A mother's love ...

I SO love this.
Love the photo, love the colors, love the emotion, love the LOVE that simply pours from it.

It speaks volumes as it pulls at my heart. It quietly humbles me, yet also creates such a joy within me.

It is simply breathtaking and I yearn to paint it one day... as my mother would have loved to do so. I could watch her sketch and paint for hours - it was a huge part of my childhood.

A mother's touch, enduring love and consistent, unconditional devotion is SO precious... sacrificing herself to benefit her children. She always embraces them, nourishes them and sculpts them - even beyond her arm's length.  

I am SO incredibly blessed to be a mother. A chance that almost couldn't happen for me. To look into the eyes of my sweet girl and to see my OWN mother within her - with her hair and her smile - seeing my mom smiling back at me WITHIN her is beyond any words I can muster. Only tear-filled eyes of happiness, gratitude and hope, hope for a future for her as beautiful as the one that my own mother gave her ALL to give to me.

In honor of my mother, Rolly Muchow, October 18, 1929 - June 4, 1996
Nearly 16 years she's been gone, yet I see her more and more as I look in the mirror...

Vibrant Giveaway Winner {Aug. 2011}

"... I have come a long way in life
to be where I am today."

Even though I have personally only lived for around 15,000 days,
it has been such a quick 41+ years! Our walk, our journey in our lives, can feel either like it has been such a long one, or one that it has simply flown by.

The sentence above really touched me as read the comments left on the post, and as I drew from my little cracked antique pitcher the name of August's Vibrant Giveaway winner, the words came back to my mind and heart.

The words ring so true that even in the shortest of life spans, each and every one of our walks in this life is one of purpose, meaning and reason. To us, we feel we have overcome incredible obstacles, have surpassed trials and mountains of challenges to get to where we are now. But to God, the time we have been here is merely the length of a blink. A speck of what is to come. And all the moments in our path were meant for us, placed by Him and intended for His glory. After all, the one who knows our heart best is the one who created it.

Your walk is all your own, and as every hair on your head has been counted, everything you would ever do is also known. He weeps alongside you as your tears fall. He knows the longings of your heart. He is overjoyed by your triumphs, and no matter what you could ever do, nothing can separate you from His love.

{Vintage Button Bracelet by Vintage Butterfly artist, Missy Stevens
c/o: vintagebutterfly.missy@gmail.com}

What does all of this have to do with the prize of this beautiful vintage button bracelet? Serving as a metaphor for one's path, it resembles the marking of milestones as it shows signs of bumps and wear within its beauty. It has strength and endurance within its fragile and delicate structure. It reflects the long path you have walked to reach this place you are today, and whether you are at a point of triumph or trial, you are right where you have always been meant to be!

Congratulations goes to Sheryl May as our
August 2011 Vibrant Giveaway winner!

Wear it, enjoy it, and add charms and special mini memories to it if you like. May it be a continuing reflection of the footprints you are making in this world and the moments you want to remember!

Vibrant Giveaway Winner {July 2011}

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.... CHOCOLATE!!!

Not just ANY chocolate, but a divinely smooth and exceptionally created and crafted chocolate with an incredible variety in which one can SAVOR and RELISH and be CARRIED AWAY within the deliciousness of it.

Have YOU not ever been blessed to have a piece of GODIVA chocolate in your mouth? OMIGOODNESS YOU MUST!!!
And our "A Life More Vibrant" winner for July, 2011 will get to do JUST THAT with a gift card to choose whatever yummies strike her sweet tooth fancy as she enters the little slice of heaven that is the Godiva Chocolatier boutique!!

CONGRATULATIONS to JENNEFER PROCARIONE!!

I KNOW you will thoroughly enjoy your Godiva Chocolate visit! Please email me your address to tracy@vibrantdrinkactlife so I can send you out this yummy gift card!

Thank you to EVERYONE who leaves comments on the blog posts! It really is my pleasure to share something with you that has captured me, and oh yes... chocolate - especially dark chocolate - has captured me!

From Within Your Skin

What radiates from you? What causes your glow, your light you bring into the world? Do you SHINE? If so, do you try to SHARE that shine, that light from within, with those with whom you encounter, those who surround you, as well as those far away and also those whom you do not even know at ALL?

YOU are an incredibly orchestrated, beautifully created and perfectly shaped part of this world, crafted with unending love and immeasurable joy. You wouldn't be here if you were not meant to be and you have a WALK and a PURPOSE and a REASON for being here all your own.

