Be Well South Dakota

Just sharing that I am so excited to be part of a new blogging adventure, Be Well South Dakota.  We are a team of bloggers who will be blogging about our health and wellness journey.  We hope to inspire and educate residents of our great state to become a healthier state, one step at a time.

Our site has been up and running for a few weeks, if you have time...check out our vlog at  Welcome to Be Well South Dakota.

If you visit the site, don't forget to subscribe so you too can be inspired on your wellness journey!

All is Good...

My hair stylist has been out on maternity leave for three months, so there was much to catch up on my appointment last week.  Conversation went like this:

Erin:  How has things been going?
Me: Good

Erin: How is work going?
Me: Busy, but good

Erin:  How is your hubby?
Me: A bit discouraged about the dry weather, but otherwise good.

Erin: How is your daughter out in Montana?
Me: She started classes and she is doing good.

Erin: How is your grandson?
Me: He started a new daycare and preschool, but he is good.

Erin: And your son?
Me: He is working full time and taking college courses on line...and he is good.

Erin: And your youngest daughter?
Me: She just celebrated her 17th birthday and she is doing good.

What a blessing...All is good!!

This past weekend, I attended the Refine Conference.  What a wonderful, heart pricking event.  I am still processing many of the things I heard and learned...but rest assured...it is all good!

PS.  I still continue to struggle with on going neck and back pain, this could be part of my new "normal" from the mastectomy and radiation...but...the biggest question I am being asked by my health care professionals...should we do a PET scan?  I struggle with doing another scan, because I believe God healed me and I just think this pain is from over exercising and possibly a hectic schedule the last few weeks.  However, maybe it is time to just eliminate that concern?  I will keep you posted....but for right now...I am still claiming....ALL IS GOOD!

Book Review: Let's Write A Short Story

A new feature that I am hoping to accomplish on my blog is to share some of the great books I have been reading.  This week, I am going to share with you a book written by Joe Bunting.

Before reading the book Let's Write a Short Story, I didn't really even know what made a short story. Mr. Bunting's book helped educate, informe and encourage me on my quest in learning the craft of writing. After reading the book (and doing some of the practice applications):

• I now know what makes up a short story
• I have some great resources on publication possibilities
• I have set a few goals
• I have a clearer understanding in the unique world of writing

Let me share a few highlights of this great book:

• A challenge to write a short story every week
• Rejection is a badge of honor and by writing short stories I will be rejected sooner than if I wait until I submit a novel.
• That the privilege of being a writer is capturing the world's stories and putting them in a form that can be shared.
• Great guidelines on the how to write a short story.
• To be accountable and share on my blog that I intend to write a short story by the end of the month. (YES!)

I loved the easy to read style of this book, along with the tools shared on how to launch a career, become a better writer and small, practical steps towards publications.  Not only is there practical tools and application steps, Joe has sprinkled encouragement throughout the book. At the end of the book, Joe shares many resources which I can't wait to check out.  This is one "craft" book, I will be referring and recommending often. Thanks Joe for helping a newbie learn.

Total Indulgence with Beauty on a Budget!

Just sharing:

Before I begin, let me share with you, I have never been to a spa, nor have I had a pedicure, manicure or message.  Such luxuries have been something that I have never had the opportunity to indulge in...

So, if you are like me, or if you are just wanting to save some bucks...let me share with you my spa night at home:

Last week, one of my coworkers shared a leg scrub that she had found online.  Last evening, I had an unexpected hour to myself, so I thought I would try it out.

Step by Step Saturday Night Spa at Home

First thing:

I mixed up the body scrub:

1 1/4 cup of sugar

1/2 cup of oil



5 tsps fresh lemon or lime

 After I mixed up the scrub, I collected the other necessities for a spa night at home:

Along with a beverage...last nights choice a glass of wine (if weather was cooler, I would have had a cup of decaf tea.)

Some chocolate

 A candle and flowers

Some Kari Jobe



A tub

Lots of bubbles

My favorite for soaking away my aches and pains

Finished with some lotion...adding just a bit of "smelly" lotion to finish off the experience.



My steps for my spa night was that I mixed up scrub.  Took a shower and washed my hair.  Added Conditioner and left it in.  Ran my tub water.  Soaked for five minutes. (Since I don't have a clock in my bathroom, I soaked for one song.)  I shaved one leg.  Added scrub.  Rinsed off scrub.  Shaved leg again.  Repeated same process on other leg.  Drained water out of tub.  Used remainder of scrub for an all over body scrub.  Started shower and rinsed hair and scrub off of body.  Dried off.  Applied lotion 

I was amazed at how smooth the scrub made my skin....total indulgence!  (And very little cost!)

Question:  When was the last time you have had an indulgent moment?  Or do you have any beautiful budget tips to share?