Hello July! Try These Epic Ways to Relax

July’s Goals

It's hot! It's the seventh month! It's high summertime!

My swimming pool! Pic by engchik

Get an ice cream at the beach- hello super icy pop or a Chilly SpongeBob, or my favorite- the frozen-brick-hard chocolate eclair bar.

FIREWORKS! Don't miss them this weekend!

Stake out a sweet spot by the pool- and stay there all day! All you need is a gallon or three of water, sunscreen, trashy magazines, some yummy snacks. and an epic novel.
Curb up on your blanket under your sunhat and you’re set.

Leave the phone in your bag, 

No need to Instagram the pool (ok, the pool, but please no hot dog legs. So over that,but let's see a shot of your metallic tootsies or your cute bathing suit ;) I'm engchik on instagram!

My Goals for July are to relax! 
Enjoy my summer! 
Stay under budget!

Reading and relaxing and sipping- my favorite! Pic by engchik

At the beach and enjoying it- with my mom here!

Wawa Welcome America! FREE Festival Continues in the City of Philadelphia

The 2016 Wawa Welcome America! festival continues with free admission to the Rodin Museum, Go 4th &Workout Like Rocky, a citywide reading with the Free Library of Philadelphia at all 54 branches, and a free screening of Rocky, part of the Philly @ The Movies series.

TODAY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29

6:25 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.            

Go 4th & Workout Like Rocky

Steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Train like Rocky on the famous steps with the November Project, a national fitness initiative. All ages welcome!

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.          

Go 4th & Read

Free Library of Philadelphia – ALL LOCATIONS

Join the Free Library of Philadelphia at one of their 54 branches for a citywide reading. The first 100 kids at each library will receive a free book thanks to Duffy’s Books in Homes USA.

Kingsessing Branch

1201 South 51st Street (51st St between Kingsessing & Chester Ave)

City Representative Sheila Hess and President of Duffy’s Books in Home, Richard E. Quest will be guest readers.

7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.        

Philly @ The Movies: Rocky

Yo! Don’t miss this Philadelphia classic from the very steps that made Rocky a lifelong legend. Movie begins at dusk, but come early to get a good seat and enjoy the pre-movie activities. Don’t forget to bring a blanket or chair. Special thanks to our Philly @ the Movies sponsors: Beneficial Bank, Tastykake and T-Mobile.

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.     

Free Museum Day at Rodin Museum

21st Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Enjoy FREE admission to the Rodin Museum, a Philadelphia icon administered by the Philadelphia Museum of Art housing one of the most comprehensive public collections of work outside Paris by one of the world's most renowned sculptors.

About Welcome America Inc.: Welcome America, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 1993 with a mission to produce Philadelphia’s official July 4th celebration with free events for residents and visitors. The festival is produced in partnership with the City of Philadelphia. Welcome America Inc. has produced this official July 4th commemoration for the City of Philadelphia since 1993. For more information, please visit welcomeamerica.com. Join the conversation by liking us on Facebook (Facebook.com/WawaWelcomeAmerica) and following us on Twitter and Instagram (@July4thPhilly) #JULY4THPHILLY. 

Five New BBQ Sauces You MUST Try from Heinz!

It’s time to grill up and get ready for Summer 2016- have you got what it takes...to make amazing BBQ? This is such a great time of year and we forget we can grill year around…there’s just something about standing over a hot grill, on a hot day…ready for a family dinner or a night shared with friends.

Heinz has just released five new great-tasting BBQ sauces, created in partnership with five of America’s top pitmasters, each with flavor as distinct as the regional barbecue taste it represents including: 

Kansas City Sweet & Smoky by Joe and Mike Pearce, Memphis Sweet & Spicy by Dan Brown, Texas Bold & Spicy by Robert Sierra, Carolina Tangy Vinegar by Sam Jones and Heinz Classic Sweet & Thick.

