One Year Forward

2016.
Over in a flash.
Anita tells me all the time that time goes by too fast, I can see why.

I stopped setting resolutions last year. Instead, I picked a word, a One Little Word, to guide me through the year.

So in what ways did I move forward?

Career
2016 took me back to my middle school roots, and I love being with the older kids. However, it didn't unfold exactly as I had thought it may have. There were some distractions and anxiety there, too, but I have to remember I'm on year one again as a coach in a building that is new to coaching, and that in my first year as a coach at Emerson things weren't roses and butterflies, either. I've pretty much spent the last five months stressing my own self out, and I need to be done with that. It's just that I don't like to be mediocre at things, and that is how I've felt in a lot of ways this school year. So, granting myself a little grace in the coming months to close out this 14th year of teaching.

On the flip side of that was that I was nominated for a Golden Apple Award. I have no idea who nominated me - all the people I have asked have said no, so not really sure what started all that. It's kind of lengthy process, but I did all the application essays and got the letters I needed, so we'll see at the end of February if I advance to the next round. Wouldn't it be strange if the year I find I'm doubting myself the most was the year I actually moved closer to such prestigious honor? The world works in mysterious ways.

Professional Development
Finally finished my ESL Endorsement - I had done 5/6 of it in Undergrad - can you believe it? In 2003! But here in Illinois, I needed one more class, so I got that done with this semester.

I was also fortunate enough to attend the Illinois Reading Council Conference again. This year I met Ralph Fletcher and Kelly Gallagher. I know you may be thinking I"m such a nerd, but I don't even care. The two of them have shaped my teaching career in ways I can't even describe, so it was so nice to get to meet them and share that with each of them.

Dating Life
Moved forward a bit here. Met a few different guys, including a few guys I liked. Bad timing on some, Douchbaggery on other accounts, not wanting to settle on another front. But, I could have done better, too. You know, it's hard to move forward when you're looking back all the time. So, need to cut that out. I'm hopeful for a beautiful 2017 in this department, especially with my new One Little Word to guide me... more to come on that :-)

Friendships and Relationships with Family
I made so much progress moving forward with many of them. I attribute this to a lot of things, but a catalyst for it was most certainly Landmark. I am so thankful that I finally said yes to Landmark because it has made a profound difference in my relationships, most notably with my sister who I love so much.

Spirituality
Moved forward in a big way this year. Found Old St. Patrick's and was confirmed Catholic. I can't even tell you how many Sundays I found myself stressed out but sitting in the pews for the 5pm mass. Each time it's like a wave of peace washes over me. And the choir is amazing, like, I could listen to them all day. I'm so thankful to have found this community!

Finances
In some ways, this is not an area of strength for me. Definitely some setbacks, but also some progress. The setbacks have helped me to see where I need to put forth some effort. And, in the spirit of that was Arbonne. I got my first promotion in December, which should help me see a slightly larger income in the coming months. Initially I started Arbonne because I'm seeking financial freedom, but I can't wait until I have the funds I need to take care of all the people who have helped me out this year, namely, my parents. I'm so thankful for them, for their support not only financially when I needed it, but also for my emotional well being as we all know it's so easy to spin stories and make things "mean" something they really don't. (Another lesson I attribute to Landmark.) Anyways, ended the year sitting down with a financial planner and have a plan for 2017. Action - that's what makes things happen! Looking forward to more financial independence, because what I really want is to do things for the people I love most!

2017
Stay tuned for my new word, I'm so excited for it. Working on updating my vision board and doing a decluttering to start out the new year with lots of space to reach for new milestones. Amazing to think of the possibilities we can create in the short amount of time that is one year!

Did you have a OLW last year? How did it go?

Cheers and sparking wine to you on this New Year's Eve day,

Sweet Reviews on my Christmas "Fudge"

This Christmas, I made some cookies and other goodies to share with family and friends. I sent some of them off to my parents in Michigan. On Christmas, I talked to my dad, and at the end of our conversation, he said, "Oh, and thanks for the fudge!"

