Laina Turner's Blog, page 37
May 23, 2016
Have you tried?
That’s what my dad would say to me when I said I couldn’t do something and got discouraged. At the time, it inspired as much eye rolling and me thinking he didn’t at all understand the struggles of a kid, as it did to propel me to try. Though I did always try because how could I not with someone encouraging me. Plus, I didn’t want to disappoint him by not trying.
Funny thing about parental advice…….he was right.
I repeat this phrase often to my kids who have about the same response as I did but then they try and more often than not are surprised with the result.
Much like I said in a previous post about what’s the worst that could happen you also DON’T know until you TRY. To defeat yourself before you’ve even given an attempt isn’t being the best version of you isn’t the best pattern of behavior.
I say it to myself all the time as an adult. Lately, it’s been at boot camp. Sometimes that evil trainer, Jessica (who is not at all evil and is pretty awesome – if you’re in central Indiana check her out) wants us to do exercises that I think it my head no freaky way. I can’t do that. Then that little daddy voice in my head says, “have you tried.” So I force myself to do it and while I might feel like I’m going to die, I don’t die, and a few hours later I feel awesome fo the accomplishment.
So what are you not trying? What’s stopping you? What’s the worst that could happen (I know all questions I’ve asked before)?
There is nothing you can’t do.
NOTHING!
And even if you fall short unless you have a crystal ball you aren’t going to know that UNTL you try. Sitting on the sidelines isn’t doing you any good.
My challenge to you this week is this. I want you to do something that scares you. I don’t mean pet a spider or anything (can you even do that) but a small thing that you’ve wanted to do but haven’t because you’re afraid.
Push through your fear and do it. If it can’t be done this week, start the planning on getting it done. Email me or tell me in the comments what your small challenge is.
Put it out there and be proud.
You’re fabulous, and you CAN do anything!
The post Have you tried? appeared first on Laina Turner.
May 19, 2016
Weekend Traffic Jam Link up!
This little party is gaining momentum and growing by leaps and bounds! Thank you everyone for your #trafficjamweekend shares and RTs on social media. Let’s do it again! Link up, share, and learn something!
WELCOME TO
TRAFFIC JAM WEEKEND
LINKY PARTY #45!
For any newcomers to Traffic Jam Weekend, this weekly linky party is all about linking up your old posts so you can get some new comments and traffic. To the frequent TJW visitors, thanks for always linking up.
The lovely ladies bringing this fabulous party to you:
Pictured above on top row (from left to right):
Kimberly from Being A Wordsmith | Facebook (site) | Facebook (book series) | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Laina from LainaTurner.com | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Pictured above on bottom row (from left to right):
Gail from Frugal and Coupon Crazy | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Natasha from Epic Mommy Adventures | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
These are the featured posts from
Traffic Jam Weekend #44…
Laina chose this post. “Who can resist chocolate ganache.”
Laina also chose From Once Upon a Time to Happily Ever After from Marriage-Reset. “Great advice because marriage is tough!”
Natasha chose Work at Home Jobs: Changing for the Better? from Mini Monets and Mommies. “I have wanted to work from home for quite some time, but it’s just so hard to take the plunge. I fully realize how hard it could be, and completely respect those for the hard work and motivation that helped them to make it happen. Great post!”
Gail chose this post “because cleaning is a hard task for me to stay focused on. I will start one thing then will get distracted and do something else.”
Kimberly also chose this post. “A cleaning log! Yes. I can keep track of what I’ve done so far.”
Thank you guys for sharing! Your posts have been pinned to the Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party Pinterest board. Please grab a special Traffic Jam Weekend featured button below to display on your blog.
Just a few rules for the party…
Grab a Traffic Jam Weekend button below for your site
Link up as many of your old posts as you like below
Take some time and visit the other posts
Create some traffic jam for the hosts of this party
Share this party on social media with the hashtag #trafficjamweekend
Follow Being A Wordsmith’s board Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party on Pinterest.*Disclaimer: Adding your link to this linky party gives permission to Being A Wordsmith and co-hosts to share your posts and pictures via social media with a link back to the original source. It also gives Being A Wordsmith and co-hosts permission to contact you via e-mail or social media for networking purposes.
An InLinkz Link-up
The post Weekend Traffic Jam Link up! appeared first on Laina Turner.
