Life | Fresh Starts

Where have I been? What I've been up to? Did I miss blogging? 

Health | GM Diet Diary: Day 7

I know, a little late but better late than never.

Courtesy of http://bit.ly/2lqD3F4

Christmas Baking: Gingerbread Cookies

Every year, my mom and I go all out with our baking game. 

We are enthusiasts with our german fruit cake, cupcakes and our gingerbread cookies. 

Posting Schedule

Welcome back friends! 

Today I will write a quick little post to let you know my posting schedule for the blog so that you can know when to expect new content here.

Black Friday 2015 Purchase + Cyber Monday

I know black Friday was a couple of weeks ago, but I couldn't pass the opportunity to tell you all about the things I bought during that day and the weekend untill Cyber Monday (It wasn't a lot, but significant). 

The first thing I did on Black Friday, was, get online and see if there was any good deal. Target.com was my choice to go on a hunt for something and browsing in the online store I found a Nikon Camera which was only US$ 100. Of course I had to get it. And I did. It is a Nikon Coolpix L340 with 20.2 megapixels. I decided to go for it because, 1) I needed a new point and shoot camera and 2) I am no pro to get a super fancy DSLR camera just yet because I have cero skills with the photographing thing. After it, I have a whole new random experience with my shipping which I will let you know all about it in another post, so stay tuned for that. 

Entrepreneurship

I had been devating starting different projects, different ideas and different ways of doing business without investing much money to have an extra income besides my day job. 

How to deal with...

I should warn you..This was written a couple days ago when my stress level was on it's peek. I was hesitant to post it, but I will anyways cause they were my most genuine feelings at that moment. Right Now I am feeling good and loving some me time. 

Friends drama is one thing and Family drama is another whole different thing. There are good days, bad days and the days in between. I am on a stress note here, since Monday I have been having anxiety and a reoccurring small headache. Plus work, plus university PLUS a household that seems to be falling apart because we can't deal enough with the things we have to do, is just not doing it for me, I can't concentrate, I can't sleep much and that is something I cannot cope with. I can barely do a thing on here but the people who are supposed to make the decisions are just not making them. I sometime wished that I could just go to sleep and make it all go away, the problems, the anxiety, the stress. 

Don't get me wrong, I am trying to hold it together, but today I just can't, I can't do it any more.  And here is my small rant about my life at the moment. 

I have been a good daughter (at least I try my best), a good student (which my grades can speak for themselves) and a good friends (to those who really matter to me, at least I am trying hard not to neglect them). All this is just starting to seem to me that I can't cope with some of the real stress-factors going on right now. I just want to give up and catch a plane to an almost deserted Island with a good book, some music and tons of sunscreen and do NOTHING. NOTHING at all. I need my peace of mind right now, which seems to be just slipping through my fingers every second that goes by.

That was the end, at least of my rant about how awful my life felt at that time, I didn't even finished writing this because I was so angry and broken. But it felt good to release all that negativity that was floating around my head. 

I hope you had a great Monday and keep up positive energy coming your way.


picture from here.

Amazing Things going on.

For the past few weeks my mom and I embarked on a new life style. I know I've talked about how we were trying to be healthier before, but we failed every time. But this time is different. We have been very strict about it and we are loving it. So let me tell you about this whole new health path that crossed our ways. 

Homemade cinnamon rolls

What a better way to spend a summer day with the friends of a long long time, than playing games and baking goodies? Well for me, there is not much that tops that, sure one of my favorite things.

Yesterday was a pretty fun day, old friends getting together to enjoy an afternoon and just make it fun and simple and spontaneous.

We decided to bake some cinnamon rolls, quite a job I must say, but it was simple enough for a group of beginners like us.

I don't have the before pictures, but I do have the after ones and they look so delish!

via Instagram

How do you like to spend your free time?

Book Tour: Romance in the Rain + Giveaway

Today I bring into your consideration (I feel it like too formal but I couldn't figure out another way to say this!) another book which seems so good! I am starting to love this as you may have already noticed! (specially because I can add lots of new books into my reading list which is AH-MAZING) 

There is something about books that drive us to other places and let our minds wonder freely and boost our imaginations. It's a great way to relax.  

