Annette Bridges's Blog, page 7
August 13, 2013
Oatmeal cookies with flaxseed
I just finished creating this new recipe – for delicious and healthy cookies! Try it out and tell me what you think. Or post a link to your favorite recipe in the comments section below. I love cooking and baking, so please share your favorites too!
August 4, 2013
Do you ever feel like you have to?
A few days ago I tweeted the question, “Do you ever feel like you just have to do something even though you’re uncertain about the outcome?” I didn’t get any particular answers from anyone, but since it was retweeted several times I figured at least a few other folks were feeling just like me.
Not only am I quite certain that I have to do something even if no one (aka my husband) understands why, but I also must have a definite way that “something” happens or at least begins.
I think my reasons explain why I can’t walk on my treadmill lately. I simply must go for a walk outdoors. Never mind that the temperature is over 100 degrees. I just can’t walk in-place. I must feel like I’m going somewhere — anywhere. There must be a destination, direction, movement, and progression. A view other than walls!
And this, too, is why I am going to do something very soon because I must. I don’t know what the outcome will be, but it feels like I’m going in the right direction that will take me where I want to go. And since I’m open to any destination other than staying where I am, it’s all good!
Is it a little scary for me to get out of my comfort zone? You betcha! Would it be easier to stay home? Perhaps! Well…I’m not so sure about that! Staying put isn’t as easy as it used to be which is why there is something impelling me forward – onward.
Now folks who know me well, don’t need to worry. I’m really not speaking of anything that dramatic. It is about me continuing to grow, learning new skills, having goals and striving to reach them, making new friends, and living a happier, healthier, more balanced life. It’s about passion and purpose and figuring out what I want to do with myself the rest of my life.
It’s just sometimes, there are some things that require me wearing my big girl panties and doing without my husband by my side. Like the eWomen Network conference I AM GOING TO ATTEND!!
July 30, 2013
Joy can be found in everything
One very wise friend reminded me that there is
always joy to be found in everything.
She’s right. I thanked her for the reminder. A change in my point of view has often changed my outlook from drudgery to joy.
The idea of having fun may sometimes seem far away or unreachable, especially when we feel too busy to take time to do any of the fun things my friends have mentioned. But I think this could be due to a limited view of what having fun means or under what conditions that fun is supposed to happen. Perhaps we need to broaden and expand our definition. My friends gave me more possibilities of fun to consider. I hope you’ll find their list helpful as well.
Finally, in the words of yet another thoughtful friend: “May we all find a little fun whenever we need it.” Maybe we could make our own fun by imagining our favorite song playing while we dance up the stairs. I can just imagine my daughter dancing up the stairs on her way to teach a history class. I still remember her doing pirouettes down the grocery store aisles when she was a very young girl. (Oh the FUN memories I have!!)
Want to read more?
This is an excerpt from:
July 23, 2013
10 Tips for Success in College and the Real World
Setting off for college brings more than academic change. With many young women using the experience to solidify their dreams, perspectives, self-worth and relationships, the first year of college marks a vital turning point in any young woman’s life. As a mother who has seen my own daughter blossom into a confident and driven “princess,” my mission now is to inspire other young women to command and rule their lives as they set out on their own life journey.
I’d like to give young women a taste of their empowerment with some free tips. Covering everything from self-worth and expectations to romance and the importance of savoring life’s special moments, these tips will help any young woman take on her world and become its “Queen.”
In fact, these tips will be helpful to women of all ages and stages in life!
Read the Princess Survival Guide -
10 Tips for Success in College and the Real World.
July 21, 2013
Get ready to win big this summer
In celebration of my new book
The Queen of Damn Good Advice
I’m launching a
Reader photo contest!!
And the 10 top photos will get some great prizes:
1st place gets $100 gift card to amazon.com
2nd place gets $50 gift card to amazon.com
3rd place through 10th place gets a “Queen” tote bag full of surprises
On the front cover of my latest book you see the silhouette of a girl reading the book. I want to inject some life into what she stands for by inviting readers to submit pictures of them reading the book in some sassy and creative settings. Those submitting the ‘top ten’ images will win an exclusive tote bag filled with ‘Queen Surprises’ and the top two winners will also receive an Amazon gift card.
Submit as many photos as you like in different settings as it can increase your likelihood of winning a prize.
Just “like” my Facebook page and post your images there with the hashtag #DamnGoodAdvice.
Then use my website contact form to tell me you posted your image on Facebook and tell me your name, email and mailing address (in case you win I need that information to send you your prize!).
I can’t wait to see your photos!
You have until August 31, 2013 to submit.
And for the record, this contest is for women of all ages and stages in life!
July 18, 2013
What’s playing on your radio?
http://beostores.bang-olufsen.co.uk/l...
Perhaps not the best way to word my blog title! The only time I actually listen to a radio these days is when in my car. We don’t get good radio reception in the countryside where I live. So most of my music listening is on my iPhone. And my main time to listen to music on my iPhone is when I’m taking a walk.
Here’s a secret for any man reading my blog: You can learn a lot about a woman’s state of mind by the songs she listens to. Or at least the songs I select seem to pretty much sum up what’s going on in my mind or life.
“A thousand years” by Christina Perri ~ I’m thinking about the love of my life in a forever, sexy, loving kind of way.
“All I want to do” by Sugarland ~ I’m ready for some snuggling with my hubby when I come in from my walk. (Or maybe I’m thinking about the snuggling we did before my walk!)