May 18, 2016
Don’t Feel Paralyzed
Are you so overwhelmed with what’s in your head, a goal you want to accomplish, just the daily list of a million and one things you need to do that you’re paralyzed and can’t get anything done because you don’t know where to start?
You’re not alone. Sometimes it can be pretty freakin hard to put one foot in front of another in a semi-straight line to make it through the day. For years, I thought this was my own issue and would watch people around me glide through life like it was the easiest thing ever.
But they weren’t. Because it’s not.
You know how many times I’ve put off doing something because I couldn’t think of the right name or title (can anyone say podcast). Not being able to think of a title literally made me unable to move forward. I couldn’t get past that first step. But you don;t always have to start at the beginning. It’s ok to start at step 2 or the middle.
Goals aren’t always linear and sometimes you just need to take an action, no matter how small, to move forward. For me, it was yesterday recording my first podcast (it’s not live yet, but it’s recorded – baby steps). And I planned out my editorial calendar for the next 30 days with a more narrow focus that I think will make us all happy.
So what’s on your list that has you paralyzed and unable to get started? Leave me a comment and let’s figure out together how to crash through it!
You got this sister, you’re FABULOUS!
The post Don’t Feel Paralyzed appeared first on Laina Turner.
May 16, 2016
What’s the Worst That Can Happen?
I wrote a couple weeks ago about conquering your fear. Your fear to go after that wild and crazy goal that you REALLY want to accomplish!
Have you given any thought to your goals?
Where are you with that?
Have you written down your goal?
Have you made the decision to move forward and be your most fabulous self?
If not what’s stopping you? Let’s talk about it.
What’s the worst that can happen if you set a goal and don’t reach it?
You fail.
So what.
Yeah, it might hurt your pride, but your head isn’t going to explode. The Earth isn’t going to stop turning.
I had a conversation with my son recently that has really stuck with me. He tends to be a bit of a glass half empty kid, which confounds me. Neither his dad or I am that way and he has everything going for him.
But he tends to allow bad things, and I mean tiny, insignificant things derail his positive attitude and just wants to give up. I can see it in his body language the minute he loses hope.
I told him it wasn’t about the outcome. That wasn’t the most important thing in life. That life is about the effort. And if you give 100% effort to something, and you still fall short of your goal it is STILL a WIN, not a failure.
Yes, losing does suck, no one wants to lose, but I want him to understand that the pride is in trying something even though there’s a chance of losing. To take the chance because while you could lose there is also a chance you can win and be successful.
So don’t put it off any longer. Write down that goal and let’s go after it. You can do it. You’ve got this!
And if you need help in pushing through the scary part email me or sign up for my 30 days of Fabulous email series. Each day you will get to your inbox a dose of inspiration and activity to keep yourself motivated and focused so you conquer your fears and achieve your dreams!
The post What’s the Worst That Can Happen? appeared first on Laina Turner.
May 13, 2016
Stilettos & Scoundrels FREE cozy mystery
6 years ago I released my first fiction novel, Stilettos & Scoundrels. It was one of the most exciting memories of my life. A dream come true and something I’d been looking forward to for years. A lifetime really.
While I’ve always been immensely proud of this book, I’ve learned a lot over the subsequent years and have worked to improve this first book of mine (as well as my other backlist books) to make it even better.
I recently decided to redo all my covers starting with this one. I’m excited and proud to reveal this amazing cover to you today.
If you haven’t yet read any of the Presley Thurman mystery series, then there’s no time like the present to start!
Especially since this first book in the series is FREE and available on Amazon.
Presley Thurman, thirty-something redhead, was just fired from her job for telling her boss where to shove it. Far from feeling sad, she had just left what she thought was her dream job, she was unexpectedly happy but at loose ends. Deciding to take a trip home to visit her parents and regroup, her visit turned out to be anything but relaxing when a senator visiting her small town was murdered. Nosy by nature she couldn’t help but get involved especially when she reconnected with handsome Cooper Sands, an old high school friend who had been working for the senator.
Who killed the Senator? And will the answer hit too close to home?
Download it now and let me know how you like it!
The post Stilettos & Scoundrels FREE cozy mystery appeared first on Laina Turner.
May 12, 2016
Weekend Traffic Jam Linkup!
Hello everyone! Thanks for stopping by Traffic Jam Weekend again. Come on in and link up, share, and learn something!
WELCOME TO
TRAFFIC JAM WEEKEND
LINKY PARTY #44!