"Huh?" I asked him. "I didn't send you any fudge! Those were protein bars!"

"Oh, well they were good. Seemed pretty fancy, like maybe you got it in River North or something?"

I had to laugh at that, and also appreciate the review. I've been loving these protein bars for a few months. I usually have a few small ones after a salad at lunch and that helps with sugar cravings.

If you are like millions of others creating new years resolutions and healthy lifestyle is part of that, I encourage you to give these a shot. They will definitely give you a little sweetness and help you slay that sugar dragon!


Arbonne Protein Bars

Ingredients
2 Cups of Peanut Butter
1 1/4 Cup of Honey
3 Cups of Instant Oats
2 1/4 Cups of Chocolate or Vanilla Protein Powder

Directions
1. Microwave Peanut Butter and Honey for 1 minute in microwave safe bowl.
2. Mix in Protein Powder
3. Mis in Oats
4. Press into a 9 x 13 inch pan
5. Set in refrigerator for an hour or more.
6. Cut and enjoy!

Check out what makes Arbonne's Protein Powder so awesome by clicking here. What other creative things have you done with our protein powder?

Gratitude Lately

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! Hope you are set for an awesome day with family and friends. Before I get to the turkey, a little bit of gratitude on this November day.

Thankful for a five day Thanksgiving holiday, to see friends and family, to rest, to catch up, to spend time doing the things I enjoy.

Thankful for the kids I teach. I think they're so smart and talented and kind, and also, like all kids at this age, don't always get the consequences of their actions, which makes this life's work demanding and complicated, but so rewarding.

Thankful for these thankful notes our PBIS team put on, and messages from students.

The longer note reads, "Thank you Ms. Brezek for being a good teacher! I know most students do not like you, but I do. You're just really strict, but I like that about you because it keeps me on time in class and helps me do my work faster. Ok, I didn't mean "really strict." I meant you're a little bit strict. To other students you're "super strict" though. Thanks for being there to help me succeed and be a good reader and writer!"

Thankful that I continue to put myself out there in an authentic way, even if it doesn't always work out in my favor.... both in my personal and professional life. Thanks to Jennifer at Cult of Pedagogy for this, I can totally relate.

Thankful for family who is always there at a moment's notice when something goes wrong. Thankful that even though my car is smashed, I am not. (Well, hoping to be tonight, lol) :P

Thankful for Landmark Forum and it's personal/professional development sessions. It has has really shown me how to live my best life - to live more powerfully in all aspects of my life, with freedom and self-expression, and has created a greater sense of peace of mind. It's by far the best personal and professional development session I've ever participated in. Do not believe what the blogs out there say. Landmark will change your life.

Thankful for my niece, who will be my Goddaughter in April. And thankful for text messages and a shared love of Young Adult Lit.

Speaking of books - currently reading On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life. Once again I am reminded that gratitude turns what we have into enough.

Thankful for a growing family of Arbonne sisters.

Thankful for Old St. Pat's. Every time I'm there, I laugh, learn something new, and leave feeling so perfectly peaceful, which is exactly what I need on Sunday evenings.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends and family!

What are you thankful for?

On Your Birthday

Birthdays are the best.

On a birthday, you get 100 messages on facebook wishing you the best day. Sometimes they tell you that you are amazing and loyal and fun and that they're thankful to celebrate 20 years of friendship with you or that you should celebrate with drinks until you #CloseOneEyeTonight.

On your birthday, kids wait around after school to find you, just to give you some of their Halloween candy. (Which from it you take one favorite and then politely decline the rest because, let's be honest, if you take it all home, self-control goes out the window.)

On your birthday, you've already talked to your parents, because they wanted to be first and so they Facetimed you last night.

On your birthday, text messages roll in like the tide on a warm summer day, with those little balloons that are all over the new Verizon commercial. And speaking of a warm day...

On your birthday, the weather is 70 degrees. On November 1st.