“Cowboy Casanova” by Carrie Underwood ~ Some man is in trouble!
“Daydream believer” by The Monkees ~ I’m reminiscing about some happy times in my youth.
“Ladies love country boys” by Trace Adkins ~ I’m feeling playful and want to go out on a date with my hubby.
“Where I come from” by Alan Jackson ~ I’m relishing in my southern roots.
“Good girl” by Carrie Underwood ~ I’m thinking about advice to give my daughter.
“Then” by Brad Paisley ~ I’m hoping my hubby thinks of me in this way.
“Walk this way” by Aerosmith ~ I need to do some power walking and need some motivation.
“Something more” by Sugarland ~ I play this song every walk. It means change is in the air!
I think that may be because of lyrics like “I need a little less hard time” and “I need a little more bliss” and “I got things to do before I die” and “I believe that happiness is something we create.” Playing this song means I have some ideas brewing to totally rock my world! So my family and friends had better watch out! Something new is coming soon!
July 16, 2013
How to keep making progress
http://guygordon.me/bringing-imessage-to-the-desktop-2/
When people stop learning, stop wanting or trying to learn, or start believing they have nothing to learn, they cease to make progress. Without progress, there is no life, no growth. At the very least, life becomes less interesting.
Perhaps learning is a habit. Like some good habits, such as eating a balanced meal or exercising, we can get lazy or negligent. Our laziness and negligence become bad habits that are difficult to break—but not impossible. I’d like to think that any bad habit could be broken with due diligence and perseverance, and that good habits can be created and maintained in the same way. Gandhi’s words,
“Learn as if you would live forever, live as if you would die tomorrow”
tell us there is always more to learn and we should digest as much as we can each day. It is never too late to comprehend and master something new. The old adage “practice makes perfect” is always true regardless of our age.
Daughters of the world, be wise women.
Approach each day with this question: “What can I learn today?”
You may not know what you want or need to learn, but I believe there are countless options and infinite possibilities when you’re open and ready to discover them.
The above is an excerpt from:
July 13, 2013
We are all intuitive thinkers
We are all intuitive thinkers. I believe God made us this way. I have no doubt that you’ll find your instincts are correct whether they are telling you “yes” or “no”—to do or not to do. Trust them. Be sure to act upon those “good temptations” that will ensure your life is satisfying and fulfilling.
Excerpted from:
July 9, 2013
Happiness is found in being…
http://www.last.fm/music/Happiness
You are the woman of God’s creating—made in her image. Your innate nature includes the qualities of poise, confidence, strength, courage, compassion, love. Be true to yourself.
Happiness is found in being who God made you to be.
You can do it. Your thinking is your most powerful weapon. Use it. Follow your heart. Don’t hide your light and love. Be the spiritual self that God intended. Don’t be shy. Be yourself—freely, unconditionally, and fearlessly. You’ll be much happier if you do.
This is an excerpt from:
July 2, 2013
How do we keep our sense of wonder?
One day an email landed in my box that inspired me. It told about a group of students who were asked to name what they thought were the Seven Wonders of the World. The wonders that received the most votes included Egypt’s Great Pyramids, Taj Mahal, Grand Canyon, Panama Canal, Empire State Building, St. Peter’s Basilica, and China’s Great Wall.
But apparently one student had trouble finishing her list, stating she could not make up her mind because there were so many to choose from. The teacher encouraged her to share her list aloud with the other students to see if they could help. She read, “I think the Seven Wonders of the World are to see, to hear, to touch, to taste, to feel, to laugh, and to love.”
This unexpected list was followed by a poignant reminder—“The most precious things in life cannot be built by hand or bought by man.”
This student listed “wonders” that I never thought much about until one day a few years ago when my husband and I took my friend, Shirley, for what turned out to be her final jeep ride.
Riding in the jeep was not a big deal to me, perhaps because it was “old hat” as some might say. But Shirley, then in the final stages of her battle with cancer, noticed details I never had and she relished every moment of her ride. I was captivated by her adoration and reverence for what she was seeing and by every breath of fresh country air she took in so gratefully. She passed on a few months later.
My jeep ride with her taught me lessons I will never forget. I discovered colors in the sunset I didn’t know were there. I learned that each of our cows has its own distinct bellow and some have really long eyelashes. I noticed that the deeper the hole you drive over, the harder your laugh will be. I found that looking out over big Texas pastures reminds you of the broad expanse of God’s love. I was informed that gazing at the horizon when the sun is setting fills you with a peaceful sense of the infinity of life.
How do we keep our sense of wonder?
How do we maintain our appreciation of all the everyday miracles that compose our day?
How do we never overlook the blessings that make up each life moment?
Even to ask such questions is a good beginning. Pausing to ask these questions also requires pausing to explore for the answers. Our sincere desire to cherish life is a prayer in and of itself—and one that will be answered.
As I learned in my jeep ride, the more acutely aware we are of what and who shares our days, the more meaningful and satisfying life will be. Savoring and mindfully using any of the wonders of sight, hearing, taste, touch, feeling, laughter, and love will guide you to even more of the wonders that God promises for her beloved children.
Start right now—this very moment—and keep yourself in a constant state of awe, admiration, and respect for every ordinary and extraordinary wonder in your day. You don’t want to miss anything. I sure hope I don’t.
This excerpt is from:
