Day 20 - Create & Giveaway

I'm so excited about today's challenge.  I thought about the first time I sat down to color with my son.  It had been years since I last colored anything, perhaps in junior high.  I forgot what it felt like to choose your colors, stay within the lines (or not) and simply create.  It was so fun and the moment became a bonding one for us.

So for today's challenge, spend time creating something and expressing yourself through that creation.  To help get your juices flowing, I'd like to introduce you to Lee!  She is the blog writer of *A Blissful Whirl*, the stylist behind some of the Maddie E photo shoots that I love and a hula hoop artist (Which we will get to soon)!  I sent off a few questions to Lee, in the hopes that I would find inspiration for this Project and boy did she deliver!!!  Here are those questions...

LMLP:  You mentioned that you have been trying to live your life to its fullest all year, what made you decide that it was time for you to do this?

Lee:  At the New Year, I began to think about all the things I wanted and dreamed of.  It came down to authenticity, being the person I've always wanted to be.  Being true to who I am brings me happiness.  I knew it was going to take making some changes and working hard to get there.  For so long I've let fears hold me back and realized I have to do it for myself.

LMLP:  Since actively trying to do this, what moment stands out as the most rewarding?

Lee:  I can't say at this point there has been a specific moment.  It's noticing that I am happier, calmer, more centered and balanced.  I like to see that little changes can add up to a big difference and gets me closer to my goals.

LMLP:  I know how much you love music, do you have a theme song or a soundtrack for your life?  A go to song when things get rough?

Lee:  Music feeds my soul.  It's such an outlet for me :).  I am not a huge country fan, but I think one of the songs that constantly reminds me of what's important is "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack; Don't settle.  Take chances.  Be full of wonder and curiosity.  Be grateful.  It's ok to make mistakes.  Don't let fears and past experiences hold you back from happiness now.  Be in the moment.

LMLP:  The challenge for today is to find a creative outlet for self-expression.  You are one of the most creative people I know, what are some outlets you use to express yourself?

Lee:  Without a doubt, hula hooping.  Hoop dancing has transformed me in ways I never imagined.  It has helped me become more confident and daring.  Being inside the hoop is meditative and expressive!  I can work through a lot of the negativity in my head and come to more positive affirmations and goals on a daily basis.  I work with Maddie Thomas of Maddie Thomas Photography doing stylings for couple and lifestyle shoots.  I love helping clients create a fun way to capture meaningful moments of their lives.  Also, I write out thoughts and doodles for my life in a notebook I always keep with me.  I have a box filled with notebooks of ideas, rants, musings and lists.  Helps me to get it all out and organized!

LMLP:  How important is it for you to find time each day to create?  What are you working on right now?

Lee:  It's very important.  I don't feel complete unless I have some kind of a project going on!  Or two.  Or three :).  A painting, trying to knit (again for the umptenth time), taking pictures, baking or cooking something delicious, trying a new dance move, or making random accessories and trinkets.  Right now I am focused on custom hula hoops and paper mobiles.  I hope to open an Etsy shop of fun goodies soon!

How GREAT were those answers?  Lee was kind enough to make my son and I custom hula hoops, on top of which she took a few minutes out of her day to give us a quick tutorial and demonstration.  AMAZING!!  It was so fun to practice along side her and watch her amazing tricks.  My son even said, "Wow you could be in a circus."  Lee responded that she plans to learn and master the trapeze next.  So inspiring.

Lee is also offering one of her custom hula hoops to you!!  HOW FABULOUS!!!  Simply follow the steps below to enter!  And good luck!!

1. Leave a comment on this post.  In your comment mention one of your own creative outlets and also, what color/s you would like your hula hoop to be.
2. Spread the word about the Live My Life Project through a blog post, facebook post or a tweet!  It's totally up to you!  Don't forget to mention today's challenge and Lee's giveaway.  :)
3. You have till Sunday night at midnight.  The winner will be announced Monday afternoon at noon!
4. Remember that the comments have to be approved, so if you don't see your comment don't worry. It will be approved shortly.  :)

Have fun today!  And thank you to Lee for her time and gift!!