Additional information about the Pitmasters and their Heinz BBQ Sauces

Kansas City Style Sweet & Smoky BBQ Sauce: Rooted in generations of barbeque tradition, great Kansas City style barbeque is a perfect balance of thick, sweet and tangy. Heinz teamed up with Kansas City natives and award-winning Pitmasters, Joe and Mike Pearce, to craft a Kansas City style sauce that is a mouthwatering blend of that sweet and smoky deliciousness that the region is known for.

Memphis Style Sweet & Spicy BBQ Sauce: From the birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll, the tradition of Memphis barbeque is rich and sweet with a pop of spice. To create a truly great Memphis style barbeque sauce, Heinz teamed up with Dan Brown of Memphis’ own Leonard’s PIT Barbeque — a barbeque institution since 1922. With sweet brown sugar and the flavors of the region’s traditional dry rubs, this is a sweet and spicy sauce that’s sure to be a favorite.

Texas Style Bold & Spicy BBQ Sauce: In Texas, there’s nothing shy about barbeque, and a great Texas style sauce means bold flavors and big personality. That’s why Heinz teamed up with Robert Sierra, Pitmaster of the Texas State Grand Champion S&S Pit Crew competition BBQ team from San Marcos, Texas. This sauce captures the very best of Texas barbeque — combining spices like cumin and chili powder for a sauce that’s bold and flavorful with just the right kick.

Carolina Vinegar Style Tangy BBQ Sauce: Real Carolina barbeque is all about the deep-rooted traditions of whole-hog barbeque slow cooked over wood coals. Heinz teamed up with third-generation pitmaster Sam Jones, of the legendary Skylight Inn BBQ in Ayden, North Carolina to craft a true Carolina style sauce that blends the distinctive tang of apple cider with the just right bit of sweet and spice to make it the perfect addition to your favorite pulled pork.

Classic Sweet & Thick BBQ Sauce: The traditions of barbeque in America run deep - and a great sauce can make all the difference. That’s why the Heinz Barbeque team has traveled the country and done our homework with some of the nation’s top Pitmasters to bring you a sauce that captures the real flavors of American barbeque. This sauce is a true classic -sweet, thick, deliciously balanced, 100% natural, and sure to please!

For more information visit: www.HeinzBBQ.com. #HeinzBBQ #MadeWithTheMasters.

TEA GIVEAWAY!

What are looking forward to the most this summer!! comment below!

Be a #SavvyTraveler: Summer Airport Time-Saving Tips

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, there will be around 88 million people taking flights around the country this year. One of the more popular times that people tend to travel is during the summer, when families can plan vacations. 

With so many flights scheduled, it is easy to get caught up spending more time at the airport than originally planned. The best way to beat spending the extra time there is to plan ahead and be a savvy traveler.

“Airport travel, especially during the summer, can either be a sweaty nightmare or it can be a pleasant experience,” explains expert traveler Margie Floris, president and co-founder of travel wellness company Savvy Travelers. “It all really comes down to how much preparation you do in order to save you time at the airport. The good news is that there is plenty you can do to cut back on airport time and help keep you fresh when traveling spending less time there.”

Being a savvy traveler is all about knowing the tips and tricks that will help get you through the airport quicker, keep you organized and prepared, and will help you be fresh and feeling great when you reach your destination.

Here are some tips to help you save time and be a savvy airport traveler this summer:

• Choose wisely. To save time, it’s always a good idea to try and take flights that are on non-peak days. Those who can fly on Tuesday and Wednesday, for example, will find that the airport is not as busy during those times. This alone should help to speed up your travel experience, because you will not be caught in so many long lines.
• Prep ahead. Do what you can for your flight before you ever arrive at the airport. This includes downloading the airline’s app, so you can use it to do your check-in and show your digital boarding pass. This will help you save time and send you right to security, bypassing the initial check-in line.
• Neatness helps. Having everything organized helps lines to move quicker. Knowing where your travel documents are, including your identification, and being able to quickly grab them will keep things moving along. Aim for having things organized and leaving behind unnecessary items that will create clutter in your pockets and bags.
• Weigh ahead. People get slowed down at the airport when they arrive and find out their bag is too heavy. Avoid this issue by weighing it at home ahead of time, and planning accordingly. You may need to take things out to meet the weight limit, but it’s better to do this at home than try to do it at the airport.
• Arrive fresh. Traveling during the summer can take a toll on people because it is hot and sweaty. Rather than having to spend time trying to find a restroom to freshen up in, carry no-rinse products with you that will help address the sweat, body odor or germs that may be present. Stock your carry-on bag with some individually wrapped wipes from Savvy Travelers like the No Sweat antiperspirant deodorant wipes, the Speak Eazy mouth cleansing wipes, and the Klean Upz antibacterial wipes.

