Do you have a bucket list?

A bucket list includes all the goals you want to achieve, dreams you want to fulfill, and life experiences you want to have. It serves as a reminder of what's important ~ your goals and dreams ~ and inspires you to accomplish them. A bucket list has UNLIMITED potential. It includes anything and everything, crazy or wacky, big or small. If you don't have a bucket list, create one. It's FREE. It takes less than an hour to create, and, once you have it, you'll know what you want out of life. It's like a map for your journey. If you already have a bucket (or resolution ... or goal) list, leave a comment and share the link. I love reading lists that others have made. I'm constantly revising my own based on the ideas from someone else. Remember, a bucket list is a LIVING document. It's going to change as goals are accomplished or revised. Since 2010, I've created an annual RESOLUTIONS LIST of things I want to do throughout the year. I have also created a list called 99 Things that I want to accomplish. To create a bucket list, get a sheet of paper (or open a new text document on your computer) and a writing utensil. Personally, I like to write so pen-and-paper are my preference, but you might be a digital kind of person. When you're ready, answer these questions: Write or type as fast as you can. Don't worry about spelling or neatness, this is a simple list-making task that you can edit and revise later. Don't stop until you have at least 100 items. If you get stuck, you're probably limiting yourself. UNLEASH YOUR IMAGINATION!!!! Your bucket list is anything and everything you want to achieve, do, see, feel and experience in life. Once you have your list, GET BUSY!!!!!!! Put your list in a place where you'll see it every day. Share your list with others. This will not only keep YOU accountable, but it might inspire them to create a list of their own. Finally, keep your list CURRENT. If you complete a task, cross it out. Read your list regularly to add, remove, or edit tasks. More bucket list examples:

• Bucket List Publications
• Bucket List
• Barefoot List

I look forward to reading YOUR bucket list!!!!

Embrace the Mistake

Hello! My name is Annelise (but please, call me Aunie) and you can find me in the swanky corner of the interwebs at Aunie Sauce. I blog about my daily saucy happenings, my never-ending quest for true love (I think I've got a good handle on it these days), my new-found faith, and you'll occasionally see tidbits of my personal style.

 

When I began Aunie Sauce... it was intended as my online diary. I really only blogged about the fun, uplifting, and bubbly things that happened in my life. A few months later, I found myself writing a guest post for Miss Mommy and spilling my drama-filled story all over her blog. I showed a side of myself that so many people had no idea about. I'll tell you this—it includes marriage, divorce, depression, and a realization that I was so very lost. Anyway... that guest post, which I shared a couple weeks later on my blog, generated a LOT of feedback. Some negative, some positive. Nevertheless—my other side was out for all to see...

... It. Was. Terrifying. Bearing my soul to the internet (to friends and trolls) was so daunting. But I knew it was something I needed to do. I blog to share my story. All of it. I may not share every single detail, but baby, I will let you know what I've done wrong and what I've done right.

I think it's important to share stories like that because, for maybe just one person, they may realize they're not alone. Maybe it'll be that they're not the ONLY one who has walked away from something that everyone else said seemed so "perfect." Or it could be that they're not the ONLY one who had feelings for another while they were already in a relationship. It might even be that they're not the ONLY one who cried and cried out of desperation, and then finally realized they just needed to open their heart to God. If, by telling my story, I can help even one person to realize that if they make mistakes it's okay (because it really is) and they must learn and move on from them... maybe that could be the little extra push that they need.

We ALL make mistakes. We ALL learn life lessons. And we ALL have our own stories.

What is YOUR story? Are you a new-found Christian, like myself? Are you a divorcee, looking for answers? Are you a baby-less, anti-crafty, non-baker ... because I sure am. I'd love to hear your story. I'd love to hear how you overcame a huge life obstacle. I'd just love to hear YOU. Email me. I promise I'll email you back. ♥

I guess the point of this post is not only to Embrace Your Life, as this blog suggests... but to embrace your MISTAKES as well. Each action and decision we make impacts who we are, what will happen, and the person we will become. Embrace. Change. Learn. Love. LIVE.

Some photography inspiration

I think we can all agree that photography is inspiring. Being able to catch beauty on camera is so wonderful. So today we have the beautiful Laura here sharing her photography tips. Hello inspiration. After you check these tips out, then check out her blog - go put your new tips to work. :) Thanks SO much for being here today with us Laura!
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Hello! I’m Laura from Our Reflection. I’m super excited about being guest a guest today. 

A little about me. I’m a full-time working mom of two amazing daughters and an admirable, encouraging husband who are my life. I am, regrettably, a bit addicted to social media. I have a constant connection Facebook and Twitter wherever I am. I love Starbucks, the colors pink and yellow, mountain biking, and listening to the piano. My new addition seems to be blogging!



When I’m not working my 8-5 or being “mommy”, I’m a lifestyle photographer based out of Monterey, California. In my mind, I am ALWAYS thinking about photography. It never ends. My brain takes snapshots everywhere I go. My photographic passion is people. Couples, families, and children. Nothing brings me more joy than capturing those unforgettable moments that will be treasured for a lifetime. Check out my photography page by clicking here.