Pedicures with Olivia

I met Olivia six or seven years ago when we became roommates at a house in Lehi.  I won't lie, she intimidated me right at first.  As I got to know her though, I came to find a woman full of integrity, sass and class.  She is one of my dearest friends!  I have so much love and respect for her, I thought it only appropriate that I interview her for the Live My Life Project.

Olivia and myself in Hawai, April 2010.

We met up for pedicures today at the LOVELY Juicy Nails in the Riverwoods Shopping Center and stopped to chat about how she lives her life to its fullest and what she is looking forward to.

LMLP:  So the blog is all about living life to it's fullest as well as making memories.  And it all stems from a low point in my life in which I let everything get me down.  Rather than deal with those things I chose to hide away from them, so the blog is away to remind myself to live.  So my question to you is, what are some things you do to live your life to its fullest?

Olivia:  Haha, that's a deep question.

LMLP:  It is a deep question.

Olivia:  What do I do..hmm...cause there are those down times and I think that when I've had those down times I have to smack myself in the face.  Literally!  And say stop it!  Because I always remind myself of what I have and that there will always be someone who has it worse off than me.   It really, quickly humbles me to the fact that I am a spoiled brat.  Haha.  Just because I didn't get what I wanted or just because a boy didn't like me...you know what I mean?  I have to say, one of the things I do is I talk myself out of things or talk myself into things.  Because I'm my only coach!  I'm the only person that can control the path I go.  So I get myself out of that down time, because it is so easy to be the victim.  But if you can wake yourself up...you get to enjoy life.  Even the tiny little things like sitting here and enjoying this weather!

LMLP:  I wanted to ask you a couple of questions about your struggle to get pregnant, are you okay with that?

Olivia:  Yeah.

LMLP:  Okay, I remember a time when you said that you couldn't control whether or not you got pregnant but you could control some other things in your life.  What were some of those other things?

Olivia:  That goes back to when the test results came in and they said that I was the problem.  And I remember it took me about three days of crying.  I would cry myself to sleep, because I was so upset.  What did I do to deserve this?  And it goes back to the first question.  I had to say, 'Olivia this is something that you have to go through and see if you can try to fix it.'  Instead of dwelling on the problem, find the solution.  I kept thinking there's got to be another way.  So I tried acupuncture.  I also had to keep myself busy.  So while I was trying not to pay attention to the results, I was working out, making new dinners for my spouse and keeping myself busy so that I didn't sit and feel depressed.  So I don't know if it's for everybody, but keeping myself busy really got me out of my slump.  And people will have longer slumps or shorter slumps than I did, but for me it took me three days before I slapped myself and reminded myself that I have a husband and things to do.  So keep doing what you're doing and it'll happen.

LMLP:  Awesome, awesome!  So you did do the acupuncture, what was that like?  I mean, it WORKED!  You are pregnant now!

Olivia:  It was awesome!  I loved it!

LMLP:  But what made you think acupuncture?  After all the tests...

Olivia:  I don't know, that was like God!  It came to me as one of those ideas.  I'd heard that, that was something you could do.  But, you don't know if it's going to work or not.  But what's $30 compared to $15,000 (for invetro).  If anything, there is no negative towards acupuncture, if anything it relaxed me.  It de-stressed me and when I would come home I felt so good.  I could totally pass out.  So I felt if anything, it may not work for everyone but it totally de-stresses you...which stress can cause infertility.  I loved it.

LMLP:  As you look towards the future and think about becoming a mom, what are some of the thoughts running through your head?

