vitamin d & the tundra.

My alma mater conducted an intriguing study on Vitamin D. I became interested since living in the tundra doesn't allow my body to synthesize this essential nutrient between early fall and late spring (yep that only leaves about 5 months).

“What’s interesting about our study is we did not recruit people to be vitamin D inadequate; we recruited people who were overweight or obese for our weight-loss study. And they happened, on average, to have inadequate vitamin D levels, so it tells you how prevalent the problem is.”

my cupboard now has a bottle of yummy vitamin d gummies. swim suit season is just around the corner and let's just say I have my work cut out.

checkout the article here. 

I was fortunate to get some vitamin d that wasn't from a jar but from the florida sun last week and for that I am thankful.

marco island sunset

Pay it Forward

Pay it forward. It reminds me of the saying my mom would say to me frequently as a child "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  Except the uniqueness of paying it forward is that it includes a third party with the intent of having a domino like effect. I thought it was a new movement but found out its been around since well before Christ, literally.
I received the most unique Christmas card in the mail this season centered around "paying it forward."

The cuties in the photo are my favorite and the idea is rather clever (when the card is flipped over it says "..and pay it forward") It is an actual ten dollar debit card. I plan to donate it the the American Red Cross.
It's similar to what my sister did at her wedding. Her and her hubby donated money to St Judes Children's Hospital for each guest. Who likes wedding party favors anyway? I rather have the bride and groom pay it forward.

new year.

new years resolutions ... I have none. I view every day as a fresh start and I make far too many mistakes and sin way too often to wait a whole year to start over. I do think it's a fun way to set goals and I like hearing other peoples aspirations. I am going to the gym tomorrow and won't be too excited when all the "new years resolution" people show up but it can be fun. I thrive on excitement of big crowds and to be honest part of the reason I go to the gym is to be around people. I could never workout in my basement while staring at a wall and running in place on a treadmill. I just wish these January gym goers would be this excited to go to the gym all the time! Then maybe the town I live in could raise enough $$ for the new wellness center they are attempting to build and the local YMCA could get a new face lift!

I look forward to the excitements and challenges of 2011. but the most exciting event ever is going to happen and it involves my name changing. and no I'm not getting married.

 I'm becoming auntie chelle:) and am so pumped!!!! 

5 weeks to go:)

modern is vintage.

a good friend gave me a gift card to the online retailer www.modcloth.com and i have found myself wanting the entire inventory. vintage and retro accessories, clothing, and decor. reminds me a little of urban outfitters. i also enjoy the names of the products such as the "Try This on for Siz-zle Dress" or "some bunny to love" the creativeness of it makes me smile.
the style reminds me to utilize thrift stores more. the gift of recycling is truly great. i have a few items that i am constantly asked where they came from and i am always proud to say the thrift store. purchases from thrift stores are like treasures. just takes a little hunting to find the treasures.
im not a saver especially with gift cards as they seem to be forgotten if not used immediately however i have yet to pick the winning number for the gift card purchase but i have a feeling it will have to be a dress:)

ready.set.go.

i do not have an agenda or theme for this blog. mostly because i don't follow any blogs (yet) and am not sure i could even pick a theme as there are far too many different and interesting things in life to only focus on one. but i thought i'd try it on for size. i am a very expressive person so i might find it to be the perfect place for some of my thoughts.

i just finished the prototype for my beautiful sisters baby shower. i may have made too much work for myself which is why i am so thankful for the friends in my life:) here is a pic