Post Holiday Slump.

When you fall asleep at 8pm... before your 2yr old... you know that it was an amazing holiday weekend spent with dear friends who at this point are basically family, especially when said toddler calls them uncle and auntie.

Unfortunately, it's 1am and I am now wide awake while hubby and toddler are sleeping peacefully. After traveling and spending time with people I love I always seem to get into a "slump," and right now I can't shake the thought that I should be doing so much more with my life - I just wish I knew what that was.

I am a Christian, daughter, grand daughter, sister, wife, daughter-in-law,  "auntie," mother, friend, university graduate, yet I still feel that longing for "a place to belong." I have always wanted to work somewhere that allowed me to impact others lives positively, I just don't know how or in what capacity that is at the moment...

Guest Post: "The Not So Brilliant Start."

Hey everyone!

Today I have a special treat for you, my friend Danielle is talking about goals! If you remember, I posted my 2016 goals just prior to the new year, I love seeing other perspectives and encouragement when it comes to them! Danielle and I met six years ago in Maryland through our small group at church, since then we have stayed in-touch and even had the opportunity to live near each other for a brief period once again in Hawaii. I can't believe she has 3 kiddos now, when we met she and her husband had just recently gotten married, I love this crazy life of mine.

Now she is super woman: going to school, taking care of said kiddos, and running her own business Legacy Creative Co. which focuses on helping small business owners and busy women utilize their time as efficiently as possible! If you own a small business or are struggling to figure out what career field you should be in contact her for some advice!

I hope you enjoy what she has to say!

Feel free to comment with any questions for her,
-Tay

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I am currently sitting in my car waiting for my college class to start. Not just any college class, but Calculus. In a condensed 3-week, 3-hour-a-day form. Am I crazy? Maybe. Am I scared? Oh yes! Am I driven? Yes!

I have goals for 2016, and this is one. The goal of continuing my college education.

What I was not planning on was my sudden desire to study accounting. I am not a math brain in any way! This goal scares me. Which is probably good because that usually means there is divine intervention taking place.

What about you? 
I know it's the beginning of January, right after New Year's Eve and a lot of people make resolutions.
What are yours? 
...Have you broken them?
...Do you feel like you've failed?

Do you know what? 
I don't make resolutions. 
I make intentional goals!

For me, when I set out with intention to do something, I make progress! One of my favorite quotes is by Lara Casey. She says "progress, not perfection." When I set a goal. I break that into pieces I can achieve. For instance, one goal for this year is to work towards my bachelors degree in Accounting.

I have broken that down into:

• Taking one class at a time. 
• Meeting with my adviser to make sure I am taking the right class at the right time. 

These are measured, tangible goals. On the side, I am looking at what certificates I need to become a certified accountant.


If you are like me, you have probably already been working towards a goal. How are you handling that? What if I told you to sit back, grab a cup of sweet tea or coffee, and think about what little steps you can take to make progress? I think you would enjoy the journey!

I love talking about goals and dreams! This year, I am going to take baby steps towards my new goal of my degree. Will I fail? Gosh, I really hope not! Nevertheless, even if I do, I am taking a step forward. I am gaining knowledge that I can carry with me into the next time I take Calculus.

Now your goal might be more complex, or more simple, but it is yours - claim it! Speak life into it by starting today! Failing would be to have a dream and do nothing. For those of you who are not working toward your dream, start today! There is nothing magical about making a resolution right on January 1. Dreaming is scary, but you can do it! I am scared of Accounting, there are a lot of numbers! I, however, do not want to regret what could have been.

~Danielle

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Fit Friday! - Alphabet Fit Challenge

Luckily I only have 14 letters in my full name, for those of you with more...
Well... Just wait and see. 

-Tay

As always, if you use Instagram don't forget to tag @thedaringdanedlion @active_freckals and this month #alphabetfitchallenge

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Happy FIRST Fit Friday post of 2016!!!

I figured this Friday we would have a bit of fun with the workout. This idea actually came from Tay when she tagged me in a different version via Facebook. However, that version had many of our friends doing upwards of 20 minutes worth of wall sits and hundreds of burpees, AH!!!