“My business partner, Tina Aldatz, and I have had a lot of experience traveling and in determining what it is that can help make it more of a pleasant experience,” added Floris. “That’s why we created solutions for travelers, so everyone can be a Savvy Traveler!”

Savvy Travelers offers a no-rinse line of products that help to keep travelers healthy and lends a convenient collection of problem solvers for beauty and wellness needs.
Savvy Travelers individually wrapped cosmetic wipes are curated for the "on-the-go” sophisticated savvy travelista! No Water? No Problem!  

The company offers a line of pre-packaged kits of individually wrapped beauty wipes, such as the “Jet Set Kit:” which contains 4 “No Sweat” antiperspirant deodorant wipes, 4 “Speak Eazy” mouth cleansing wipes, 4 “Take Offz” cleansing and moisturizing wipes for the face and 4 “In The Klear” lens and screen cleaning wipes. Savvy Travelers wipes are a savior in flight when you are stuck at your seat, and still want to feel clean or refreshed, making traveling healthier all around. For more information, visit the site at: www.savvytravelers.com.

About Savvy Travelers (SavvyTravelers.com): 
The Savvy Travelers collection of designer beauty wipes are curated for the sophisticated on-the-go travelista. Savvy Travelers keep ladies fresh and fabulous from head to toe, one swipe at a time, offering products in convenient kits and single-use packets that are disposable, eco-friendly and made in California!  No Water? No Problem! Follow @Savvy_Travelers on social media and like us on Facebook.  

Source:

Bureau of Transportation Statistics. 

Total Passengers in millions. http://www.transtats.bts.gov/airports.asp>

LAST CHANCE to get Julep's FREE Patriotic Beauty Gift before the 4th of July!

Hurry! Only a few days left to sign up for Julep Beauty Box and get their Star Spangled 8-Piece Beauty Gift for FREE when you pay for your first month ($24.99). 

That's a $122 off free red-white-and-blue beauty! 

Use the products in the gift to get the perfect look for the long 4th of July weekend.

To redeem your Star Spangled 8-Piece Beauty Gift, add the gift to cart and 
use code FIREWORKS at checkout.

Your free patriotic beauty gift includes:

• Four patriotic nail polishes
• Hot pink lip gloss
• Peony pink blush stick
• Bronze eyeliner
• White chevron nail decals

After you join Julep, you'll get a box of gorgeous and good-for-you beauty, nail, or skincare products delivered to your door every month. Julep offers the only full-size and fully-customizable beauty box out there, so you get what you want every month!

Get your Star Spangled 8-Piece Beauty Gift today! 

Use promo code FIREWORKS to get your free gift when you pay for your first month of Julep ($24.99).

Beauty Weekend: Coobie's Got You Covered

The Coobie spring 2016 line has arrived- for all ladies- whether big or small, pregnant, breastfeeding, augmentation, pre or post surgery- this bra is for you.

Hey ladies, fitness enthusiasts, comfort queens:

Coobie Seamless Bras (www.shopcoobie.com) continue to be the most amazing bra ever designed for the active woman.  

An ultra comfortable, supportive bra that provides shape and comfort for everyone who wears one.

6 Seamless Styles

Scoopneck, V-Neck with lace trim, Strapless bandeau, Lace bandeau, Comfort bra and Sports bra.  Made of 88% nylon/12% spandex, the Coobie bra can be worn in place of a cami or tank and won’t ride up or get lumpy.