This book tour is possible thanks to the girls over at Romantic Maidens Book Tours! go say hi! There is also a giveaway open stop-wide so that you can enter to win awesome prices! Check it out at the end of the post, but specially have fun and I hope you'll want to read the book like.... ASAP! 

Title: Romance in the Rain (A Seattle Anthology)

Authors: Kristine Cayne, Dawn Kravagna, Charlotte Russell, Sherri Shaw, Clare Tisdale, Marianne Stillings

Publisher: Kristine Cayne

Release Date: October 15, 2012

Pages: 360

Buy Link: : Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | B&N | Kobo | ARe | Smashwords

Blurb:

From the pioneer days of Seattle through the smoke-filled clouds of WWII and into the present, Romance in The Rain takes readers on a journey with four generations of the strong-willed and passionate Caldwell family. The anthology of six novellas is a collaboration of the Seattle-based Rainy Day Writers group.

Splendor in the Moss by Charlotte Russell—By the spring of 1853 Englishman James Caldwell has traveled thousands of miles in a quest to find a place to call home. Newly settled Seattle isn’t that place and he’s ready to move on again when widowed Mattie Jensen marches into his life as somber as a cloudy day. But James can see through the solemn haze to Mattie’s strength and passion. Now he has a reason to stay, if he can just convince Mattie to take a second chance on love—and him. (22,000 words)

Final Approach by Marianne Stillings—With the world at war, Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Service pilot Lt. Charlene (Charlie) Thompson faces personal battles as well. Pearl Harbor left her a widowed bride, certain love would never come again – but battle-scarred Capt. Joe Caldwell has other ideas for the beautiful lady flyer, if he can just keep her safe from the secret saboteur who's already taken the life of Charlie's best friend. (17,000 words)

Love Phantom by Dawn Kravagna—University of Washington, 1983: A great place to get an education and meet single men. Drama major Kara Caldwell prefers to hide behind the characters in her plays, yet feels pressure to live up to the example set by her brave and witty grandmother, a veteran of WWII. Can she learn to overcome her reticence and prejudices to discover which guy truly cares for her--and who is just putting on an act? (17,000 words)

What’s Wrong with Mr. Perfect? by Sherri Shaw—No sooner did Chef Ivy Turin wish to meet the perfect man than Sam Rockney walked into her restaurant. But is the sexy Seattle quarterback for real or is there something wrong with Mr. Perfect? (17,000 words)

Shelter from the Storm by Clare Tisdale—Seven years and one broken heart later, JD Caldwell returns to Seattle to pick up the pieces of his old life, never imagining he will fall for Maya—the mysterious woman who lets him into her house and bed but keeps the door to her heart tightly closed. When their summer fling takes an unexpectedly serious turn and Maya gives him his walking papers, JD has to decide whether their love—and his legacy—is worth fighting for. (21,000 words)

Aftershocks by Kristine Cayne—When Seattle is struck by a devastating earthquake, technical rescue firefighter Jamie Caldwell must save his estranged wife and daughter from the wreckage of a collapsed building. He's defied the odds hundreds of times, but will his luck finally run out for good? (24, 000 words)

RAINY DAY WRITERS

Writing fiction is difficult and lonely and more often than not, the "normal" people in your life don't understand the writing process and can't fathom why you are possessed and obsessed with finding the perfect word or phrase that says exactly what you want to say right where you want to say it. Only other writers comprehend and accept that kind of torment.

To fill this need to surround herself with like-minded obsessive-compulsive self-doubting lunatics, in 2005, Marianne Stillings, who writes Romantic Suspense, established what came to be known as The Rainy Day Writers.

There were only two requirements for joining the group: You must be serious about writing and getting published, and any criticisms of co-members' work be honest, gentle, and kind.

Over the years, the membership has changed; some people moved on, others joined. The group we have now has been stable and constant since 2009. The Rainy Day Writers are a family.

