Thrive For Life ~ Worth Sharing

It's been a little over a year since a friend handed me this.

Three packets of THRIVE Lifestyle Women Capsules.

We were on a girls adventure trip to The Pink Pistol.

I arrived at her house, climbed in her truck, only to be handed the packets.

I was skeptical, as I have never found a vitamin that didn't make me ill, sick to my stomach, shaky and within 30 minutes of taking it, began retching!

She asked me to trust her and try it.

She promised that if it made me sick or I began to retch, she would turn the truck around and we would not go on our adventure.

This adventure was something we had been planning for a very long time.

I knew, if she was willing to commit to turning around, this had to be a product she believed in, so I trusted her judgement and took a capsule.

Ok.... Friend... You Win!

I did not get sick!

I did not shake!

My stomach did not feel queasy!

AND

I did not retch!

I actually had energy and felt great the entire day!

So the next day, I continued with another capsule.

By the next week, I was convinced and placed an order.

For the first time in my life, I could take a vitamin supplement and not have side effects!

I continued to take a single capsule for a few weeks, just to make sure it wouldn't effect me.

I saw many changes in my energy level and sleep quality.

Something I knew I had been lacking.

I have always been active.

I go on regular walks during my lunch hour and do my best to get in my required steps each day.

Not to mention all the activity done around the ranch.

There were days, before THRIVE, that I had a difficult time getting motivated.

Some of you may remember, last winter, Flower Boy came down with phenomena.

He was down for over a month, with breathing treatments, doctors appointments, antibiotics, and shots.

Upon his recovery, he said "I think I need some of that THRIVE stuff you take."

So, I ordered a men's pack.

When it arrived, I sent half of the pack, to college, with Drewman.

I thought...

"Cognitive Performance"

What college student doesn't need Cognitive Performance?

Even better...

Drewman's cardiologist approved him to take THRIVE!

He says "Everything in this product is 100% natural." and had no problem with Drewman taking it daily.

As a matter of fact...

He recommended it and saw Drewman could only benefit from it!

Drewman was also having some issues sleeping.

He had began running and regular workouts.

His back was hurting.

Drewman is a 6'5" 220lb young man.

With his height, he was making regular trips to the chiropractor for regular adjustments.

I can honestly say, since taking THRIVE, Drewman has lessened his trips to the chiropractor.

Now, there is a detox period, when you first start to take THRIVE.

It is short lived.

Flower Boy and Drewman urinated more than normal for 3 days.

I did as well, but also had several bowl movements per day.

One might say...

I was full of poop!

HA!

It was the pro-biotic at work!

If you are a woman in your 40's, or older, going through menopause...

You might be able to relate to the bowel issue.

No one wants to talk about it, but I'm telling you,

THIS worked for me!

I have always been a smoothie drinker, in the mornings.

It is an easy way for me to have breakfast on the go, as I drive into work.

THRIVE has a shake mix too!

I mix it in with my fruit and orange juice, and I'm off for the day!

Quick, Simple, Easy, and OH SO GOOD!

In November, I had my yearly blood workup and health check.

I was down 10lbs, as well as, all of my blood levels were down.

My levels have always been in the normal range, but they were in the lower normal range this time.

Have I changed anything?

Only THRIVE!

Okay...

So...

You have read this far and you are saying,

"Are you selling this?"

No, I am not a THRIVE Promoter.

I know promoters, and can easily connect you to them.

Can you make money being a promoter?

I'm sure you can!

I just don't have the time.

SO...

Now you are asking,

"What's the cost?"

Am I looking for 2 people?

Nope!

My guys and I have been taking THRIVE for a year.

It is a proven product for us.

We will continue to purchase it, because IT WORKS!

Some folks have commented,

"You are some of the hardest working folks I know!"

How do we do it?

As we have gotten older...

This is how!

Here at Rockin' B Ranch, we THRIVE For Life!

We think it is worth sharing!

XOXO,

Rancher Girl

This blog and photos may not be shared or reproduced without the express written consent of A Building We Shall Go! Copyright 2013 A Building We Shall Go! All rights reserved To view our full website, visit www.therockinB.com

2015 Reader Favorites

How can it be the end of the year already?! Crazy right?! I love to take time for reflection at this time of year. As a blogger it's always so fun to see what posts resonated the most with you all. So without further ado, here are your favorite posts of 2015 based on pageviews and comments!

1. Favorite Post of the Year
Without question based on pageviews, your favorite post of the year was the post where I announced that we sold our Kentucky home.

photo by Sarah Grashel Photography

Followed closely by the full "before" house tour I gave you of our new house (#6) here in Charleston, SC.