Olivia:  Oh man!  Actually, oh shit!  Haha.  Oh, a lot.  Right now it's prepping for the baby but once he comes I feel so sorry for him.  Because I'm going to have something for him to learn every day.  Whether it's language, or cooking, or its drawing or simple things...I mean of course it's going to start simple with crawling and eating.  But I'm just excited for that future where I'm raising a child in this society.  Making him the best I can.  I'm not going to be lazy about it either.  It's a 24/7 job, it's a dedication...that's how I feel about being a mother.  You never give up, you've got to be on them.

LMLP:  On them!  Oh yeah!

Olivia:  Haha!

LMLP:  Well, today's challenge was getting a manicure or pedicure.  But the purpose behind it was...  As a mom, I don't take enough time out for myself.  So I'm hoping the challenge encourages people, woman especially, to send the kids off with a friend and take some time to care for themselves.  And as long as I have known you, you have always had the most fabulous nails with the most fabulous colors on them.  I mean, what's the motivation for you to always keep your nails done and take that time out for yourself.

Olivia:  Because, I know that it's something that woman need.  You need a "time out" from your kids, just like your kids need a "time out" from you.  That is your time to do what you want to do.  So if you want to get your hair done, or get your nails painted, go shopping, read a book or get a massage...DO IT!  I'm all about that!  When you look at your kids, you see them looking up to you.  Why do they look up to you?  Because you're their center of the universe and if you're disorganized and dirty...if you don't show them that you give yourself time, they're not going to give themselves time.  It should be important to look nice and be clean.  Not that you have to go out and wear name brands, just look decent.

*Pictures from Olivia's Nail Polish blog.

LMLP:  I love that!  Okay, I have some lightning round questions!  Favorite nail polish brand...

Olivia:  Chanel!

LMLP:  Favorite vacation spot...

Olivia:  I'll say Hawaii, cause we go there all the time.

LMLP:  Favorite drink...

Olivia:  Because I'm pregnant...a cherry limeade from Sonic!  When I'm not pregnant or breastfeeding...a Dr. Pepper!  Oh and an RC COLA.  Haha, sorry I gotta represent the 80's!

LMLP:  Favorite movie...

Olivia:  The newer version of Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightly.

LMLP:  Anthem song...

Olivia:  What!!  Well, what's your anthem song?

LMLP:  Umbrella by Rihanna!  Haha!

Olivia:  An anthem song, I've never even thought about that.  Okay, umm... Viva La Vida by Coldplay!

LMLP:  Nice one!  Okay, favorite dessert.

Olivia:  Just one?  Right now...Red Mango.  But that's just a gateway to everything else.

LMLP:  Best celebrity sighting...

Olivia:  Seeing Boone from LOST.  He's so cute!  He's in the Vampire Diaries now.

Oh my gosh, isn't she the cutest!  Thank you Olivia for spending some time with me today!

Laugh with Allison & Blake

Allison and Blake are two people that can get me laughing so hard I either pee my pants or fall off my chair!  It's true...sad to say, I have a weak bladder and a touch of vertigo.  :)  No, honestly they are just that funny.  Since the goal for the day is to LAUGH, I thought these two would be the perfect interview for the day.

Allison is a student, hairdresser and also works for Stampin' Up.  She is one of my closest friends and I absolutely adore her.  No one knows me quite like Allison does!  She met Blake, a handsome accountant, on a semi blind date; they kind of new each other from when they were younger.  They dated for a little over a year when Blake asked for Allison's hand in marriage.  They got married in September of 2010, so technically they are still honeymooners.  :)  Blake has been an awesome addition to our group of friends and I'm so happy my BFF has found herself such a worthy soulmate.  

Now, they agreed to do this interview under one condition, I name my next child after them.  No, I'm just kidding...they begged to do this interview.  :)

LMLP:  One of the things I love about the two of you, is your goofy, playful humor.  I'm referring to the coconut bra, lady gaga costume and ugly sweater parties.  :)  What funny things does Blake do that makes Allison laugh and vice versa?