On your birthday, your friends at work not only light candles and sing to you, but turn off the lights in the teacher's lounge to do so. And you feel silly and like a little kid, but you secretly love it.

On your birthday, you hear the voice of each person who writes you a card through their words. One ends with the LOVE in huge caps and hearts all over, and you can hear the way she means it, because she yells it down hallways, across classrooms, and generally speaking, when you are in her presence. And she is so full of love. And you are lucky to have her in your life.

On your birthday, a whole new group of sisters you've found via Arbonne text or leave you the most meaningful notes on facebook, telling you to keep dreaming and keep reaching towards the sky. And so even though October did not go as you expected, your faith is renewed, and reaching toward the sky you continue to do.

On your birthday, the Cubbies are still playing baseball. In November. And a birthday Grand Slam comes in the top of the third.

On your birthday, Starbucks and balloons arrive to your classroom before most people are even awake for their corporate jobs.

On your birthday, you find an unsigned note on your desk from a student... and you know that all the nagging and strictness is okay with them, and you forgive yourself for all the things you didn't get to last quarter, because they are good people.

On your birthday, the Fed Fam sends over balloons and a fruit bouquet so you can celebrate but be healthy, too. (You eat the chocolate covered strawberries first!)

On your birthday, you go shoe shopping!

On your birthday, you reconnect with your blog, because saving the moments of this amazing life is such a blessing.

And....
On your birthday, you hope all the people in your life know just how thankful you are for each. one. of. them. Yes, I mean you.

Tree Thoughts

I don't know why I am so drawn to trees, but I am.

One summer day I sat on my couch and could hear the leaves rustling behind me and I loved it so much I took an Instagram video of it.

When I wake up in the morning (when I don't have to leave early for work) the light that is cast through my kitchen and living room windows is so pretty - the light comes through the leaves outside my windows and dances around my apartment.

I love fall. (I know, so basic.) But seriously, look:

This book, of course.

And is it a coincidence that Arbonne, a product line and health and wellness philosophy I have come to love so much, means beautiful tree?

I'm drawn to art that includes trees, too. About 5 years ago at the Frankfort Fall Fest, there was this artisan who created these beautiful mosaics, and my favorite one was a tree. If only I had $300 at the time, that piece would be here on my wall at home.

And then just this week, on Twitter, I saw a tree that was part of a writing workshop, and etched into the trunk was "Writers grow together," and I am in love:

Speaking of etchings, I've always wanted to etch initials into a tree trunk with some special someone, you know, like this:

The past few days I've been racking my brain trying to figure out what it is about trees that draws me so much to them...?

Is it because living without trees in Arizona all those years has me really appreciating them?

Or maybe it's because of their roots that has them grounded firmly. The best people I know know who they are - when you go out into this crazy world, if you don't at least know yourself, you can be easily manipulated...

Which brings up another quality of trees, flexibility and bendiness. While you do have to stand for something, it's also important to be flexible enough to compromise.

Is it because the leaves change colors and fall away? Last time I had a breakup, this quote spoke to me pretty profoundly:

Or is it because the courageous few, who sometimes, step out onto that limb? Like having that hard conversation with friend or family member. Or walking up to someone you'd like to know to say hello. Or sharing Arbonne, even when people are so judgy. Putting yourself out there isn't easy, but it can definitely yield some pretty amazing results.

So this fall, as you go about your busy days, slow down to notice the trees around you. And, in a few weeks, stop by my classroom to see my Writer's Workshop Tree. It's going to be a daily reminder of all that trees bring into our lives!

Am I missing any other awesome tree references?

Leave me a comment to share them!

F*%@ Yes

Pardon my French. I mean, to lead with that is bold, right? I’m not the kind of person to throw around a sentence enhancer like that in this kind of forum, you know, public… perhaps on a somewhat professional platform. But today, I say F-Yes. Let me explain.