Today I wanted to share with you some of my fav's and helpful tips when taking portraits.



1) Time of day. Its all about lighting. The best pictures will be taken the 2 hours after sunrise and the 2-hours prior to sunset. This gives everyone that natural "glow."

2) Don't go crazy buying expensive equipment but do invest in a DSLR camera. They're not to expensive these days and worth every penny. {I'm a Canon girl myself.}

3) Keep your camera with you at all times. I'm one for spontaneous photos. The ones unplanned are always the best.

4) What should I wear in my portrait? I get asked this question all the time. The clothes a person wears has a big impact on the end result of the photo. They need to be comfortable. If they feel awkward in their outfit or environment, you won't capture them looking like themselves. 

5) Don't be afraid to experiment. If you're using a digital camera, the cost of errors are free. Go crazy - you might end up with one you really love.



I hoped this help you feel more comfortable with your camera. I love questions or comments so please feel free to drop me an email. 

Embracing Life….Quietly

Today we have Autumn from Autumn Asks Why guest posting today - it is such a great post and I think we can all learn from it and/or take something away from this post.

What could be more exciting than embracing life? Truly, if you do so it’s a great ride.

My grandfather lived through the depression and was career military and a war vet. He had a wonderful outlook on life and it came across on those times I was lucky enough to visit with him. Love life. Be honorable.  Live every day.  Be HERE now.

My father was also career military. We traveled and lived all over the states and overseas also. I learned much. I experienced much. And at 10 years of age I discovered the camera.  And it was in that time frame that I really began to embrace life.  (Even though I was painfully shy and did most embracing within my family and travels.)

Then I married career military.  I mean, what did you expect? How could I possibly stay in one place? There was too much to see. Too many places to travel to. Too much life to live. I had so much more I wanted to embrace!

And all these years that’s what I have done.  Place after place. Time after time. Move after move.

And all these places I’ve made friends or just been an observer of others.  And I have always been astounded and saddened by those that do NOT embrace life.  Those that worry about what others will think. Those paralyzed by the thought of stepping off the path their friends are walking.  Those ruled by popular opinion, keeping up with the Jones and outward appearances.

What a waste of time and energy.  And talk about being untrue to yourself. That’s not what I would call embracing…its enslaving.

But right now we are in a very unstable place.  After 26 years my husband finally retired from the military.  And the jobs he had a pick of? Well, they disappeared with the latest budget cuts.

We are jobless.  We are far from all family.  And we have two girls that just don’t get the fact that we have less money coming in than going out.

So you could say there isn’t much to embrace in my life right now.

But I disagree. I’m not living in fear.  I know God has a plan whether I can understand it or not.  I don’t curse him or blame him or reject our situation.  Don’t get me wrong … I am in no way rejoicing in our situation.  After all, I can’t do anything but sit around the house pretty much right now.  Our savings are draining away at an alarming rate.  Our last paycheck is mysteriously missing and after a month and a half the military still hasn’t fixed the problem and doesn’t appear to be in any hurry to do so.

But still, I consider myself as embracing my life.  It’s a very different embracing than it has ever been before. It’s a very quiet embrace.  But it is still my life.  It is still a new day EVERY day.

It’s still worth embracing.

I embrace the time at home with my husband. The husband who spent more time in the desert than with his family for years and years as he served his country.

I embrace the time at home in the quiet. The time I am not running around doing a thousand things and wasting money on little luxuries.

I embrace the downsizing of possessions – that brings in a little more money for our next meal.

I embrace doing our clothes shopping at the thrift stores.  It’s like a treasure hunt every time.  And my girls are learning skills in looking over things and really making sure they want to spend their money on an item.

I embrace the challenge of spending as little as possible on groceries and still eating a balanced meal.  This is a skill I used to use to make it paycheck to paycheck…but haven’t needed for years.  We are rediscovering some old favorites and exploring new recipes to add new dishes to our diet.

I embrace the unknown and am excited about what is to come.  Where will we end up? What’s around the next bend?

Don’t forget that all life is worth embracing. Even if you can’t see it today…just maybe tomorrow…..

Especially if you go looking for it.

Even if it’s a very quiet embrace.

A little piece of me {Guest post}

We have the wonderful Salena guest posting here again. She is such a pleasure to have on the blog and are so honored to have her here again today. You can see her first post here. Thanks Salena for being here today!

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My name is Salena and I am the blogger behind  A Little Piece of Me.  I was born and raised in Hawaii on the island of O'ahu.  I'm wife to Rudy, mother of 6, and grandmother of 3.  I am a stay at home mommy to my 3 little girls and on my spare time, which is rare, I create handmade accessories which you can find at here.  I blog about everyday life, marriage, parenting, things I love, and everything in between and I am so happy to be blog swapping with Embrace Your Life today.




