Needing Advice: When It Just Isn't You Anymore

Ok, folks- I need advice! Like, ah . . . RIGHT NOW! ! !

I was scrolling back through some of my very first posts just now and even though I know it was a year ago- I cringed, told myself it was ok and then cringed some more.

Not to discourage you if you're just laying the foundation on your own blog (we all have to start somewhere!), but I feel like ripping out mine!

What should I do? 

A. Delete everything.

B. Tie my hands behind my back so I can't reach the delete button.

OR

C. Deep breath- it's ok. Someone, somewhere will appreciate and learn from my ramblings. ;p

You decide! Let me know . . . =) 

Fresh Friday Link-Up

I never thought I'd be one of these people saying this:

{flashbacks from age 10 when adults were always complaining about life's pace. lol!}, but here I am . . .
Wow, I can't believe it's Friday!!! 

The weeks are passing by at an alarming rate. Must be the sign of a good time at the job of life. :p What's your thought? :)

Here are mine Fresh Friday points from the wk!

#1 - shopping with the sista

#2 - my first try at Indian food = I''m hooked!

#3 - expanding my horizons - yes, a large part of my future is held within this little box. :p more to come on this . . . =)

This wk/end holds for me - watching some rough and rowdy boys (ie: my own bros . . . it's all good, though :p), a bridal shower for a childhood friend (would you believe it?! we actually did manage to grow up!), a funeral and festive July 4th-ness.

Hope you have a fabulous, FRESH and FANTASTIC wk/end, folks! Leave a comment and tell me all about it!!! 

3 Tips for Growing Your Blog

Plan your posts. :) I learned this tip from Emily! Planning captivating content versus flying by the seat of your pants allows you to systematically grow your blog---  saving you from the "whatever pops into my head" syndrome, usually called a brain cramp. :p 

Planning posts was a lifesaver for me with the last green smoothie challenge! 

Having a vision for your blog ties into "planning your posts". :) What's your goal for your blog? To create an outlet for yourself? Have fun? Inspire others? 

Write it down! 

Keep it short and sweet. :) Contrary to popular belief- simple is usually best. This is something that took me forever to learn! Pick a topic for a post and (mainly) stick to that original thought. :)

Probably most importantly, you need to know your audience!

Who are you trying to reach? Is it other people your own age? DIY-ers, moms, singles, married, fit or unfit - be specific.

When you know who you're trying to connect with, Steps 1 & 2, and creating captivating content that grows your blog will practically happen on it's own. :-)

Feel free to leave your tips in the comments below and let me know what you think of mine!

*Photos courtesy of C Fisher Photography

Grass Fed Beef

Are you a meat eater? 

Until recently I was pretty much an exclusive herbivore. :p Now I'm a herbivore turned carnivore. {Waah- that sounds craaazy to say!} 

I still eat lots of high quality fresh foods but after an almost 2 year meat break (just here and there) I'm trying to be more balanced, for me. 

Of late- it's becoming more obvious to me that no one diet is right for everyone! You really have to figure out what works for you and- listen to your body. (Check out the 90/10 diet to learn more.)

I did the raw thing for a while and my nails started breaking and although I felt amazing in some respects, overall my body was not happy. 

So, what that- I'm trying to add occasional, high quality meat sources back into my diet. =)

I'd love to hear what your opinion is on meat? Do you eat it or not? Why? :-) 

And, as a workout update- yesterday I hit it with weights and some cardio! Planning on heading out for a run this evening. Are you working out this week? 

Drumroll, please . . . Spartan Race Bib Giveaway!

I was recently contacted by Spartan Race and asked if I would be interested in hosting a race bib giveaway here on the blog. :) Of course! I'm so excited and honored to be selected and present you all with this opportunity to win a free race bib! ! !

Check it out. :)

I personally haven't done a Spartan Race yet but two of my bros have and coming from them "It was awesome!!!". 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*This post is sponsored by Spartan Race. In exchange for this post, Spartan Race has given me 1 free bib race for personal use. =)

See giveaway policies, here.

Winner will be select this Saturday (June 29th) ! ! ! Check back. =) 

Running in the Rain

Despite hot and humid running conditions this morning, I was determined to go and get out there! Just finished up a 5 miler . . . . haven't run that far in months and it felt AWESOME! 

I felt like it was a rather slow run today but at least it was a run! I was more aiming for distance versus time so I'm ok that it took me just over 51 minutes to complete. 

The no make-up, unedited version of me! 

Haha! 

Don't laugh . . . :p 

I'd love to hear what your workouts are looking like this wk/end. :) Comment and share! I read each and every comment and do my best to respond in a timely manner! 

And, don't forget-- giveaway surprise coming up on Monday!!! See you then. :) 

Fresh Friday

Happy Friday, peoples! The fun's here - it's link-up time. =) What top 3 events made your FRESH & FANTASTIC?

Here are mine. :)

#1 - new book! The Power of Style by Bobbie Thomas

#2 - kale, eggs and water - yes! it's an awesome 3-some. :)

#3 - committing goals to paper. yes- I admit . . . i might be slightly addicted to this activity! but hey- they say your chances of succeeding go up if you write them down (and remembering them, of course!)

- - - - -

Linking up at H54F over at From My Gray Desk, too!

Have a great wk/end everyone! See you Monday morning. :)

Hint, hint - - Spartan race bib giveaway coming up on Monday!