Uniqueness

One size fits most!  32A-36D fits almost everybody.  Their full size line ranges from 38-42D.  More comfortable than a regular bra, but dressier and less confining than a sports bra.

Enjoy the Comfort of Coobie

YES, you can sleep in it too!  The perfect replacement for a traditional bra but perfect for sports and fitness activities.

Perfect for tweens, teens, the active girl, pregnancy, nursing, breast augmentation or even just to sleep in, Coobie, at a quite affordable price point, puts comfort back into the ladies.

As Seen On Pia Toscano, Jodie Sweetin, Chelsea Hightower, Raven Simone, Joanna Krupa, Stella Maeve and more!

New colors: Spearmint, White/Black Polka Dots, new tie-dye blends, stripes

New pregnancy and nursing bras – 

also perfect for augmentation surgery.

New lace ‘t’ strap camis in neutral and bold colors for that sexy look under a shirt or blouse

New ultra stretch camis in fun, spring colors!

Get a coobie today!

Do These 12 Things for a Productive and Happy Weekend

You made it to Friday night!! SO PROUD OF YOU!!!

What do you have planned? Add these little tweaks to your weekend routine and feel great!

Weekend Tips:

Drink 5 glasses of water Saturday and 6 on Sunday.

Get 2 hours of sunshine on Saturday and on Sunday.

Visit a loved one this weekend.

Ride a bike, take a walk, or go for a swim this weekend.

Clean out the pantry and plan 2 meals for the upcoming work week, and cook one healthy meal this weekend.

See friendw this weekend.

 

Picture by Chad R

Support the local farmers market.

Have a locally made, artesian drink or coffee.

Delete 100 emails.

Declutter and take three bags of stuff to a charity shop.

Take a nap.

Sunday- pack your lunch and set your clothes out for Monday, along with your gym bag.

What else should we add?

Book Review: Maria’s Adventurous Life

Maria Dominick, the daughter of a diplomat, has lived a glamorous life filled with international travel, love, and friendship. She speaks five languages and has been married and divorced three times. 

Currently, Dominick splits her time between her European homes and New York City. Maria’s Adventurous Life is her debut novel.

Based on a true story (with names changed to protect the fabulous!), Maria’s Adventurous Life,  by new author Maria Dominick, begins as a young Maria decides to escape her homeland to the parent-free, exciting lights of Europe.

As a beautiful Brazilian fashion model, Maria is thrilled to have fun with friends and explore love, Paris, and the world. Along the way she meets the men of her life – some of whom bring her much joy, but also great disappointments… and, occasionally, affect her confidence. 

Surrounded by wealth, celebrities, beautiful people, and glamorous places, Maria overcomes the ups and down of her affairs with the support of her family, friends, and most of all, her own courageous spirit. 

“Everything has its time in life and I did it all at the right ones,” says Dominick. “Now I am enjoying Milan, my apartment, and mostly, being a ‘Nonna’ for my gorgeous grandchildren. I hope to stay here for a long time!”

Maria’s Adventurous Life is available for purchase at Amazon.

Santa Margherita Kicks Off Summer With "She Shed" Campaign

 Eco-Sustainable Wine Brand Reaches Consumers through Social Media Program and Interactive Event 

World-renowned Italian winery, Santa Margherita, has announced the launch of its "She Shed" summer campaign. Leveraging the season's latest design and outdoor entertaining trend, Santa Margherita will share its passion for crafting premium, eco-sustainable wines, while celebrating summer's outdoor entertaining season. Fans and followers of the brand are invited to help bring the She Shed design to life, weighing in on design and décor choices via an interactive social media program. The campaign will culminate with a live unveiling, revealing the consumer-generated She Shed.

In partnership with artist and design blogger, Justina Blakeney, the She Shed program will kick off the crowd sourced design project on Santa Margherita's Facebook Page, providing summer entertaining inspiration and offering consumers an opportunity to be part of a consumer generated build of the shed. 