I have been blessed with many kids.  I have come to believe that it is God's way to teach me the lessons I need to learn and to keep me grounded.  Although being a mother is a very hard job, it keeps me focused on what is most important.  In the little everyday simple things such as watching my little ones sleep or being next to them when they are falling asleep and snuggling into my arms or into their comfy beds.  Watching them get so excited to just do a simple nature walk and collect things that God has created and come back home to make a collage.  It is through my kids that I have learned how to Embrace Life the most.  God has used situations with my kids whether joyful ones or the down right traumatizing ones to point me in the direction I need to go.  In all the joys and heartbreaks of being a mom, it brings me back to enjoying every detail that most people would not.

It's not about having money or having all the material things that some work so hard for.  It's about stopping, being still and listening to one another.  Engaging, making eye contact, being attentive to those around you.  Connecting to others and letting them know you are there for them and are truly listening and care about who they are inside.  Life in general distracts us and God uses the things in our life to wake us up and to focus on what's important.  He reminds us that there is a great life that he has given us if we look beyond the distractions.




What about  you, how are you Embracing Your Life?




Come visit me and say hello, I'd love to hear from you!!

xoxo, Salena

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Thoughts On Motherhood

Guest post by Salena @ a little piece of me 

Thoughts On Motherhood

My name is Salena and I have been married to Rudy for almost 15 years.

I'm a mother of six and a grandmother of three.  I am a stay-at-home mommy to my three little girls and they keep me very busy.  I was born and raised on Oahu, Hawaii and I have lived here all my life.




I have been a mother for 27 years.  I say 27 years because I believe we are mothers before we even know our babies are growing inside us. 

I am mommy to:

Ashley (26)

Kapono (23)

Saphire (22)

Aleshanee (6)

Dakota (4)

Hayden (2)

I am grandmother to:

Makana (4)

Aaliyah (2)

Kaenen (2)

I have been a…

Teenage mother

Single mother

Mother of...

2 baby angels in heaven

Every stage through adulthood

TEENAGERS with raging HORMONES!!!!!

A drama queen

A special needs child

A movie star

A bride

I am also a mother-in-law.

If I missed anything, I know my kids will read this and set me straight.  =)

You may be surprised to know, when I was a little girl, I NEVER wanted to have kids.  Shocking I know.  I am one that cannot stand pain and I knew I would never be able to go through childbirth.

When I was 15 I found out I was pregnant with my oldest daughter, Ashley.  In all the shock, fear (of my parents), and being disappointed in myself, the one thing I knew is I wanted to keep my baby.  There was not even a hint of doing anything otherwise.  I had my son, Kapono when I was 18 and then my daughter, Saphire at 19.  

Many years in between… 16 to be exact

5 years of unexplained secondary infertility

Fertility procedures

Fertility drugs and injections

Surgeries

And a heart breaking missed miscarriage at 11-1/2 weeks (you can read about it more here) and all that goes along with that… we were finally blessed with our daughter, Aleshanee. 

Then, to our total shock… we were eventually blessed with our daughters, Dakota and then Hayden.




Most recently, another shock... we found out we were expecting again.  I suspected on Thanksgiving that something wasn't right.  Sure enough we found out we were pregnant again.  Unfortunately, at 9-1/2 weeks, on New Years Eve we lost our baby to another missed miscarriage (you can read about it more here).  

Looking back at it all there are some days I wonder how I got here.  When I read this back I am amazed to see how much I have changed, how much God has entrusted me with and how much I am blessed.

People ask me advice all the time and assume I know everything about parenting.  They tell me that I must be a pro at this because I have so many kids and have been a mother for so long.

Here are some things I can share with you…

Each child is different

They have a mind of their own

They have different needs and sometimes it happens all at the same time

They need to experience life, good and bad

They cannot be controlled

They need your undivided attention

They need to be heard

They need to be understood

They need for you to be fair to them

They need your protection

They need to feel loved and they need you to express it with words, by physical touch, and by your actions

They need to know you are proud of them

They need your support

They need to know you believe in them

One thing I know for sure… we are here for a purpose.  As parents, we want to protect our children.  Naturally we don’t want them to get hurt.  I’m learning that we are to guide them in the right direction but ultimately God is using them for a bigger purpose.  With my older kids, I tried to control their environment and protect them from everything that seemed harmful.  I mean, it seems only natural that a mother would do this.  My kids did not benefit from being protected in that way.  I didn’t step back and allow God to work in their lives in His way.  Don’t get me wrong… I believe that HE prevails no matter what I do.  I do however know that I need to do things differently with my younger 3 and ultimately with all of them, including my grandchildren in the future.

I must constantly remind myself that they are here for a greater purpose.  To step back and let them find what it is they are here for.  To trust that the things they are going through, the choices and mistakes they make all lead to God molding them to where they need to be.  When I have this understanding, I am better equipped to love them, believe in them and to support them in their Journey.

xoxo, Salena

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