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Saturday, July 29, 2023

Maintaining weight loss! Part 1

Hey friends!! Wow, it's been a year!  

Since the end of 2021, I have gotten divorced, dipped my toes into the dating world of the 2020's, bought 2 cars, rented a beautiful place to live, gained an empty nest, and lost a LOT of weight!!  

I will probably detail more of that in future posts, but I wanted to share some things that are helping me maintain that loss right now, as well as lose a little more and get STRONG! 

With both of my parents, June 2023 💗 

Today let's focus on something I just started doing in March of this year - exercise. 
I go to the gym a lot! Planet Fitness is a gem at under $25 a month.  I go 5 days a week when I can. Even when I'm traveling!  

I also have a loft space in my home where I have set up a mini gym - complete with kettlebells, a pilates bar, resistance bands, pilates ring circle, yoga mat, roller and more.   

I have just started using my little home gym this week but YouTube is AMAZING for finding workouts that will help me get stronger!   I've done kettle bells and pilates bar workouts so far.  Yoga, stretching and more to come.

I turn 55 next weekend, and strength is what I'm aiming for these days!!  I also have a DB Method machine  aka Dream Booty Method machine (it's in the pic, so sad looking on the floor!) but my movers took it apart, and didn't leave all the parts at my new place.  So I've been without it for over a year.  One day, I'll figure out what's missing and get it together! I need it - it works wonders in building up your 🍑

My little home gym upstairs in my loft

Downstairs in my living room, I have a recumbent stepper that I use for cardio.  Just got it, but it's easy on my joints and a good replacement when I can't get to the gym.  (I've been without a car this week as mine is in the dealership for warranty-covered repairs.)   I also have a rebounder, not pictured, that I bring in from the garage as well.  I use these in front of my tv, because I need to be distracted to hit 40 minutes!  At the gym, I listen to podcasts or audible books.  

My stepper usually resides in the back hall or next to my hutch.  It's big and bulky,
but I live alone now and can leave things where I want 😂  



Next post will focus on my favorite food group - PROTEIN! 



Thursday, March 18, 2021

Giveaway: Digital Viewing My Brother's Keeper movie #MyBrothersKeeperMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork


Last night, I watched another fantastic faith-based movie.  This one deals with some heavy, real life issues - like PTSD in our veterans when they return from deployment, the harsh realities of gangs, drugs, suicidal thoughts, racism, and struggling with your faith.  The focus is on a veteran struggling with PTSD and his faith, after losing his best friend in combat, and both parents in a car accident.  Throughout the film, however, there is the hopeful message of God's grace and salvation. 

The movie features Keshia Knight Pulliam (The Cosby Show), T.C. Stallings (War Room, A Question of Faith), Joey Lawrence (Melissa and Joey), and Robert Ri’chard (One on One).  It's from the writer of A Question of Faith, and written/produced by Ty Manns, a veteran and father of active duty sons.  It was filmed in Columbus, Georgia and Fort Benning.  



There are some intense scenes, but it's been rated on Dove.org as appropriate for ages 12 and up.  It will definitely give you the opportunity to discuss some of these issues with your kids as you watch together.  I liked that this movie offers important, hopeful messages on the reality of PTSD in our returning war veterans.  It's an important issue that isn't talked about often enough. 

Check out the movie trailer here.

It was compelling and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to preview it.  I am happy to have a digital viewing code to give away (though it will be after the film is released to home entertainment - so it will be a bit of a wait) 




You can also catch it in theaters this weekend! Check the link for theaters showing it - there are several in the metro Atlanta area.  


You can enter the giveaway through my rafflecopter widget below!   Thank you for stopping by, and taking time to read this and enter! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclosure: Many thanks to Collide Distribution for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.













Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Six Flags over Georgia announces launch of 54th season for 2021

The Thrill Is Calling: Six Flags Over Georgia Opens March 6!!

