Laina Turner's Blog, page 39
April 4, 2016
Monday Chat
Mine was good. Great actually. Just too short. But then that’s always the case.
This weekend was extra nice because it’s the last weekend until June that we didn’t have 15 million things going on. No sporting events, no conferences, no activities of any kind. And it was nice!
If only the weekend could go on repeat.
Style Steals Monday, April 4th, Spring hats & FREE SHIPPING w/code SPRINGHATS. Coupon Code: SPRINGHATS (The code will take 50% off the lowest marked price in the cart, with FREE SHIPPING.) Trucker hats for $10.98
So what did I do?
Friday was a Mute Math concert. They’re one of Matt’s favorite music groups and while they aren’t in my fav list I do like them, and it was a nice evening. We rarely go out because we’re usually too busy with our unpaid chauffeur gig driving the kids around so it was fun going downtown and hanging out.
Though the next day staying up late really kicked my butt.
I did drag myself out of bed for yoga and had an eye appointment at 11 am with an ophthalmologist who FINALLY figured out why I couldn’t see and why my contacts were bugging me so much. I will spare you to gritty details but YAHOO I can see.
I was on such a high from that successful appointment I had brunch at my favorite spot and started the dreaded task of shopping.
Now I normally LOVE shopping but not when I have a specific vision in mind of what I’m looking for. I’m getting updated blog pictures taken on Wednesday and I knew what I wanted.
Here’s the crazy part. I found it. I walked by the window of White House / Black Market and there it was.
In the words of Rachel Zoe.
I DIE.
I can’t wait to show you I thought about a sneak peak but decided to wait until the blog photos. So about 10 days or so and I’ll show you.
The rest of the weekend I worked on the blog, did more yoga and stocked up on groceries for the week.
This week will be a breeze compared to most weeks since the kids are on spring break and there aren’t any activities in the evening. It’s like a vacation for me even though we aren’t going on vacation.
While I’ll be attending the 5:30 am boot camp class every day, I also plan on catching a few yoga classes in the evening. The wedding is only 117 days away and I’ve got a ways to go.
I’ve got goals and I need to follow through on the actions of I want to achieve them. If you need some focus on your goals and actions, download this printable. It will guide you through the process in an abbreviated manner to get you started in the right direction.
The post Monday Chat appeared first on Laina Turner.
April 1, 2016
Fashion Friday
“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” Maya Angelou said. An array of colors and styles await you with Fashion Friday this week. Fashionable products with 5, 10, even 20 different color variants are on sale.
Color makes me think so much of spring. Even when it’s not spring like outside which it’s been all over the place here in Indiana.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links and I will receive a small commission from any purchases you may make from these links. It’s one of the ways I support my site.
For Fashion Friday Tomorrow, April 1st, our Rainbow Collection for 50% off & FREE SHIPPING w/code RAINBOWS.
Use the below link for this AWESOME deal!
Look at these awesome strappy sandals for $17.47
Coupon Code: RAINBOWS (The code will take 50% OFF each item in your cart, with FREE SHIPPING.)
I love these semi-precious stone teardrop necklace for $11.48.
And what can be cooler than this funky fur pom pom keychain (can you say best gift ever?!) for $9.98. And, as always, FREE SHIPPING with no minimum order.
Coupon Code: RAINBOWS (The code will take 50% OFF each item in your cart, with FREE SHIPPING.)
Have an awesome weekend!
The post Fashion Friday appeared first on Laina Turner.
March 31, 2016
Weekend Traffic Jam Link Up
Thank you for stopping by for another round of 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 #38!
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+
These are the featured posts from
Traffic Jam Weekend #37…
Kimberly chose this post from Jennifer at Paper Crafting Ideas which is great preparation for the graduation season that is quickly approaching.
Laina chose this post from No Small Life that has yummy shakes jumping out of the screen.
Laina chose Blueberry Banana Smoothie from Heather at Goodlicious in all its purple glory.
Kimberly chose a second post from No Small Life. Husband and wife Chris and Megan have incredible faith and they graced us with their journey of discovery and acceptance.
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.
March 29, 2016
It’s Almost April. Goals Check In.
I’m about to freak out.
Why? Because it’s almost April.
Did YOU realize we are a quarter of the way into the year? Because I didn’t. I mean I knew it was March this month but it didn’t dawn on me until I was looking at a calendar that time is flying by and I have not made the progress to my goals I’d planned by this time of 2016.
You can read the full post here.
if you’re so inclined or I’ll give you the cliff notes version.
