How To Get It Done Without Being Outdone! "What's in Your 24?" A Book by Dana Simone Stovall

Photo with Permission Mattox

A typical day in my life begins with a very long to-do list and often ends the same exact way.  It always seems that there are never enough hours in a given day to accomplish what needs to happen.  Just like I mentioned recently, I believe that it is easier to live with excuses than to start living on purpose.

When Outskirts Press contacted me with Dana Simone Stovall's book, "What's in Your 24?" and the opportunity to read & review it, my initial thought was, do I have time to add another thing?  Then, reading a little deeper into the synopsis and seeing that this book promises almost immediate life change for busy moms like me, I knew this was a book I should make time for - not to mention the book claims to be readable in 1 hour.  I immediately thought, "1 hour? I can do that!" and put the book on my kindle app.

Actually taking that hour for myself to read was the hardest part of this book, but upon reading it, I found myself humored that this very tendency to not make good use of my time was exactly what this book addressed.  I found myself pleasantly surprised by the blunt honesty and down-to-earth rapport that Dana builds with her readers almost immediately.  I felt at times that Dana was sitting down for coffee with me and setting me straight.  I tend to "chew on the meat and spit out the bones" when I read a book presenting ways of improving life or habits or anything change-related.  This book had a lot of meat for being only 60 pages!  

If I was to offer any constructive criticism about "What's in Your 24?" it would be that the area that discusses what it means to put yourself first in terms of taking care of yourself, should have a side note to those who will immediately feel guilty for even the thought of that.  I think that Dana does try to explain this without getting too spiritual - but my thought is that if you are going to quote Bible verses at all, then make sure you take a minute to address that conflict which I believe is a very real internal struggle for most Christian wives and mothers.

What she did share on putting your own needs first was definitely a challenge to my typical self-sacrficing mentality, but it got me thinking about how Jesus had no problem stepping away from the crowds, or heading out for three hour prayer sessions when they were needed.  That was his way of taking care of himself and avoiding burnout, and I have been learning a lot about how necessary time out for self-care is.

You know when you hear something and it just clicks?  I think that the very timing of my reading of "What's in Your 24" was perfect.  The tips and truth shared with a bit of laughter and love make reading this book an hour well spent.  And now it is time for me to do what the book says and "apply the knowledge" I've gained to increase my efficiency and move me passionately toward my life vision.

Do you feel like you could use some help being efficient?  Have you lost your life vision?  "What's in Your 24?" is a great (and fast) read that will help you with both.  Thanks to Dana & Outskirts Press, one of you will snag an autographed copy!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

      

Summer Outfits: Floral & Lace

 I am pretty sure the last style post that featured clothing larger than a size 3T was sometime in early 2012, so today's post comes with some hesitation and some excitement.  I will never classify myself as a fashion blogger, because I am still figuring out my own personal sense of style.  During a season of my life a few years earlier, I donated most of my wardrobe before setting out on a crazy mission trip across the country, shortly after, I added fashion back into my life just in time for my wedding and honeymoon, but then a season of lack forced me to stop buying and by the time I was able to purchase a thing or two I had become a mom - with a new identity to figure out.

 I figured our Hawaii vacation was a good enough reason to get myself back into some stylish clothing, I mean, who doesn't like to look good while they are on vacation?  I did a lot of shopping at Target and Plato's Closet.  To tell you the truth, I'm still quite unsure of myself in terms of what is right for me as a mother or even as a 30 something woman.  I'm hoping that I will grow as I continue to share my Summer outfits, as well as my Fall looks.  I was recently told during a twitter party that moms above 30 should not shop at Forever 21, I know, I know, how dare they say that! At the same time, I don't want to be dressing inappropriately for my age.

Floral & Lace Denim Shorts c/o Target

Woven Ankle Boots c/o Target

I will admit that I picked up these floral and lace denim shorts from Target's Juniors section, so I guess that means I'm throwing all of the rules out the window.  I love these shorts, how could I pass them up!?  Oh and please disregard my pasty white legs in these pictures, I promise I got some sun in Hawaii so future pictures shouldn't be so blinding! Ha! Have you found your sense of style since becoming a mom?  Do you dress age-appropriate??

      

Oahu Beaches: Ko OlinaJW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa

 We just returned home from our Summer vacation to the Hawaiian Islands.  As first-timers to the beautiful island of Oahu, we weren't entirely sure what to expect, though we hoped we'd find beautiful beaches and lush tropical scenery.  Our hopes were far exceeded.  When we booked our room at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, we weren't sure if we'd regret not staying in Waikiki.  We couldn't have made a better decision!  Of all of the Oahu beaches we visited while we were there, the Ko Olina lagoons were, by far, the most calm, serene and family friendly.

 We arrived at the resort in the evening after a long day of traveling, so after a quick meal, we headed immediately to bed so we could start the following day with plenty of energy.  When we woke up in the morning (quite early due to our 3 hour time gain) we immediately took delight in the sky's soft pastels as the sun rose on the opposite side of the island.  In no time at all, the sun was shining, showing off the gorgeous blue waters of the Pacific ocean and the vibrant greens of the palm trees.  It was time to get out and explore the resort.

 The JW Marriott Ihilani resort has three main towers connected by a triangle courtyard.  The resort is very open, allowing the soft tropical breeze to flow freely into the building.  Within the resort are several restaurants, including the signature casual dining experience at Naupaka Terrace.  There is also a fantastic open-air Starbucks in the lobby, which we frequented.

 The resort property has a beautiful habitat for sting rays, fish, and other low tide creatures, as well as a shark pool.  They offer a fun kids program to learn more about these creatures.  As you walk out of the resort toward the beach area, you immediately take notice of the large circular swimming pool and palm trees.

 The JW Marriott Ihilani sits on the right side of Ko Olina Kohola Lagoon, a beautiful man-made lagoon that has pristine blue green waters, and plenty of beach space to spare.  The water here is always calm, and the beach is never crowded, making this Oahu beach the perfect spot for taking your small children.  There are rentable cabanas on the beach, complimentary lounges, and tons of water activities to participate in.  Our favorites included snorkeling, kayaking and relaxing in a water hammock.

There is a beach walkway that you can explore which passes the other three Ko Olina lagoons, as well as the other resorts in the area.  The path is about 1.5 miles each way, making it perfect for a 5k run (roundtrip).  This is where our vacation starts and I can't wait to share with you all of the fantastic adventures from our trip, including all of the other gorgeous Oahu beaches we visited!