Have you read that article called F--- Yes or No? It’s written about relationships, like, you better be saying F--- yes to the person you’re in a relationship with or you might as well just end it. Totally makes sense to me. Like, why would you date someone who you’re just moderately excited about? For some, this is easy. For my ex-boyfriend, he didn’t get it. He dated me for over three years but I was never an F-Yes to him. Took me awhile to figure that out and move on, but now I know. And to be on that side of the equation sucks, royally. But I digress.

I think this F-Yes mentality can be applied to anything in life we spend our time on. Our time is precious! Once it's gone, we can never get it back! One of my best friends, Anita, tells me all the time, “Michelle, can you believe it’s already September?” Like seriously, she tells me this, like her mind is blown each time. And then she smiles, because I smile and kinda laugh at her, because she always says it. Because it's true, time is just slipping away.

So I ask you, what are you spending your time on? Are they things you're super excited about or just a little bit excited about... or, not excited about at all? I’m sure all of us have things in our days that we don’t feel that strongly about, but it’s my mission make the most of my time with the things I choose to spend it on.

Friends and family. I love them, so if I'm with them, know it's an F-Yes for me.

Teaching. I love kids. Seriously love, even on days like last Thursday when I'm sure the kids could see the metaphorical smoke coming from my ears.

Social events. If I'm there, it's an F-Yes for me, because I'm always at an F-Yes for quiet time home by myself, reading or writing.

Which brings me to Arbonne. Most certainly, today it's an F-Yes.

I had no idea what I was signing up for when I said yes to Mary and Arbonne. I had no idea I'd make this many new friends:

I had no idea they'd refer me to books that make me better, like You are a Badass, The Slight Edge, and two I'm really excited to read next, On Fire and Dare to Dream and Work to Win.

I had no idea that they would invite me to their homes and tell me that I'm amazing and that they are lucky to have me around. And that they'd brag about my blog. (!!)

I had no idea they would teach me a way to do a bunch of work now to create a future of possibilities, one where I can show up to weddings across the country or be at a family members side if (heaven forbid) they became sick and needed me, without having to worry about being away from a job and a paycheck because of time missed.

I had no idea the training I would receive from Arbonne would leave me with things like this swimming in my head:

• Mind your mind.
• What we focus on grows.
• We live the life we're willing to tolerate.
• See what can be, not what is.
• We attract what we put forward.
• Live in gratitude.

All of this - I had no idea I'd have all of this in my life. It's so much more than I thought. I thought I was saying yes to personal care products that are safer and cleaner than those on the shelves in Target and Nordstrom. I thought I was just switching my breakfast to a vegan protein shake. I thought I was just saying yes to a new skin care routine.

But I was really saying yes to so much more.

And today? Today it's a F*%@ yes.

What are you saying F-Yes to?

MLM Misconceptions

I've been consulting with Arbonne for four months now and it's going so well and amazing and way more than I could have ever imagined. What I've realized now that I'm in an Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) company is that people who are not in it have a lot of misconceptions about what it actually is all about. As someone who spent the majority of her life outside of MLM, I get why people have these misunderstandings, and today, I'd like to dispel some of those.

Here are some common comments I've heard from friends and family. Following each comment, you have a response from someone who is in the arena and doing this kind of work on a consistent basis.

Concern #1: How come you want to do all this work for other people who will then profit from your efforts?

I hear what you're saying, well, I used to get it. But now that I'm in, frankly, this comment is insulting. Why do I want to work with my upline? Well, they are coaching and mentoring me to create a future of financial and time freedom. I get texts, messages, and calls on a daily basis that are positive, uplifting, that help me set goals and make them a reality. My Upline says things to me like, "Michelle, there's room for all of us up here at the top, we are standing at your side, locked arm and arm, creating a future that prior to Arbonne, you could hardly imagine."

And now that I've been in 4 months, I can see this future they are talking about. Our leader is Lisa, and you know what? I want her to hit her next promotion and make it to Nation because she is amazing. She's got the biggest heart and is the most down to Earth and authentic person you'll ever meet. She inspires us all with each message and text and quote she shares.