Into you was breathed an amazing breath from which you continued on... a starting point to ALL you would become, do and experience in this life. In that first gasp, you began to flourish and revel in the newness of all things opposite to your previous surroundings, and you had to sustain the changes and events that followed as you grew, learned and overcame challenges. And you continue to do so every day, sometimes flourishing, sometimes flailing, but ALWAYS with a deeper purpose, although you do not know what the full and intended purpose of your existence is.

That same breath we continue to breathe also encompasses our fears, triumphs, despair and joy, and we have also given the sweet echoes of LAUGHTER into the world. The sounds of even one lone person in this huge world are heard, no matter what volume they voice them or what place they reside. And when it is laughter and excitement, and sweet words of kindness and compassion and truth and light, it blankets and comforts the hearts and lives of those among us TREMENDOUSLY. We are to lift and bring the gifts of light and hope and service into the lives of others by His light and His breath that was placed initially within us. Whether in prayer or in person, the positive lift of our heart to another is hugely impactful, and reaches farther than we will EVER know.

And you reside in your skin a creature of your habits, you know exactly what makes you YOU! Do you make it a habit to keep your outlook POSITIVE? Do you have a "glass half full" state of mind? Do you laugh and let your laughter be contagious? Being self confident and having self assurance is attractive and when you resonate positive energy, positive people are DRAWN to you, and those that can use a "positive push" will BENEFIT from you! It could take but ONE simple gesture to turn one's entire frame of mind and emotional status around, and that gesture, whether in word or action can be as simple as holding a door open, as personal as holding someone's hand, or as compassionate as lending your shoulder to gather tears.

Be confident in who you are and know that you ARE beautifully and perfectly made and that you ARE immensely loved and cherished! Be also aware of someone who could use hearing that sentence and PLEASE SHARE IT with them! Be understanding and know that NOBODY is above another except to lift another up. Enjoy being in the skin you live in and know that you CAN begin today to make better choices to make it a healthier skin to live within. Embrace the moments and the memories you are experiencing, and tell those you love THAT YOU LOVE THEM! We are all here unknowing of when our last breaths will be, so use them wisely, with integrity, love and empathy for everyone. And embrace life to the fullest... make every day from beginning to end productive, working toward your goals and dreams!

Lastly, a smile is contagious, so USE it. And LAUGH! Laughing blesses us with better health, a better emotional status, and deeper personal and social enrichment and overall well being. Laughter is, after all, the very best medicine next to LOVE!

Vibrant Giveaway Winner! {June 2011}

{OMIGOODNESS!!! Please pardon the wait for the June drawing announcement... I am moving to a new home and in doing so, have been endlessly packing and have boxes up to my ears and surrounding me in my office... but NOT too many to block my monitor to post the June winner! Thank you ALL for your patience and as ALWAYS, I love, love LOVE each and every comment and that you all love the blog!}

Okay, here is the glimpse at the beautiful giveaway gift I fell in love with immediately when it/they caught my gaze...

This picture does not do them any justice as in person they are really amazing!

Adding that sweet, shimmery, OH SO SPARKLY {and dare I say SEXY?} accessory to her summer wardrobe is our June Giveaway Winner! Congratulations to Heather Richins!!

These BEAUTIFUL earrings by Vera Wang have a super subtle smoky grey hue... perfect to complement a summer tan with so many colors from butter yellow, white, pale blues, black, etc. They seriously will look fantastic and will add an extra glow to your natural radiance!

Enjoy adding this summer sparkle to business casual attire, a sun dress or even a simple white tee/tank top, jeans/shorts and sandals. And again, I SO thank you for your comments and super sweet words! Please email your address to me at tracy@vibrantdrinkactlife.com and I will get these out to you!

Thank you to EVERYONE who leaves comments - it is my pleasure to share something with you that captures me!

Summer Time

Words can merely touch on the feelings that summer time brings. The memories made, the vacations taken, the relaxing times spent, the cocoa brown tans adorned, the sun-kissed hair, the playing, swimming, camping, exploring, discovering and simply loving the long days and sweet nights... many to be had under the stars by a crackling fire. Better yet, on a beach listening to the waves as dreams take over our thoughts.


Embrace these days and relish in them. Capture them in pictures to remember them. Awaken early to not waste the day. Begin with appreciation to God for the beauty He has given us to enjoy, and end the day with the same, as we are all SO blessed, aren't we! Most of all, be in the moment of these long sweet days. Time simply passes by and in a blink, this time will be gone, so make the most of each and every day.

Please share below with me what makes your summer days so beautiful, memorable and special to you! I will randomly select someone from the comments left and send them a little something "summery"!

Let's Heat Things Up! {wink wink}

A sex post ... Fun! Perhaps a post about how to boost your libido with delicious foods? Even better! How about a little bit of both? Okay, here we go then ...

