Life is Better with Spunk

Last week's challenge was to participate in your community. On Saturday morning Hunk, Punk, and I visited the farmer's market. In our community we have two markets. Each has a completely different feel and environment. 

The Saturday market usually has more produce and because it is in the morning there are many vendors that are selling breakfast type foods. The Tuesday night market has many local restaurents serving dinner, there is also a large line up of local bands playing music.  

I love the culture surrounding the farmers market--the fresh produce, abundance of delicious baked goods, and the amazing handmade products. When I go the farmer's market I fill that I am more in touch with my community when I am purchasing local goods.

How did you participate in your community last week?

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This week's challenge is to get out in the sun. Pretty simple and I am sure it is something we all enjoy.

;)

Have fun, and thanks for stopping by to say, "Hi!"

Life is Better with Spunk

How did  last week's challenge turn out?

Did you buy something that you desperately wanted but didn't really need?

I am really not trying to get you in trouble, I just think every now and then we need to reward ourselves--even if it is something small.

I have been wanting a new pair of sandals so I set out to find the perfect pair, and man oh' man did I score. These fine babies got broken in within the first day.

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For this week's challenge find some way to participate in your community. Go to a free concert, visit a museum, help with a disaster, go to a farmers market, watch a parade, check out a rodeo, buy locally, volunteer your time---the ideas are endless when it comes to gettting involved in your neighborhood or community.

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There are many resources out there to tell you what is going on in your area. Make sure to check out your local newspaper, news stations, Chamber of Commerce, community visitor's center, and radio to find out what events are happening. Another amazing resource may be your local community calender which highlights activities for both adults and youth!

How did last week's challenge turn out? What did you end up buying? 

Life is Better with Spunk and a shout out to..

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Last week's challenge was to participate in a family technology detox. I tried. Oh, how I tried...and I failed. As much as I wanted to, packages needed to be sent and emails needed to be read in order to find the addresses for the lovely packages.

Hunk had a migraine all day and I was bored out of my loving mind.  So, I watched an episode of Hoarders.  Because of this, I suddenly had the motivation to clean my house. If you've seen the show then you know what I mean.

Really, the excuses kept piling up for my use of technology over the weekend.

It seemed like the more I tried to avoid technology the more I needed it this weekend. So I hope your family tech detox turned out better than mine. I may try to do it in the future, most likely on a weekend when there are no season finales....

:)

Anywho, this week's challenge is to buy something you want. Yes, ladies I give y'all permission to buy something you want, not something you need. In our house the most common phrase is, "Do you need it? Or do you just want it?" My reply is often, "Of course I need it, because I want it." That used to fly as an excuse, but Hunk has become much the wiser these days after four years of marriage.

Seriously though, buy something for yourself. It doesn't have to be large or extravagant, just something that is all yours.

These babies may or may not be "the something I need"...

Life is Better with Spunk

It seems that we live in a world of constant turmoil. If it isn't war inundating the media then it is Mother Nature waging her own battle. The aftermath of each of these disasters is often jaw dropping because we witness the absolute control of Mother Nature and the lack of control that we have over such catastrophes. 

But through each of these disasters we often see that the kindness of humanity prevails. A friend of mine is currently in Joplin delivering supplies to families affected by the Tornado. Her photos portray a picture of hope, strength, and the true desire to help those in need.

 once a subdivision in Joplin

 

 Operation Stormy Weather is a relief project put together by caring citizens in Wyoming

 This picture shows half of the supplies delivered from Wyoming

 Because of bad cell service citizens wrote notes on their homes to tell others they were safe.

Once a Home Depot.

 I feel so proud to live in a world where generousity still prevails.

If you would like to donate to the Joplin Relief go visit the American Red Cross

May our thoughts and prayers be with those in need.

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It seems kind of silly now to transition to another challenge after seeing those pictures, but the show must go on.

Right-e-o!

This week's challenge is to do a family technology detox for one weekend. 

*gasp*

I know crazy, right? It can be done though. No television, internet, video games, facebook, twiter, computers, nintendo, ipods, blogging, or Angry Birds.

Don't think you can do it? Well, here are a few helpful tips  for starting and maintaining a family tech detox.

I would love to hear what you and your family plan on doing with all your free time once the tv is off and the video games are put away!

Life is Better with Spunk

Long time no see my friends!