To get married – yep that’s still happening on July 30th. The fitting into the dress part….not so sure about that yet.
Finish my MFA by summer – not going to happen because after taking 3 classes winter term I am burned out and I have way to many other things going on so I’m taking a break until fall. That means I’ll finish next spring. Oh well.
Launch new books and products. I did launch one ebook, but not the corresponding online course. I pulled back in February and have spent the last couple months refining what I really need to focus on. But it’s all-good. I feel like I have a better grasp on how to move forward.
Grow my biz – it’s not where I’d hoped but slow and steady will get me there.
My word for the year is FOCUS and I haven’t been great at it but I’m getting better.
Right now I need to focus on getting in shape. Because if I don’t there are serious consequences. Like not getting married.
He thinks I’m joking.
I’m not.
If I don’t look the way I want to by the time my wedding day arrives, it’s not happening. Call me vain. It’s fine.
I just know I want to feel and look my best. Is that so bad?
As a 29-year-old (just roll with me here) woman, I have to exercise (a lot) to have/keep the shape I want. It’s not just naturally there as it was in my earlier years.
I don’t love working out but I don’t hate it either. In fact, I enjoy it more these last few years than I did in my 20’s and 30’s. I’m addicted to yoga and have found that I truly enjoy running.
My biggest issue since fall is the kids schedules. Almost every single evening is tied up with the kids sporting or school events. Weekends too. I am so used to being constantly on the go that the last couple weekends we are in between sports 9the games, not practices) and spring break that there haven’t been any games. I’ve actually been stressed out thinking surely I’d forgotten to put something on my calendar.
That’s how crazy it is. My son is in 2 sports (and getting A’s I might add – yes I’m a proud mama) and my daughter in 1. There is no downtime.
So exercising at 5:30 am is my only option to consistently do it every day.
Trust me, I briefly thought about calling off the wedding. That is super early to get up. Yoga isn’t offered until 6, which doesn’t work with the kids school schedules so I started a boot camp class last week at Indy Adventure Boot Camp and I LOVE it.
I love it enough that getting up at 5 am isn’t a big deal.
Crazy right?
So I’m committed to Boot Camp 5 days a week plus some yoga and other stuff. I also need to really watch my diet. I have faith that I can do this.
It’s about staying focused and organized. For me, that means writing things down and having a plan of action.
If you have some big goals you still want to accomplish this year, then I encourage you to take my FREE 5 Day email course on setting and achieving goals.
When I fall off the focus wagon (which happens to us all) I refocus using this process.
It works.
I promise!
The post It’s Almost April. Goals Check In. appeared first on Laina Turner.
March 24, 2016
Weekend Traffic Jam Link Up
Happy Easter Weekend everyone! Is it feeling like Springtime in your area yet? I hope so. Come on in and share your posts with us and get new life for them.
If you are interested in being a permanent co-host or a guest co-host for Traffic Jam Weekend, complete this form.
WELCOME TO
TRAFFIC JAM WEEKEND
LINKY PARTY #37!
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+
Tanay from Life With Tanay | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Arnitris from Blessed Be The Tie | Facebook (site) | Facebook (book series) | Twitter | Instagram
Laina from LainaTurner.com | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
These are the featured posts from
Traffic Jam Weekend #36…
Kimberly chose this raw and honest post from Swapna at The Practical Mom. You can probably relate to her experience.
Laina chose Strawberry Pastry Puffs in Just 30 Minutes from Elaine at Ramblings of a (Bad) Domestic Goddess and all its yummy goodness.
Kimberly chose this post from Free at My New Finances. “I have always wondered how bloggers do this. Very informative!”
Laina chose the post, Life Lessons Learned from Downton Abbey, by Angela at Blooming on a Budget. Warning: it contains SPOILERS!
Thank you ladies for sharing! 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.
Is YOUR Business Headed For Success?
Hey, friends, fellow writers, bloggers, and anyone else who decided to hang out with me today!
First of all, I want to say THANKS for stopping by, and I hope you’re all having an absolutely FABULOUS day!
Because you’re awesome and, you deserve it.
Totally!
So how have things been lately?
Have you been thinking that you want to turn your blogging or writing hobby into a sustainable business?
Do you wish you had a step-by-step guide to making your writing career profitable because you’re not sure where to start?
Are you ready to quit your day job for something that fulfills your heart?
You can. You can do anything you want to.
It all starts with a DREAM.
Then a GOAL.
