Laina Turner's Blog, page 38
April 28, 2016
Weekend Traffic Jam Link Up
Hello everyone! Thank you for linking up with us for another edition of #TrafficJamWeekend.
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 #42!
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 #41…
Laina chose OOTD: Darkest Hour by La Vie en May. “Love the cut of this skirt.”
Laina chose this post from Urban Naturale. “I’m a big fan of detoxing so found this interesting.”
Kimberly also chose this post. “Got some great ideas for new ways to do a cleanse.”
Gail chose another post from Urban Naturale “because I believe homemade is best for saving money at home.”
Kimberly chose this post too. “I have vinegar and hydrogen peroxide at home always. Glad to know they can fight my most frequently occurring stains.”
Gail chose yet another post from Urban Naturale. “These techniques can help save money with natural things that may be in your home already.”
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.
April 26, 2016
Snakeskin. Prettier Than I Expected
I am not a fan of snakes. I’m also not a huge fan of prints. I normally gravitate toward solids.
And dark colors.
Black and grey mostly.
Wow, I’m kind of boring for a fashion blogger.
Fashion blogger fail.
However, I am trying to dress outside the box this summer and go for more fun colors and prints, and when I saw this dress at TJ Maxx, I had to snap it up.
The fact that my friend (whose identity I will protect – for now) kept saying how gorgeous it was didn’t hurt either. She’s great to have around when you’re in the mood to spend money. Or even when you’re not.
We all have friends like that don’t we? Or are YOU that friend???
I didn’t try it on at the store, so I was quite surprised when it actually fit.
The thing I like most about it is its versatility. It looks great plain (pictured here), but I also tried it with a few different colored shoes, a denim jacket, and a black shrug. All which looked fabulous and none of which are pictured here.
Why?
Because I forgot to actually take the pictures as I was having so much fun playing dress up.
Fashion blogger fail #2.
But I promise you….the combinations looked amazing, and I found some great deals for you online if you want to grab your won snakeskin dress for summer.
PS: Did you notice I forgot to take off my FitBit? Fashion blogger fail #3.
Shop the collection to get your own fabulous snakeskin outfit!
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The post Snakeskin. Prettier Than I Expected appeared first on Laina Turner.
April 21, 2016
Weekend Traffic Jam Link Up
So glad to have you drop by Traffic Jam Weekend! Link up your old posts for new traffic and remember to show some comment luv on other posts.
If you are interested in being a permanent co-host or a guest co-host for Traffic Jam Weekend, please complete this form.
WELCOME TO
TRAFFIC JAM WEEKEND
LINKY PARTY #41!
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 #40…
Gail chose Three Essential Oils to Relieve Stress and Anxiety by Finding My Way Forward. “I like to learn more about essential oils as it is a natural way of healing instead of medications.”
Gail chose this post because “It is very informative and teachable to anyone.”
Laina also chose this post. “Nothing drives me so crazy than my kids saying they’re bored.”
Kimberly chose Rise of the Pole Dancer by LHB Blog. “I got such a kick out of the way Ruebi rallied against the act while also embracing it.”
Laina chose The Beginning of Change. “My mom had MS so this really hit home for me.”
Kimberly chose this post from Paper Crafting Ideas. “I featured another of Jennifer’s Graduation party favors for a previous party. And I fell in love with this one too!”
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.
Why Are You Doing That?
Why?
Why is the sky blue?
Why do I have to get up today?
Why am I doing this?
Why is a simple 3 letter word that can drive us crazy (like when my kids were toddlers and asked why every second about things I had no idea) but also when the WHY is answered it can provide comfort (usually).
I challenge you to ask yourself why. Why are you doing what you’re doing?
Is it because you don’t know what else to do?
Is it because you have no choice?
We’ve all been there, done that.
Or
Is it because you love it?
Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of doing things because I felt I had to put food on the table (work), or to make people happy (personal relationships). But deep down I firmly believe that life is too short to spend it doing something because we don’t know what else to do or feel we have no choice. Even if I slip and don’t always practice what I preach.
There’s always a choice. Maybe not right this minute but with planning and execution you can get there.
It all starts with WHY.
WHY do you want what you want? Is your WHY so important that it’s worth it to you to work hard, lose sleep so you can work on your dream, and make sacrifices in the short term to have your dream life in the long term?
