Your life can be abundant with or without material wealth

Words of wisdom from "Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green" by Jay Conrad Levinson and Shel Horowitz:

"Your live can be abundant and full of blessings, with or without material wealth.

Abundance is fundamentally different from prosperity. Prosperity still works on the idea the you have to conquer others, that you have to strive for more money, and that pie is infinite and that helping others is one way to help yourself- the more you help, the more the whole pie expands.

It also says that you have to act and believe in the whole process. If you think and act from a scarcity model , you will find scarcity. If the energy you put into the universe comes from the mindset that you can easily get what you need and more, that's what you're likely to find."

I know you may have read this before, but I really wanted to share with you.

Does this ring true for you? Has helping others and coming from a place of abundance made an impact on the outcome of your life? If so, please share.

Thanks for stopping by, dear friend.

xo,
Christina

The Secret

As reading the book "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne a few paragraphs seem to jump off the page at me. So, I thought you may find it meaningful.

~~

"Everything we want, whatever it may be, is motivated by love. It is to experience the feelings of love in having those things-youth, money, the perfect person, job, body, or health. To attract the things we love we must transmit love, and those things will appear immediately.

The Catch is, to transmit the highest frequency of love, you must love yourself, and that can be difficult for many. If you focus on the outside and what you see now, you may trip yourself up, because what you see and feel about you now is the result of what you used to think. If you don't love you, the person you see now is likely to be full of faults that you have found in yourself.

To love yourself fully, you must focus on the presence inside of You. Take a moment and sit still. Focus on feeling the life presence inside you. As you focus on the presence within, it will begin to reveal itself to You. That presence is the perfection of You. That presence is the real You. As you focus on that presence, as you feel, love and praise that presence, you will love yourself fully, quite possibly for the first time in your life.

Any time you look at yourself with critical eyes, switch your focus immediately to the presence within, and its perfection will reveal itself to You. As you do this, all imperfections cannot exist in the light of this presence. Whether you want to regain perfect eyesight, dissolve disease and restore well-being, turn poverty into abundance, reverse aging and degeneration, or eradicate any negativity, focus on and love the presence within you and perfection will manifest."

~~

I truly hope you find some value here.

Do you have any other books

you would recommend?

xo,

Christina

Graphic from Wilson Graphic Designs

Peace

Thanks to FrenchBlue for sharing

this over at her fabulous place.

Happy Friday, dear friends!

I'm off to get paid to decorate.

Is this a joke? Doing what I truly love

and getting paid for it.

Awe... life is good.

May you find peace today

and get to use your creativity in

whatever brings you bliss!

xo,

Christina

The Best Advice My Mom Ever Shared With Me...

After an amazing week of a family reunion vacation, I find myself reflecting on the power of family. And, how they create who we are. And, well, that goes right on back to Mom and Dad for me. What I remember as a defining moment in my life was when my Mom sat me down when I was about 9 years old and explained what my parents expected from me. She proceeded to say that I was born "cute" and that was a gift. I didn't have to work at it and I didn't earn it. So, from that moment forward I would never hear my parents praise the fact that I was cute. And, the fact my brother was a bit of a genius (top 100 high school students in America, barely studied and got straight A's, graduated college with honors, so basically every siblings nightmare) was never going to be discussed either, because it was a gift to him as well. These gifts were given to us and we had not earned them. But, what would be praised was anything we did with these gifts and any others we created ourselves.

And, they would never compare my grades to my brother's either. What was expected from me was that I give it my best. I remember pleading with my Mom for our I.Q's, which she stubbornly said wasn't important.

And, finally my Mother said it was up to me to develop my inward beauty and that was really what counted in life. What a wise woman she was.

All I can say is I am thankful my parents pushed me to establish myself inwardly and not just rely on my looks to get by. Not that I am or was that cute anyway. But, Lord knows beauty fades.

Going to college was not an option. I figured my I.Q. must have at least been enough to get me through college, otherwise my parents wouldn't have been so darn persistent. Or, I hoped or prayed! I do plan to pass this standard forward to my son. And, thankfully because of a little tough love from my parents, I did push myself to evolve in a few arenas. Not that I am very talented in any of them, but at least I didn't end up looking in the mirror all day and only getting my confidence from what looked back at me. Because the fact that I am now in my mid-forties, I can attest to the fact that outward beauty fades. Whether you like it or not. And, thankfully, I seemed to blossom in a few other abilities; such as athletics, interior design, fashion, sales and writing. The only time I have ever been able to pull off straight A's in school was when it was interior design school. That was a bit of a shocker. I thought my brother could only do that. And, the ability to write has been just as shocking. Both of which my parents are beyond thrilled and incredibly supportive. We all scratch our heads and say "where did that come from?" And, after all these years my Mom has said, "See, you are as smart as your brother!