So I figured I would make a version that is still challenging but something that anyone, at any fitness level could tackle.

Here is how it works each letter in the alphabet below is assigned a workout and amount reps to be completed for that letter. So spell out your FULL name using the chart below, add everything up and that's your workout.

Click image to open, right click and either select "save as" or "print."

Remember your FULL name! That means first, middle(s), and last(s). So two middle names, use them both. Hyphened last name, use both as well!

If you're like Tay, with a shorter name, you can always repeat the circuit.

Here is a sample name:

M - 10 Burpees

A - 5 Squats

R - 10 Tricep Dips
Y - 60sec Forearm Plank

E - 5 Tricep Dips

L - 10 Push Ups

L - 10 Push Ups

E - 5 Tricep Dips

N - 10 Squats

S - 30sec Wall Sit

M - 10 Burpees

I - 60sec Forearm Plank

T - 30sec Forearm Plank

H - 60sec Wall Sit

Take your time tackling the total amount, break it up to make more manageable sets and have some sore, sweaty fun! Have a happy healthy 2016!

~Adrien





Disclaimer: Adrien is a Beach Body Coach, however all the moves listed are done at your own risk. Please ensure that your baby can hold their head up on their own before attempting any of these moves. Be sure to consult a doctor before starting any exercise program. The Daring Dandelion along with Freckled & Free assume no responsibility for injuries that may occur while completing the moves utilized in this workout.

Goodbye 2015. Hello 2016.

I've always thought the new year should start in the spring rather than the middle of winter. You know a fresh start - green grass, flowers blooming, sunny skies... It might be 57* and pouring today, but it was 80* yesterday, say what?!

This scripture is always good to reflect on for the new year, Revelations 21:5, you can get the free printable by clicking here!

Anyway, I have a love hate relationship with the new year...

I love fresh starts, a blank slate, down-sizing, de-cluttering, an empty calendar, planning new adventures, and expecting good things to come.

I hate looking back and realizing all that I didn't accomplish or let slip by me. Right now I'm beating myself up over not getting hired by the real estate agency and not finding any other flexible part-time employment. I am annoyed that I am only into May on the 2015 yearly photo book (and if I'm being completely honest- I haven't made one since 2010s which is pathetic). I always planned to workout/meal plan and I'd do great for a few weeks then fall off the train.  I never take time for myself, I read 4 books all year when I used to knock out 20+. Not to mention for being a SAHM my son is now 14mo old and I have yet to write down anything in his baby book... Just hoping I can remember those milestones, ugh...

How does life always seem to slip by? This year we moved completely across the country, both of our sisters got married, we've hosted family and visited family, we've explored and adventured, we are still looking for a church to "call home," we don't have a solid group of friends yet and that is killing me (thankfully my Hawaii friends understand and are only a phone call/text away), and I haven't braved the base gym yet but I really want to try the stroller aerobics class.

So, for 2016 I've made these 4 goals:

1. Read at least 1 book each month.
   This should be totally do-able if I just spend 30min of me time before bed each night!
2. Try 3 new things.
   For example - a fitness class, volunteering, learn to crochet, etc.
3. Upload the monthly photos to the yearly book by the beginning of the following month.
   So January's photos should be uploaded by February 7th.
4. Jog 20 miles each month, roughly 5mi per week.
   I hate running, but I know it works and is good for me... *sigh*

I only gave myself 4 because I wanted to follow the S.M.A.R.T. guideline.

S - Specific

M - Measurable

A - Attainable

R - Realistic

T - Timely

Obviously I will continue to do my best to stay in the word, stick with meal-plans/other work-outs, be a present wife & mother, keep up with the household chores, create & maintain quality friendships, etc etc. 

Did you or will you be making goals for 2016? Please share in the comments! Also.. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

-Tay

PS: One of my friends, Alyssa, from Home Field Fitness is co-hosting an awesome "Get it Together: 2016" online course. It's FREE but the sign-up deadline is Jan 4th, so click the link now!