20 Through 30 Let it Go

I wont lie, I'm over this month's theme. I have to much that I have been wanting to share and do and write that I've been holding back! So, I decide to combine the next few posts into one large post and get to writing whats been on my heart. Thats is where number 20 comes in!

20. Let it Go- This term made popular keeps showing up in my life. Truth is, most of us do have things we really need to just let go of. Right now mine is feeling confined to write by my theme.

21. Cry- Sometimes its good to just let out the emotions. If you have been holding onto anything recently, may I suggest opening up? Its freeing in so many ways.

22. Have a party- I should have to explain this one, but I will. Its fun, there's people, and there is food.

23. Buy some sexy lingerie- Looking beautiful makes a great difference in feeling beautiful

24.Join a group, club, or society. The socialization is good. Plus, they keep you active in one or more of your hobbies.

25.Getting fitted for a bra- Yep, most of us wear the wrong size. You look better when you wear the right one!

26.Crack out the crayons- Color! Its a mindless thing that can really change your attitude.

27. Smile at work- Even if your day is sucking... do it! Your attitude affects people around you. When you choose to be happy, your work environment is better and in the end you will be happier for it.

28.Dont bite off more than you can chew- Its ok to say no sometimes.

29. Laugh a little- Watch a funny movie, read a funny book.

30. Be yourself!

19. Create Your Grove list

I come from a very musical family. We sing, dance, and live in music. For this reason, my life often has a playlist. There are songs that motivate me, inspire me, and make me feel renewed. During a time of rejuvenation is a good time to collect these and create your very own grove list. Below I have included a few of my recent grove songs.

Songs I am into right now:
Happy- Pharrell Williams
Classic- MKTO
All of Me- John Legend
Beautiful day- Jamie Grace

18. Go Outside

Being stuck indoors can suck the life out of you.So don't do it for too long. Although I am not a big fan of the heat, I do know that a certain about of time outdoors is necessary for my sanity. Below is a short list of a few things that can be done outside that may be rejuvenating. I am particularly found of one and three.

1. Plant a garden
2. Play outside
3. Go swimming
4. Sun bathe
5. Barbecue

17. Write

It doesn't really matter what you write, so long as you do it! Its about expressing and finding yourself. Journaling, poetry, blogging, even prose can bring something out of you that you never knew before. The truth is, before I started blogging, I wrote poetry. I have many, many poems. Some about heartbreak, pain, and fear. Others about joy, excitement, and freedom. I even have the beginnings of a book sitting around here somewhere. Not to mention the multiply journals I have kept throughout the years. I find writing to be therapeutic and invigorating. It seems that anyone willing to give it a real chance gets something out of it. Writing forces you to pull out of your own personal depths to face it on paper.

16. Cook or Bake

Sometimes getting in the kitchen is just what the doctor ordered. You don't even have to be good in the kitchen. Its about exploring, learning, and creating. Cooking and baking provide all of those things. You can try a new recipe or create a dish of your own. If you don't have a clue about your way around the kitchen, have some teach you. Its a fun experience and something you will be able to enjoy after the process is over.

Now, if only doing the dishes afterward was as much fun!

15. Be Thankful

Its important to take note and remember how blessed you truly are. Make it a routine to remind yourself of everything you have to be thankful for. For now I suggest even writing a list of 10 things that you're thankful for. It will remind you how good you have it!


Here is my ten:

1. My Husband- He really should get an award for dealing with me and the children.
2. My Children- My two little monsters are a great blessings. I love them so much more than I have realized I could.
3. My mother- Although I love my whole family, my mom holds a special place in my heart. 
4. Having my own place- I now realize how wonderful and needed that is. Plus I have a patio, which is such a big thing to me!
5. My job- I have a great job in a great school, working with awesome kids and fantastic staff who teach me something new everyday!
6. My blog- I didn't realize how much writing could change my life. I now cant imagine being without my blog! 
7. My husband's job- I know its not his dream job, but after a year without one- WE ARE BLESSED!
8. My car- There was a time (A LONG TIME) I didn't drive. There is something so freeing about having the ability and the means to get out of the house. I don't think anyone truly realizes how much I hate being stuck in one place.
9. My cell phone- The life line to the outside world.
10. Pinterest- The only way I deal with my list making addiction.

So, these are just a few things I am thankful for. Yes, there is tons more... but right now... I find myself truly giving thanks on a daily basis for the ones above. A few are more serious in nature than others, but what is wrong with being thankful for the little things that being you happiness? Nothing! In fact, if you can do that, you will end up a happier person, and that is rejuvenating. 

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14. Try Something New

This post is a review of Venus Snap razor. I received this razor free from Influester for reviewing purposes.

As you may know, I like to try new things. For this reason I have enjoyed being a part of the Influenster community.If you stay active and do honest reviews, you get more!

So, this fun little razor comes in a round, little carrying case and has its own soap/lotion- perfect for a vacation razor. It eliminates the need to carry shaving cream and normal size razors. The case keeps you and your stuff away from the blades and the water away from your stuff. All pluses if you ask me. The shave is also nice and close, which kind of surprised me.

As for the cons, I only have two thus far. One, the short handle is more difficult for maneuvering. However, the point of this razor is for on the go, so you have to give up one or the other. Secondly, cleaning was a bit of a challenge. It has a full size razor head, so I'm not really sure as to why this is. perhaps because I didn't shave during my shower but on the go instead.

All in all I would say it does everything it promises. Its a perfect on the go, beauty companion!

So what do you want to try new this month?

13. Join the Kids

There is nothing quite like children that make you feel old and worn out. However, that doesn't have to be the case. In fact, make a point to keep in the opposite. There is something refreshing and truly freeing about letting go and having a little fun with your kids. Not only is fun for them, but you loosen up and understand your babies just a little better.

I always feel changed when I truly let myself join my kids. It can be hard to do with all the adult pressures and stresses around us. Its just something I have to make a conscious choice to do, then go with it.

Do you join your kiddos? What is your favorite things to join them in?

My husband and I really love to get out on the playground with them. I think there is something extra special about that for us. When we were dating it was a popular date plan (because its free). We have memories of just us two, and now with our two boys. Its a precious thing to have.

12. Build Intimacy

Deepening your relationship with you significant other can really put your focus in view. Since your family is such a large part of your life, its wise to keep those relationships in tip top shape. This is even more true for your partner in crime!

Here are a few ways I find useful in building intimacy:

1. Couple Devotions and Prayer
2. Reading a book together (great books for this usually revolve around marriage or something funny that helps you loosen up.)
3. Pick up a couples "questions" book and go through it together.
4. Spend 30 minutes just cuddling
5. Spend 30 minutes making out
6. Watch a movie in bed together
7. Plan a date a week (if you can manage it!)
8. Spend time in true conversation daily. A minimum if 10 minutes!

11. Surprise Someone

Oh!! I love surprises. Well, not all surprises, only good ones. Surprise parties, surprise gifts, surprise hugs... those all make me so happy. So, I think everyone should make a point to give others happy little surprises!

So far this month I have done several things. Small gifts to friends, surprise date for the hubby, and I am planning on surprising a coworker with a gift.

There is so much to surprises that make it refreshing. The planning, purchasing, the plain out act of surprising make it all worth while. Helping others is refreshing to the soul!

Surprise Ideas

• Date with your significant other
• Special dinner for anyone (friend, family, or foe!)
• A small gift for anyone (friend, family, or foe!)
• A surprise getaway (one can dream!)
• Doing a chore for someone else in the family without being asked
• Doing a chore for a neighbor (like bringing in their trash can from the curb)
• Writing a just because letter or note
• Send a care package (to military, college, or elderly)
• Clean your significant other's car when they are not around
• Call your grandmother (or mother, whoever you talk to the least!)

I hope all these get you thinking and you have fun planning your next surprise.

10. Get Spiritual

Whether or not you are usually spiritual in nature, now is the time to consider it. If you are longing to be refreshed, renewed, or rejuvenated, it may just what you are really looking for.

Take this month to visit a church or two. Speak to friends who find peace and joy in their own spiritual walk. If you are brave, open up the Bible and see what you can find for yourself.

Since I already have a relationship with Christ, getting spiritual to me means taking more time to spend with him. It means setting apart time in my crazy busy life to know more, worship more, pray more, and grow more. This output in energy and time will always come with the biggest of pay outs.

If you are not already a believer or you are still on your search, you can find my story over at Missionary Manda's Musings. See the love and peace that changed my life for the better!

9. Clean Out Your "Junk" Drawer

I am a little ashamed of my "junk" drawer. Its a bit crazy the things I have collected in there since we moved in. Random hair accessories, children's toys, books, lotions, old papers, even incense all have found their way into the drawer of doom.

I can say that cleaning this drawer out will make me feel worlds better. Since this sits right beside my bed, it will also help me sleep I'm sure.

However, my room is not that only place that I have a "junk" drawer. Many people have one in their kitchen, bathroom, or office.

Where's yours?

8. Stretch

Start a routine that gets you going and makes you feel refreshed. I am not saying you have to take on a major exercise program. Doing just a little something (making a small healthy change), will make worlds of difference.

Not only that, you help your body prepare for a more active lifestyle. If you already have issues (such as arthritis, back problems, sleeping issues, stress), stretching can help you heal, cope, and wind down. I am especially in need of this suggestion. I have a LOT of back problems and stretching can increase my muscle strength and provide some relief from my almost constant pain. I actually don't know what I am waiting for....

Any time you try to pick up a routine (healthy or otherwise), there is a time of transition. Don't be surprised if you don't wake up every day excited by the thought, but in the end its worth it. Stretching provides so many benefits to our minds and body!