Then a PLAN.
Then EXECUTION!
And I can help you get there instead of being one of the 8 out of 10 new businesses which fail in the first 5 years.
The post Is YOUR Business Headed For Success? appeared first on Laina Turner.
March 23, 2016
Who Killed Sylvia?
Hey, Friends! I’m glad you stopped by!
What determines if you like a book and keep reading?
When you read books, do you identify with the characters in the book your reading?
Is that what connects you with the book and determines whether you like it or not?
It’s a big part of how I decide. The plot is important of course, you don’t want just to read about people sitting in a coffee shop for 200 pages that would probably get boring, but I have to like the characters or it’s hard for me to keep reading.
That’s why I try to write likeable characters whom people will LOVE.
If you want a good read with characters you’ll root for then you’ve come to the right place.
The Trixie Pristine mystery series is one you’ll thoroughly enjoy.
I promise. Especially once you hear more about the book.
The post Who Killed Sylvia? appeared first on Laina Turner.
March 18, 2016
Sartori Cheese Dip with a Side of Mystery
Glad you stopped by to hang out.
Is there any better combination than food and a good book?
Ok, maybe a latte and a good book or a glass of wine and a good book.
I would take any combination of the above wouldn’t you?
Who doesn’t love good food and a good book! www.lainaturner.com #fiction #mysteryMy point is there’s nothing better than taking a minute in our busy, busy lives and escaping into a good book where you can lose yourself for a while into the lives of others and forget whatever craziness is going on in your life.
And we ALL have craziness. If you don’t…let me give you some of mine.
I have plenty (It’s called kids).
With all that craziness it can be hard to find time to escape much less find the right thing to escape into, and I can help you with that.
I know, it’s pretty exciting isn’t it.
How can I do that you ask?
Through fabulous book selections and tasty recipes.
Are you ready?
“I still couldn’t imagine who would have done this. People didn’t get killed for being womanizing creeps, did they?” ~ Presley Thurman in Stilettos & Scoundrels
The post Sartori Cheese Dip with a Side of Mystery appeared first on Laina Turner.
Traffic Jam Weekend Link Up!
It’s that time again! Thanks for stopping by to take a look at some great posts. We have some awesome features from last week’s party. So join in and link up yours too!
If you are interested in being a permanent co-host or a guest co-host for Traffic Jam Weekend, complete this form.
WELCOME TO
TRAFFIC JAM WEEKEND
LINKY PARTY #36!
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+
Tanay from Life With Tanay | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Arnitris from Blessed Be The Tie | Facebook (site) | Facebook (book series) | Twitter | Instagram
Laina from LainaTurner.com | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
These are the featured posts from
Traffic Jam Weekend #35…
Kimberly chose Crazy Stuff I’ve Seen in Dallas TX: Sketchy Signs Edition from Devastate Boredom. Have yourself a great laugh with this one.
Laina chose Creamy Irish Balls by A Year of Cocktails which is just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.
Laina chose 16 Delectable Cupcake Recipes, a scrumptious post by Dreaming of Leaving.
Kimberly chose Nanny Interview Questions, Free Printable Checklist from Fab Working Mom Life because our kids deserve the very best care that we can provide for them. Very thorough post!
Thank you ladies for sharing! 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 Traffic Jam Weekend Link Up! appeared first on Laina Turner.
March 14, 2016
Who Doesn’t Love Mysteries??
While I can’t offer you a cup of coffee or glass of wine at least this home is cleaner.
Are you stopping by to visit because you love reading fiction novels?
Then you’re in the right place because I LOVE writing them.
It’s like the BEST JOB EVER (well except for maybe a meteorologist since they can be wrong EVERY TIME and don’t get in trouble).
Bottom line, I get paid to make shit up. End of story (no pun intended).
My daughter thinks I’m super lucky that I can stay home making up stories and she has to go to school. I try to tell her how important and fun school is but secretly I know she’s totally right. I am lucky.
But without you, my fabulous readers, I wouldn’t have this awesome job. So THANK YOU!
Are you ready to:
Learn about the Presley Thurman mystery series.
Read a little about me.
Find out how you can be part of the super fabulous street team and get input on my works in progress, early releases, and all kinds of fun swag.
And more importantly….GET A FREE BOOK!!!!
Who doesn’t love a free book? Who doesn’t love a free anything??
Except maybe a free puppy. I’m not really in the market for a free puppy.
The post Who Doesn’t Love Mysteries?? appeared first on Laina Turner.
