Take life in stride

Its a whirlwind of action these days. With the incoming holidays, stress from work, daily tasks in relation to my children, and just getting my everyday to-do list done... I find myself being stretched thin. I also find my time management skills in need of honing.
In the next couple of weeks, I'll be training towards a position in leadership. I've come to terms with the need to fulfill a short term goal of staying at my retail job, and in so doing, I'll need to build up that pay check to keep my other goals in focus. I have no desire to stay in retail for a full career. Someone has to do it, just not me.
I'm also preparing for a long distance trip back to my friends and family in Florida. Almost a year has passed since I've had the comfort of being around people I love and trust so strongly. Besides, its also a chance to see a childhood friend graduating college, another good friend should have her baby by then, and being reuniting with a college friend that I hold in the highest regards. My excitement cannot be contained. Its certainly shining out in other aspects of my life.
This week, I get to deal with a 48 hour work week, Thanksgiving Day plans, and somewhere in between these, finishing my little projects. I doubt I'll find much time for me, but if I can just make it through....
I have another Shoplet review I'm working on for you guys.

I'm working on potty training my daughter. She loves her potty chair, but loves running around naked from the waist-down more. I'm beginning to wonder if she's going to be more difficult than her brothers after all.

There's a story that has been trapped in my head for too long. Being a creative writer at heart, I can't keep it locked up anymore. So every chance I get, I write it down. Then later I type it up. It may never be printed or sold. Maybe no one else will ever read it. But I have to get it written, nonetheless.
So what am I really getting at? 
My mother used to remind me quite often, "Don't lose yourself." I'm so-and-so's wife, mother to (insert child's name here), and so on. But who am I on my own? I'm a woman who goes by both her names. Who has many talents that mean nothing in the working world. I can weld, use pretty much every tool in my dads collection, build chopper-style bicycles, ride motorcycles, drive stick and automatic, spin a tale that is so unbelievable you have to believe, speed read, and kill almost everything I try to grow. Am I proud of these accomplishments? Most definitely... okay not the killing plants one. There isn't anything I can't do when I set my mind to it. So why are there days when I feel useless or as if I have nothing to offer? Partly because I have lived with someone who takes the time to put me down for everything I haven't done instead of recognizing what I do daily. Partly because, despite my best efforts, I don't seem to achieve too many of my ultimate goals. I see my failures in a stronger light than I do my completions. Let's be honest though, we are our worst critics. We put ourselves down needlessly. A dear friend of mine has been reminding me of this lately.

So what goals am I setting for myself now? To put out a more positive outlook. Instead of seeing the negative first, I'm going to search for the positive. Instead of saying yes to every request, I'm going to learn to say no. And instead of feeling rushed to finish everything for everyone, its time to manage what time I have a little better. Priorities will be made again. Even if it means going back to making lists.
Take everyday in stride, folks. And look for those positive things, no matter how small.

Mrs. Cavanaugh's Candies review via US Family Guide

I was recently chosen to write a review after trying some of Mrs. Cavanaugh's fine chocolates.

I was sent an assortment one pound pack and a few of the bars to base my review on.

The Mindy Mint bar is 1.8 ounces or fine milk chocolate truffle.

                It had to be my favorite out of everything I received. 

It's smooth, with a beautiful amount of mint to balance it out.The sample box contained truffles of orange creme, raspberry, caramel, and even some with pecans among other flavors.

Sorry I didn't get a picture before digging in... but I couldn't help myself!

Each one was creamy and a delight to the palette. The white chocolate Trinidad was a mix of nuts and caramel, covered in white chocolate. I'm not often a fan of chocolate having nuts mixed in, but these chocolates were fantastic! They are creamy and rich in flavor. The pecans or nuts in each one are mixed well enough to make the amazing blend. My only complaint would be not having a better guide to know what was in each truffle. I like being surprised from time to time, but I don't like all the flavors. Coconut wouldn't have been a pleasant taste to me. Knowing what each one was would have made my selections easier. The picture guide included in the box wasn't as helpful as it could've been.

This is perfect for sharing with friends, whether at a party or just because.
There is no trans fat, preservatives, or hydrogenated oils in these chocolates. I'm also happy to say they are made right here in the United States. You aren't just eating healthier, but you are boosting our nations economy.

Go to http://www.mrscavanaughs.com/  to checkout what they have to offer. Christmas is right around the corner. Parties, incoming visitors, and gifts to give all come to mind with such a sweet treat! You can create a box or pick something already designed.

You can also get free gift wrap added!

Making this weekend special

I not only got out of work early on Friday, but had the whole weekend off. There were a few family events (free of course) that I couldn't pass up. 

The Lego Store at the North Star mall, for instance, had a pre-Black Friday VIP event. It was one VIP card holder and a guest going in 9-10 AM (before opening) to get free bags of goodies and special extras. While my husband was there with the middle son, I took the oldest and little lady to stand and wait by the Disney store. We had run into a friend who let me in on the knowledge that the first child at the door would get to "open" the store.

They also got a free key ornament.

My oldest son didn't want to do it so I took my lady out of the stroller.

She was so excited. I found it amusing that all 3 of us were dressed in Disney style. I had worn a Maleficent ensemble.

Afterwards, we took the kids to the Target Frozen event. Each of the kids got a goodie bag regardless of what they were wearing.

My little "Elsa" was posing and smiling. 

The Cartwheel toy of the day is the Lettlest Pet Shop Style set. 

We also stopped by our friends at San Antonio Plastic Bricks. They have recently moved to a larger retail store front. Definitely going to be amazing once it's completely set up. 

Hope you all have an amazing weekend! Remember those deep breaths as you try to get through the Thanksgiving week next week!!! 

gatti's pizza coupon and information!

Great food, fun games and good family times all under one roof! Find an unlimited buffet filled with pizzas, pastas, a full salad bar, desserts and more. So much food! Plus, there's plenty of space to eat with the family in multiple themed dining rooms. Then it's on to the game room - which is huge! Video/arcade games, Bumper Cars and more!
My readers receive these special offers:

• $10.99 - One Kids buffet, drinks & $10 game card - valid anytime
• $39.99 - 2 adult buffets, 2 kids buffets, drinks, 2 $10 game cards - valid anytime

Coupon Code is here

 

My family has been to Gatti's only once before, but we enjoyed it a great deal. I'm glad to share this awesome deal with you all! Let me know if you will be going.