Bullies BIG & small

For months we have been working through some bullying issues that Bella is going through at school.  It is really hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that my 5 year old is being bullied by a child her own age.

MAKES.ME.SICK.

HURTS.MY.HEART.

After numerous talks with her, the teacher, and the principal I think that things are getting better. Thank goodness for spring break and soon to be summer vacation.

Hate that my sweet tiny girl is growing up so fast.

I work 4 days a week as the Marketing Coordinator  for a local pharmacy and I have experienced my share of difficult people, but today I had numerous situations where customers were just flat out RUDE.  I will NEVER in  my life understand why grown people choose to be hateful, disrespectful, or just rude to the folks that work in the communities to serve them.  

THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR THIS. EVER.

After about the 3rd incident today my hurt feelings were soon turning into a poor attitude.  It made me think deeper about what little ones must feel like when they are being picked on.  If I myself, as a grown woman will let others be disrespectful to me, I can only imagine how helpless a child must feel in that situation.

This also made me realize that it isn't just children, youth, and college age kids that can be bullies.....

THEY ARE ADULTS TOO.  

DISGUSTING HUH?

I can't imagine raising my child to talk down to others, to be disrespectful to their peers, or have no sense of the value of relationships.  It is our job as parents and adults to instill these characteristics in our children.  

LEAD BY EXAMPLE.

I am not perfect citizen, or parent and I am not claiming to have never had an attitude (those that know me well know how stubborn and hard-headed I am).  

A few weeks ago Lauren and I were shopping and a lady in line next to us was just awful to the sales clerk.  We both stood there with our jaws to the floor (and I'm certain we were giving the lady the death ray glare), when we left I smiled at the clerk and told her to have a good day.  I don't know if it made a difference in her day but I wanted her to know that we all don't behave that way.  

SMILING IS CONTAGIOUS.  

BULLYING IS DISGUSTING.

When that waitress or pharmacy tech doesn't do something just how you think it should be done cut them some slack.  You never know what challenges a person is facing in there life.  There also may be little eyes watching how you treat others and how you react to certain situations.  

LEAD BY EXAMPLE.

Talk with your children every day about what is going on at school.  Talk about BULLIES. Talk about what they eat for lunch.  Talk about recess and show n' tell.

IT'S ALL IMPORTANT.

I hope you all spend your weekends making wonderful memories.  Bella and I will be crafting our booty's off in the studio tomorrow!  HAPPY DAY!

Ridiculous Decisions

Ok so here is the deal folks.....tomorrow I am getting my hair cut and I am once again faced with the same question I face every 5 weeks.......do I cut it shorter or let it grow. (I should point out that while I would love to have luxurious locks....I really don't anticipating it EVER happening again)

I would probably do cool stuff like this with my pretend flowing locks! Oh yes I would be a hair goddess!

source

Here are some looks from the past:

chin length bob....

Longer Layers



This is a low point in my hair history....

Asymetrical cut.....not my fav

Short and sweet......probably my fav!

Highlighted and shaggy......kinda like this too!

Hurry peeps with your suggestions........13 hours until it's go time!

Darby xoxo

Wrapping up Week 2

So I just finished up week 2 of the clean eating challenge and am movin' on to week 3.  I am kickin' a$$ and takin names folks.  Ok maybe I'm getting ahead of myself but I am super proud of the amount of will power and dedication I have had so far.  At the end of week 2 I am down 5 1/2 pounds and have fallen into a good fitness routine between cycling and turbo fire.  I am 4 weeks without soda and no fast food for 3 weeks!  The tons of fresh produce and healthy meals combined with the daily doses of exercise has given me a ton more energy.  It is really all a win win.  It gets easier every day and I have made a commitment to myself to keep on moving in the right direction.

Not only am I getting healthier but I am learning valuable lessons about myself and the slump I had fallen into.  I have been trying my hardest to seek inspiration wherever I can find it.  We have a great group of ladies doing the challenge, plus our coach has had a total transformation, and I have been trying to read positive magazines such as Self.  