 


54th Season to Launch with Longer Summer Season and Extensive Safety Protocols

 

AUSTELL, Georgia — March 1, 2021 — Six Flags Over Georgia—the Thrill Capital of the South—today announced the launch of its 54th season on March 6. The upcoming year will showcase a variety of thrilling highlights including an innovative twist to the world’s first looping roller coaster, more than 40 heart-pounding attractions, extensive safety and sanitation protocols, upscale food and beverage offerings, PLUS added days of thrills this summer. It’s time for fun and The Thrill is Calling at Six Flags Over Georgia.

 

“We can’t wait to welcome our guests back to Six Flags Over Georgia for our 54th year. This season will feature the re-introduction of one of our many world-class rides, THE RIDDLER Mindbender, in the new Gotham City section,” said Park President Dale Kaetzel. “We look forward to delivering thrills and memories for guests of all ages in a safe, outdoor environment.”

 

New Park Offerings and Partnerships

A New Twist on a Classic Coaster - THE RIDDLER Mindbender: The park will unveil a transformation of the world’s first triple looping coaster, THE RIDDLER Mindbender. The coaster will feature a fresh, sleek look and new roller coaster trains through a seven-story drop, multiple upside-down loops, and reach speeds of 50-miles-per-hour. THE RIDDLER Mindbender opens in the spring and will complete the reimaged GOTHAM CITY.

 

Summer Season Expands through Labor Day: Six Flags Over Georgia will offer more days of thrills this summer with 17 additional operating days in August and September through Labor Day. The park will feature exclusive events during August to mark the additional days of fun – an added benefit for season pass and memberships. More details will be released soon.

 

New Food and Beverage Offerings: In 2021, Six Flags Over Georgia is offering more tasty menu options than ever before. For guests looking for healthier selections, the Beyond Burger and Cobb Salad at JB’s Sports Bar and Grille get high marks. Additional new entrées include the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich at Dee Jay’s Diner and Cheesesteak Fries at Bird’s of Prey Café. For those with a sweet tooth, Funnel Cake Sundaes and Beignets topped with powdered sugar round out a perfect day at the park.

 

Card and Mobile Payments Only: To improve the experience and for the safety of our guests, Six Flags Over Georgia continues to offer Card and Mobile Payments only. In-park guests can convert cash at multiple kiosks located throughout the park. There are no conversion fees and the pre-paid debit card can be used anywhere in the U.S. where VISA is accepted. Prior to visiting the park, guests are encouraged to visit www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia to purchase parking, admission tickets, Season Passes, Memberships, and other add-on items in advance.

 

Extensive Safety Measures

As the park returns to fun, there will be a continued focus on executing at the highest levels of safety and social distancing protocols. The safety initiatives were developed in consultation with epidemiologists, and include but are not limited to:

 

-        Contact-less IR thermal imaging used to screen temperatures of guests and employees prior to entry;

-        Touchless security checkpoints for seamless entry into the park;

-        Requiring all guests over the age of two and all team members to wear face masks covering the nose and mouth throughout their visit/work day;

-        Extensive sanitation and disinfecting protocols with increased sanitization and disinfecting of high touch points;

-        Sanitized food preparation and continued use of mobile food ordering for touchless transactions; and

-        Reservation System to monitor attendance capacity to allow for social distancing.

 

All Members, Season Pass holders and all guests with a single-day or group ticket will need to make a reservation at www.sixflags.com/reserve.

 

Hiring Blitz Underway

Named one of the Nation’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For®, Six Flags is currently hiring 2,500 employees in 2021 across a wide variety of positions from entry level to management. Interested applicants must be at least 16 years of age and should apply online at sixflagsjobs.com. Once submitted, Six Flags will contact applicants for a virtual interview should qualifications be met. The park is hiring within 48 hours of application submission.

