I'm going to the Bahamas....for FREE!

I 'radio surf' a lot, but lately my station of choice for the past few months has been 105.3 KISS FM.  They had a contest going on to win 1 of 5 trips to the Bahamas.  When you heard the 'cue to call' you had to be 1 of 5 qualifiers to be entered into that weeks draw.  I heard the cue often during the five weeks the contest ran, but hadn't been able to qualify. My luck changed a little when on February 5th, I heard ringing! Yes! I was qualifier #3!  I was seriously excited to have just qualified, not easy when many people are trying to at the same time!  My boss and I joked a little and she said, 'make sure you have enough vacation leave or I won't approve your time off' & I replied, 'of course, I have enough leave, I've been saving 'my one time leave entitlement' for just this reason, so that when I win a trip, I'll be fine!'

On February 7th I got a call that made my day!  I remember it like it was yesterday.  It was a regular Friday, but I had a feeling that today was going to be a good day, boy was I ever right!

I started off my day as usual.  Getting up and getting ready for work while the rest of my family slept on.  I was at work by 6 h 30, yup, I start early, but it's my choice and it works well for my family & I.  I was at work, minding my own business, doing my things when at 7 h 53 my cell phone rings and the screen says 'KISS FM'.  To say I was in shock is an understatement.  I answered and said: 'Helloooooo', well, it was Carter & Sandra from the morning show!  I don't think I was able to carry a decent conversation with them and add the fact that I had actually lost my voice due to a cold didn't help things.  We chatted for a few minutes.  The whole time I'm shaking like a leaf! I was asked not to post anything on social media until the official announcement was made on the radio.  I tried reaching my husband, but he was on his way to drop off the kids to school & as usual, he didn't have cell phone with him.  I'm bursting with wanting to share my good news, so I sent texts to a few friends and talked with colleagues at work.  I was finally able to reach him an hour later.  When I told him the news, he thought I was joking, he finally realized that it's the truth and that we are going to the Bahamas!

We will be taking our trip end of November/beginning of December.  Still sorting out where the kids will be staying & organizing them.  We can't wait to go!  We've never been to a resort before and we are looking forward to this trip.  We will be staying at the Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island (http://www.sandals.com/main/bahamian/ba-home/).

Have you been to the Bahamas?  We are thinking of going into Nassau to visit the market at some point during our stay & possibly doing some excursions.  What else do you suggest?

Thank you KISS FM for making this bucket list wish item come true!

Christine / @marlchr

** Disclosure:  I was not financially compensated for this post.  The opinions are my own, based on my personal experience.

Image Courtesy of stockimages / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

21-Day Meditation Experience, Finding Your Flow

I'm all about learning & trying new things that I feel 'safe' to do,  so when I saw a post from Oprah & Deepak Chopra about a meditation experience, I decided why not!  I need to learn to let go of things and concentrate on my well being.  I've never been able to meditate properly, so hoping experience will help go well.

I have seen Deepak speak at one of the Power Within conference that I attended.  I remember leaving the conference full of energy and a lighter heart, ready to face the world.  And of course, everyone knows Oprah!

Today is the first day of the 21-Day Meditation Experience, Finding Your flow.  Today's theme is 'Finding Security'.

Before starting the 20 minute audio, I made sure that I had no distractions (kids in bed and staying in bed!), I dimmed the lights, made sure I was comfortable.

The audio starts with Oprah, sharing her thoughts and telling us a little about our journey with meditation, then it's Deepak's turn. There's soothing music in the background as Deepak speaks.  In hindsight, it would have been better to this before starting my day, but in my case, it's pretty hard to do since I'm out of the house by 5:30 am.  I will keep in mind tonight's centering thought of 'My security and peace are within' during the day tomorrow.  Even though my mind wandered a bit during this first time meditating, I was able to re-focus but by repeating the mantras, Lam & I am security.  I am feeling happy to have undertaken a new adventure.  

If you would like to try this or for more information, please go to: https://chopracentermeditation.com/

If you try it, I hope you'll share your experience with me along with any suggestions you may have.

Have a good night everyone :)

Christine / @marlchr

** Disclosure:  I was not financially compensated for this post.  The opinions are my own, based on my personal experience.

Losing weight is easy...said no one!

It's been a while since my last post, so here's a little update.  I have lost 10 lbs! Yay for me!  I am super proud of myself.  I'm losing weight for myself,  I want to have more energy and to be more active with my kids.

Since my last post, my office as moved buildings.  Instead of getting a parking spot at this new place, at triple the price I might add, I've decided to park at my old building and walk the 17-20 minutes every morning and night.  It's actually been easier than I thought.  I am leaving the house earlier and getting home later, but it also means that if I don't have to exercise once I'm home.  This office move also brought me closer to a good friend of mine who works in the building next door.  We've been going on 40-50 minutes walks at lunch.  I am feeling better & more energized!  Along with the 'My Fitness Pal' app that I use daily, I've also been using 'Map My Walk'.  This app will analyse my walk and tell me how many km I walked, how many calories I've lost and how long it took, but best of all, it synchronizes the walk information to 'My Fitness Pal'.  It's great!

I read somewhere that it takes 21 days to create a new habit.  I'm starting to believe it, going into my app to enter my data daily is now second nature.

It takes a lot of work & dedication, but I feel like I can do it!

I had a birthday a few weeks ago and with my birthday money I'm planning on getting the Fitbit One tracker.  Love that it monitors my steps, distance, calories burned and especially my sleep pattern.  Do you have a Fitbit? Do you like it?

Christine / @marlchr

** Disclosure:  I was not financially compensated for this post.  The opinions are my own, based on my personal experience.

Image courtesy of stockimages / FreeDigitalPhotos.net