It's basic, slimming, and classic but it's time I venture out into the world of color! So, I will buy the plane ticket (even if I need a few glasses of wine beforehand) and I will be strutting a new swimsuit in Hawaii with vibrant colors! That is my goal anyhow!
And this leads me to another topic...I will need to make a trip to the Nordstrom in WC to go get a swimsuit. Maybe we can plan a girls afternoon out shopping and cocktails???? Or maybe cocktails before shopping...makes it more interesting!