Lifestyle
How to Fall in Love with your Gym!
June 22, 2025 • Lifestyle
I know, no one really wants to talk about going to the gym.
Dreading the gym is a real thing, or at least in my world it is. We really need to retrain our brain to think positive. Being one of those people that hated the gym, I am here for this info too.
I love food, all kinds of food but, at some point I needed to get a handle on my weight.
So, I joined our local Planet Fitness. At first, I was going every now and then, watching them charge me every single month, and getting nothing for it. I finally decided, that I need to get off my ass and workout. I also needed to stop wasting money, and get what I was paying for.
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| The 30 minute workout at Planet Fitness |
If I was going to commit, I need something to keep me coming back. I took the effort to find out why I failed, in all my other attempts at consistently coming to the gym.
My WHY??
Finding my Why took some reflection on my part, but it was a step that needs to be made to not repeat the cycle.
#1 be honest with yourself. You don't have to look far for a reason not to do something, remove all those negatives and picture a happier, healthier you.
How To Fall In Love With Your Gym
Don't commit to a grand workout. Just commit to habit of attendance.
Find a routine that you like. You can find me in the 30 minute circuit, treadmill and massage chairs
Put on some music or a podcast to motivate you or keep you moving
Work out with friends. Everything is more fun with friends.
Start Small- Do what you can and increase the time each visit
Commit to consistency-Every day is a lofty goal, don't do that to yourself. You know your schedule, and just like anything, this time needs to be a priority.
Have a back up plan- if you know you just can't make it to the gym, work in a 30 minute walk after dinner. I think adding in an outdoor activity is huge for me, it gives me a change of scenery, and the fresh air is so good for you.
Get yourself some new gym clothes, I know that doesn't sound like much, but really it makes a big difference. Here are some of my favorite Amazon finds for the gym.
Be patient and kind to yourself! It may take time to develop a love for exercise, so be patient with yourself and don't be afraid to make adjustments, as needed.
Celebrate your progress and your accomplishments, no matter how small. This can help you stay motivated and reinforce the positive aspects of your fitness journey.
To keep you on track and motivated, that's right, I made you a free printable
Good Luck in your journey and remember, you are worth the work you put in.
And now, over to you!
Do you prefer a membership to a gym, or just walking around your neighborhood?? Leave a comment below and lets chat.
Cheers,
Dana
Why You Need a Summer Bucket List & Free Printable
May 12, 2025 • Lifestyle
Summer is one of the sweetest times of the year. It has long days, warm temperatures and a kind of playing feeling about it!
To welcome in this glorious season, lets make a summer bucket list.
Yes, I am a list maker nerd!
I've included a free Summer Bucket List printable to get you started.
Studies show that if you write things on a list, you have a higher chance of putting in more effort to completion.
The summer list helps you achieve all the fun you want to have.
I promise you making a summer bucket list will give you no regrets when you arrive in September.
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WHY YOU NEED A SUMMER BUCKET LIST
-To Make Memories
-You only get 13 Weekends from Memorial Day & Labor Day
-Improve your Mental Health
-Strengthens Relationships
-Summer Refreshes your Spirit
-Group Effort, every family member participates and gets a say in what goes on the list
-Put it on a poster board and display it in your house for all to see, this not only gets you excited but, it may encourage others to make a Summer Bucket List too!
To have more fun!
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2025 SUMMER BUCKET LIST
Go Tubing-My #1 Goal every summer.Water calms the soul and I really need to be in it as much as possible this summer
Have a Picnic-pack the fancy dishes
Road Trip-close your eyes and pick a place on the map and venture off to somewhere new. Roll the windows down and feel the wind as you drive and yes, sing out loud to the radio!
Visit a Local Farmers Market and cook a meal with the fresh ingredients
Take a hike! With so many beautiful places to see you should never be inside.
Host a BBQ. Have friends over and eat outside
Take in an outdoor movie or have one in your yard. So many fun options here. Be whimsical.
Watch the Sunset as often as possible
Go Camping, if you can only make it to your front yard, it will still be memorable.
Go to outdoor concerts
Visit a rooftop bar and enjoy the views
Take some time to rest, hang your hammock in a tree and chill
Forget your phone, whatever is going on will be fine until you get back.
I hope you feel inspired to make a summer bucket list and to live your life intentionally, and not on auto pilot.
Now, Over to you,
Let me know what's going on your summer bucket list??
What have you been dreaming of doing with your kids, friends or just by yourself in the summer?
Cheers,
Dana
Take a look at the new furniture collection from The Pioneer Woman. It gives vintage looks without the price.
November 29, 2024 • Lifestyle
We all know about The Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond for her best selling cookbooks, and her cooking show and, I am sure if you have been in a Wal Mart lately, you have seen her line of utensils, dishes and other kitchen items.
I own a few spatulas from her line, but that is about it.
But, recently she released a new line of furniture
and it really caught my eye.