 

One-Day Tickets, Season Passes and Memberships

Six Flags Over Georgia is offering the best One Day Ticket and Season Pass prices in more than seven years. 2021 Season Passes are now on sale for $49.99 each and include free parking, unlimited visits and access to Six Flags White Water throughout 2021. A Six Flags Membership includes all of the benefits of a Season Pass plus savings of up to 50% off on most in-park purchases and a variety of special features for an affordable monthly price. For information on Season Passes, Memberships and One-Day, visit www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia.

 

Six Flags Over Georgia is open weekends March 6 through May 23, including daily operation for Spring Break April 3-11. Summer daily operation begins May 27. For more information about the 54th season, visit www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia.

 

About Six Flags Over Georgia and Six Flags White Water

Six Flags Over Georgia, the Thrill Capital of the South, is home to more than 40 rides and attractions including 12 world-class roller coasters and the seven-acre Hurricane Harbor water park. Six Flags White Water, the South’s Most Thrilling Water Park, boasts more than 24 state-of-the-art water slides, interactive children’s areas and wave pool. Six Flags Over Georgia and White Water are the premier destinations for thrilling, family fun.

 

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        Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/sixflagsovergeorgia


About DC Entertainment
DC, home to iconic brands DC (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, the Flash), DC Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating across Warner Bros. and WarnerMedia. DC works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment, and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC is one of the largest English-language publishers of comics in the world.

BATMAN, SUPERGIRL and Harley Quinn and all related characters and elements © & ™ DC Comics. (s21)



Monday, March 8, 2021

Church People Film giveaway! #ChurchPeopleFilm #ChurchPeopleMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Hey y'all!! Today I get to share a really fun movie with an important message, too!  And one of you will win a digital code to view it from home, as well! We can all use a laugh after the year we've had, am I right?  CHURCH PEOPLE will keep you laughing! 



CHURCH PEOPLE
IN THEATERS SAT, MAR 13, SUN, MAR 14, MON, MAR 15

First, let me say that this movie has an awesome cast! NSYNC's Joey Fatone, Christian Comedian Thor Ramsey, Michael Monks, The Hallmark Channel's Erin Cahill, Donald Faison, Stephen Baldwin, plus Clancy McCartney, William Baldwin and Chynna Phillips. 

A heartfelt and laugh-out-loud faith-based comedy film, CHURCH PEOPLE is the story of real people with real struggles and their unique paths to discovering what faith in Jesus is all about. It all starts when “America's youth pastor,” Guy Sides, realizes he’s stuck in the megachurch marketing machine and wants to find his passion again.

But when Guy attempts to get back to the heart of ministry, he is thrust into the throes of dissuading his zany church leadership from performing a strange and potentially blasphemous stunt for the upcoming Easter service while navigating his own personal problems. CHURCH PEOPLE exposes the wacky heights some people will go in the evangelical subculture while revealing God’s out-of-this-world grace through a poignantly redemptive climax.   CHURCH PEOPLE is a powerful message about rediscovering your passion for Christ and learning to surrender what you hold dearest, all told in a redemptively humorous way.

Visit the official website by clicking here.

You can see this movie next weekend at local theaters.  Or your church can host a viewing by visiting this site to sign up!

Locally, it will be playing at these theaters:


5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA 30043-7857


350 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041


2600 Cobb Place Lane NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144


You can purchase your tickets here




View the movie trailer here...




You can also download a CHURCH PEOPLE Discussion Guide here


Endorsements: 

“CHURCH PEOPLE was a complete surprise for me. I had no expectations whatsoever, and I was totally shocked when I absolutely loved the movie. I was inspired. I laughed, and then I laughed some more.  Thor Ramsey was phenomenal and his performance brought light to the dark times many of us have been going through. I can't recommend this movie more. As a matter of fact, if you're going, buy me a ticket and I’ll go see it again with you. Chuck and I have always believed that Christian film needs to elevate it's game. That it needs to be great. It needs to be fruit that if you lay it at the altar, God would be pleased. I believe that CHURCH PEOPLE has accomplished this. No higher compliment could I give this movie than to say for 90 minutes I was able to get away from the world, and was the better for it. Christopher Shaw's directing work in CHURCH PEOPLE showed passion and love not only for the material but for the cause of Christ. As filmmakers, Chuck and I were inspired by it.”
- Cary Solomon & Chuck Konzelman (Writers & Directors of God’s Not Dead and Unplanned)