Here are some of the top foods that will boost your sex drive! Not only do some of these health foods keep the doctor away, but they boost up all kinds of things in the love department. Now that I've sparked your curiosity, here are a few of nature's finest foods to spice things up in the bedroom and help your libido.

Eggs
Egg yolks contain cholesterol, which are important building blocks for testosterone. Eating raw eggs is one of the most direct ways of increasing testosterone and ultimately enhancing the male libido. Eggs are also one of the most significant sources of vitamin A, which keeps the epithelial tissues healthy. These tissues line all of the internal and external surfaces of the body, specifically the vagina and uterus. Other sources of vitamin A are liver, cheese and carrots. {I love the versatility of eggs and have a bazillion recipes to make them.}

Spinach
Spinach, cabbage and dark green leafy veggies contain Indole-3-carbinol, which actually decreases the amount of estrogen in the male body, leading to more lean muscle and testosterone development. The irony is that it also helps support the production of estrogen in women. Spinach and other dark green "leafies", including tea, are great sources of manganese, which the female hormone estrogen relies on to maintain a healthy metabolism. Manganese can also be found in foods like wholegrain cereal, wheatgerm, raisins, peas and beans. {I am a spinach lov-va! In everything, always in my fridge, fresh chopped in my freezer...}

Avocado
Unlike most aphrodisiacs that mainly enhance he libido of men, avocado is known for its ability to significantly increase the libido of women. It does contain B6, which helps in the production of male hormones; but the fruit's potassium aids in regulating the female thyroid gland while simultaneously enhancing libido levels. Avocados also contain high amounts of folic acid, which help metabolize proteins. {Avocados are a staple around here too. It's like a snack complete with it's own serving bowl!}

Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is good for the immune system because it is filled with antioxidants. It is also good for increasing libido in men and women because of phenylethylamine, which is a chemical found in chocolate that gives the brain the feeling of being in love, thus the libido level in men and women increases. Another benefit to dark chocolate is that it contains an alkaloid called theobromine which is similar to caffeine as a stimulant. {I have a "Godiva Chocolate Rewards" card. Enough said.}

Oils and Nuts
Oils and nuts are rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent damage to the ova, which the female body produces with the ovary. Nuts like sunflower and vegetable oil are also an excellent source of linoleic acid, which is an essential fatty acid for the production of sperm. More sperm buildup equals a larger sex drive. {Well, there ya go then! Saute' time!}

Oysters
Oysters are a considered to be the richest source of zinc, which is one of the key nutrients known to enhance libido and sperm production in the males. In addition to oysters and other shellfish, zinc can be found in brown rice, lean red meat and turkey. {I LOVE oysters and gouda cheese on crackers! Perfect right by a campfire followed up by S'mores and evidently some smooching!}

Blueberries
Mother Nature's original blue potency capsules may do even more for you. Blueberries are high in soluble fiber, which helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood before it gets absorbed and deposited on artery walls. Blueberries also relax blood vessels and improve blood flow to enhance function. For maximum potency, performance and pleasure, eat a serving of blueberries a few times a week. {Quinoa with blueberries, brown sugar, cinnamon and honey is delish!}

GTO {"Get Turned On"}
NAMED 2011 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Making international debut June 18th, 2011

Viagra, step aside! For BOTH men and women, GTO is a breakthrough intimacy enhancer, created to rekindle, reignite, and renew a couple's passion and intimate connection while enhancing the libido, mental clarity, energy levels, sexual function and optimal health levels throughout the body. Formulated with all natural components to provide the ultimate and perfect balance to support a healthy libido in both men and women, GTO is the first of it's kind to enjoy in a delicious {mango tangerine flavor - it is SO YUMMY!} and nutritious {filled to the brim with AMAZING NUTRIENTS!} on-the-go packets for added convenience.

Want to keep YOUR relationship and libido healthy and strong?
Email me at tracy@vibrantdrinkactlife.com to be added to the list for YOUR FREE SAMPLE!

His hands and feet

My mother was an amazing woman. Always reaching out. Always doing and giving of herself. Always smiling. She had a light within her that just radiated from her. She was vibrant.

I yearn to keep that beautiful vibrant light going for her as she has since passed on 15 years ago today. If I can carry it on and teach my daughter to do the same, reaching and doing and giving - sharing Christ's light, being His hands and feet into the world - then perhaps the kindnesses will be paid forward even more so, even further than we could imagine.

Won't you take a few moments to listen to this song? The words to this amazing song speak volumes and will humble you at the same time. Just think... if we can each be a small change in the world, what an amazingly changed world it could be.