4 commitments that I have taken from Self magazine:

1.)  RESPECT MYSELF:  My body deserves nutritious food.  My heart deserves to pound.  My skin deserves to sweat.  My muscles deserve to flex.  I will give my body every chance to do what it's built for.

2.)  LOVE MYSELF:  I will banish negative thoughts, whatever my shape or size, knowing that I'm beautiful, strong and capable.  I'll never feel guilty for taking good care of my body and my mind.

3.)  BELIEVE IN MYSELF:  I will do my best, and if my willpower wavers, I'll refocus and trust that my inner strength will keep me going.

4.)  HAVE FUN:  Because otherwise, what's the point?

The hardest thing for me is realizing that there is no overnight change.  I have to remember that when you work hard  and eat healthy you just have to trust that your body will change.  It will take time and lot's of hard work but it is all worth it.  Stick it out, find friends to support you and keep you accountable, and embrace the sweat and healthy lifestyle.

Here's to you and a healthy week!

Darby xoxo

P.S.  If you live in my neck of the woods and enjoy cycling please message me!  I would love to find some ladies to ride with....(I can't keep up with Jerrod)

Feeling Blessed

I try my best to look at each day as a blessing.  Obviously there are days and moments that can feel more burdensome than blessed.  Sunday was a day full of blessings for me.  There was nothing super extraordinary about the day, I just got out of bed knowing it was going to be a great day.  The sun was shining and I knew me and my dogs had a date.  Bella ditched me after church for a play date with a friend, Jerrod was biking, so it was me and my fur babies.

I dog-proofed the van, changed into my hiking clothes, and we headed back to the lake for another glorious hike.  

The woods are starting to come alive with green, the birds are singing, and the sun is SHINING!  It doesn't get much better than that folks!

Sweet Gypsy......staring intently on a flock of ducks.

My handsome little man!

Sunny blue skies!

Happy Happy Dogs!

He clearly thinks that life is good!

I am pretty sure that I could have just set up camp right there and hung out all day....but after 3 hours hiking I packed up my seriously dirty dogs and headed home.  They were worn out and full of sand.  (each requiring baths asap).

It is days and simple moments like this that remind me how thankful I should be that I have another day here on this earth to enjoy.

I hope you all were able to get out and soak up the sunshine this weekend.  It is amazing how good a little sunshine and fresh air is for our souls.  

Darby xoxo

Sunshine and Sweet Friends

The weather here has been unbelievably beautiful.  We took advantage of it today!  My sweet friend Jolene has been home from colorado and we decided to hike around the lake today and take advantage of this beautiful weather.

Jo and I have been friends since waaaaay back in 6th grade.  (I  did a little math and that means we have been friends for 16 YEARS!) We have had ups and downs in all of our years as friends but no matter what we will always be there for each other.  I love this girl!

This sweet girl has grown up hiking and she LOVES the lake.  I always carry a pack with me to haul home all of her "treasures".  Today she left with a fully stocked tackle box...look out fish she is ready!  She normally hauls out a bag full of rocks so I can can handle fishing worms and bobbers.

I had so much fun today that another hike might be in my agenda for tomorrow!

I hope your day was filled with adventure and sunshine!

Darby xoxo

One Week In!

Well Folks I am one week into the 30 day clean eating challenge and I thought I would give you an update on how things are going.

1 week of no processed food, fast food, junk food, or frozen yogurt and guess what.....I am down 3lbs!

I have also been doing the turbo fire program which is still proving to be kickin my rear!

I am honestly amazed at how much better I feel already.  On day one I was really doubting my will power, love of food, and lack of free time but all is going well.  

Here are some foods that I have been eating:

bananas, strawberries, blackberries, shakeology shake for breakfast, whole grain bread with natural peanut butter, baked sweet potatoes, veggies, baked fish, lean grilled meat, skim milk, apples, oranges, natural greek yogurt.

I am trying to eat 5 small meals a day to keep my metabolism up and to stay full.  Here is the breakdown:

Breakfast:  Shakeology shake
a.m. snack: Banana or cup of strawberries
Lunch:  Natual peanut butter on whole grain bread
p.m snack:  fresh veggies or fruit
Dinner:  baked fish or lean meat baked/grilled

I have found that this system is working well.  I haven't been hungry and by planning my meals I always know what I am going to eat and will make healthy choices.

