My Zen Moment

If you read my regular blog and follow me on Twitter or Facebook you are aware of what I have been going through lately. It's been an interesting few months to say the least. I have become a lot more "zen" as some would say. Am I this total enlightened person all of a sudden? No. Far from it but, I am in search of things that can bring me more clarity in my journey to understanding not only myself but the universe around me.

I have always been interested in the stars, astrology, spirituality in general and so when I started to read into Yoga more it intrigued me on so many levels. One site that I have come across more recently is called The Vistar Foundation. Here is a little from their website:

We are individuals attuned to the great teachings about Man's True Nature, and passionate about discovering that realization through Collective Consciousness or Group Consciousness. We are excited about the implication of our work for the conscious evolution of humanity. We teach The Vistar System that is evolving as we work with it. It helps people come together to find a meaningful way of life, expanded awareness and the unlimited creativity that happens when we come together in consciousness. We face and transcend all that divides us, creates suffering and results in violence. In the atmosphere of Vistar Meetings barriers to real communication are revealed and lose their power to separate us as we live the Truth that: "Where two or more are gathered in My name, there AM I."

I truly am of the belief that we are people more than ever need to come together as this world falls apart. I know that as a Christian this is the time to pray for our nation more than ever and I have been doing so.

I encourage all of you to read more about this information I am sharing with you and please feel free to share your thoughts!

Help Save Our History

“To lose Kentucky is to lose the whole game."

With these words, Abraham Lincoln summed up the dire circumstances surrounding the bloody clash in the Bluegrass at Perryville, Kentucky on October 8, 1862.

With the fate of Kentucky hanging in the balance, Confederates under Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Cheatham formed on the banks of the Chaplin River before launching their attack on the Union left flank. Despite Cheatham's initial success, desperate Federal counterattacks ultimately forced a stalemate. By sunrise on October 9, nearly 8,000 had fallen in the undulating countryside—and with them, the dream of a Confederate Kentucky.

Now CWPT has the opportunity to once again pitch into the battle for Kentucky. Generous land donations and a special grant program have given us the chance to permanently preserve 327 acres at Perryville—the very land from which Cheatham’s men launched their attack.

Did you know that many of our Civil War Battlefields are at risk? You can help by donating as little as $25 to the CWPT--the Civil War Preservation Trust. This land in Kentucky is so special that CWPT will even match $4 to every $1 donated.

Please visit the Civil War Preservation Trust site today to see how you can help in more ways than one.

This is a sponsored post for CivilWar.org

Wedding Wednesday: Portland Photographer Dmitri von Klein

Weddings are every girls dream...a key element to any wedding is the photography. You can't always remember every single fun and beautiful moment of a wedding so for me, photographers are key.

If you happen to be looking for a Portland wedding photographer then let me share with you about Dmitri von Klein.

The photographer was born in Russia, grew up in Germany and then the US. He currently resides in the US and has graduted from the University of Oregon School of Architecture and Arts. He is talented as you can see in the work he has done. He uses the term Monovita which in Latin means one life. Brilliant! We only have one life--why not capture all the most meaningful moments with a fantastic photographer.

He not only does weddings, he also does people, fashion and editorial work. Check out this gorgeous set from his fashion files.



This is a sponsored post for Dmitri von Klein

A Social Network for Women with Purpose

One thing that has changed for us as women, especially stay at home moms, issocial networking for women. There are so many choices out there for keeping in touch with other moms. Not all communities like this are built the same however, which brings me to Brave Heart Women--social networking with a purpose.

What is the purpose of social networking anyway? Well, for many of us the ability to go online at any time of day and be able to reach out to fellow moms and women is amazing and comforting.

At Brave Heart Women you can be inspired by the support of other passionate women, you can gain self-esteem and encouragement and you can take action.

It's free to sign up, they have well known women in power as a part of the community sharing their journeys and their successes such as Susan Anton, Morgan Fairchild and Leeza Gibbons.

If you are looking for a place online where you can share your life as well as be inspired to create a more purposeful one check out the fabulous women over at Brave Heart Women.

This is a sponsored post for Brave Heart Women

Going to the Chapel?