“I loved CHURCH PEOPLE! It made me laugh out loud but more importantly, it has a message that
leaves a true impact in your soul.. a perfect watch for this Easter season. If you are seeking something
fun to do with the whole family, make plans to see this movie!”
- Jenn Gotzon (Actress & Producer of “The Farmer and the Belle: Saving Santaland”)


Want to see CHURCH PEOPLE from the comfort of your home?  I can help! I get to draw one lucky winner ~ Simply enter via the Rafflecopter widget below! Thanks for stopping by, and good luck! 


Disclosure: Many thanks to Collide Distribution for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Thursday, February 25, 2021

Exploring the NE Georgia mountains!

Happy 2021, y'all! 

I know - it's been forever.  I'm going to be better about posting in 2021!   

It's been a hard 14 months.  But I'm digging my way out and moving forward. 

Today I am going to share a super-fun place to have lunch in the NE Georgia mountains. 

I first heard about Fenders Diner in Cornelia, GA on Facebook.   I checked out the menu online and knew it was a place I wanted to try.    My friend Katherine came to visit in January from Houston, Texas.  I love when she comes to visit because we stay on the go most of her visits! 

Here we are being goofballs on Snapchat - we have such fun times together! 



This particular day started in my little town at one of our antique stores.  So many cool things to see (and buy!) there.   



Next we headed up to the Amish store in Homer, GA.  It's about 45 minutes from me, but SO worth the drive.  They have every spice you can imagine, in bulk. They sell the marshmallows from Lucky Charms in large bags - yum!! They sell Amish popcorn, jellies, preserves, sauces and more.  Plus there is a deli/meat counter where you can get a sub to go, brisket burgers, and other fresh meat and seafood.  Don't get me started on the Amish butter and cheese!! And chilled sodas in glass bottles that you don't usually find everywhere - like Cheerwine, one of our faves!  They have a nice selection of soup and dip mixes too.  And a few personal care items like CBD oil, natural remedies, and Amish soap.   It's a little bit of everything, and one of my favorite places to shop.  The prices can't be beat, either. 



This gem is called David and Katie's Amish Store, and it is located at 969 Historic Homer Highway, in Homer.  Click here for their Facebook page. They post specials, changes in hours, etc. there, so give them a look before you head up to Homer. 


A few of the goodies I got on this trip.  The dehydrated cantaloupe chunks were amazing.

After we left David and Katie's, we headed up to Cornelia.  Despite living in Georgia for all of my adult life,  I haven't ventured up to this corner of the state much.  We loved seeing Cornelia. It's your typical all-American small town.  And Fender's is the cutest retro diner - both inside and out! 





We started with the Hot Southern Mess appetizer - crispy french fries, topped with sausage gravy, cheese, bacon and jalapenos (we got those on the side). YUM! 



I decided to try the Rockin Chicken - it's a Nashville Hot fried chicken breast served on a huge 1/2 lb cheddar cathead biscuit.  I asked for a side of ranch, and I chose their grits for my side.  They were the best grits ever - super creamy and delicious.  The chicken was HOT and perfect! 







Katherine chose the Southern Lovin' - a Southern fried chicken breast served with a mac n cheese waffle and sauteed green beans.  I only got a pic of that waffle! She said it was all wonderful! 


The service was good and we enjoyed our visit to Fenders.  I'll definitely go back!

Fenders is located at  631 Irvin Street, Cornelia GA 30531.  They have a website and a FB page, too. 



Mural near Fenders in Cornelia, GA 


Nice views looking down from Cornelia.


More from downtown Cornelia. 



We ended our day by heading down 985 to Jaemor Farms store in Lula, GA.  We picked up some fried pies and other delicious treats before heading home.  

