Sunday, November 25, 2012

I'm an Elf for Health!

I first heard about Elf for Health from a retweet by a dietitian on Twitter; curiously I followed her link and was directed to Lindsay Livingston’s blog, ‘The Lean Green Bean’. I’m so glad I did! Lindsay and Elle (aka Nutritionella) are soon-to-be dietitians who, in my opinion, are creative geniuses. They’ve organized a 6-week holiday challenge for “elves” everywhere to encourage and be encouraged by others to make and achieve their health and fitness goals. The encouragement works in two ways: First, elves are paired together to act as motivation buddies, exchanging e-mails once or twice weekly to swap recipes, workouts, and support. Second, each elf completes daily challenges and posts their progress publicly. The challenges range from trying a new workout to donating clothes to Good Will.

I'm in love with this challenge for a lot of reasons. The challenges and partnerships hold participants accountable, making them more likely to succeed. It also serves to benefit the body, mind, and soul; and whole-body health is a philosophy to which I definitely subscribe.

Well? Have I convinced you to sign up yet? Go ahead, click it... you know you want to!


The challenge starts tomorrow, but I’m already feeling motivated to get fit, eat healthy, and stay motivated through the ever-tempting and delicious holiday season. I’ll be chronicling my experiences here, and if you follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram you’ll certainly see my #elf4health posts there. 

Wish me luck!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!

Rifle Paper Co.
I am so thankful for my family and friends near and far. I am grateful to be fully employed -  not only for employment itself, but for employment with a company that supports my personal values and respects me as an individual. I am happy, healthy, and excited about my future. I am a very fortunate girl, and I'm most thankful for that.

What are you thankful for?

Sending my love to you and yours! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

We're Engaged!

It's the day girls dream of, and it caught me completely by surprise. It was Friday night: I came home from work, ate dinner, showered, and turned on Grey's Anatomy. Not long after that, I heard the screen door open and a sweet 7-year-old voice suspiciously calling, "Ooohhh, Staaaaa-cyyyyyyyy!"

Nick brought Ariana home? I was immediately confused. They asked me to come out to the family room, where Nick's parents were sitting with cameras in hand. Ariana dropped a Twix bar and a bouquet of pink roses into my lap and stepped back.

Nick stepped forward and asked me, "Remember the other day when you told me that you felt like we were already married?"

And for the next few moments, I must have blacked out, because I don't remember a darn thing.

The next thing I do remember is me crying, Nick crying, and a beautiful ring being slipped onto my finger. Thankfully Nick's parents were filming the whole thing, so there's videographic evidence that Nick dropped to his knees and asked me to marry him.  On camera, you see me bury my head, start crying, and nod my head 'yes'.


Wee!!! I'm a fiancee! It's been a week and a half and I am still blissfully elated. We're looking at a wedding in the spring of 2014, which gives us plenty of time to plan every detail of the wedding of our dreams. 

Nick already posted his thanks on Facebook, but I'd like to echo his thoughts: Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of our wonderful friends and family for the warm wishes! We couldn't be happier and are so thankful for the beautiful people we have in our lives. 

Stay tuned for updates!