BIRTHDAY FREEBIES

Some people look at birthdays as a depressing event.
Another year over. Another year older.
Others (like myself) look at birthdays as a chance to get lots of free things!

I'm not talking about gifts from friends and family...although that is nice.
I'm talking about complete strangers giving you gifts just because it is your birthday!

Here is what I was given for free last month on my 31st birthday...


{the coupons began rolling in, by mail and email, leading up to my bday}

Like a nerd, I printed and cut coupons and put them in a red envelope. On the front of the envelope, I wrote the store and the expiration date, so I could see if time was running out on any deals.



{because I'm signed up to receive email updates from them, Noodles gave me dinner for free}

I got the Wisconsin Mac and Cheese (and gave it to Derek).



{because I'm signed up to receive emails updates from them, Corner Bakery gave me a free dessert}

I got the Birthday Bundt Cake (and gave it Derek).

{When you register a gift card online, Starbucks gives you a free drink on your birthday...any size!}

On a Saturday morning of running errands, I got myself a Venti, Decaf, Sugar-Free Caramel, Soy Latte. Slightly less complicated than this drink! Maybe I'll try THIS on my next birthday!



{Panera has a great rewards program. They give you free food when you eat there...and on your bday}

I got the Chocolate Chip Muffie to enjoy with my free Starbucks drink.

This time I got it for myself...and not Derek!





{If you sign up for email updates from Caribou, you get a free drink (any size) on your bday}

I left work a few hours early on my bday and enjoyed a decaf, iced, sugar-free caramel soy latte!



{If you sign up for email updates from the Container Store, you get a free gift on your bday}

You can never have enough reusable bags- right?!



No coupon needed for this one... get your eyebrows waxed for free at the Brow Bar at any Ulta Salon!!!


{If you sign up for email updates from World Market, they give you $10 to spend on your bday}

 I only had to pay $2 for this scarf with my $10 bday coupon!

There are a few coupons I didn't get around to using... $10 at Uncle Dan's, $10 off your $30 bill at Maggiano's, a coupon from Chili's, buy one-get one free at Cold Stone... (all because I'm signed up for email updates).
I'm sure there are other great birthday deals out there...don't be afraid to get excited about free things!

Happy New Year!!!

Where did 2011 go?!?
I had so many goals, so many plans...so many great ambitions to blog regularly (Ooops!).

With a new year, comes new goals, plans, resolutions.

This year, my priorities revolve around faith, fitness, & family.



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 FAITH. It's so easy to put my relationship with the Lord on the back-burner, and to get busy with life and excited about what I have planned. I NEED to make spending time with God a priority. It was nice having a few days off and to be able to sleep in then sit in our front sun room with my Bible and journal. To read and pray is such a great way to start out my morning. My plan for 2012 is to read through the 1 Year Chronological Bible...and my hope is to be consistent each day!



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 Fitness. Getting in shape, losing weight, eating healthy, working out consistently, getting my a1c under 7, my Diabetes under tighter control, and my body ready for a baby (someday). I ran at the gym on Jan 1st and did a yoga workout at home on Jan 2nd (patting self on back). So far so good (I know, it's only been 2 days!). I've decided to kick off the year with a 28 day cleanse/detox. Our kitchen is overflowing with fruits, veggies, spices, and pots and pans from a weekend of cooking and planning ahead. The only real problem I've run into is when I added a pinch of Cayenne pepper to my mango coconut water smoothie this morning...and then proceeded to put in my contacts (without having washed my hands). Ouch! I have big hopes for making this the healthiest year ever. I've spent the last few years obsessing over healthy living and eating blogs, books, documentaries, etc. It's time to put it all to good use!



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Family. I couldn't imagine my life without Derek. He really is the perfect fit for me! We are very compatible, rarely argue, and work very well together. He always knows the right thing to say and do...and he is the funniest man I've ever met!!! (It doesn't hurt that I think he's the hottest guy around either). Because it's so easy being married to him, there's not a lot that we work on improving. This year I want to be more intentional about our marriage. I want to look for things to improve in our relationship. We aren't planning on "starting a family" this year. That one goes back to my goals in fitness. I want to take this year to prepare my body & get my Diabetes under control so that in a year, 2, maybe more...we'll be ready to grow our family. The same goes for strengthening our marriage. I want us to put habits and things into place that will strengthen our family now and benefit our kids someday.

The beginning of the year always seems so hopeful and promising. Its an exciting time to start fresh. I'd like to sit down and fine-tune these goals, writing out specifics and really making a plan to stick to it.

I'm excited to pursue excellence this year in faith, fitness and family.

Here's to a good new year! Happy 2012. What are your goals?