You just weren't interested in the subject matter."

All I can say is "thanks for making me become ME

from the inside out,

Mom and Dad."

I can only hope that I can do the same for my son.

~~

What advice have you gotten that changed your life

or made a difference?

Or, what advice would you give a child or parent?

Please tell...

Love and light,

Christina

Photo credit: Photobucket

Summertime

"Sun is shining. Weather is sweet.

Make ya want to move your dancing feet".

Bob Marley

"Amazing friends; summer nights;
Chocolate ice cream; mud slide fights;
Half the summer is gone already
So lets spend the rest of it; slow and steady."

Anonymous

"Summer's filled with breaking the rules, standing apart, ignoring your head, and following your heart." Anonymous

What does summer mean to you?

Love and light,

Christina

Photo credit: Photobucket and Quotes from Quotelicious

Miss Manners

I was noted as having "nice manners" yesterday and the sweet sales lady asked me "Where did you get your manners?"

I almost had to chuckle and said "Why, my Mother. And, I am working on my son to do the same." (Thank you to my parents!)

I was brought up to be thankful and gracious in all the small things people do for me everyday. When you go through a day, many people actually push you along the way. I choose to thank them or at least give them a smile.

And, this comment from the sales lady got me thinking.

Is having manners so distinct from the masses that it stands out as a dying breed?

Do people not say please and thank you anymore?

It concerns me that this may be the case.

What do you think?

xo,

Christina

Photo credit: Louis Vuitton Ad

The Weight Game

The weight game, it seems to go on and on for most men and women.

For me, I am "lucky" enough that everything I do and motion I make has

a quick response to my shape. This, my dear, is a blessing and a curse.

\

Which means I am lucky enough to go back and forth like a yoyo on the scale. I know many of you can "coast" through without much problem, or so it may seem. But, no, not me. One extra margarita or piece of bread shows up loud and clear on my body. What is a gal to do since I'm only 5' 1"? It's got nowhere to hide.

And, my trainer, Crystal Powers of Sunset Fitness, is too slick to trick. Dang. She is good. The numbers speak for themselves. My sweet trainer says it's a blessing to have my body that we can whip into shape so fast, since when I do actually eat a banana in the morning, followed by a protein shake, low cal lunch, 12 almonds in the afternoon, a 300-400 calorie dinner and workout 7 days a week, it truly does show.

But, let's be real. Who can really keep up this type of pace but a 95 lb. perfectly fit trainer? If there is anyone out there that can stick to 1200 calories day after day and not feel hungry and slip up most the dang time?

~~

Chocolate, wine, bread... they are my enemies.

But, I love them so.

Let's face the truth.

I am Christina and I am a eat-a-holic.

I am weak.

I cheat (not on my hubby,but on my diet)

I want to be better, but can't stop my bad habits.

Is there a light at the end of my dieting and workout tunnel?

~~

Bring on the encouragement, if you have any!!! Because I am in the black hole. But, on the bright side I just dropped 3% body fat in 3 weeks and muscles are starting to appear again where I haven't seen in a very long time. So, there just might be a light at the end of this very dark tunnel. If I could just get out of my own way...

What is it about "knowing" what you "should" do

and not doing it time and time again?

Is this the plight of all humans in so many areas in our lives?

xo,

Christina

I Have A Secret

I can somewhat relate to this, because when I am 10 lbs. overweight I don't get noticed as much and I too feel a freedom in it.

Being or trying to be "perfect" with a perfect body, makeup, outfit, life, etc.. all the time... for what or for whom? It is all so exhausting.

What are your thoughts?

xo,

Christina

His First Little Heartbreak... And Mine

As many of you may already know, I have a 5 1/2 year old son.

And I am no different than any parent wanting to shield my child from any silly mistakes, hurts or pitfalls in life. I thought I had it all handled for the most part as a parent for a 5 year old.

But, I find myself quite helpless when he cried to me about his friend that is a girl telling me she told him she likes another boy today and didn't want to go on our play date with my son that was somewhat scheduled.

He cried and cried from the bottom of his little soul that seemed like eternity.

Is this only the beginning of me losing control over his safety in the world and not able to shield him from the hurt and pain I surely know he will endure at some level?

And, what is it about seeing your child cry over heartbreak or being rejected that brings the heartbreak to your heart as well? Almost as if you are feeling a past heartbreak come back for just a moment.