For any newcomers to Traffic Jam Weekend, this weekly linky party is all about linking up your old posts so you can get some new comments and traffic. To the frequent TJW visitors, thanks for always linking up.
The lovely ladies bringing this fabulous party to you:
Pictured above on top row (from left to right):
Kimberly from Being A Wordsmith | Facebook (site) | Facebook (book series) | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Laina from LainaTurner.com | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Pictured above on bottom row (from left to right):
Gail from Frugal and Coupon Crazy | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Natasha from Epic Mommy Adventures | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
These are the featured posts from
Traffic Jam Weekend #43…
Gail chose this post. “Meal plans are great to follow each week especially when trying to save money.”
Kimberly chose this post. “I couldn’t stop laughing at this post! All of these references are from my childhood.”
Thank you ladies for sharing! Your posts have been pinned to the Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party Pinterest board. Please grab a special Traffic Jam Weekend featured button below to display on your blog.
Just a few rules for the party…
Grab a Traffic Jam Weekend button below for your site
Link up as many of your old posts as you like below
Take some time and visit the other posts
Create some traffic jam for the hosts of this party
Share this party on social media with the hashtag #trafficjamweekend
Follow Being A Wordsmith’s board Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party on Pinterest.*Disclaimer: Adding your link to this linky party gives permission to Being A Wordsmith and co-hosts to share your posts and pictures via social media with a link back to the original source. It also gives Being A Wordsmith and co-hosts permission to contact you via e-mail or social media for networking purposes.
An InLinkz Link-up
The post Weekend Traffic Jam Linkup! appeared first on Laina Turner.
May 6, 2016
Feel Fierce Friday
While I firmly believe it’s about whats on the inside not what’s on the outside that’s truly important, I’d be lying if I said a pretty outfit can go a long way to making me feel like a million bucks.
And let’s face it. We all have those days where we need to sparkle externally to lift our internal spirits.
Last year I fell in love with maxi dresses and skirts. It’s like wearing yoga pants, but not.
I’m also a fan of black and white so when this super cute B&W maxi came across my desk (ok my email inbox) I just had to share.
AND it’s on sale through Monday. Treat yourself. You deserve it. And even if you’re watching your spending (as we all should) the sale price isn’t too shabby.
deal: Was $24.95 – Now $11.99 – Striped Maxi Skirt | Free Shipping!
You can wear it casual with a cute white t-shirt, like in the picture, or dress it up with a black or white blouse.
I also love to throw a chambray shirt over the look to stay warm in the air conditioning or on days like today where it’s 50 degrees and rainy in the Midwest.
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And it’s always good to pair it up with statement jewelry like this Peas in a Pod necklace. Totes adorbs as the kids say. Also on sale!
deal: Exclusive deal! Was $19.99 – Now $6.99 – Peas in a Pod Necklace
The post Feel Fierce Friday appeared first on Laina Turner.
May 5, 2016
Weekend Traffic Jam Link Up
Hello everyone! Thank you for linking up with us for another edition of #TrafficJamWeekend. To all the mothers out there, enjoy your special day!
Interested in being a permanent co-host or a guest co-host for Traffic Jam Weekend? Then simply complete this form.
WELCOME TO
TRAFFIC JAM WEEKEND
LINKY PARTY #43!
For any newcomers to Traffic Jam Weekend, this weekly linky party is all about linking up your old posts so you can get some new comments and traffic. To the frequent TJW visitors, thanks for always linking up.
The lovely ladies bringing this fabulous party to you:
Kimberly from Being A Wordsmith | Facebook (site) | Facebook (book series) | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Laina from LainaTurner.com | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Gail from Frugal and Coupon Crazy | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
These are the featured posts from
Traffic Jam Weekend #42…
Laina chose Blackberry Cupcakes. “This looks so delicious.”
Gail chose this post. “Tips can help anyone who gets stressed out.”
Kimberly chose this post because “The pictures of upstate New York are gorgeous! It looks like a great place to visit.”
Laina chose this post. “This was helpful because I do sometimes get overwhelmed with trying to get it all done.”
Gail also chose this post. “I like to join linky parties, tips are always helpful.”
Kimberly chose Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Bowl by Western New Yorker. “The nearest Chipotle in my area is an hour or more away, so I would love to try this copycat recipe.”
Thank you ladies for sharing! Your posts have been pinned to the Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party Pinterest board. Please grab a special Traffic Jam Weekend featured button below to display on your blog.