We had some other fun experiences while Katherine was here, and I'll try to add those here soon! 

What's your favorite Diner, wherever you live? I LOVE Diners! Leave me a comment, maybe I'll get to try it one day!

Y'all take good care, and thanks for stopping by! 




Thursday, August 27, 2020

Take Back Your Life Giveaway! #TakeBackYourLife #FlyBy

Hey y'all!! Can you believe it's practically September now?!  2020 is literally flying by us! 

I'm back with a really wonderful giveaway.  This book is called Take Back Your Life  ~  A 40 Day Interactive Journey to Thinking Right So You Can Live Right, by Levi Lusko. 




I'm only a few days into this book, but it's easily the most important one I've read in 2020.  

In Take Back Your Life,  Lusko helps you learn to handle both external and internal circumstances and battles so you can move forward and take back your life.   Every daily devotion includes a prayer, journaling prompts and questions to answer, plus a relevant scripture.  

I'm absolutely loving this book, and it's a great way to begin each day.  Day 6 is my favorite so far - it's called Mask Off.  It's about the mask(s) we wear as a defense to hide our fears that we aren't enough.  Wow.  It's powerful stuff, y'all.   Get yours here!

You can also visit this site to download a four day version of this for your kids! There are also lunchbox notes to print out, a worksheet for kids to help work through their emotions, and more! 

I hope that this book will bless your days like it is blessing mine!  I look forward to each new chapter and I'm excited to see the changes in me after 40 days.   It's really helping me examine my thinking and make positive changes.  This is a particularly challenging time in my life as I navigate single-parenting a teen, training for a new job, going through a divorce, and all the other changes that we have going on.  Levi Lusko's latest book has really been a game-changer for me. 



Author Bio: Levi Lusko is the founder and lead pastor of Fresh Life Church, located in Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, and Utah. He is the bestselling author of Through the Eyes of a Lion, Swipe Right, and I Declare War. Levi also travels the world speaking about Jesus. He and his wife, Jennie, have one son, Lennox, and four daughters: Alivia, Daisy, Clover, and Lenya, who is in heaven.

I am so happy that I get to give away a copy of this book!  All you have to do is enter through my rafflecopter giveaway below.  


a Rafflecopter giveaway 


Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC and HCCP for providing this prize for the giveaway and review.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.


Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Travel -My first cruise!

Happy 2020, y'all!! I've got a million things going on, but wanted to share the amazing experience I had in December on Carnival Cruises. 

My Mom offered to pay for a cruise to the Bahamas if I'd go with her. Yes Please!! She LOVES cruising, but didn't have anyone to go with.  Also, this was our first Mother-Daughter trip. Yay! So, we started planning in late September.  I was so excited, because I've always wanted to go on a cruise!  There were lots of resources online to plan a cruise.

After looking at a few different cruise lines, Carnival is the one we decided to go with, as Mom is a member of their VIFP club.  We were given an upgrade from deck 6 to deck 10 because of her points.   We decided to go with a balcony cabin, and to purchase the Faster to the Fun package.  This allows you to board the ship earlier, and leave earlier on your return to the port.  More on that later! We also prepaid our gratuities. 

I watched a ton of videos on youtube, because I am a planner.  I like to know where I'm going and what it will be like.  Our ship was the Liberty, and there were plenty of videos there to help me get a feel for the ship and what to expect.  Our three-day cruise was scheduled for December 20-23, 2019.

Packing for the cruise was pretty easy.  Mom's got a VW bug, so we each had room for one suitcase and one carry-on in her car.  I checked the weather sites for the forecast.  It looked like it would be a bit chilly, so no bathing suit needed, and I only took one pair of shorts.  I took several pairs of leggings, a pair of black pants, two pairs of shoes, five or six shirts (I like options!) and of course, undies, bras, socks and sleepwear.  I also took a duster to throw on over the tops if it got chilly.  (And it did!)

