32 x 32

Posted on by Laura

Nothing like a birthday to get you thinking about the future and what you want to accomplish. No one looks forward to aging, which is why it’s important to find new ways to celebrate and look forward to birthdays. Continuing to challenge ourselves and break out of our routine helps to keep life fresh, fun, and exciting even when the years start adding up. That’s why I’ve decided to create a birthday bucket list this year.

What’s a birthday bucket list you say? In my case it’s a list of 32 Things I Want To Do Before 32. Your list can follow the number of years or can be something you want to accomplish each month leading up to your birthday. Whatever you decide make sure you have enough thought and intention behind each item on your list.

And in no particular order here’s my list:

  1. Run a 5K without stopping.
  2. Read a new book each month.
  3. Get another tattoo.
  4. Visit Magnolia Market & Harp Design Co. in Waco, Texas.
  5. Loose 30 pounds.
  6. Save at least $5,000 in a savings account for emergency.
  7. Have a morning routine.
  8. Learn the art of cocktail making.
  9. Plan an adventure/activity for the kids every month.
  10. Ditch my Starbucks habit.
  11. Replace my entire wardrobe.
  12. Attend Vision Expo West in Las Vegas.
  13. Get caught up on RISE and RISE Together podcasts then listen weekly.
  14. Do a sugar detox.
  15. Create a workout space in the basement.
  16. Ride on a motorcycle.
  17. Learn calligraphy.
  18. Visit Hawaii (again) with my husband…maybe kids too?
  19. Donate blood.
  20. Attend a personal growth conference.
  21. Have a candlelit dinner.
  22. Become more financially responsible.
  23. Create a blog.
  24. Attend a Broadway show.
  25. Take each daughter on a one-on-one date every month.
  26. Always have my nails done.
  27. Try floating.
  28. Have family photos done.
  29. Become more educated on essential oils.
  30. Buy a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes from their NYC boutique.
  31. Have a weekly workout routine.
  32. Surprise my husband with a date or weekend trip.

Creating this list has me looking forward to celebrating 31 years of life and seeing what I can accomplish before 32.

What do you want to accomplish ahead of your next birthday or this year? Have you already completed any of the items on my birthday bucket list? If so, please share any advice in the comments below!

Suck it up buttercup, a tough girl mentality.

Posted on by Laura

The phrase “suck it up” is used to tell someone that they have to accept a difficult or unpleasant situation even if they don’t want to. This is a phrase that was said by my Dad to both my sister and myself. He taught us to be tough. We were his tough girls. To him we were also his girly girls so when he told us to “suck it up buttercup” I know he meant it from a caring and loving place.

You see I lost my Dad just over four years ago and not a day goes by where I don’t picture him telling me c’mon tough girl you got this or suck it up buttercup. These two lines always make me think of his positive attitude while in hospice care towards the end of his life. They are a reminder to me that I am still living. Life may be hard but I’m alive. I have faced difficult situations before and I will again prevail.

The last several months have been challenging. No, the last few years. Wait, who am I kidding more like the last eight years! I know what your thinking…that’s a lot of years. But those last eight years are why I’ve decided to start a blog. I’ve been through a lot of shit. Good, bad. Happy, sad. Stressful. Depressing. You name it, I’ve most likely felt it.

So welcome to my blog; Suck It Up Buttercup. Where I will discuss life and everything that comes along with it.