2. Favorite Room Reveal
The work space I carved out for myself in a small area of the basement in our last home seemed to be the most popular "room reveal" of the year, even if it was just one small section of the room. And revisiting this post has me inspired and motivated to get to work on carving out an office space for myself somewhere in our new home.

3. Favorite Makeover
There were two posts that seemed to tie for your favorite makeover of the year and they were both outdoor makeovers. The first was the Louisville, KY backyard makeover where I partnered with Lowe's to give one sweet family a great outdoor entertaining space.

The next was our patio makeover with A&E Outdoor at our previous house, which was so timely as this outdoor entertaining space really helped to make our house show well while it was on the market.

4. Favorite DIY Project

The fireplace makeover with beadboard paneling and wood tiles was not only your favorite but my favorite diy of the year. This was one of those "to do before we list the house" projects, and it's one I'm sorry I waited so long to do. I only had a couple of months to enjoy it before we sold the house, but it definitely made for a great bang for the return buck as it totally made our basement shine.

5. Favorite Design Post

You all seemed to love when I shared my 10 favorite Etsy Artists, so I plan to share more of my decor sources and favorites in the coming year.

The simple no sew curtain panels in my living room were also a hit.

6. Favorite Organization Post

Surprisingly to me, the post where I shared my trick to an organized, streamlined closet was the most popular organization post of the year. I didn't expect for such a simple idea to be so well received.

7. Favorite Recipe

No fuss zucchini lasagna made the top of the list for the recipes I shared this year. And it's a great one to help you get back into a meal making routine after the holidays.

8. Favorite Personal Post

Every now again, like maybe just a few times a year, I share some real heartfelt stuff. It's never easy to share the real stuff, the hard stuff, the stuff that isn't "pinnable" or "pretty", but I've found that it is always worthwhile. As at the heart of sharing who you really are or how you've struggled you not only make it easier for others to share their real stories, but you help to lift up and encourage those that are struggling with similar issues. That being said, color this diy design blogger shocked, to find that this post about getting over body image issues and trying on bathing suits with confidence was not only a favorite of yours, but this picture was the most liked photo on my instagram?

I think it's because we're gosh darn tired of being sold unrealistic images of so-called perfection and we're all starving for something real. I think we need to see more real untouched women confidently rocking their bodies. Our daughters need to see that beauty comes in all shapes, colors, ages and sizes, but most importantly that inner beauty reigns supreme!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

It was fun to take a look back at the year. I think 2015 was my most favorite year of blogging yet. I was honored to have our previous home (our fifth house) featured in Better Home's & Gardens Refresh Magazine as well as in a local Lexington magazine, Tops in Lex. Cottages and Bungalows Magazine also included a project of mine in their Christmas issue. I know things like this wouldn't be happening at all if it weren't for you all and your amazing support of this little blog! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm so looking forward to all that 2016 will bring!

Any big plans for New Year's Eve? I'll probably be in bed and asleep by 11:30 p.m. Ha!

After Christmas

Hello……

It's Me…..

I'm in Charleston dreaming about how I used to blog.

Ha! I'm sorry I couldn't help but start today's post with a little Adele. Are we sick of that song yet? Not hardly right?

But seriously guys, I've missed you all! How was your Christmas? Good, great, wonderful I hope. Ours was truly special and definitely one I'll remember for years to come. We took the kiddos down to Orlando for a little bit of Disney Christmas magic and returned home late on the 23rd. Just in time to wake up on Christmas Eve to unpack and get laundry going, get dressed and head out to lunch then candlelight service at church and then home for some Christmas movie action before heading to bed. Oh hey, I think I just hit the run-on sentence jackpot with that last one! Christmas Day was a welcome day of relaxing. I mean, if you call being woken up at 6:30 am by a 9 year old jumping on you to let you know that not only Santa came but the tooth fairy finally showed up too…….after having missed her duties the previous two nights……"relaxing". What can I say about the tooth fairy really? She's old and forgetful. ;) Anyhow, the present opening extravaganza was followed up with mimosas and a pajama party with neighbors. I took that as a cue to stay in my jammies 'til long after noon, like I needed an excuse……I think I finally threw on some "active wear" around 3pm to go on a bike ride.