In addition, I took a backpack to carry on deck, a lanyard, my phone and charger, camera (don't forget the batteries like I did - grrrrrr), several books for me and Mom, a hat, jewelry to dress up my outfits if needed, and my light-up Christmas necklace and buffalo check antlers for the day we disembarked.  (Christmas Eve eve! Be festive!)   And of course, toiletries and my purse.

We drove to Cocoa Beach from N. Georgia the day before our cruise.  We stayed at a Hampton Inn that was about 10 minutes from where we planned to park for the cruise.  We got there, ordered pizza and went to bed! Woke up early the next morning, and had breakfast downstairs.  Then a quick stop at Ron Jon Surf Shop for some goodies for my kiddos. 

Next, we drove to the parking lot for Park N Cruise.  Mom paid for a covered spot for her car - she loves that Bug like it's her baby! 

After a short wait, we boarded a shuttle and headed to the terminal! After we got off the bus there, our bags were handed to the porter to be delivered to our room later that day.  We went through the various check-ins and sat in the First to the Fun seating area. We were able to board right after the Platinum and Diamond VIPF members were allowed on the ship.  We ended up boarding at 11:10 am. When they called us, we walked through the terminal and over several gangways to get on the ship.






The Liberty is HUGE!! And beautiful! Everything was decorated for Christmas. We entered through the lobby and were directed to the Lido deck, #9.  That is where most of the food places are, plus a pool, and lots of seating areas. Oh, and bars - Yes!

Mom and I decided to head to Guy's Burger Joint before it got crowded.   Yum, yum, yum, y'all!! Best burger I've had in a while! The topping bar made it easy to customize your burger your way. 






We ate inside the buffet area. (the picture above was taken in the outside but covered area by the pool deck).  We didn't purchase the Cheers package, so we only got free drinks from the buffet.  Those included unsweetened tea, (my fave, so yay!),  lemonade, coffee and water. My tip- take a big insulated mug on your cruise - the cups they provide are literally 8 or 10 oz - so small! I like to carry a drink around, so my Corksicle kept drinks cold and icy.   The little yellow cup below is what is offered at all beverage stations on the Lido deck.  If you purchase the Bottomless Bubbles or Cheers package, they will bring you a can of soda or other drink with a regular glass.




I grabbed a slice of German Chocolate cake for dessert while we waited for our cabin.  The dessert table at the buffet was insane!! So many choices - citrus buttercream cheesecake, elderflower cheesecake, peanut butter cake, cookies, pastries, ice cream and so much more!  No picture, unfortunately!

Around 12:45 or 1, we went to deck 10 and located our stateroom.  Our bags hadn't arrived, so I went back down to deck 9 and ordered a big ol' Tropical Colada.   I relaxed and enjoyed my drink by a window in one of the bars, and shared a Facebook live as we sailed out of the port.  Then I put my phone in airplane mode and got myself into vacation mode!  Yes - I unplugged for 3 full days and it was AWESOME!


Once we got out from the port, I went back to the room and met up with Mom.  After a few minutes, our bags arrived.  We got settled in, and then it was time for the muster drill.  That was my least favorite part of the entire cruise.  I get claustrophobic and there were so many people in our muster area.  It took about 35 minutes, crammed and sweaty in a huge crowd.  I was so happy when that was over, and I could go back to our stateroom!

**If you are new to cruising like me, and don't know what a muster drill is, it's a safety meeting to show you how to use the life jackets.  It shows you where to go if there is an emergency, too.**

I spent some time out on the balcony enjoying the wonderful ocean view. It started raining so I headed in to get ready for our 6:00 pm dinner seating. 



Have you ever cruised?  Which line is your favorite?

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Samplesource.com ~ Great chance to try before you buy!!

Have you signed up for samplesource.com? I got all of these in my October box!

It's awesome to get these every month!! Sign up on their site and you will get a heads up when there are new products to choose from, and you just add them to your box. 

I also got a free coupon for a bag of potatoes (up to $7.99 value!) and one for $2 off of the Persil detergent. Not a bad mail day!!