Bobbi is at Area Manager, and I so want for her to get in her Mercedes by the end of the year. So while she coaches me to hit my next goal of District Manager, I'm wanting to bust my @$$ to get her in that Mercedes, because you know what? That then reinforces to me that I, too, can reach that milestone. Bobbi is always there for me, answering every question, showing up to all my events, listening to my stories and being a great friend at my side. She wants me at the top with her!

Dana is almost to Area Manager, and she just hosted the most beautiful champagne brunch for our team last weekend. We were able to meet a few new team members and share this passion together with some new people who we want on our team. Dana made it so special, and shared about all the beautiful things she loves about each person in that room - these are the people I want in my life, women that lift me higher.

Mary introduced me to Arbonne and she's the District Manager direct to me. She gets that if you want something done, you ask a busy person - she's a middle school teacher just like me, and she has a passion for health and wellness just like I do. I'm lucky to have Mary at my side, and so thankful that I had an open mind and open heart when she invited to to learn what she knew about health and wellness and Arbonne. If it wasn't for Mary and a Valentine's Day lipstick, I would not be composing this blog right now, today. Mary, you have changed my life.

And Jess - Jess came on with me, and together we continue to learn this business we know that will offer opportunities to us in 4-5 years that others could only dream about. The initiative Jess takes on and the excitement for what we get to do is palpable. I'm so thankful that she said yes and is taking Arbonne along with her life, and with me.

So do I think I'm only working at Arbonne for others? Nope. I'm creating a future of financial and time freedom, and I'm helping the amazing women in my life who I care about reach their dreams in the process.

Concern #2: Do you only want me on your team to help you make money?

No. I actually want you on our team because I have an amazing opportunity to offer you - one that you probably can't see just yet. I have this opportunity that will free up your time and your finances so you can spend it on what's most important to you - whatever that might be. Want to stay home with your kids? Arbonne. Want to travel the world? Arbonne. Want more friends? Arbonne. Want to create a healthier lifestyle? Arbonne. Want to pay off all your student loans? Arbonne. Want to *not live paycheck to paycheck? Arbonne. Want to plan your dream wedding? Arbonne. Want to give back to your parents? Arbonne. Want to invest money into southside Chicago and help end violence? Arbonne. 

Also, I want you on our team because I see something in you. You are probably happy and upbeat and fun and a people person and engaging and bring joy to my life. I want those kinds of people in my life. All around me. Increasing the positivity exponentially. So if I'm asking, don't be mistaken. I want to spend time with you, I want to coach and mentor you, I want you to reach every dream you've ever had.

Concern #3: MLM consultants use their friends and family for financial gain.

Well, if you're my friend, I love you, and I'm guessing we talk on a pretty regular basis, and I probably hear things from you about a desire to become more fit or healthy, the fact that you got a terrible sunburn, that you have super bad acid reflux, that you're drinking more pop than you'd like to, that your eating habits are crappy because you're short on time, that you're not sleeping well and wish you could, that you have lines on your face you wish weren't there, or acne, or you kids have sensitive skin... and on, and on, and on.

I'm totally not complaining about these conversations, you're my friend or family member and I'm here to listen and I care about you. We're all impacted by things like I listed above. But Arbonne has solutions each. And it's all made with the best possible ingredients to be pure, safe, and beneficial. We're living in a time when everyone is being super conscious about what we're eating - trying to be Gluten and toxin free, but many people aren't paying attention to the other personal care products we absorb into our blood stream every day. If you're using Suave or Pond's or Biolage - how do you know what chemicals are in them and what they are doing to your health?

The reason I want to share about Arbonne is because it's another option. It's healthier. It's clean (we follow the European Union's standards for health, eliminating 1,400 chemicals. US eliminates 10-14.) It's also effective.

All that being said, I totally respect you wishes. If you are straight with me and tell me that you're not interested, I will drop it. But know that I have options for you that you're missing out on, that could potentially make your quality of life better.

In closing, I leave you with one of my favorite authors, Brené Brown. I choose courage - courage to do the thing that others make fun of and talk down on, courage to keep sharing it with people who I love, courage to show up to networking events and meet new people, because I have a lot to offer them.