Throughout the summer, fans and followers will have the opportunity to vote on featured décor items for the chance to win Santa Margherita-inspired gift baskets, alongside a $5,000 grand prize for one lucky winner to create their own dream outdoor entertaining area. Capitalizing on the growing trend of adult coloring books, Blakeney and Santa Margherita will be offering unique coloring experiences throughout the campaign, as well as at the unveiling event.

The campaign will extend throughout the summer, ending with a She Shed unveiling event on August 24^th at Mar Vista Art Department in Los Angeles, CA. As part of Santa Margherita's commitment to eco-sustanability, the She Shed structure will be entirely made of reclaimed wood and recycled materials and will incorporate repurposed decor throughout. 

Further, Santa Margherita has partnered with Recycle Across America (RAA), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to simplifying the act of recycling for the general public, to increase awareness surrounding various sustainability and environmental issues. The partnership includes on-site educational awareness and a silent auction at the unveiling event with proceeds benefitting RAA's educational programs.

"The launch of our She Shed campaign allows consumers a glimpse into the brand's principal values of provenance, character, and craftsmanship, and to connect with those values that enrich our consumers' own stories," said Mark Lyle, Vice President of Marketing for Santa Margherita, USA Inc. "We're thrilled that our interactive event, social media program, and committed partnerships, give us the opportunity to celebrate the outdoor entertaining season with our consumers, while showcasing Santa Margherita as the ideal, sustainable wine choice for summer."

"As my go-to wine for all things entertaining, I'm thrilled to be partnering with Santa Margherita," says Justina Blakeney, designer, founder of TheJungalow.com and author of The New Bohemians. "Together, we couldn't be more excited to bring the She Shed to life with the help of our wide audience of nature-loving, creative folks from all over the world."

For more information on the She Shed program, and to participate in the consumer-generated build and accompanying contest, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/santamargheritaus/  

In line with Santa Margherita's dedication to crafting one of a kind wines, the brand seeks to encourage consumers to be true to themselves and enjoy life's moments with the people they care about most. Santa Margherita is committed to making a premium, top quality wine that complements consumers' lives and enriches their stories. A wine made for who they are.
Santa Margherita on Social:
Please join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/santamargheritaus/
Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santamargheritausa/
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SMWinesUSA

This Ingredient Makes Excellent Jam

I had recently seen an article on chia seed jam, and over the weekend I decided to try it. 

Hey, I had chia seeds, I had strawberries! I had honey.

I decided to slice up the strawberries and put them in the food processor with a half cup of water, and pulsed it til they were of a consistency for a smoothie. 

I poured into a glass bowl and added a half cup of chia seeds to the 2 dozen strawberries (about half a carton) that I had used. I then placed in the fridge and awaited the magic!

The next day I added honey and gave it a stire- the jam was good enough to eat right out of the bowl, and is excellent on toast. 

It’s a bit runny, and  I’m excited I was able to pull this together so quickly.

The next day, I used the rest for my breakfast smoothie.

What flavor shall I try next- blackberries or blueberries!

Healthy Eating with Davidson's Safest Choice Eggs and Rigoni Di Asiago

By now, everyone knows the basic idea of eating healthier meals— no processed foods and more fruits, veggies, proteins, and lean meats. Foods such as eggs pack a surprising amount of benefits, like B vitamins and Omega-3’s! 

Eggs also provide the good cholesterol needed for mental development as well as important Sulphur-containing amino acids.

Enjoy the nutritious benefits of eggs with Davidson’s Safest Choice™ Eggs, the only kind of eggs you can enjoy entirely Salmonella risk-free. 

These ingredients mean that you can take a healthy diet to the next level, with recipes like Huevo Con Miel (Egg with Honey), a unique and healthy Spanish snack that combines a single egg yolk with honey for a sweet and filling treat. Or try this delicious recipe! 

Try using raw honey from Rigoni Di Asiago for an all-around naturally fulfilling snack.
Mielbio encompasses a full range of Italian honey from Wildflower to Acacia, Orange Blossom, Lime, Pine and many others. 

