Wednesday, December 18, 2013

A Time For Change

It's hard to get to really know someone online.  I mean, we learn about their families, their likes and dislikes but unless they are truly transparent and talk about every single aspect of their life, there is so much we don't know about each other.  I don't agree with putting every single thing out there because there are just some things that need to be kept private. 

There are a ton of things about me and my family that are unknown to others, even our closest friends.  Don't worry, I'm not using this post as a way to air out all  my dirty laundry or deepest, darkest secrets.  That would be absurd.  My point is, I could go on and on to fill you in on why the next year is going to be a year of changes for me and my family. 

This past year has been hard.  Really hard.  There have been moments when I wasn't sure I could mentally or emotionally handle everything anymore.  I know that life is tough and life is what you make of it but dangit, it was a hard year.  Even now, I look back and I think that the past year has been full of changes, struggles, some great times and just, lots of struggles. 

We are all healthy and for the most part, happy so I can't complain too much but of all the years of marriage, parenthood, employment and just life in general, this past one would be the one to break me. 

I know I keep repeating myself and I'm being annoyingly vague but I am saying all this to say that 2014 is going to bring about positive changes.  My husband and I have weathered some storms together and I think that we have dug out from the worst of it.  :knocking on wood: Some days we are so strong and I know we can get through anything and other days I wonder how the hell we are going to make it.  When it comes to the nitty gritty of it, he is my rock and we really do make a great team.

Financially, again, the past year was one of the top 3 worst years of our lives.  We are doing better and are trying to take the right steps to become even better.  We hope to improve in this area by any means possible.  We have cut back on so much already, I don't think there is any possibility of cutting back anymore. 

Healthwise, we are on the right track.  I am getting the kids to be more active and I have been working hard to get in shape and ensure that I can keep up with the kids.  In this department, this was the most gratifying thing for me.  I reached a goal I have wanted to reach for a long time, I am a regular runner and I am stronger than ever before. I am so happy that I decided to finally go for my goals and work hard for them.  I do still need to work on better eating, healthier dinners and snacks.  I am trying to menu plan again so that I can have a clear plan to go off of. It makes it so much easier to ensure that the kids are eating from the different food groups and that the meals are made from scratch and healthier than the processed foods we are used to.  Thank goodness we all like fruits and veggies!

Doing Good for Others, throughout the year, there has been times that we have had to ask for help. It is never easy, it is probably one of the worst feelings to know that you aren't able to do it on your own. That you cannot provide for your family in the way that you are supposed to and want to.  However, I have learned that it is much better to ask than to go without.  Our kids deserve better and we are going to be sure to give back every chance we get.  We do give to charities and organizations when we can but I have a special place in my heart for certain ones that have been there for us.  We will pay it forward when we can. 

I am going to continue to work on myself.  Believe me, there is a lot of work to be done.  I am determined to reach some more goals and become the person I know I can be.  The next year is going to be amazing. 

What are you planning for in the next year?  Do you write down your goals?  Are there areas of your life that need improvement? 

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

It's Giveaway Time!! Check out Milestones Sports Jewelry! UPDATE: WINNER!!

UPDATE: A WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT!!

It's that time of year when we are browsing the internet for all those great gift ideas and trying to find the perfect gift for those we love or even for ourselves (somehow I always end up getting something for myself ;) )

In my searches and browsing of giveaways, I came across a site/company called Milestones Sports Jewelry & Apparel and I fell in love. Who doesn't love jewelry and apparel that celebrates our running/fitness accomplishments?! 



They offer a wide range of products from beads, charms, hoodies, tees, tanks and long sleeve t shirt hoodies.  There are products that celebrate running, half marathons, full marathons and triathalons.

Milestones Sports Jewelry & Apparel and I have teamed up to offer my readers a giveaway!!  That's right, you have a chance at winning an item from them!  I was able to try out their burnout Enjoy the Journey hoodie.

Run hoodie "Enjoy the Journey"


It is so comfortable and the fit is just right. I really wasn't sure which size to choose because I wasn't sure how it would fit.  It is so perfect.  It is lightweight, soft and easy to move around in.  This is a great layering piece for me for the days when the weather is colder and I need to be able to add or take away a layer.  I love that it isn't too bulky.    Plus, the saying on the hoodie is so true..."Enjoy the Journey...one milestone at a time."  The journeys we take can be long and exhausting but we have to remember that each milestone counts. 

You can win one of these too!!  Enter this giveaway for your chance to own this and feel the comfort of their burnout long sleeve tee hoodie. 

Here's the details of the giveaway:

This giveaway ends on Monday, December 16, 2013 at 12:01am EST. I will choose a random winner from the comments.
Mandatory Entry:
Leave a comment letting me know what product you absolutely love from their website found here.
Additional Entries:
  • Join this site with Google Friend Connect on the right sidebar, leave a comment letting me know you have done this.
  • Head over to Facebook and Like my page, Rediscovering Me.  Come back and leave a comment letting me know you have done so.
  • Head over to Facebook and Like Milestones Sports Jewelry & Apparel.  Come back and leave a comment letting me know you've done that.
  • Tweet about this giveaway to let others know that they can enter to win as well! Example tweet: "I just entered to win a prize from @MilestonesSport via The Balance of Us here. You can too!" Leave a comment with a link to your tweet.
  • Head over to Twitter and follow Milestones Sports here
Thank you to everyone who entered this giveaway, I appreciate your entering.  Now, on to the winner! 

Your random number between 1 and 15 is 8.   The winner is AMY REILLY!! Please email me at prisgreen@gmail.com with your mailing address, size of the hoodie you would like and I will pass the information on to Milestone Sports Jewelry and Apparel!! Congratulations, Amy!
If you love their products and would like to place an order for yourself or for a gift, you can enjoy a 10% discount exclusively for my readers by entering the discount code: BALANCE at checkout!! 

Good luck!

Disclaimer: I received a hoodie from Milestones Sports Jewelry and Apparel in exchange for my honest opinion.  I was not monetarily compensated for this post and all opinions are my own.  I would not recommend any products to my readers that I didn't truly love.