My home is a mixture of collected items and new items, and I love the feel, because it gives me peace. I have my Grandma's writing desk, I also have a dresser of hers, and on the back it shows every payment my Grandpa made on the piece. These pieces of furniture mean the world to mean.
The Pioneer Woman Furniture collection give me this same feeling.
"It really is a blend of my own love of vintage-chic pieces and my husband's love of durable, rustic-ranch items," she recently told Southern Living. "I love for the furniture pieces in our home to look like they aren't necessarily brand new, so when I designed this collection, I made sure to incorporate great texture so they had an heirloom, passed down-down feel to them."
Here are just a few of my favorites.
You can see the full collection here.
Pioneer Woman Harper Queen Spindle Bed
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| Pioneer Woman Harper Leather Recliner Whiskey & Faux Cowhide |
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| Pioneer Woman Tufted Sofa Teal |
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| Pioneer Woman Callie Round Dining Table |
Thanks for stopping by!
Dana
Amazing Amazon Finds!
March 17, 2023 • Lifestyle
Don't you just love Amazon? I know my family sure does,
It is easy, fast and they have large selection of
whatever you are looking for.
I have never been that girl that likes to go to the mall, that sounds like shear torture to me. So, I can shop online and have it on my doorstep in a few days and sometime within a few hours.
These are just a snapshot of a few things we have been loving on Amazon recently.
Ella recently celebrated her 18th Birthday in style with this adorable sash and crown
This Women's Chiffon Top is cute for Spring.
I am in love with these Faux Boxwoods. These pictures do not do them justice. I have them on top of planters by my front door and they look so amazing.
Recently, we stayed in a hotel in Charleston, and they had these sleep machines in the room. As soon as we came home we ordered them, I like how you can adjust the volume of the white noise with a simple turn.
We have 3 cats in our house, need I say more! We had seen this Chom Chom on the gram and finally decided to give it a try. It is life changing if you have pets.
Ella was accepted to App State, and I am over the moon with excitement and pride. This App State flag is garden size flag and looks amazing in my yard. Show your Mountaineer Pride and pick one up today.
Hope you enjoyed a peek at our Amazon finds and hopefully, you have found something that you would like in your own home.
Cheers!
Dana
Holiday Bucket List
December 1, 2022 • Lifestyle
Happy December 1st!
December is a magical month of wishes, dreams and so many nostalgic feelings. I wanted to make a wish list of things I want to do, so I can enjoy this season to its fullest.
#1 Go see Christmas lights is top of the list for a good reason, everything just looks better in twinkly lights.
Use the cheer map from Next door, and find all the cool lights in your area.
#2 Watch holiday movies like our favorites, A Christmas Story and Ebbie with Susan Lucci.
#3 Make some yummy apple cider, I like this recipe.
#4 Make a donation to a charity, as Christmas is not just about getting, it is also about giving.
#5 Set up a snack stand on your porch for all those delivery drivers. Include water, crackers, bagged chips. I promise you, they will really appreciate it. Include a small note to thank them for the job well done.
I think with great planning and purpose, it can be a great December!
Happy Holidays!
Love,
Dana
Eating at Mattie's
May 26, 2022 • Cooking, Lifestyle
Mattie's, is a diner car in Charlotte, formally, located at the Music Factory, the diner closed in 2015 and was put into storage, It sat that way for more than 6 years. Matt King, owner of Mattie's spent all of his time looking for a new home for the diner.
He wanted to be a fixture in a community in Charlotte, and not just a place for outsiders to come. Matt bought the diner car from a used car lot in NJ in 2005, it was named, The Bound Brook Diner back then. Matt loaded the diner up and had it brought south to Charlotte, where it now has a home forever.
My favorite spot is in the diner car at the bar, so I can see all the action and mouth watering meals as they are prepared.
On our visit, on a very busy recent Sunday, Matt and another guy were busy making meal after meal.
We watched them make egg omelets, burgers, tuna melts and much more.
I skipped breakfast cause I wanted to try all the food.
It was delicious. So good to have Mattie's opened again.
Stop by and grab a bite, I promise you will love it!
Mattie's Diner
3100 The Plaza
Charlotte, NC 28205
Dana
5 of Charlotte's Oldest Restaurants you must try.
February 13, 2022 • Cooking, Lifestyle
What is it about a good ole restaurant that has been in business to spite growth and hard times. I'll tell you what it is, It is some of the best food you may eat, besides you Mommas and Grandmas.
If nostalgic is your thing, you are going to right at home with these classics.
1961-Pressley Park Restaurant
740 Pressley Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217
Pressley Park is a classic small town restaurant in the middle of the city. The staff knows most of the customers name by heart and the food instills a comfort like you are at Grandma's.
740 Pressley Rd. Charlotte, NC 28217
1959-South 21
3101 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28205
Old School drive in on Independence Blvd that makes you dream of the car hop days.