I fill so elated from all of your wonderful comments and emails. The out pouring of compassion we have received over that last few weeks has been amazing. So many of our friends and family have delivered meals, stopped by to check on us, watched Little B at all hours of the night, and have even cleaned our house when we've been gone (sly lil' buggers).

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Yeah, I was mortified when I realized someone cleaned our pigsty-of-a-home. "Thank you" to whoever braved that awful project.

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Last week's Life is Better with Spunk challenge was to hand out at least one compliment a day.  I fill as though I get so caught up in my own life that I sometimes forget to recognize others, so this challenge was a real motivator for me.

I am sure I am the only one that gets caught up in my own life. Right? 

 For this challenge I tried to make a sincere effort to compliment strangers and it seemed like with every nice gesture I handed out there was a smile or a gracious "Thank you" I received in return.

Not only did I try to compliment strangers, but I also started to compliment Punk. At first it felt silly to compliment an 18-month-old, but then I realized at some point he is going to realize what I am doing and I want it to be a habit that reinforces positive behavior in his little life.

I think handing out compliments is one of those challenges I need to keep doing because it helps me have a more positive attitude, which heaven help me I need at times.

:)

Are you ready for this week's Life is Better with Spunk? 

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This week's challenge will also be a bit inspiring--help someone in need.

It could be as simple as watching your neighbor's children, delivering a meal to a friend, helping someone garden, visiting a sick friend--you name it!

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How did last week's challenge go for you? Do you enjoy these challenges or are you wanting something different?

I would love to hear your thoughts...

Life is Better with Spunk on a Thursday

I hope you all had a great week and were able to get out and enjoy the sun...and visit some kind of park. To be honest with you, we didn't get to really go outside until yesterday. Punk and I spent most of the week at the doctors office. I felt horrible keeping him inside when the weather was finally starting to grace us with some sun and green grass.

He did, however, enjoy the great outdoors yesterday. He had his first haircut yesterday morning and after that tramatic ordeal he needed to recooperate by playing with his cousin. It was so fun to see him play in the sandbox, throw rocks, and follow her around like a little puppy dog.

It was also nice to finally get out of my bed. Punk and I have been cooped up watching Nemo--over and over and over again. 

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For this week's challenge I want to do something inspiring.

 I am in need of some positive ju-ju so this challenge will hopefully benefit all of us. For this week's challenge give out a random compliment a day. The compliments could be given to a cashier, stranger, friend, family member, mailman, waitress--just give some positive ju-ju to someone else, I know it will brighten their day and yours day too!

Life is Better with Spunk

How are ya'll enjoying Life is Better with Spunk? Did you remember to deliver flowers to someone special?

For Mother's Day Hunk and I gave flowers to each of our mothers. It was a real treat because usually we are not lucky enough to have both of them in town.

A long, long time ago I told Hunk that flowers were worthless because they die. I really shouldn't have said it because now he holds it over my head everytime I say, "Why don't you bring me home flowers anymore?"

Yes, I do love bouquets of flowers (still...hint, hint), but I think there is just something magical about potted flowers. I love watching plants blossom over the summer until they reach a point where they busting out of the pot with flowery excitement!

Hunk's Mom still has a hydrangrea that we gave her two years ago, she has a green thumb--I do not.

Even though Hunk doesn't buy bouquets that often he did surprise me this Mothers Day with an orchid.  I have come to realize that he is not one for making huge gestures of love--instead he opts for doing small acts of kindness which seem even more sincere and heartfelt.

He is kind of crazy about me, which works out well for both of us because I am kind of crazy about him too.

'nuf of the lovey stuff--now on to this week's challenge...

This week's challenge is to visit a park.

It could be a national park, your neighborhood park, or even an amusement park!

Have fun -- I can't wait to hear about your adventures!

Life is better with Spunk...

Remember last week's challenge? Eat at a new restaurant or try a new recipe.

Well I fell in love last weekend and it happens to be with a hamburger.

I shall explain...

When we go out of town our trips are usually planned around where we "need" to eat.

When in Denver we hit up Jim n' Nicks

While passing through Livingston we stop in at the Rib and Chop House

When we head home we go to the Buckhorn Bar

Whenever we are in a city that has Panda Express we have to stop. Hunk needs his Orange Chicken fix--it's a love like no other.

At Cabelas we always pick up fudge--mint for me, orange for Hunk.

While in Utah I have to go to Artic Circle for fries and to the Purple Turtle for their burgers.