Just a few rules for the party…
Grab a Traffic Jam Weekend button below for your site
Link up as many of your old posts as you like below
Take some time and visit the other posts
Create some traffic jam for the hosts of this party
Share this party on social media with the hashtag #trafficjamweekend
Follow Being A Wordsmith’s board Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party on Pinterest.*Disclaimer: Adding your link to this linky party gives permission to Being A Wordsmith and co-hosts to share your posts and pictures via social media with a link back to the original source. It also gives Being A Wordsmith and co-hosts permission to contact you via e-mail or social media for networking purposes.
An InLinkz Link-up
The post Weekend Traffic Jam Link Up appeared first on Laina Turner.
May 3, 2016
Conquering Your Fear
Are there things you want to achieve that you don’t ever tell anyone because the thought of doing so freaks you out?
Maybe because you’re afraid people will laugh?
Or once it’s out there you can’t take it back and are afraid of how it will look if you don’t achieve it.
But you constantly think about these things and beat yourself up over not being brave enough to go after them.
It’s time to muster up all your strength and conquer that fear.
How can you do that?
Stare fear in the face and write down your goals! Be brave. You are fabulous, and there is no reason to let that little devil of negativity that is sitting on your shoulders (he’s on all our shoulders at one time or another).
You can do this. Take out a sheet of paper, open up a Word doc, or pull an old receipt out of your purse and WRITE. IT. DOWN.
Then take a deep breath. Now read the goal you just wrote down to yourself.
Do it again.
And again.
And again.
And keep reading it until you can do so without having a panic attack.
What is fear anyway? I came across this blog post a couple of years ago, and it has really stuck with me. I’ve put my favorite part below but here is the link to the full post. I encourage you to go read it.
Sadhguru: Fear is simply because you are not living with life, you are living in your mind. Your fear is always about what’s going to happen next. That means your fear is always about that which does not exist. If your fear is about the non-existent, your fear is hundred percent imaginary. If you are suffering the non-existential, we call that insanity. So, people may be in just socially accepted levels of insanity, but if you’re afraid or if you’re suffering anything which does not exist, it amounts to insanity, isn’t it?
When said like that it seems kind of silly to be scared of something that hasn’t happened yet. I read this passage a lot to talk myself off the ledge of fear which is holding me back.
Don’t let your fear hold you back.
What is your big scary goal that fear is stopping you from pursuing?
The post Conquering Your Fear appeared first on Laina Turner.
May 2, 2016
What A Great Weekend
I haven’t done a wedding, workout, and weight loss post in a while and even though it’s supposed to be on Wednesday (because I like the alliteration of all the W’s not for any other reason) I’m doing it today. Mainly because this past weekend I had a bridal shower in Plymouth, Wisconsin thrown by my soon to be mother in law and attended by the ladies on that side of the family.
First, let’s get weight loss out of the way.
Weightloss/workout – The scale hasn’t moved an inch though I feel better because I have been doing the boot camp I told you about last time. I met an awesome lady named Kathy that has been a treasure in keeping me motivated and accountable to going. I haven’t been eating horrible but I’ve not been eating great either. Stress is the biggest reason and then the kids schedules. However, we are nearing the end of school and the sports schedule will slightly slow down.
It’s not like I can’t fit in my dress or anything but it’s more about being the most fabulous I know I can be.
Wedding planning – I am soooo behind and until this weekend when the fact that it’s a mere 90 days away slapped me in the face I have been saying to myself I had all kinds of time.
Well, guess what. I don’t. Crap!
This week I need to call and reserve (and pay for) tents, flooring for the tents, pick out flowers and order my wedding bands. I also need to make the spa appointments for my bachelorette party happening May 13th/14th.
Now let’s talk about the fun part. The bridal shower.
IT. WAS. AWESOME.
My favorite part was the amazing idea my STBMIL (soon to be mother in law) had of getting a recipe book, the kind that has sleeves and you insert recipes, and then having everyone bring their favorite recipes to give me. She also put in some family photos so the book is really all about family and food.
What is better than that?
FOOD!
There was a ton of great food.
Did I mention there was a ton of great food.
And people know me well because many of the gifts were wine-centric.
I just feel lucky to be surrounded by such fabulous people.
How was your weekend?
The post What A Great Weekend appeared first on Laina Turner.
