42 Never Felt So Good!

Today is my 42nd birthday! Wow! Where did the time go? I remember when I was in my twenties and 40 seemed old as heck! Now here I am 40 freakin'2! But seriously guys 42 never felt so good! I thank God for the many blessings in my life! Amazing family, good health, wonderful friends, a successful career and some new fab blog friends! Hey! What else can a girl ask for???

As old as I get one thing that never will never get old is my need to celebrate my birthday! This is the time I get a massage, leave all cares behind, get dressed up and celebrate ME! It's so true that you are only as old as you feel and let me tell you I feel FABULOUS!

So let the celebrations begin! Oh, did I mention I celebrate all month long! Why not.... I only turn 42 once! *cheers*

It's A New Year!!!!!

For many reasons September is my unofficial new year. As a teacher it is a time to start fresh with a new class and new supplies. Just like my students, I get new clothes, new shoes and always a new bag to start the new year off right! September is also my birthday month so it's fitting that I unofficially start my new year now.

This past year I have seen myself grow in ways I never thought possible. It's funny how we put limitations on all we can do without even trying. I really believe this year I am going to step out in faith more than ever. So this is my time to reflect like so many of us do at the beginning of a new year. Who says I have to wait for January 1st?

I think we all need to have a time to recharge our batteries and start fresh with new goals and new beginnings. Or maybe you just feel the need to get a make-over mentally and/or physically. What ever it is ....just do it now! Like they say there is no time like the present!!

I challenge you to think of all the New Year's resolutions you have on hold waiting to announce to the world in January and start them right now. Whether it is finding a new job, going back to school, living a healthier lifestyle, etc. etc. What is the real reason you are waiting?

So come on let's all start our New Year's now! Ready....10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1....HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

Okay, so now what is your new year's resolution?

Friday Inspiration- Stacy London

I have a confession to make....I am sorta, kinda addicted to TLC's What Not to Wear. I love make over shows but I absolutely adore Stacy London. She inspires women to find their personal style and own their looks! LOVE IT! So today I would like to share some inspirational quotes from Ms. London herself!

"I understand when u feel overwhelmed style is the 1st thing to go, but its also the 1st thing you can pick back up to get you back on track."
-Stacy London

"I believe every PERSON is beautiful. What you do with that beauty, how you develop it, is up to you."
-Stacy London

You have to let go of whatever you were, and allow yourself to become who you are."
-Stacy London

"EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU is a Snowflake. There isn't ANYONE who can be you but you and THAT makes you beautiful. Period. So shut up. :)"
-Stacy London

Have a great weekend!

Phenomenal Woman, That's you!

Hey Ladies,

I love to feature Phenomenal Women on Loving Me Unconditionally!

A phenomenal woman is one who has the ability to overcome obstacles and whose drive and self-determination is an inspiration to others. A phenomenal woman is one who through life's ups and down has learned to love herself unconditionally!

If you fit this description then I would like to feature you in a guest post! Email a brief bio to nikki@ilovemeunconditionally [at] gmail [dot] com and tell share why your story may be an inspiration to other women.

Friday Inspiration - Vacation

Vacation used to be a luxury, but in today's world it has become a necessity.

- Author Unknown

Anyone who knows me knows I live for my summer vacations!! My motto is I work hard so I have to play hard!

I hope that everyone gets a chance to enjoy a little vacation some time this year. Whether you travel or a take a staycation, I think we all deserve a luxury in our lives. Don't you agree?

Happy Friday!

Exercising My Right to Bare Arms!

It is so true that we are our own worst critic. Sometimes when we look in the mirror we find everything that can possibly be wrong with the way we look. Our nose is too big, our ears are too small; you name it we have found something to complain about. I know I have. My flaws are many, some I can hide....and some not so much. But I am learning to embrace my imperfections and have developed a healthy disregard about what others may have to say about them. It took me some time, but finally I have gotten to the point in my life where I can honestly say.....I am owning my looks....flaws and all.

My arms have been one of my nemesis for a while. At first it was their size. I hated the way they looked in sleeveless shirts. So I always wore sweaters or some sort of covering over them. Since losing weight my arms are now at a size that I am comfortable showing but now as a result of the weight loss I have....stretch marks. Yes, the dreaded marks that tell the story of skin that has been stretched as a result of rapid weight gain or loss. Story of my life. So now even though I finally have gotten to a point where I feel good about the size, I began to feel self-confident about these marks. sigh.

So after trying a host of products promising the magical disappearance of stretch marks and looking for cute cardigans to go over every sleeveless tank and sun-dress that I own I finally said.....what the heck am I doing? This is me d*mn it! Take it or leave it. How can I tell young girls to own their looks when I am hiding behind cardigans and long sleeves shirts in 90 degree temperatures?

So who cares about a few imperfections here and there. We all have them. I recently saw this picture of Jennifer Hudson and she wasn't hiding her stretch marks behind make-up as most of the other stars do and she looks fabulous! Talk about self-confidence!!

So I said so-long to those cover-ups and hello to my new arms. They may not be flawless or the perfect size and shape but they are all I got and they are mine!
Learning to love what you see when you look in the mirror flaws and all is what really counts. So go ahead exercise your right to bare arms, wear a two-piece, or ___________ (place your flawed body part here) and repeat after me "This is me d*mn it! Take it or leave it!"

Friday Favorites- How to Survive Life in the Suburbs

Looking for a good blog to read over the weekend? Well check out my Friday Favorite......

How to Survive Life in the Suburbs - She describes herself as "a mother, a wife, a good friend, a person still trying to find peace and enjoy every day." My kind of girl! Sometimes I read her posts and think to myself this woman is writing about my life!!! She brings a candid, yet humorous view about everyday life in the suburbs.

Many of her posts I can relate to in one way or another. (Well, maybe not the one where she accidentally flashed the lawn boy but I can clearly see how that could happen.) Even if you don't live in a suburban area you can surely appreciate her journey as a wife, mother and friend. But don't just take my word for it click on the link and pay her a visit.

Have a fabulous weekend!