If not then don’t waste your time. If your WHY is something you want to bad you can taste it, then pursue it.
If you’re not sure, then write down your goals and write down your WHY. Make sure it’s meaningful and you really want it.
Need help getting started? Try my FREE 5-day email course on Goal Setting. Start today toward the life you want.
Attend the Goal Setting webinar Wednesday, May 4th 12pm EST. Sign up here.
The post Why Are You Doing That? appeared first on Laina Turner.
April 20, 2016
Who Doesn’t LOVE Polka Dots!
I love polka dots. I bought this dress a couple years ago from The Limited and have only worn it in the summer since it’s strapless and I get cold really easily. However, I always see it in my closet during the winter and am sad because I have to wait for nicer weather to wear it again.
The other day I saw it and wondered what I could do to make it wearable now. When I first thought about trying to put a long sleeved turtleneck underneath I was pretty sure it was going to look horrible. Much to my surprise it didn’t. Now I’m excited to have one of my favorites year ‘round.
How do you feel about polka dots? See some of my spring fav’s below!
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The post Who Doesn’t LOVE Polka Dots! appeared first on Laina Turner.
April 19, 2016
Curb the Spending
I like money. Who doesn’t?
I like to spend it, and I like to make it, I love my job. Though I will admit spending is WAY more fun!
But the spending is out of control, and it has to stop!
Last year we bought a house that needed some work and that’s what started it. Yes, I’m blaming the house, not myself.
I knew this was our forever home (at least until the kids are all out of the house, and we downsized) and I wanted it to be perfect. We went way over budget and at the time, I didn’t really care. I was too focused on my new bright and shiny house.
I know Dave Ramsey’s principles. I’ve read the book. I know better.
Spending money won’t make life easier or you happier in the long run!
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Fast forward a year. The house isn’t done, and the spending hasn’t stopped. We just aren’t spending on the house.
When school started, it all fell apart (and now I’m blaming the kids and the school system).
The insanity that is my kid’s school and sports schedule combined with my crazy work schedule and there was no time to finish up all the little things on the house, and we fell into a bad habit of eating out every night and spending money to make things easy.
It’s now April and the school year is almost over, and it’s been getting worse and worse. Mainly because my kids are busier this spring than last fall/winter.
We’ve been shelling out money left and right for sports and our upcoming wedding in July (I know I haven’t written my wedding, weight loss, and workout posts in weeks).
The first week of April I was balancing the checking accounts, and I just couldn’t bear to look at the ridiculous spending on the unnecessary items anymore. So I told my family that for the rest of the month, April 11th-30th (I needed time to get to the store) we would challenge ourselves not to spend any money eating out and try not to spend any money on unnecessary items.
While not perfect, considering how much we usually spend it was a huge improvement. Monday – Thursday was much better than the weekend so I vow to do better this week.
Monday – Coffee 1.95 Track Shoes $68 at Dicks. I tried to go to Play it Again Sports, but they were closed. Who closes at 7?
Tuesday – Admission to the track meet $3 and a bottle of water $2
Wednesday – $0 BEST. DAY. EVER.
Thursday – Coffee at the track meet $1. It was COLD. I went to CVS for milk and bandages (Sydney had a bad cut) spent $28.
Friday – I bought myself breakfast (I was in a bad mood) $20. Diet Coke $1.95
Saturday – Coffee at softball game $1.50 (I did bring some, but I’m a heavy drinker). $68 at the store to get burgers and brats for grilling along with chips and buns and Gatorade.
Sunday – Sydney and I went to breakfast at our favorite place $40. Water (2) at rugby game $2.
Total $237.40 over the goal of $0.
The track shoes and trip to CVS were necessary. Ok, I guess you could argue track shoes aren’t necessary, but you know what I mean.
The groceries Saturday were to eat at home but outside the budget, we’d already spent on food. So necessary? No. But it was a great family time cooking out. I just need to plan better.
Not having time and not wanting to plan is my downfall.
How do you avoid eating out?
PS: Get focused on YOU with my FREE 5-day email course on Goal Setting. Start Today toward the life you want.
Plan for Success: Goal Setting for the Life YOU Want – out in May.
Get the business version now! Use coupon code IAMAWESOME for $8 off!
Did you know I also write fiction? We all need to escape from time to time! Check out my fiction novels here.