7. Wash and Clean Out Your Car

I by no means do this enough! In fact, I haven't yet done it for myself this... year! Crazy! I know! The sad fact is, I get busy and it becomes the last thing on my mind. I do plan on doing it very, very soon!

Its a good way to help start with a clean slate. A clean car makes you feel a littler better. (Plus, its a bit easier that having a completely clean house!)

Its good to rid your car of the trash, bags, and extra junk that it collect. If you have kids, you'll be a little grossed out by the mess they can create in your back seat. Either way, you will feel the difference the first time you drive after you clean it out. Its like a new world.

I also like to take this time to get a new air fresher for my car, peal off old apartment stickers, and get my oil changed if its due. Its sort of like having a new car!

6. Clean Out Your Closet

If it doesn't fit, cant be fixed, or hasn't been worn in over a year... shed it.  What hasn't been worn or doesn't fit can be sold or donated. Toss anything that has too much wear! While your in your closet is a good time to sort out seasons and put away what wont be needed for a while.

Cleaning out your closet isn't only about clothing, you should also go through your shoes and accessories. Shoes that are overly worn out or don't fit properly shouldn't be taking up precious space in your closet. Now is also a good time to an inventory of what you already own.

Try on what you have left and sort things in a way that makes sense to you. I love an opportunity to organize. I have fun with process. If that is not really your thing, you can do a basic box for accessories and another for bags, and (if you have them) another for hats. Then separate your bottoms from your tops and hang them lightest to darkest.

If you are lucky you have sold a few things and have a little extra cash to put something special back into your closet!

5. Pick and Wear a Signature Fragrance

There is just something so powerful about scent. It can change your mood, create opinions of you to other, and be a pull of attraction. If you are not a daily "scent" wearer, this is today's suggestion. My suggestion is that for a single month, you pick and wear one. It will begin to be associated with you.You will form memories wearing it. Every time you smell it, you will be reminded of when and why you started wearing it.

In the end, its all about becoming the true you.

4. Go Out With Friends

Make a date with the girls! It is especially hard for me (with young children), to find time for friends. This is where you have to get purposeful. Its important to let yourself have time without kids and without your man. Make a point to do something you enjoy. Shop, go to dinner, have a night on the town, whatever it is that makes you and your friends come alive.


Get silly, have fun, let go!

3. Splurge on a New Outfit

(that makes you look and feel hott!)

 There is nothing quite like trying on, purchasing, and wearing a brand new outfit. Its the true pleasure of retail therapy. Sometime this month put a little extra aside for this little splurge. If a whole outfit is practical, make it just one new item. This tip is about finding something that makes you feel gorgeous, while providing some retail therapy.

I often joke that if I had lots of money, shopping would be my biggest stress reliever. I love to shop. Online, in store, just about anywhere, I love to shop!

I was lucky that my shopping excursion for this cost me only about $20 for the whole outfit. Rewards and coupons, what lovely combination.

2. Read an Enlightening Book

I am a firm believer in reading self improvement books. In fact, they are my favorite thing to read! Now, you don't have to go as extreme as I did, just pick something that interests you. Whether its fashion, marriage, family, or like my book, your bedroom life, find a good one and dig in!

You don't necessarily have to buy it either. The library is a treasure trove of great self improvement books.

Reading books opens doors to lots of other things you can do to rejuvenate your life Life doesn't have to be boring, so don't let it!

If you still need some ideas, here is my Pinterest board with my a few of my planned reading- The Library

What book did you decide to read? Please share.

1. Paint Your Nails

Get them done or do them yourself, it doesn't really matter. What matters is that you take a little time for yourself to look and feel beautiful. I personally prefer to do my toes rather than my fingers! If it makes you feel good, do it.

To add to the rejuvenation factor you should do a bright, fun color or go for something completely different from your usual hues! Bringing the unexpected in can add to the whole experience!

If your  really adventurous you can get shellac, acrylic, silk wrapped nails! Get a full mani-pedi if you have the time and money. This tip is all about pampering yourself!

If you would like some fun ideas for your nails you can check out my beauty board on Pinterest- Miss Piggy Would Agree.

30 Days (or ways) to Rejuvenation

I think I need a little rejuvenation. So it won out in my list of options for this month. I will give you thirty different options to get you on your way. Some of my ideas will cost a little, some may be a splurge, most will likely be free!

I am a firm believer that pampering and rejuvenating yourself shouldn't HAVE to cost you anything. I am also a believer in caring enough for who you are to splurge on occasion, so I really want this month to be balanced.

If you have any wonderful ideas that help you feel rejuvenated, I would love to hear them. Perhaps they will become a part of my plan as well. I already have a good list going, but I love variety. I listen to music on shuffle, I have a closet full of clothes, and I am a muiltlayered person!

Let's have fun and get refreshed together!