The new creamier texture is smooth and easy to spread with an even richer flavour:
a unique development from Rigoni di Asiago expertise, honey beyond comparison

The Snack That Bites Back with Bold Flavor

Are you looking for a crunchy snack that will bite you back? Look no further than new Pressels® brand Thin and crispy pretzel chips, Sriracha flavor. 

Sriracha has become ubiquitous these days, and the popular hot sauce flavor makes a bold appearance in these fabulously crunchy chips. These were a recent addition to my PopSugar Must Have subscription box, and they are fantastic!

They bill themselves as a pretzel chip, but truthfully they have an almost bagel-chip sweet flour flavor to them. But they're supremely crunchy and crispy, and despite the Sriracha bite, I couldn't stop eating them until the whole bag was history. 

Thankfully, they're not significantly unhealthy--offering only 2 grams of fat, 1 gram of dietary fiber, and 3 grams of protein per serving. So the next time you have a hankering for a spicy, crunchy, flavor-filled snack, give new Pressels a try!

Photo courtesy of Pop Sugar Must Have box

By Stephen Trimble

TODAY ONLY! First month FREE when you join Julep Beauty Box

Today - 6/18, get your first month free ($40+ value) when you join Julep beauty box. Most new subscriber promotions offer a pre-assorted beauty gift, but this limited-time offer gives you the opportunity to try your first month FREE and which means you can customize your first beauty box and pick the items that you want!

Here's how it works:
1. Join Julep beauty box by selecting the 3-month subscription option to get your first month free. OR choose the monthly option and get your first box 50% off.
2. Use promo code FIRSTBOX to get your discount.
3. On June 20th, Julep will send you an email inviting you to log in and customize your first beauty box. Select whatever items you'd like from their July collection!
This is a great way to first experience Julep beauty box so be sure to sign up TODAY- June 18th!

Is this 40? You Bet!

I found one of my first blog posts from 6 years ago- 34 things to do before I turn 34. 

As I'm on the cusp of 40, I wanted to see how far I have come. Check it out.. What other life goals should I aim for. 

A beach house by 44, definitely!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Then,,,

NOW...

1- Write in this blog weekly.

I DO, I HAVE WEEKLY ‘WRITE NIGHTS’ WHERE I WRITE GREAT CONTENT.

2- Go to Pennsic 38.

I DID GO, IT WAS FUN, BUT I’D RATHER SPEND A WEEK AT THE BEACH.

3- Get another tattoo (where and what tho...dragonfly? too cliché?)

WORKING ON IT

4- Save 5K.

I DID SAVE 5K

5- Teach journalism or a writing class.

I TEACH A SUCCESSFUL WRITING AND PR AND BLOGGING CLASS- SELL THAT SIZZLE© AT NIGHT SCHOOL.

6- Um, get a job!! A great, real, creative terrific job with benefits, decent pay and commute and that I feel my work and skills will be valued.

I’VE GOT A GREAT STEADY JOB , FULL TIME JOB, CELEBRATING MY SECOND BIRTHDAY AND A YEAR AND A HALF HERE!

7- Write my Book!

STILL WORKING ON THIS ONE...

8- Go on a great vacation- Vegas, Key West, Wine Country, the beach- somewhere, anywhere!

WENT TO HARRYPOTTER WORLD ON MY HONEYMOON AND COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG THIS YEAR

9- Become very good at yoga.

NEED TO GET BACK INTO THIS, YOGA WAS GREAT FOR ME, IM NIT THAT FLEXIBLE AND WANT TO BE IN BETTER SHAPE AS I (GULP) AGE.

10- Get 5 more freelance clients.

I HAVE GOTTEN 5 MORE FREELANCE CLIENTS

11- A nice boyfriend would be nice, like Jim from the Office. Yeah, I want a Jim!

A NICE BOYFRIEND. YES, I GOT A JIM. BUT HIS NAME IS STEVE, I'VE BEEN MARRIED TO HIM SINCE 2015, AND HE'S MY HONEYPIE. XOXOXO

12- Take a class- pottery, wine appreciation, photography, meditation.

I HAVEN'T YET TAKEN A CLASS, BUT I TEACH A SOCIAL MEDIA CLASS

13- Get truly healthy and toned and lose 20 pounds.