Charlotte Russell joined the group in 2006 at the suggestion of a former member. Charlotte writes Historical Romance.

Dawn Kravagna became a member in the spring of 2007 because of a writers' list where Marianne had posted looking for new members. Dawn writes Comedy and Mystery.

In the Autumn of 2007, Sherri Shaw found her way to the group because she and Marianne happened to sit at the same table at the Emerald City Writer's Conference that year. Sherri writes Historical Romance and Paranormal Historical Romance.

Clare Tisdale joined in 2008 as the result of an email Marianne posted on the Greater Seattle Chapter Romance Writer's list seeking new members. Clare writes Contemporary Romance.

Kristine Cayne found the group in 2009 because she won Marianne's raffle basket at the Emerald City Writer's Conference that year. The basket included an offer to critique the winner's manuscript—an evaluation that resulted in an invitation to join. Kristine writes Romantic Suspense.

For more information on Romance in the Rain and the Rainy Day Writers, visit them at www.seattlerainydaywriters.com 

And it is Giveaway TIME! 

All giveaway ends November 22, 2012 at midnight. Make sure to only enter the giveaway you are eligible for.

Giveaway for US residents only.

Grand Prize:

- 1 autographed copy of Deadly Obsession + SWAG

- 1 autographed copy of Deadly Addiction + SWAG

- The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever, by Julia Quinn (autographed copy)

- Blood Trinity, by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love

- 1 e-book copy of “Falling Angel” by Clare Tisdale

- 1 handmade shell necklace by Clare Tisdale

- A handmade afghan crocheted by Marianne Stillings

- 1 autographed copy of AROUSING SUSPICIONS

- 1 autographed copy of SATISFACTION

- 1 autographed copy of KILLER CHARMS

- 1 bag of truffles from Seattle Chocolates

- 3 chocolate bars from Seattle Chocolates

- $15 Starbucks gift card

- 1 autographed copy of Cattle Capers: Search For The MooMoo Pearl by Dawn Kravagna

Prize #5: 

- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession by Kristine Cayne

- 1 print copy Accidental Cinderella, by Nancy Robards Thompson

- 1 print copy Everything I Know About Love I Learned From Romance Novels, by Sarah Wendell

Prize #6: 

- 1 ecopy Deadly Addiction by Kristine Cayne

- 1 print copy The Angel in My Arms, by Stephanie Sloane

- 1 print copy The Naughty List, by Donna Kauffman, Cynthia Eden and Susan Fox (autographed by Susan Fox)

Prize #7: 

- 1 ecopy Deadly Addiction by Kristine Cayne

- 1 print copy Tsunami Blue, by Gayle Ann Williams

- 1 print copy A Tale of Two Demon Slayers, by Angie Fox (autographed copy)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway for both US and International residents.
Prize #1:

- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession

- 1 ecopy of A Week to Be Wicked by Tessa Dare

- 1 ecopy of The Sergeant's Lady by Susanna Fraser

Prize #2:

- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession

 - 1 ecopy of Unraveled by Courtney Milan

- 1 ecopy of Unlocked, a novella by Courtney Milan

Prize #3:

- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession

- 1 ecopy of One Night in London by Caroline Linden

- 1 ecopy of Ruined by Rumor by Alyssa Everett

Prize #4:

- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession

- 1 ecopy of Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase

Prize #8-10:

- 1 ecopy Deadly Addiction

- $10 Amazon or B&N giftcard

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prize #11 US and International Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xo, 

S.A 

Bonding with People

It is nice when you find out that other people like the same things that you do. It gives you more confidence and create a bond between you and that other person that is stronger and more warm. 

When you find out which are your interests it all just makes sense. 

The easiest way to make friends and to have them last for a life time is to figure out the other person's interests, they might be the same as yours. There is your common denominator to a simple equation. I feel like I could ramble about this for hours, just because I have lots of things to say about the topic and lots of experiences to tell. I might become a story teller some day, who knows. 