Sadly, I didn't make it to the Purple Turtle this trip. But by some divine power we got lost in Idaho Falls while trying to find Chick-fil-A and we ended up at Five Guys Burgers and Fries.  

Pure awesomeness happened when I bit into that burger.

Love. Juicy, sweet, grease drippin' love.

It was the best burger ever.

Not only was the burger perfect, but the fries was grease saturated sticks of heaven. Yes, I am a greasy, soft fry lover.

It was so amazing that I think my burger and fries meal may have beat out  Rodizio Grill for the best food of the weekend.

*gasp*

Hunk has also been in a hamburger coma since his experience with Five Guys Burgers. I sometimes catch his gaze wandering and I then ask him if he is thinking about the infamous burger and his reply is always a forelorn, "yes."

I think we may have to make a regular stop in Ammon when we head to Utah from now on so we can get our hamburger fix.....

So how did the food challenge go for you?

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Now, onto this week's challenge. Remember how I mentioned that sometimes the challenges would be geared towards helping others? Well this is one of those weeks.

{polka dot pot}  {pixie stick flower pot}

For this week's challenge deliver flowers to someone special.

That person could be your mom, sister, cousin, grandma, friend, neighbor, hair stylist, partner in crime, mail lady, favorite bank teller, Walmart greeter, or just that special person who has been on your mind all week.

With Spring finally starting to pop it's head out to play doesn't it seem like a perfect time to brighten someone's day with some beautiful flowers?

Happy May!

Life is Better with Spunk-Week 2...

For those of you new to Spunky Junky let me introduce you to the Life is Better with Spunk series. Each week a challenge is provided that is supposed to help us spunk up our lives.

Last week's challenge was to get outside--not just the kind of outside that takes you to the garbage can and back, but the kind of outside where fresh air lives and catepillars roam. 

The weather has been so beautiful for the last few days that I felt somewhat guilty making Punk ride in the car for five hours on Saturday when it was such a beautiful day.

When he did get outside, though, he was in a dazed grassy heaven. His love for being outside was evident by his ability to run up and down the block for hours on end. When he was tired of running he would lay in the grass only to get up to chase the neighborhood boys until he would fall on the ground giggling with excitement.

While Punk released he pent up cabin fever, I laid in the grass soaking up as much Vitamin D as possible. Occasionally, I would sit up to stare out my energized toddler wondering how he had grown up so fast?

From time to time he would run to me with he big smile and runny nose and he would fall into my lap to relax for a moment and then he would be off again.

It was glorious--and very much needed!

How was your time outside? I would love to know.

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Now for this week's challenge eat at some place new.

 If you are not into eating out, then cook or bake that dish that you have putting off for the last year. 

You know what I'm about, right? That restaurant that you have been dying to eat at, but you are too busy to find any time in your hectic schedule. Or, the recipe that you ripped out of a magazine a year ago that is still stuck to your fridge.

Well, make no more excuses. Now is the time to make your taste buds tingle!

This will be fun--I promise!

Won't this challenge be a great excuse for a date night, eh? Or an legit excuse for your kitchen to get really dirty?

;)

macaroons cake pops

This week I will conquer my phobia of baking from scratch and I will finally whip out some macaroons or cake pops.

 

Life is Better with Spunk Week One...

Today is the first week of "Life is Better with Spunk," and I am kind of excited for this new series. I have been toying with this idea for quite awhile and I decided that I would put my "brain child" into action with the launch of my new blog design. 

For those of you new to Spunky Junky the "Life is Better with Spunk" challenge is a series of weekly challenges meant to spice up my life and yours! 

 Sometimes the challenges will serve a personal interest, other times the challenges will push you to step outside your comfort zone and help someone else.

No matter what they challenge may be it will always serve the purpose of bringing spunk to someone's life. I mean, really isn't that what life is all about anyway?

Clarification: My sis called this morning to say that she was confused. So here's the 411.
I will post a challenge on Wednesday. We all have one week to finish that challenge. The next Wednesday I post a new and exciting challenge.

okay?

This week's challenge: Get outside my friends.

Get out and run, hit the mountains for a hike, search for countless hours for that long lost golden egg, go for a bike ride, plant a garden, clean your yard (preferrably before Easter), the options are endless.

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No matter rain/shine/snow get your hieney outside!

Who knows, maybe the rainy or snowing weather will help create an even more memorable experience?! 

Have you ever tried to have an Easter Egg Hunt during a snow storm? Well, we were still finding eggs during the Fourth of July...