IVE GOTTEN MORE HEALTHY IN THAT IM WATCHING BUT I EAT, CUTTING OUT CHEESESTEAKS AND FAST FOOD, LESS DAIRY, DRINKING ACV.

14- Be less selfish and really listen, to become a better friend. Because while I know that the world DOES revolve around me and my brilliant thinking...um, most of the time, it probably doesn't....

I HAVE LEARNED A LOT ABOUT FRIENDS OF THE YEARS. SOME ARE FOR LIFE, AND SOME WILL TWIST THE KNIFE. OTHERS WILL TAKE THAT KNIFE AND LUNGE AT THE A HOLES! I STRIVE TO BE A GREAT FRIEND, AND A GREAT PERSON, AND HELP ALWAYS.  TRUE FRIENDS ARE ALWAYS TRUE!

15- Pay off my line of credit already!

YEAH, GETTING THERE

16- Go about getting my Master's degree, at least take 1 class.

HAVEN'T GOTTEN MY DEGREE YET

17- Learn to make lobster bisque.

CROCKPOT  YUM.

18- Learn to ride a motorcycle.

I LEARNED THE BASICS

19- Keep a garden- plant my own tomatoes, lettuce and herbs (on a condo 2nd floor deck!)

THIS IS HAVE DONE EVERY YEAR- HERBS, LETTUCE AND TOMATOES.

20- Replace the kitchen counters and bathroom sink.

I HAVE REPLACED THE BATHROOM SINK AND REPAINTED, AS WELL AS GUTTED AND REDID THE KITCHEN AND REPLACED THE CARETS FOR HARDWOOD FLOORING,.

21- Raise over $2300 for Breast Cancer research.

I DID INDEED THAT YEAR

22- Pray more, go to church more and become just a little more spiritual. Remember to thank God for each blessed day.

I THANK GOD EVERYDAY!

23- Be in another movie (I was an extra in 2 movies while in NYC 07)

AH YES, MY DAYS OF MOVIES ARE OVER, BUT IT SURE WAS FUN SEEING MYSELF IN A MOVIE!

24- Save $$$ towards a beach house.

ALWAYS, ALWAYS SAVING TOWARDS THIS GOAL.

25- Reduce my carbon footprint: Use cloth bags for all groceries, recycle, shop local more, walk and bike more.

U SE THE CLOTH BAGS, I TRY TO WALK EVERYONE, BUT I WORK FAR FROM HOME, SO I MUST DRIVE. I LIKE TO AIR DRY MY CLOTHES, THAT HELPS.

26- Be more patient with my family.

OH YES, ALWAYS

27- Sell all my crap at the flea market (Sundays are best days!)

OUT THE DOOR IT GOES

28- Don’t sweat the small stuff (I never did mind the little things…)

TAKE A DEEP BREATH…

29- Truly enjoy each day and at least one thing out of each day.

I ENJOY AND AM THANKFUL FOR EVERY DAY

30- Go to the Camden Aquarium.

I NOT ONLY WENT TO THE AQUARIUM, BUT I HAVE THE DISTINCTION OF SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS AND SLEEPING OVER NOT ONCE BUT TWICE UNDER THE SEA TURTLES.

31- Reconnect with old friends.

 OH YES, THAT’S HOW I CONNECTED WITH MY NOW-HUSBAND

32- Utilize the library more often.

 LUV THE LIBRARY

33- Cook more healthy yummy food.

 PANTRY CHALLENGE, ORGANIC FOODS AND MORE HELP ME DAIL.Y

34- Make someone smile each day.

 ALWAYS, ESP WHEN I CAN MAKE MY HUSBAND LAUGH

35- KAYAK THIS SUMMER

36- SLEEP MORE

37- HMM WHAT ELSE?

38- MAKE MORE MONEY

39- LOVE OFTEN !

40- TO MAKE MY 40S EVEN BETTER THAN MY 30S!

On the eve of my 40th w an amazing friend. Life is amazing.