Photo Diary: My Week in Review

Hello, friends!  This week has been all about seeking wisdom in the everyday and finding inspiration in the power of simplicity.  I hope you'll enjoy the review in my life for the week.

I love playing with my hair.  I particularly have always loved cute hair extensions and hair pieces that add a little bit of flair to my hairstyle.  I really love little tie-able and clip-in extensions.  Not only are they chemical free, but they never damage my hair.  They are so versatile (so many options, styles and colors).  Best of all, take them out at the end of the day!  I love these little pig-tail hair extensions.  I received compliments on them everywhere I went that day!

I would like to introduce everyone to our newest family member, Leo.  He's only three months old so he has plenty of energy.  He loves to socialize and he's already spoiled!

I am still working on eating clean and being healthier.  This is actually one of my new favorite breakfast options:  oatmeal cooked in water with artificial sweetener, toasted wheat bread, and coffee with a dash of cream.  I have found that oatmeal is so filling, with minimal calories.  Sometimes I throw in greek yogurt or a handful of cashews.  Much healthier than the biscuits and gravy I used to get (I treat myself to them once a week now).

BEFORE

Not a lot of people know this, but I am a doll mom.  I collect reborn dolls.  They are so precious and each one has its own unique characteristics.  They also make wonderful therapeutic tools.  (I will write a longer post later all about reborn dolls and my various doll collections).  I found this little girl at the goodwill and really wanted to give her a new life so I bought her for just $2 dollars and fixed her up myself.  

AFTER

These are the before and after photos.  I painted her some fingernails and toenails.  I colored her lips.   And I gave her eyelashes, hair, eye brows and the grand finale of a cute outfit.  I really love her transformation.  Maybe this will be a new hobby, rescuing and redoing old baby dolls.  Sounds like fun to me!

Self-Development Reads of the Week

 I adore this book and the little life lessons.

If you need some positive reinforcement to stop letting yourself down, this is the read for you!

"You must choose to be happy, grateful and fulfilled.  If you make that choice every single day, regardless of where you are or what's happened, you will be happy.'

-Rachel Hollis

This book is about one woman's year-long exploration of new hobbies, reinforcing new self-growth habits and mindfulness.  Gretchen devoted each month of the year toward the development of a new habit...culminating in a year-long experiment in the study of what makes us happy.  She also encourages the reader to create their own happiness project with their own goals and habits.

"It's about living in the moment and appreciating the smallest things.  Surrounding yourself with things that inspire you and letting go of obsessions that want to take over your mind.  Happiness begins with your own attitude and how you look at the world."

-Gretchen Rubin

Lately, I've been taking the time to appreciate the simple things in life and the beauty that nature has to offer.  Like this old tree in my front yard that looks like it has a million stories to tell.  Old, ancient trees really are a living symbol of resilience and strength.  I think they have lessons to teach us, if we only watch and listen.

However, the true delight of my front yard was gifted in an unexpected visitor: a delicate butterfly that I've affectionately dubbed "Mr. Butterfly."  This charming creature's presence served as a gentle reminder that sometimes, the most remarkable moments in life are born from serendipity and that there is immeasurable value in taking the time to marvel at the world around us.

So, here's to slowing down and appreciating the beauty in the everyday!