The first experience I got with this was with my best friend, we are inseparable even though we don't get to see each other that often. We study at different Universities, have different mayors and even have different lifestyles. But one thing that we have in common, besides studying our whole lives in the same School (from kinder to 12th grade) is that we love fashion, movies and a good gossip session. We can spend hours and hours talking and laughing about the most random stuff and never get bored. Of course, we also have some boy drama and we like to hear each other's opinion on the topic. We are like sisters but with different parents! and it is so nice having someone like her in the light that I am an only child. She, on the other hand has 4 more siblings (Lucky she!). Also, we might not share the same mayor interests but we have known each other for almost 18 years now and we have created a great bond. 

Another of these kinds of experiences is with my fellow blogger friend Suemi, who is a great person and met a couple years back at one of our classes in University. I had no idea she had a blog and she had no idea I had one too. It was a nice surprise to find about it while we were doing a final project last semester and since then we have become really good friends. A common interest that brings people together. 

As I said, finding your common interests with other people make the bonding process a lot more fruitful and nice. 

I just wanted to make this post to encourage you to go and pursuit your interests and there you will meet some of the best people you might ever know, and if it doesn't work out, don't worry, at least you had the experience and  met them. 

You know what I think, that your friends and family is the best thing that can happen to you and they will support you no matter what. 

This post was a little more serious than I expected it to be, but I hope you liked it. <3 

xo, 

S.A 

picture from here. 

It's here, it's here! the iPhone 5 is here!

It's been a couple of long days, I had to take care of mommy and serve her as a driver because she was not feeling well to go by herself to the doctor. So I was more focused on getting her make feel better than in any other thing. 

But changing the subject! they have now revealed the new iPhone 5!! Who else is excited??!! It's a little taller then the iPhone 4&4S, but that is ok with me. it looks classy and all the characteristics you can read them here. 

Here you can see the iPhone 5 on the left compared to the 4&4S

So what do you think? Gonna pre-order it? or wait till there are some reviews? 

have a great day! 

xo, 

S.A 

picture from here. 

Rrefreshing your fitness routine

On a very pretty Tuesday winter day, I have been caught up with the routine. I thought to myself, why not do some extra variation on what you do, fitness wise, instead of just doing the cycling and or walking? I have found that some fitness videos are a great way to keep you entertained and making everything a little more out of the "everyday" tids and bits of it.  

I recently came across Beach Body. A company that  make the various different workout and fitness videos, they also have some nutrition in the way (the whole package right?).

I already knew that their Insanity program is very popular and also their Brazil Butt Lift. I have heard very good reviews of them. I am thinking on trying them out to see how good are they. 

On their page, I saw that they are coming out with the Brazil Butt Lift Master Series (still in development) so if you have already the regular program you might want to step it up some more. Another program that has me sweating just by looking at it is the Asylum volume 2, from the insanity series. The video on the page just makes you oh so tired. But you can see that it gives a full body workout. Which, in my opinion, is not bad at all! 

But, there is always a but, I though that the asylum vol.2 was too advanced for me to try it just yet, maybe in the future, when I get used to it, I will try it. 

The one workout video I am most excited about, which is also in development and almost ready for pre-order, is the Les Mills Combat. Which is a mix of various martial arts. I love the stamina that the martial arts give to your body. They are great for fat burning. I used to do Tai-Chi with a Chinese expert in the art. I know what you are thinking...It's a sport for grannies...but it is more than it meets the eye. It is all about learning to use your inner strength and project it towards the attack of or "enemy". Well that was a little random, but I really enjoyed it. And if something is Asian and typical PLUS the combination of losing weight in a fun way, I will definitely try it! :) I am a little kid when it comes to having fun and doing the things I love <3

I hope you check all the new programs and see if some are a good fit for you and most importantly, that they help you get fit having fun and challenging yourself. 

Have a great day! 

xo, 

S.A

Picture from here.

Disclaimer: I was contacted by Beach Body to write this post and add their newer programs that are about to be released. I am not receiving any compensation from them in any form, all opinions are my own and I am most interested specially in the wellbeing if my readers so that you all have more options to get your healthy lifestyle on the top of your game :)