3101 E Independence Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28205
1958-Beef N Bottle
4538 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28209
Don't let the outside fool you, inside waits some of the best steaks you may ever eat. Think Old School Swanky.
4538 South Blvd Charlotte, NC 28209
1945-The Diamond
1901 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
This adorably cute retro diner is located in the Plaza Midwood area. Extensive menu and bar. The Diamond is one of my families favorites.
1926- Green's Lunch
309 W 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Iconic Uptown hot dog counter that's been around almost 100 years. Everyday around lunchtime the restaurant gets slammed with everyone from construction workers to bankers looking for a quick bite.
We need new restaurants, and we need old places too.
I love the nostalgic old diners and restaurants, the thoughts of eating there with my family growing up and feeling a moment of sadness at the thought of one of these Charlotte icons closing. Enjoy them while we can, with the boom that is going on you never know when the day will come and they will close the doors forever.
Do you have a favorite Charlotte restaurant, new or old?
Drop a comment below. I would love to chat.
Cheers until next time,
Dana
Care for the Caregiver
January 10, 2022 • Lifestyle
Hello! For those of you have been around for sometime now, you know that I cherish my Moms memory and miss her everyday.
During the time that I was my Moms caregiver I didn't blog about it at any length, and rarely shared my journey but, I should have.
It was beyond stressful and took a toll on my life, emotions and my overall well being.
Sadly, I say all that to say this. My Dad Pete, is not doing well and I have recently started on my journey of being his caregiver along with some other family members. I know it is our job to care for our parents as they cared for us but, my Dad has been the toughest bad ass my whole life. Now he needs help in ways that are hard for me to understand.
My Dad is an amazing Dad and even though he drove a truck and was on the road all the time, he still made time for me and my two brothers. We had an amazing childhood. Here are just some of the things my Dad taught me. How to play poker, how to read a road map, how to change the oil in my car, how to drive a stick shift, how to ride a motorcycle, how to make pickled eggs, how to cook perfect rice, and how to siphon gas just to name a few. I was raised with boys and it shows, I am not that girly girl that likes nail polish and trips to the mall. Give me the outdoors and an adventure and I am a happy girl.
I am going to try and embrace this very precious time that I have with my Dad, and not lose my own mind.
Knowledge is power, and I need all the help I can get on handling this stage of life with Grace.
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Here are some ways on handling the role of caregiver
* Take care of yourself. Don't neglect doctors visits and tap into support groups. Schedule dinner with your friends it will give you something to look forward to.
* Identify what caregiving resources are available in your area. Meals-on-Wheels, adult day care, and assisted living communities that offer respite care allow caregivers to take a much needed break.
* Have a plan in place. Don't wait until a crisis strikes to have the conversation with your parent. Identify what circumstances might lead to considering long-term care option for your parent and involve them in the process.
* Get out of the house and take in some fresh air. Just the change in scenery is enough to brighten your spirits.
*Be patient in your new role. People are set in their way and change is not easy for them.
*Ask for help at anytime. Get other family members or friends to stop by and offer some support.
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I hope in some small way this information helps you too!
Until next time,
Keep loving each other,
Dana
Setting Goals for a Happier You in 2022
January 1, 2022 • Lifestyle
New Years resolutions are a scam. I know, you start with these lofty plans to diet, excercise, save money, or whatever and then 2 weeks in, you are tired and defeated. This is because it is not really a goal that means something to you. Goals need to have a very direct purpose in your life or it just isn't happening.
What works for others does not work for everyone.
Make your goal yours!
Focus on making your life better, and I promise that will be motivation enough to achieve so many more great things.
I love mornings, I like to get up before everyone else, and just be alone in the silence. I can get kinda cranky, if I miss this step.
But, luckily for people in my life, I rarely mess with my morning routine. It is for everyones safety.
Some options to create a positive mental space in the morning include:
Set Goals- Baby steps to just get through the day. Maybe 3 things you would like to achieve today. These could be something as simple as laundry, dinner or wash your car. These are your goals, own them.
Make a list- If it is not written down it doesn't happen. I love my planner and it is never far from my reach. I have lists for groceries, personal, future, blog, ideas. List keeps my mind at ease,Well, at least a little.
Plan- Having a plan of the weeks/months activities, appointments and personal time gives you structure. Without a plan or any direction you just go through the motions and really have no idea how you got to a place, that you do not like. It is your life, start acting like it. You rub your life, don't let it run you.
- If you thrive from positive energy, make sure whatever you do gives you that burst of psoitivity.
- Someone who needs to have a plan, try planning your day and you will soon feel much happier.
- Someone who needs to exert yourself, go for that morning walk or run.
- Someone who needs to think, find time for reading, and journaling.
It takes 21 days to form a habit. Give this new way of life a test drive and figure out what works for you and what doesn't. You can go from there and you will be in control of your life, your goals and will have a much better year.
What are your goals for the New Year?
Drop a comment and let me know.
My goal is to be more present in the plans that I have for my life.
Cheers to 2022!
Dana
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