Allison: Blake will think of the most random things and just spit them out. It usually catches me totally off guard and then I bust up laughing. Also, Blake will randomly start to dance (with or without music), or start singing. It always puts a smile on my face. 

Blake: Allison loves to people watch.  We'll be walking in an airport, WalMart, or a mall, and Allison will look at a particularly, unfortunate individual and say, "Wow, Sweetheart should really wear a bra," or "oh how cute--I haven't seen shamrock pajamas...glad she just woke up and headed out shopping!" It always makes me laugh...

LMLP:  You guys have been to Greece, Mexico and Hawaii together.  How does travel and seeing new places help you fully live your lives?

Allison: We both love to travel. I am so glad that Blake and I have that in common. Vacations are always something we have on the agenda… and it gives us something to look forward to. I am pretty sure that Blake and I will always be traveling…. Even after we have a family. With or without kiddos… we will be traveling.

Blake: We've also been to Texas together--that's like another country!   :-)   I'm positive we'll continue to travel (although when some destinations come up in conversation, Allison does frequently say, "We better go there before the babies come") We have a long list of places we'd like to see--just checking them off one at a time.  For us, travel is a big part of living life to the fullest.  There is so much in the world to see and experience, it's probably a good idea to venture a little farther than Rose Park, Grantsville, Mona, or Lehi... 

LMLP:  Allison, you spent some time in Japan (or was it China).  What was that like and how did it affect your view on your own life?

Allison: It was China. It was a LONG two weeks… that’s for sure! Well, the trip was an adventure. As for the whole China experience, it was hard to see. It made my heart break seeing the factory workers. They live at the factories and never see their family. They work and then send the money home so their families can survive. China was so dirty…. And the air was so polluted.  It made me SO grateful for where I live and work.  I didn’t think it was that possible to miss Blake so much! We had only been married for 1-1/2 months and then I left for two weeks. One week wasn’t bad, but the second week sucked. I missed him so much! I couldn’t talk to him on the phone… so we only talked through email. It was rough…. 

Blake: Several people asked me how I'd get along with Allison in China.  It hadn't been that long since I'd been a bachelor--I could certainly fend for myself.  What I didn't realize is how much I'd miss her.  That is the longest we'd gone without seeing each other since our first date! Although it was a long separation, I think it was a useful experience--it reinforced how much I like being with her even if we're doing something as simple as watching Biggest Loser or doing accounting homework.

LMLP: As newlyweds what are some things you guys like to do to build memories and experiences?

Allison: We love to travel and just hang out. We also spend quite a bit of time with our families (Sunday dinners, holidays, just random drop in visits). And to remember the memories… I ALWAYS have my camera handy! ;) Except for Hawaii… when it got stolen. Douche bags! 

Blake: We've mentioned traveling quite a bit.  Beyond that, we do try to spend time with family and friends.  Frequently, newlyweds are accused of separating themselves and forgetting about others.  We make efforts to accept invitations from friends, attend parties, have people over to our house, show up at family events, etc.  I think memories are built by seeing each other in different situations and having varied experiences.  Plus, we just like to have fun!

LMLP:  You both have wonderful families.  Any family traditions you hope to carry over to your own family?

Allison: The Easter Bunny WILL come and hide the Easter basket. Blake didn’t want me to play Easter Bunny this year. Jerk. So the Easter bunny didn’t hide any Easter baskets this year. Guess we will have to wait until we have kiddies. 

Blake:  In Blake's defense, we started a little 2011 health initiative.  In trying to eat healthy, I thought that an Easter basket with broccoli and celery would be kinda lame (although, we could make a holiday exception for chocolate--my bad!!! I'll do better next year!)  My family had a tradition of family vacations, I'd like to carry that on in our little family.  My dad always said, "What will your kids remember the most, the remodeled bathroom or the trip you took to _____" Obviously, everything in moderation, but I think spending time together is important (and can be a lot of fun!)

**Pictures were taken from Allison and Blake's blog.