Any suggestions on how to handle a child's broken heart, hurt feelings and the such, even at tender age of 5?

My husband suggests not doing play dates for a while with this girl (we have been doing them once a week) so my son doesn't get his feelings hurt when she cancels at the last moment. Maybe this can help elevate some of the pain in the interim and take a little power back. And, instead making plans with other boys to have play dates to get him excited about and connect with.

I truly thought I had been done with heartbreak, for the most part, in my life. Now, I realize that I will be a parent living through and supporting my son's rejections, hurts & heartbreaks for as long as I shall live. It's only just begun...

I'm putting on my seat belt for the ride of my life.

If you are a parent, do you feel the same as I? Any suggestions? (Other than call her Mom and tell her how mean she was to my son today! LOL)

xo,

Christina

British Style Bloggers "Body Image Season" Campaign 2010 Launch Video

The British Style Bloggers have launched a Body Image Season campaign with the video launch today. They put a call out to fellow bloggers to send in a photo that they liked of themselves, even if they weren't perfect. Well, I responded with my favorite photo of my little man and I. Even if I am not at my "ideal" weight , the point was to get past that petty little thought and be bold. I LOVE this cause, because as you probably already know every woman has something they dwell on that they would like to change about their body. Even those gals that look like a perfect 10 to you. So, this campaign says the "heck with that!". Enjoy the beauty of these gals from all over the globe, from different races, ages, and body shapes.

The heck with it...

You ARE beautiful

just the way you are

RIGHT NOW.

xo,

Christina

Place YOUR VOTE with AT&T and Yahoo ~~ How is President Obama doing?

Normally, I don't touch politics or religion. But, thought I should share YOUR opportunity to vote on a AT&T Yahoo poll regarding President Obama.


Click on this link to vote how well President Obama is measuring up with you. Afterwards you can view the results of the poll so far.

http://js.polls.yahoo.com/quiz/quiziframe.php?poll_id=46067

Leaving the Mask at the Door

You know, I started this blogging deal to show the world my wares from my vintage clothing website. But, blogging has taken on a life of it's own lately. I am at the point where I don't care if a sell a stitch of clothing. It's not about me anymore. Thank God. I have been touched in on so many levels by all the amazing fierce warriors in blogland that have left their masks at the door . I had to share a few of my favs that really left a lasting impression.

Sex Ed @"Putting the Porn back into Decorno" that is actually a decorating blog. Freaking hillarious and oh so wrong on so many levels.

Seriously scandalous at the Scandalous Housewives blog "I'll have what she's having". She is on the highway to hell. With a HUGE smile. She cracks me up and says what I've been thinking sometimes. Especially about her boring Mommy parties and Cougie Water (vino).

OK, my only true unveil was my post "Angels with Wings". I feel like such a coward. But, if I was crying while I wrote it. Does that count?

Ok, it's not all fun and games. I found this amazingly open, honest and heartfelt blog by mistake called I am an addict. Ya... I can see you shaking your head. Anyway, really I was looking for a fashion blog called Because I'm Addicted. Well, I was happily surprised and taken a back by this candid blog about his addiction. His post "My Mess". But, it's dated 2005. Where is he?

There are no words to describe this. Thumping my Melon: The Last Thump.

If there was a post that really made in impression on you or where you bared your soul, please share. I would love to hear about it and will not judge.

Photo from ffffound.

Angels with Wings

Angels with Wings? We should all be lucky enough to meet an angel with wings here on earth. We might not always notice these angels. At first, you may have been too busy and preoccupied to see their wings. Sometimes these angels may appear as a stranger when you are in dire need and then they suddenly disappear. But, when you are truly blessed you may find an angel that stays and becomes your family member, coach, coworker or friend. Over time their true selves appear. Then, their angel wings are revealed to you in their full magnificence.

Angel wings found at Frenchblue & Co.

An angel is a person that pushes you to jump off the cliff so you can soar. They say "Don't worry, I'll catch you if you fall. I'm not leaving you". They say "You can do it, you can fly, you can soar, trust yourself, and use your God given talents". Or, they may just be the the child that runs and screams "Mommy!" or "Daddy!" with all their heart and soul every time you are reunited. Or your angel may be the grandparent or friend that calls and offers to take your child for a few hours in your hour of need. Or, the doctor that saved your loved one's life.

Angel wing found at Fanciful Designs

I am blessed to say my entire family, Jill "Bunny", and Janet Solomon of FrenchBlue & Co. are all my angels. I hope you too have many angels in your life. My special angel, Janet, inspired me with "Good Luck in flight... keep your wings rested, but always moving forward". We could all use a little heaven here on earth.