I choose courage because I don't accept the fact that my life has to be a certain way because of the financial restraints I took on when I said yes to teaching.

I choose courage because I will create a future exactly how I want it. (It includes a Mercedes and a lot of travel, and a house in Chicago proper.)

Courage or comfort, what's your choice?

We only have one life, gotta make it count!

Girls Trip 2016

My best friends were just here for the week and we had so much fun! I just love when we are all together and the shenanigans ensue. Here's the highlight reel.

They got in and we went straight downtown to see the bean, stop at the signature room, and then went to Anita's for a drink before dinner.

Dinner at RPM Italian, so delicious and great conversation.

On Tuesday, Katie saw her first squirrel and was *very scared.

Book club at my casa on Tuesday night!

Bike riding on the Lakefront path Wednesday morning.

And then home with grown up snacks :-)

Shortly after, wine :-)

And then the deep dish from Pequods...

Jamie's first time handling the classic Chicago pizza : /

Saw Anita's Great Love debate on Wednesday night at the Apollo. Super fun!

Pregaming before the Cubs -Sox game on Thursday night.

Jamie had a lot of fun, and many, many drinks.

I'm happy she lived to tell about it!

Jamie, we just love you!

Katie is one of the funniest people I know.

Well, it's the combo of the three or four of us I think.

If only I could share the hilarious videos made at 1am :-)

Katie went home on Friday morning : (

Jamie and I recovered all day, partly at the mall, then mostly on my couch.

But Saturday morning we did get to ZiCardio with Liz and that was super fun.

And a brunch with Lizzy and Brian afterwards!

I love these girls so much, and I'm so thankful that we all have summers off to reconnect. Next year we're planning for Boston!

and I'm hoping to be sober enough to pick out
the right shoes and avoid hours of name-calling.

:-)

Love you girls!

xo,

Fave Summer Products

Hey everyone! Happy Summer! Are you enjoying the long days relaxing on your porch with a cold beverage? I am (minus the porch I so desperately wish I had...future goals!)

My last post about my favorite Arbonne products was so well received, I wanted to do another one with my favorite products for summer! Check out a few of these that I've been using religiously and a few others I still haven't tried yet, but that are on my wish list!

Before we begin, you might be new here, so just want to share that with Arbonne, everything is pure, safe, and beneficial. Each product contains carefully selected, botanically based ingredients. Our products are rigorously tested. We're vigilant about the latest research regarding chemicals to ensure we're being mindful and cautious. Our products deliver results. As trailblazers, we must educate, empower, and inspire people to make better choices for the beauty, health, and wellness of their family and friends.

With that, let's go!

Awaken Rejuvenating Body Mist

from our Aromassentials line 

Not only is this a lovely lemony scent to wake you up in the morning, but it also serves as an awesome bug spray! I've been using it instead of Off and it's working like a charm. A friend took it to the woods in Wisconsin with great results, too!

Key ingredients: Awaken Essential Oil Blend which is a balance of lemon and coriander, clover extract, and ginseng extract.

Energy Fizz Sticks

from our nutrition line

I love, LOVE the fizz sticks. They are meant to break the coffee & pop addictions, but as someone who has been working out in the mornings now that it's warm, I usually find myself coming home and not wanting coffee. So, I make one of these and it's cold and refreshing and lightly caffeinated too. They come in pomegranate and citrus.

Some other cool things to do with them: Fizztini, add some Malibu, mix them with our Herbal Detox Tea, or add them to the 7 day cleanse for a little more flavor.

Key ingredients: antioxidants and a botanical blend of green tea, ginseng, guarana, combined with B vitamins and  chromium which helps boost energy

Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 for Body

from our Liquid Sunshine Line

Water-resistant mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide that creates a barrier between your skin and the sun. Protects from UVA/UVB rays. Super lightweight and non-greasy. 

