In love with...

First of all, so much for my resolve to blog more regularly...yikes.  I do intend to be better about this.  I have a million things in my head that I need to blog about...but first...

I celebrated my birthday this month and my beloved mommy :) bought me my new love...

Yes, I am in love with my new Paula Deen copper bottom stainless steel cookware.  Oh, be still my heart! 

It's funny, really, because Miss Paula couldn't be more non-vegan based, but I just think she is adorable.  Seriously, her products rock and are absolutely high quality.  I swear my food tastes better.

One more thing I am loving at the moment is the wonderful new book from Alicia Silverstone

 

There is no earth shattering new information or anything, but it is just a beautiful book that reaffirms the reason I am vegan and how proud I am to be just that.

And finally, I am loving the fact that I have lost 15.6# in the last 3 weeks by recommitting to a healthy me.  Only 100+ pounds to go, but hey...I am a work in progress.

Love, Lolly

10 Things I Can't Live Without

Inspired by some of my fellow bloggers who have done this, I thought I would list the 10 things I can't live without.

1. My family - I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family.  I am super lucky to call my beloved mother my very best friend and confidante; I have a fantastic younger brother who is a wonderful friend; I have younger sisters (they are twins and only 18 months younger) who are good friends; I have a really nice stepfather; and an extended family of 92 year old grandmother and lovely aunts and cousins!

(mom and brother)

2.  My beloved animals - They truly make waking up each day worthwhile.  They inspire me with their unconditional love and total devotion.  I can't imagine life without them.

(some of my beloved furry children)

3.  Technology - computer, cell phone, etc - What would I do without the convenience of my cell phone and also texting?  Or how would I do without blogging, Google, Facebook, email, etc.?  Oh and I can't forget how happy my digital camera makes me!!

4.  Daytimer and To Do Lists - Despite my love of technology (see #3), I still love a good paper trail.  And I really love the concept of my paper to do lists and post-it notes!  I also have and will probably always have and use my beloved daytimer.  I am a very visual person.

5.  Hot Showers - There is nothing more comforting to me than a long, hot shower.  It is my meditation and singing time. :) It eases all my aches and pains - both physically and emotionally.

6.  Merle Norman Make-up - What can I say - I am vain and want to look good.  I've been using Merle Norman foundation for more than 25 years.  Bamboo Beige rocks!

7.  Air Conditioning - I can't stand to be hot (except in the shower ~ see #5).  I have been known to have my air conditioning still running in late November.  Enough said.

8.  Entertainment (TV/DVR and Music) - "Hi, my  name is Lolly and I am a TV/DVR-aholic."  I admit it - I love television.  I am hooked.  I love comedies (Modern Family, Big Bank Theory, to name two); I love dramas (Bones, CSI, Burn Notice, White Collar, to name a few); I love reality shows (American Idol, Biggest Loser to name some fun ones); plus so many more including Food Network shows, HGTV, etc.  There is hardly a show I don't like and with DVRs I can watch what I want without commercials.  Woot!!

And Music - well, I just love it and it feeds my soul.  My music tastes are so eclectic - I love everything from Top 40 to Country to Oldies to Gospel; I love everyone from my beloved Adam Lambert (I heart Adam so much!!) to the late great John Denver to the Black Eyed Peas to Elvis.

9.  Jewelry, Perfume, and Clothing - What can I say?  I'm vain and proud and I want to look nice.

(I love Timeless perfume from AVON)

10. Water - I love it.  It's all I drink.  I do also think it's been my secret to smooth skin and few wrinkles, even in my forties.  I gave  up caffeine and sodas about 14 years ago.  I love water!!

That's my 10!

Resolved...

2009 was a hard and long year in many aspects.  2010, however, is here and holds the hopes and dreams of the life I want to create for myself.

I have many things - both profound and fun, big and small - that I want to get done this year.

So, in 2010, in no particular order (well, except for the first one which is pretty critical), I resolve to...

...lose at least 100 pounds
...live more frugally smartly
...continue to pay down debt
...grow my emergency savigns account
...learn to love myself now - as I am this very moment - and to continue the self-acceptance as I move forward
...continue to grow and market my home businesses - and mom's and Travis'
...continue to nurture the relationship with my nieces and nephews
...blog regularly at least 3x a week
...learn to quilt
...create more scrapbook pages and  do some legacy scrapbooking
...work on my book ideas (secret for now)
...no longer wear my past hurts and disappointments like a suit of armor
...organize all photos on my computer on CDs as back-up
...be creative on a daily - ar at least weekly - basis
...set up at craft shows this year with mom!
...redecorate guest room
...enter photo (specifically pets) contests, etc. - get my photos out there
...paint living room and make new curtains (I have had the fabric for almost a year! -- it's time!)
...add exercise to my daily routines - ANY movement is better than none :)
...learn to crochet and knit

I am so excited to see what I can make of this new year.  For all of you, may your 2010 be filled with peace, wellness, joy, laughter, and love.

(My sweet kitty, Freida (to the left), says Happy New Year!!)