All in all is was pretty fabulous. I somehow managed to wrangle my bunch into one last family photo session right before leaving for church on Christmas Eve. You think I could get away with putting this on our Christmas cards for 2016? Ha! I could get a jump on them and order now. ;)

When I shared this photo on Instagram a bunch of y'all wanted to know outfit sources. Hubs blazer is the Ludlow in English wool tartan from JCrew, but it's sold out now because apparently everyone is just as obsessed with plaid as we are. ;) Maybe try checking on ebay? Or maybe try this tartan tie with a solid blazer? Little girlfriend's dress is from Target. My dudes tie is an oldie from Crewcuts. My entire outfit is a few years old. Shirt is from Old Navy, but here's a similar one in navy. Skirt and shoes are from Banana Republic, but I love this knee length skirt and these pumps! I find that my love of the color red comes in handy around the holidays as I already have a closet full of festive options. ;)

So anyhow, I can't wait to tell you all about our Disney trip! But first, I need another day to recuperate and get my head in the game. I know right? Like girlfriend's been on vacay for over a week already. I'm working on it y'all. I do have some other fun stuff to share very soon so I promise to get my act together asap. We've got family coming in today, so I've been cleaning and sprucing to host guests……that's a valid excuse right?

Any of you have big plans for New Year's? I'll probably be asleep by 11:30 p.m. ;)

I just want to close today's random post with a genuine heartfelt thank you! Last year around the holidays I had some slightly scary health stuff going on; and while it all ended up being nothing, thank God, I was worried. And blogging is a big part of what kept me moving forward and what helped me to put my fear in check. The truth about life is that you just never know what someone might be going through and even just a few small words of encouragement can totally make someone's day. You all have been that encouragement for me. You've come along on this ride and your time visiting has not gone unnoticed. I appreciate you….everyone…. those that read daily, those that pin, those who check in once a month, the ones who email me pictures of Star Wars cakes and plaid mugs and cool horse prints, the ones that ask for my design help, those of you who follow on Facebook and or Instagram…….all of you who turn the other cheek when I smack you in the face with a run-on sentence of epic proportions…..I appreciate every single one of you! Thank you for making this blogging adventure so. much. fun! I'm so excited to see what 2016 brings!

Merry Christmas!

The morning of Christmas Eve we took the kids to get our annual picture on Santa’s lap and he asked them what they wanted for Christmas.  My 11 year old asked for rain on Christmas day.  My 9 year old asked for World Peace.  My 5 year old little buddy asked for a robot. We […]

The post Merry Christmas! appeared first on The Sunny Side Up Blog.

Christmas Night Lights

Oh my word.. Christmas is almost here!  My kids are so excited I think they might burst.  I still have so much left to do I think I might burst.  There is a lot of almost bursting going on around here.  :)  I’ve actually managed to stay fairly calm during the storm that is December […]

The post Christmas Night Lights appeared first on The Sunny Side Up Blog.

Our 2015 Christmas Tree & Holiday Decor

Crank up “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer” and chug some eggnog, because we’re about to share some festive photos up in hurrrr. First up, the tree. You guys might remember that we set it up in the office the first year that we lived here.

As much as we loved the effect of the lights reflecting in the bay window, we’re glad we experimented with a different spot for it (after putting my desk there last year) because we like the new location even better.

As we learned last year, Christmas morning feels cozier when you’re opening presents in a living room rather than a home office. I mean, just look at how comfortable this dog is.

We’re still embracing a smorgasbord of meaningful and sweet ornaments without much thought about a certain color palette or theme anymore (other than “lots of shiny and glittery things that make us smile”). There’s everything from a Rudolph made of popsicle sticks to a chihuahua wearing a sweater. And an actual burger ornament. Every tree needs at least one of those.

Some of my favorites are the handmade ones, like these silhouettes of the kiddos (C’s on the left and T’s on the right). I also have their little hand prints that I traced when they were both small enough for them to fit on a tiny round ornament (more on making both here).

The mantel is extra simple this year. I like that it’s not too fussy, but it still feels happy. The ceramic houses are from a few Christmases ago (you can see those if you scroll up a few photos) and the trees are from Target (here’s the red one, pink one, and navy one). We have the same snowflake stockings we’ve had since 2007, but this year I spiced them up with these elephant chains from World Market.

There are a bunch of elephants on each one so you can cut one down to fancy up two stockings (or make ornaments with the extra ones like I did). Clara & Teddy are 95% more into their stockings since we added some four-legged friends.

Our console table in the foyer features Old Faithful (my favorite feather tree) and I shoved a bunch of ornaments under a glass cloche for some gleaming this-took-me-ten-seconds flair.

Christmas Moose is also back in the foyer. And this year we taped up all of our holiday cards to the nearby coat closet using thin navy ribbon looped over the door. One tip: leave extra ribbon going down the back of the door where you secure it with tape – that way you can release it to lower your ribbons in the front of the door and free up more room on top to tape more cards as they come in. We’re still getting them with T-minus 3 days ’til Christmas!