Lincoln Brewster, The Power of Your Name
{lyrics beneath video}


The Power Of Your Name
Surely children weren't made for the streets
and fathers were not made to leave
Surely this isn't how it should be
let your kingdom come

Surely nations were not made for war
or the broken in two be ignored
Surely this just can't be what you saw
let your kingdom come, here in my heart

{chorus}
And I will live to carry your compassion,
to love a world that's broken,
to be your hands and feet...
And I will give with the life that I've been given,
to go beyond religion,
to see the world be changed by the power of your name.

Surely life wasn't made to regret,
and the lost were not made to forget
Surely faith without action is dead
let your kingdom come, Lord, break this heart

And I will live to carry your compassion,
to love a world that's broken,
to be your hands and feet...
And I will give with the life that I've been given,
to go beyond religion,
to see the world be changed by the power of your name.

Jesus your name is a shelter for the hurting
your name is a refuge for the weak
Only your name can take the undeserving
Jesus your name holds everything I need

And I will live to carry your compassion,
to love a world that's broken,
to be your hands and feet...
And I will give with the life that I've been given,
to go beyond religion,
to see the world be changed by the power of your name.
{repeat chorus again}

Vibrant Giveaway Winner! {May 2011}

The debut of my "A Life More Vibrant" blog this month has been super fun and the response via Facebook, emails, texts, calls and kind commentary from SO many people has been simply amazing, rewarding and means just SO much to me! I LOVE that you love it - I have such great fans! And I look forward to continuing to provide you with enjoyment as you follow it!

With that said... I wonder what could be in this lovely box?

I fell in love with the box before I fell in love with what was inside... the bright, lively pop of colors and painted petals blooming within a vibrant, radiant shell... it caught my eye instantly. Once I experienced what was within, I knew I had to share my discovery with someone. Tucked within the box is something simply incredible - silky, sweetly scented with honey, lavender, orange blossom and lilies - it is fabulous and it is Winifred Wikkeling Royal Creme*.


My beautiful daughter had the joy of drawing out of the pitcher {I love to collect little pitchers!} the winner of our very first giveaway, and I am so excited to address the box to...

Felicity Garcia!
{please email me your address to tracy@vibrantdrinkactlife.com!}

HONORABLE MENTION TIME!!

I also have a "beautiful little sparkly something" heading out to the one person who discovered the "hidden post" about me down the right side column of the blog... my own niece, Erica Resendez! Good eyes, girl!

Congrats lovely ladies! I hope these little gifts embrace you and that you enjoy them!

{Find out more info about the lovely creme here: http://www.winifredwikkeling.com}

Welcome to "A Life More Vibrant"!

Thank you for taking a few minutes to enjoy what I hope will be enriching and inspiring to your life in a variety of ways, as you find within the tabs above great health tips and articles, yummy recipes, fun beauty ideas, home design, creative projects, words of inspiration and more! Many posts have already been posted below for you to enjoy, and I will be posting a few times a week, making it something to look forward to as you begin your week and also as you wind down for the weekend.

In creating this diverse collection, SO many areas of interest came to mind. Above all else was my reason behind it. Taught by my mother to "pay it forward" in graciousness, reaching out, in love, with food, even with humor, I was shown that nobody is above another, except to simply lift another up. Her vibrant composure of happiness, radiance and love for life and others was SO beautiful to be around, that after her passing 15 years ago, I wondered how I could continue to keep something so amazing alive. This blog reflects that lovely light she radiated, and to share it with you is my way of paying it forward. In doing so, I hope it adds to YOUR life, making it more vibrant, fulfilled, delicious and enjoyable as well!

So sit back, enjoy it and I'd LOVE to receive your comments, as
EVERYONE each month who leaves a comment is entered into a MONTHLY DRAWING for a fun GIVEAWAY!

Lisa Leonard silver designs

Your wedding day. What an amazing day to remember... and what a beautiful and lovely way to keep it close to your heart - with this one! Whether you are getting married or getting a gift for a happy couple who is, this is a meaningful and memorable piece.

Designed by Lisa Leonard, who also makes beautiful stamped jewelry and other amazing things. {The "You Hold The Key To My Heart" bowl in her collection is SO perfectly imperfect and lovely... you really must take a look at that too!} This silver heart is such an organic and sweet piece. Delicate yet strong at the same time.

Here is the link to her site for a closer look at this piece, the lovely bowl and her unique and beautiful line of items:

http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/Pewter-Heart-Wall-Hanging-small-font-P79C23.aspx

http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/keepsake-bowl-P240.aspx

Monthly Prize Giveaway!

A little something AMAZING could be heading YOUR way, so share your words with me! Winners will be announced at the beginning of each month. What a fun way to begin a fresh new month with a little something special perhaps especially for YOU!