Tried this out the other day for the first time at Lake Michigan and worked like a charm. Laid out for about an hour and a half before finally going into the lake, and I could tell it was still good to go even after splashing a little water on myself.

I also have the sunscreen for face and the chapstick, which tastes like coconuts. I'm nuts about it :-)

I haven't tried the Sunless Tanner yet, but I heard that mixed with the body firming cream, it's amazing, too! I will definitely be getting that out when I get the winter blues next February!

Renewing Body Gelée

from our SeaSource Detox Spa

This is one that I have tried a few times, but it's still on my to-buy list. It's a cool, refreshing gel that hydrates for soft, smooth-feeling skin. 

When I tried it, I had three bug bites. I put it on one but not the others just for comparisons sake. Here are the results after 36 hours:

Ridiculous, right? I can't even with this one, not sure why I haven't purchased it yet! So, this is just one use of this product. Here are some others that I'm going to try out after I get this for myself:

Sun burns

Bee stings, any bug bites

Headaches

Carpal tunnel

Fever reducer

Arthritis

Hot flashes

Let me know if you're interested - I'm not sure where you'd put it for hot flashes, but like for headaches, on your temples and back of your neck. I know some of you are already believers of this "magic blue jelly." What else are you doing with it?

Key Ingredients: sea kelp extract, ivy leaf extract, Japanese green tea extract

PhytoSport

from our Sports Nutrition Line

So this is one I *haven't tried yet, but was just talking about it last night with some friends. I'm running my first half marathon in September with my sister and so the other girls who are also runners were telling me how if you're going to be out running for an hour or more, this is a great product to use.

Three steps, and lots of carbs, key amino acids, electrolytes and more help support your workouts. After I get a hold of this and try it out, I'll be back with more details!

So what are you already using? Are you using any of these products any differently? Do you have questions? You can keep the conversation going in the comments section below!

And, if you're in Chicago and would like to join me, send me an email and I can let you know about a few events (one I'm hosting later this week!) that you could attend to learn more. You can reach me at hellogoodgoodlife@gmail.com :-)

Thanks for reading, and be well, friends!

Xx,

I'm on Both Sides

There is a lot on my mind and I have a heavy heart this morning. Luckily I have writing to help me through. I don't know how GMA can still go on with the Kenny Chesney concert right now. How can people be in the crowd cheering when our country is in such a bad place?

I watched this video this morning and feel like I can finally breathe, well, a tiny bit. In this video, Trevor makes the point that if you want to talk about these problems in our society, and you start talking about how Black Lives Matter, that must imply that you don't think Blue Lives Matter. He goes on to say - his whole point - is that both black and blue lives matter. Thank you, Trevor, finally a little bit of clarity for me when waking up to such horrific news. If you haven't watched, take the time and please do.

Can we agree that Black and Cop lives matter? The outrage on social media, today - obviously. I can't believe what happened in Dallas. I don't have the right words to express the depth of what I'm feeling. (Distraction from the Hillary verdict? I feel awful for even suggesting that, but seriously. The plot lines of Scanal are seeming all too real lately...)

Blue lives matter. Black lives matter.

But where was the outrage after Alton Sterling and Philando Castile? The reason #BLM even exists is because of the ridiculous institutionalized racism that prevails in our country that is exasperated by the media (who is conveniently owned by the White elite). The media reports to us, and we tell ourselves, "it's fair and balanced, of course they are reporting truth." Get your news online for a week - follow the trending hashtags on Twitter and read those articles or watch The Young Turks on You Tube. See if you feel any different. Watch the documentary The Brainwashing of My Dad on Amazon Prime. Have an open mind and understand that the media is painting a coordinated picture for us all.

Black lives matter. Blue lives matter.

But back to my point - it's so sad to me when people say, "Michelle, all lives matter!" You're missing the point. White lives have always mattered, and I can best illustrate this with a tweet from an amazing author of Young Adult lit:

My life has always mattered. My opinion has always mattered. No one ever expects me to do any harm, damage, and people will always listen to me. The same is not true for our black and brown brothers and sisters. They face an ongoing narrative in the media that they are the reason for all that is wrong with our country. But then we see two videos - just this week - that show two black men doing nothing wrong, and they are shot and killed, and no outrage. Why? Why is it okay for them to be killed, but then when it's someone who is white, it's a different story?