I am making time again for exercise and by making my health a priority and the results are paying off in a big way!

Have a good weekend friends!

Darby xoxo

Little Artist

Hello Sweet Friends!  One of my most favorite things of all time is children's art work.  Not only do I love to see their perspective on things, but I just love the innocence of it all.  Today I thought I would share a few of my recent favorites from my little artist!

This one seriously cracks me up!  You Rock Dude.....(she is starting to come up with her own spellings for things)  She said the red mark on the face is a skeleton tattoo....pretty hardcore....not sure where she came up with that idea.

These 2 pups are some of her favorite muses.  See below........

She does love to draw and paint Eddy!  I love how she gets his ridiculous ears just right!

I find myself staring down the hallways of the elementary school checking out all of the artwork from the littles.  It all makes me SMILE!

Lauren and I are setting up at an elementary school art fair tomorrow....you better believe I will be scoping out the art!

Have a wonderful night lovelies

Darby xoxo

Pretties

I want to share some new PRETTIES that Lauren has been working on.  I can't begin to express just how thankful I am to have her be apart of the Underground Vintage team!  She is really making some great new products and I love working with her.

Aren't they FAB?! I really want bouquets of them all over my house!  They are going to be wonderful for Mother's day!

Have a great week Friends!

Darby xoxo

Self Portrait Sunday

Oh ok, this was actually supposed to be self-portrait Saturday but I failed.....so selfie Sunday it is!

I once again am linking up with Dana over at Wonder Forest. She always has the prettiest self portraits!

This was also supposed to be a self portrait with a prop.....does my mini van count as a prop? (and yes I was at a stop sign so no worries)

Ok so next item of business....have any of you fine folks ever heard about Turbo fire or Shakeology?  My friend Annie is a beach body coach and starting tomorrow we are doing a 30 day clean eating challenge.  This means no processed food, fast food, soda, or ice cream :( Pray for me folks!  I am currently 2 weeks without soda, and a week without fast food, but oh my goodness I do love me some frozen yogurt.

Now for turbo fire.....holey moley.  I found muscles that I forgot I had!  This chick on the video is super high energy......Bella and I laughed hysterically at ourselves while attempting some of those moves.  She whipped us for sure.....we have a ways to go!

I hope you all have a great week!  I will be keeping you updated on the clean eating and Turbo-firing!

Wish me luck!  

What I Whipped Up Wednesday

Today was a great day in the studio!  We are gearing up for our spring show season so we are super busy in the shop.  Here are a few goodies I worked on today.......

A pretty Spring Wreath made out of a gardening book

Fun new vintage fabric broaches

I hope you all had a beautiful day.....(I know I was enjoying the sunshine and unseasonably warm weather)

If you asked me part 2

If you asked me I would tell you that sometimes I feel overwhelmed but I am grateful for being busy.


If you asked me I would tell you that when I saw the first green sprout popping through the soil in my flower bed I got a huge smile on my face!


If you asked me I would tell you that on March 9th it has been 1 year since I lost my Grandpa and I still can't comprehend the loss.....


If you asked me I would tell you that one of my dearest friends is coming home to visit and it makes me feel giddy like we are back in 6th grade.

If you asked me I would tell you that If I could have one other talent it would be singing...(I am a rockstar in my car though)

If you asked me I would tell you that I am so proud of my sweet little girl that my heart could burst.

If you asked me I would tell you that I am getting ready to kick of a 30 day clean eating challenge....(this is gonna be tough)

If you asked me I would tell you that I am trying to divorce myself from soda....we have a love/hate relationship.

If you asked me I would tell you that I didn't realize how much I would love blogging and I am truly grateful for those who want to read my words.

If you asked me I would tell you that I just got this new mini van and I-AM-IN-LOVE.

If you asked me I would tell you that the older I get the more I understand myself.....that makes me happy.


If you asked me I would tell you that I am so grateful for Lauren!  Crafting is way more fun with 2 of us!


If you asked me I would tell you that dressing up in costumes is still fun at 29! (this is from the show last night)

I hope you all had a great weekend!