Oh, do I love me some wedding talk! One of the most stressful times in a girls life is planning her wedding--it is also one of the most wonderful times...yes, all wrapped up into ONE DAY! It's awesomely painful planning a wedding...the fun part? Wedding ring shopping!

Heavy Crown Jewelry carries some gorgeous titanium rings. I bought my hubby a titanium ring for our wedding--he is a "man's man" and needed something with a lot of resistance to wear and tear. Titanium is a metal prized for its lightness, but it's also super tough and nearly impossible to scratch. Polished titanium resembles the brilliance of silver and suits a number of different designs perfectly. Popular for wedding bands, titanium jewelry will last for years without flaw.

Customers who buy titanium rings from Heavy Crown Jewelry are extremely satisfied, judging by feedback from their online sales. Heavy Crown Jewelry takes great pride in offering enduring, designer-quality tungsten carbide and titanium jewelry at an affordable price.

Check out this ring--it is similar to my husband's but, the price is much more reasonable!

At only $89.99 it is a true deal and goodness, it is a lovely ring. Not too feminine at all, it's masculine with a little touch of elegance.

This site honestly will be on my list of resources for future reference for friends and family!

This is a sponsored post for Heavy Crown Jewelry

Teen Summer Programs that Enrich Lives

I might not have teenagers yet--but, I will be there sooner than I know it! Programs and people behind them like this one from Visions are what make me feel good about raising children--there are still great people out there encouraging our youth to do amazing things.

If you are a parent of a teen these summer volunteer programs could really be something your child could benefit from.

Check out the teen summer program locations to see what is going on near you!

What is VISIONS?

•A coed summer service experience for teens ages 14-18 blending ambitious service, cross-cultural living and learning, adventurous exploration.

•Group is gender-balanced. Maximum group size is 24-25 with 5-6 leaders including the program director. Staff / student ratio is 1 to 4 or 5.

•Service comprises 55% - 60% of the experience. Intercultural activities and exploration integrated throughout every week.

•Each program has a central construction project and other service such as sustainable development, environmental or agricultural work, volunteering with young children or the elderly, internships with local artisans, farmers, fishermen, vendors and more.

•French- or Spanish-language immersion in some programs. Participants must have minimum 2 years high school foreign language or equivalent fluency.

•Participants learn building skills from carpenters on staff and/or local masons and maestros.

•Home base residence is a community building, e.g., a school, community center, church hall or large hostel. We work alongside and socialize with community residents and long-time friends on site.

•Emphasis on community living and teamwork. Regular weekly gatherings encourage open communication. Participants and staff share insights and reflect on events in an informal setting through voluntary disclosure.

•All programs include sight seeing, visits to cities, markets and places of cultural, historic, geographic interest.

•All programs incorporate exploration recreation and recreational trips weekly.

I love the core values of Visions: WORK HARD - PLAY HARD - LIVE DYNAMICALLY - CONNECT DEEPLY - SERVE PURPOSEFULLY - SEE DIFFERENTLY - MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Wild Blue Satellite Internet for the Work at Home Mom

A true fashionista knows that saving money and time is important--the less stress you have the more you can enjoy life and look your best. I always try to find ways to cut costs as a work at home mom. One way is the little things that we use everyday--the internet!

Wild Blue high speed internet satellite providers offer you high speed internet access over satellite to virtually everywhere in the U.S. subject to availability. If you live within the 48 continental United States and have a clear view of the southern sky, You can receive WildBlue satellite broadband. They also offer a smaller dish--unlike the big bulky dish the other satellite internet providers are installing.

It's newer technology so you are probably asking "How hard is it to use?" Not hard at all. Once they professionally install Wild Blue high-speed Internet satellite system, you are ready to surf the net at lightning fast speeds. You can use your same web-browser, go to the same sites, use your email, etc. just like you always have...but a lot faster! Moreover, it is always on, therefore, no more dialing-in delays, or getting “bumped off”.

Imagine always on, lightning fast connections to the internet. No more delays. No more dialing in. No more wondering if high speed internet will arrive in your area. Get connected the way you've always wanted to: fast.

WildBlue satellite internet service is priced very affordably with low monthly service fees starting at only $39.95* to $49.95 a month based on your address.