The post Curb the Spending appeared first on Laina Turner.
April 18, 2016
Blogging is a Lifestyle T-shirt Get $2 OFF!
Blogging is fun; it’s super hard work but totally worth it.
Most of the time.
When you blog as a job it’s not a normal 9-5 evening’s and weekends free. I’m not even sure how I could handle that. It can be 24/7 if you let it, which you shouldn’t but it happens.
I was having a conversation with a friend who was asking me about blogging as a career, it seems so foreign to those non-bloggers, and I’m always getting questions as to how it’s a real job. I told her like with anything you’re passionate about, and committed to, it’s a lifestyle.
My boot camp instructor is always saying it’s not about a diet and exercise program. It’s about adapting to a healthy eating lifestyle. Eating the right things until it’s your normal.
The same thought process applies to a lot of things including blogging.
As any blogger knows it truly is a lifestyle.
So let’s embrace it.
The Blogging is a Lifestyle T comes in black print on white, white print on black, and pink on white and is only $20 + shipping.
The fitted Bella T (which is my favorite) runs a tad small. I went up a size. But then I like my fitted T’s with a tiny bit of room, so if it’s cool, I can wear a cami underneath.
Use coupon code BLOGLIFE for $2 off!
The post Blogging is a Lifestyle T-shirt Get $2 OFF! appeared first on Laina Turner.
April 15, 2016
Weekend Traffic Jam Link up
We really appreciate you being a part of Traffic Jam Weekend! Thank you for stopping by to link up your old posts for new traffic. Remember to show some comment luv on other posts.
If you are interested in being a permanent co-host or a guest co-host for Traffic Jam Weekend, please complete this form.
WELCOME TO
TRAFFIC JAM WEEKEND
LINKY PARTY #40!
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 #39…
Laina chose Thai Rice Noodle & Shrimp Soup in Less Than 10 Minutes from Ramblings of a (Bad) Domestic Goddess. “I love fast, easy, and YUMMY meals.”
Kimberly chose this post because “My 8 year old son loves to experiment with anything science related. He would really enjoy these!”
Gail chose this post from No Small Life about how to overcome a negative mindset.
Kimberly also chose this post. “It’s so easy to allow negative thoughts to cloud our lives. This post helps you to escape that.”
Laina chose Grapefruit Agua Fresca by Glitz & Grits. “I love anything grapefruit. It’s so refreshing.”
Gail chose this post from Mom N Daughter Savings exploring how pets can help autistic children with their social skills.
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.
April 7, 2016
Weekend Traffic Jam Link up
Hello! Thank you for stopping by to link up your old posts for Traffic Jam Weekend!
If you are interested in being a permanent co-host or a guest co-host for Traffic Jam Weekend, please complete this form.
WELCOME TO
TRAFFIC JAM WEEKEND
LINKY PARTY #39!
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 #38…
Laina chose this post from Georgie Lee “because the struggle is real”.
Kimberly also chose this post. “Although I love to write, I have to remind myself to do so because no one can read what it’s in my head”.
Laina chose Strawberry-Blackberry Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette from Heather at Goodlicious because it’s “healthy AND yummy”.
Kimberly chose this post because “I constantly think about the tools that I need to provide my child with for life. He doesn’t just need book sense–he needs common sense.” Jennifer at Royal Little Lambs breaks it down for you.
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.
April 5, 2016
What’s In My Closet
I can’t wait until we get a little farther into spring when everything is finally green. Taking photos outside just isn’t the same when the landscape is grey.
The wind didn’t help in this instance either but you can’t control Mother Nature.
I love wearing tunics because not only are they comfortable but they’re extremely versatile.
On a cold, windy day like this one toss on a long cardigan and leggings and it’s a warm outfit.
If it was sunny and 70 as I would like ditch the cardigan.
Tunics also cover a lot of figure flaws like the extra winter 10 I’m working really hard to ditch.
I wore this to a Mute Math concert and ended up changing into boots, which I didn’t take a picture of, but was also a great look. Spring is that time of year where my toes yearn for the fresh air of sandals but like the comfort of socks when it gets chilly.
Cardigan (old / similar ) // Soma leggings // Sandals (old / similar) // Tunic (old / similar / similar)
The post What’s In My Closet appeared first on Laina Turner.