Not much has changed in terms of our outdoor decorations, except for one addition.

Wait for it…

Wait for it…

BOOTS WITH THE FIR.

(I’m ridiculously proud of that pun. Like you should see my face right now. I’m beaming.)

I pulled them out of the shadows of the porch to snap that picture, but they really live under the awning next to the door. I found them secondhand for $5 and they’re all rubber so it’s cool if they get wet and stuff, but since they’re under the awning they’re not filling up with water and bugs, which is a plus.

Oh and that’s my magnolia wreath that I shared with you guys a few weeks back on Instagram. I went with the girls to a vineyard called Rassawek that’s about an hour west of Richmond where they put on an annual wine & wreath thing (we house crashed their cabins a couple of years ago). It took about an hour to make 20 little leaf bunches with wire (while pausing for snacks and drinks) and then you stick your leaf bunches into a big wire wreath form and this machine they have clamps the wreath form closed around them. Hard to explain, but super cool.

Sorry it’s so shadowy and dark up there in the door photo, but here she is in all of her glossy during-the-day glory. Also, tell me that’s not the best freaking photobomb you’ve ever seen.

I might even try to make a magnolia garland for the mantel next year. We’ll see how well this wreath fares…

Oh and one last thing (especially if you need a last minute grandparent gift). We saw these black & white mug kits at Starbucks that came with porcelain pens, so we bought a couple for Clara to doodle on for her coffee-loving grandmas. Now we’ll all never forget how cute her one-antlered reindeer and tall skinny triangle trees are.

Anyways, we hope you guys are all gearing up for some good times full of family, food, and fun (and boots with the fir?). We’re excited to celebrate our first Christmas in our finished living room. As you can see from this shot that we took last year, it was about halfway done (note the unfinished fireplace, old rug, and tiny Tedster).

Fast-forward one year. Now my kids are giant and I’m crying. Deep breaths. Deep breaths. Just think about boots with the fir. Ha! I MIGHT NEVER FROWN AGAIN.

We’re keeping our holiday festivities somewhat low-key this year because we have some pretty major home updates underway (gotta love a holiday tradition that’s still going strong). We can’t wait to share those with you guys when they come together a little more. Until then, we hope that you have a safe and happy end of 2015 and an awesome New Year. Holy cow, 2016, here we come!

*Affiliate links are included in this post* 

Heart Of A Champion!

A week or so ago, these two guys spent some "bro" time and made some great memories!

Drewman asked Carter, The Big Kid's nephew, to participate with him in Heart Of A Champion.

It was a welcome break for Drewman, as he finished finals week for college.

Heart Of A Champion is a special needs livestock show.

Carter has autism.

Drewman is one of #TeamCarter's largest supporters.

Our entire family is, actually!

I had the privilege of being behind the scenes and being the personal photographer of these two.

I'm not sure who was more excited, them or me!

They are focused and ready for the day!

Animals are Carter's thing.

It only made since that Drewman chose Carter to participate with him.

To start, Carter got to meet the sheep.

"Hi! I'm Carter."

He also chatted with the FFA kids that own the animals.

Carter had some great questions to ask these FFA students.

Next, Drewman and Carter moved on to the pig show ring!

"Let's name him Chop!"

Drewman provided great instruction and guidance.

Carter listened very intently.

Once Carter got the hang of it,

Drewman stepped back and Carter did his thing!

This is one of my most favorite photos of the day!

Carter's Momma and Daddy are in the background.

There was a bit of a wait to show the sheep.

Waiting is never easy!

A little instruction...

AND

Here we go, with "Shawn the Sheep"!

Keep an eye on the judge.

Listen to Drewman for instruction.

"Drew, I can do it."

"Carter, you got this Buddy!"

Exit the ring....

Only to enter for round two!

Carter takes the lead.

Drewman just guides "Shawn".

Awesome Job, Guys!

More waiting and discussing as the awards start.

LOVE these shots!

Oklahoma State University Baseball Coach, Josh Holliday, served as the official Heart Of A Champion Judge.

Thanks Coach!

When Carter was asked why he didn't talk to the judge, he responded,

"Because "The Judge" is only for bad people and I wasn't bad!"

No, Carter, you were not bad.

YOU WERE AWESOME!

Thank you for spending the day with Drewman and allowing me to tag along behind.

What a happy day!

In my books, both of these guys are the true definition of Heart Of A Champion!

We are all so proud of them!

XOXO,

Rancher Girl

This blog and photos may not be shared or reproduced without the express written consent of A Building We Shall Go! Copyright 2013 A Building We Shall Go! All rights reserved To view our full website, visit www.therockinB.com