Blue lives matter. Black lives matter.

I am the proud daughter of a police officer - 38 years of dedicated service. My uncles and my dad's friends are all good people. They put their lives on the line to protect and serve their communities. I hesitate when sharing about things like this because I have such a high level of respect for the people they are and the work they do.

Black lives matter. Blue lives matter.

But I teach kids of color. I hear their stories. I read their writing. I live through their experiences as black and brown youth here in a white America. But still, I teach them about hope and working hard, and when you do, you can have anything you want, because we live in the United States of America.

Except we're not so united lately.

I don't think there is going to be much in the way of change until we have an honest discussion about the problems facing our communities, a conversation about the state of policing in our country. Something needs to give.

Blue lives matter.

Black lives matter.

I'm with you both.

Rainbow and Butterflies Friend

It's Thursday, July 7th of summer break. It's 2:52. I'm still in pajamas (cool with it) and also have been watching Plan With Me videos on You Tube for the past hour.

I've been buying Erin Condren notebooks for the past few years, but this year (next month when I have some money) I'm going to be upgrading to the Life Planner. So there has been a lot of research - do I want the horizontal or vertical design? (finally decided on vertical.) What cover? What extras?

Then, I'm on You Tube looking at review videos and I come across these "Plan with Me" videos. At first, I was scoffing at the girls putting all this time (prob hours!!!) designing their planner for the coming week. But then the more I watched, and the prettier the pages got, the more I liked it! My fave one to watch is on a channel called Inspired Blush, check her out!

Then I started following links for stickers. First it was this one. Then I went to this studio. So so pretty. I want all the stickers! (I've always loved stickers, collected them as a kid and still love to buy them now, but never considered it with the planner. The options, seriously endless!!)

So I thought I should share this joy with my friends, so I texted them a video of the You Tube. (Honestly, I knew they would make fun of me, but they love me for it.) They had no idea what 'planning a planner' was, so I told them. Here's their response:

Sorry, I'm the rainbows and butterflies friend.

Who's who in your group of friends?

Any other rainbows or butterflies out there?

What I'm Lovin, music edition

Last Friday, my girlfriends were here, nursing a friend's breakup. We sat around watching YouTube Videos on my Roku for hours. I got a bunch of new music on my playlist! Here are some of my faves from all that Vevoing.

Me, Too by Meghan Trainor

I thank God every day

That I woke up feelin' this way

And I can't help lovin' myself

And I don't need nobody else

(actually I do...)

Hide Away by Daya

Where do the good boys go

to hide away, hide away?

I'm a good, good girl who

needs a little company

Lookin' high and low

Someone let me know

Where do the good boys go

to hide away, hide away?

Broken Arrows by Avicii

We have to tear down the walls

that live in your heart

to find someone you can

call home

Now you see me for me

and my beautiful scars

So take my hand,

don't let go

New Romantics by Taylor Swift

Baby, we're the new romantics

Come on, come along with me

Heartbreak is a national anthem,

We sing it proudly.

We're too busy dancin'

to get knocked off our feet.
Baby, we're the new romantics.

The best people in life are free....

Hell No by Ingrid Michaelson

Am I going to miss you?

Hell No! Baby watch me up and go

Mama said that the boys like you

never walk out anyway

Girlfriends say, are you gonna be sad?

If he calls you up, you gonna take him back?

I say hell no, Oh, hell no!

I get it, whatever.

Click that title and watch the official video, so good!

Holy by FGL

You're holy, holy, holy, holy

I'm high on lovin' you, high on lovin' you

You're holy, holy, holy, holy

I'm high on lovin' you, high on lovin' you

What are you listening to lately?

Need to keep adding to my workout playlists!