January Favorites & Finds

This month, per the usual with January, I'm looking for new activewear and some cute, cozy sweaters that keep me warm and looking good. My favorite find? This Ultracor La Vie en Rose Sports Bra. It's broody enough for winter but will still look killer in the summer. An InLinkz Link-up … [Read more...]

Transform Your Life-Day 1

Let's take a little journey- you and me- this winter. It's all about TRANSFORMATION. If you are in my Facebook group, Stronger Than Yesterday, then you know what I'm talking about and how it is so much more than a workout program. It's about Transforming Your Life. It's Transformation Tuesday, Y'all! Yesterday was a tough one for me. Snow day. A Monday and I just wasn't feeling it. I felt stressed, depressed, overwhelmed, and angry. Blech. 😟 Today I woke up weary but after an hour in my office doing my morning routine I felt peace. Ready for battle. I felt able to TACKLE the day in a graceful way because I took the time to collect my thoughts, sit in solitude and plan out my day.  That small ritual has been HUGE in helping me 'be the change' I want to be in my life and … [Read more...]

My Wish For You in 2019

A lot of us are tired. The holiday season is filled with late nights and New Year's Eve is no exception. New Year's Day is always a strange one to me. January is strange if I'm being honest. We wake up to not just a new day but a new month and a whole new year. I always find that a bit more than my tired brain and body wants to handle. I don't want to feel pressure to be awesome and so amazing all at once, but isn't that what so many of us feel? That we need incredible goals and plans and for them to start RIGHT NOW? Quite frankly it is unrealistic. It sets us up for failure. Instead, think of this new month as a pause, if you need to. View today, this week, as a time to reflect without the pressure of resolutions and do the things you need to start the year with intention. … [Read more...]

How to Prepare Your Home for Cold and Flu Season

Cold and flu season is in full force, whether we're ready or not. And with Americans getting about one billion colds every year, there's a pretty good chance someone in your family will come down with a virus this winter. Unfortunately, it isn't possible to be completely immune to colds or the flu. But to give your family their best shot at avoiding getting sick this winter, consider taking these few simple steps. One of the most effective ways to reduce germs and maintain a healthier home environment is by investing in professional Waxhaw house cleaning services. Effective results start with industrial-grade tools. My Cleaning Angel employs advanced HEPA filtration and microfiber technology to capture 99.9% of airborne particulates. Unlike standard household vacuums, their equipment … [Read more...]

12 Things I Love- More Things to Love This Holiday Season

First up this week is the Archipelago 'Peppermint Bark' candle.  I picked one up last year while getting a massage and still had half the candle leftover for this Christmas season.  It smells slightly sweet but not cloying with a fresh but light peppermint.  I love it.  It makes an excellent hostess or teacher gift too. Kerax are the UK's largest wax manufacturer, and you can browse their entire product range if you click here. Second, is another all-time favorite of mine and is two products from one company, Skincando.  I met the founder, Sara, a few years ago while getting a facial.  She makes her own organic products and they are amazing.  They work, they last, they are pure and feel good to use too. The Miracle Cream goes with me everywhere and is perfect this time of … [Read more...]

A Gal’s Complete Guide to Prepping Her Car for Winter

Driving is one of those things we do every single day that has the power to transform our mood. Depending on the way you look at it, sitting behind the wheel of your car can either be a stressful, or infinitely enjoyable experience. You simply put your favorite tunes on, and you watch as the road unfolds before you – a truly calming sight. That said, come wintertime and driving can prove to be a stressful task with numerous perils waiting on the road ahead. Avoiding car accidents in winter becomes more and more difficult as the temperatures get colder and the show starts to cover up the dormant ice on the roads. Here to help you have a safe and fun time driving in winter is your complete guide to prepping your car just right! Change the tires and check the … [Read more...]

Why Do New Year’s Resolutions Fail? Here Are The 2 Ways You Can Succeed

Did you know that at least one-third of people will give up on their New Year's resolutions? Whether the studies say more people will fail or others will succeed, the resounding consensus is that many people will break their resolution or give up altogether in the new year. Personal development, personal and career growth, progress and potential concepts. Coach (human resources officer, manager, mentor) motivate employee to growth. Recent studies have proven that adopting a great new habit or kick an old bad habit takes longer than the expected 21 days. In fact, it's estimated that people need to engage in a new habit for about 66 days before a new habit is made or broken. For those of us setting short-term goals on January 1, many get discouraged when a new habit doesn't stick. … [Read more...]

Home Repairs Made Easy: Tackling Garage Door and HVAC Repairs

Owning a home comes with the responsibility of maintenance and occasional repairs. Two common areas that may require attention are your garage door and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. Let's explore some tips on how to tackle these home repairs effectively. Garage Door Repairs: 1. Inspection: Begin by inspecting your garage door. Look for loose or damaged parts, unusual sounds, and any signs of wear and tear. Pay attention to the springs, cables, and rollers. 2. Safety First: Before attempting any repairs, ensure your safety. Disconnect the garage door opener, and if the door is stuck, do not force it open. It's best to consult a professional if you're unsure. 3. Lubrication: Regularly lubricate moving parts like rollers, hinges, and tracks to reduce … [Read more...]

12 Days of Things I Love

Happy December! This month I'm doing 12 Days of Things I Love.  Each week I will share a few more items until we hit that magic number 12. I've done three items this week so far.  Let's get started, shall we? I featured this item to kick off the event.  It's a darker take on holiday nails and since Essie is one of my favorite nail polish brands I had to share it. You take Essie Wicked and apply it over your base coat.  Then layer on Essie Bordeaux and finish it off with a top coat.  It's a deeper burgundy that glows with depth.  I love it this holiday season and through the new year. Next, my can't go a day without my cozy shearling-lined slippers from Lands End.  I have a Josie Blue pair from last year and they held up well all year long.  This year you can monogram … [Read more...]

Cyber Monday Deal From Me to You

Welcome to Cyber Monday! This is me. Healthy. Fit. Full of life back in September when H and I went to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic with NO KIDS! Despite all my health issues from Lyme and tick co-infections the best thing I have done in 2018 was to fix how I was eating and starting working on feeding my body the right way and getting it stronger than ever. It's working, don't you think? I would have never posted that picture before. So, how are you feeling about 2019? Are you like, "Ugh, Vicky. It's the holidays. I'm not there yet." That's fine. I get it. I totally understand. We don't often want to think of the things we need to do for ourselves to be healthy until it is too late or already January. BUT.... Maybe you just want to see me before when I was … [Read more...]