New Year, New Site

Blogger has been my home for many years. It is bittersweet that I will be leaping into WordPress with a new site. Please visit

www.jenbottom.com 

for everything you found here and MORE!

Wishing you a very Happy & Healthy 2015!

See you soon!

Beachy Red, White and Blue

I am back! 

Life over at Behind The Refrigerator Door and my business has been busy! But I am LOVING my life at the beach, while helping others get healthier and happier!

This morning on my run I saw this adorable cottage, right there on the beach. I paused my Garmin and HAD to snap pics to share with you!

Add caption

Cute, huh?

Mental~ Emotional ~ Cognitive Health and our Physical Health

Zig Ziglar

How do you keep yourself emotionally, mentally and cognitively engaged?

For me, this was HUGE to my physical transformation. I learned that whenever I felt down, verbally attacked, bad about myself I searched for food to comfort me. As a matter of fact it happened yesterday! Hubby and I got into a disagreement and all goals flew out of my head and wanted FAST FOOD FAST! But, knowing that about myself, I stayed strong...I redirected my uncomfortable feelings by crossing things off my to do list! I got engaged in progress and I felt better. By late last night when I saw hubby I had completely forgotten about our "tiff" and I hadn't gone down a path to lead me to more negative feelings! 

I don't always have success like that, but the key is to learn about ourselves so we CAN see progress in changing those mental and emotional obstacles.

Weekend Getaway to San Diego

We had the great opportunity to spend a night in San Diego, as a family. Here are some highlights.

E drove the whole way. This is the LDS temple in the background.

It was fun hanging out with my brother in his neck of the woods!

My brother and I. We didn't always look this happy together.
Now it is a HUGE blessing to see him often.

Since my dad couldn't make it, we toasted oysters on the half shell to him.

My honey!

 This big reason we wanted to hit San Diego was for going on the USS Midway aircraft carrier. SO COOL! Every person should do this once! I felt so much pride for our US military!

I cannot wait to see what this kid does!
He has always had flying and military in his blood.

Favorite pic of the weekend!

I have quite a few pics of him on various aircraft carriers at various ages, like this.

Why couldn't she be this fun at Beijing sites????

We stayed downtown in the Gas Lamp District. It was really neat and fun! We went to dinner and the boys went to a movie. We then woke up and said goodbye to Bro and headed to walk around Hotel Del Coronado for a few minutes. Then hubby had to fly out on a business trip! Such a fun time!

Bucket List: Stay here and spend a day in their spa!

 San Diego has so much to offer, we agreed we had to do this again! This city on the water is beautiful and reminded us a lot of Sydney, Australia. We feel lucky to have so many awesome destinations in So Cal!

Closet Redo On a Budget

Down sizing from a 3,400 sq ft home to a 1,700 sq ft one has many challenges! When I saw the house, this closet under the stairs excited me and I had so many ideas of how I could use it. However, when we moved in it became the "catch all" storing suitcases, cleaning supplies, BAGS, and any over sized item that couldn't fit anywhere else. This weekend was the time to make a system and organize!

I only spent $29.99 at Costco for the shelving unit. 

Here is what I did!

• Extended the pull light with a ribbon, I could never reach it before. 
• Emptied the closet and sorted by kitchen items, recipe boxes, cleaning supplies, and extras.
• Recycled 3/4 of the bags. I will never use them all!
• Put the shelving unit together. Super easy.
• Decided how the shelves would be used most efficiently.
• Put the over sized items in first (bread machine, Easter bunny- before you buy cutsie stuff, think of how you'll store it-, drink dispenser, punch bowls).
• Organize cleaning supplies.
• Cookie Sheets are stored in a file cubby unit turned on it's side.
• Place all items in with room for more.

STILL TO COME:

• Use vertical space.
• Hang broom, mop, Swiffer, etc on wall.
• KEEP IT ORGANIZED.

Do you have a closet that needs tackling? 

Comment or message me and I can help you make a plan!

Friday Faves ~ 1.17.14

1. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C Maxwell. Lot of a-ha moments!
2. Sticky Bumps scented candle. Although this was a Christmas gift for hubby, from me, I really love it and end up lighting it when he is not around. He surfed all throughout his teens and is loving reconnecting with it again.
3. Hermosa Beach. This past week you probably heard about California's amazingly warm weather. We went to the beach, after school, twice this week. I feel so lucky to live here!
4. Kale Chips. I am a little late to the game on this one. But every day after school my son asked for these! I spray them with coconut oil, sprinkle them with red wine vinegar and sea salt. Bake on 350 for 20-30 min. AMAZING!
5. Fresh flowers on my desk. I am working a lot now and I am proud to have my own desk. Hubby had an even this week and brought home a centerpiece. From now on I strive to always have fresh flowers at my desk!

Thanks for reading! 

If you like what you see be sure to subscribe on the right tool bar so you don't miss any posts!

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A Kid and His Camera

Today was one of those days where I said many prayers of gratitude for living in such a beautiful place.

 Dayton, 12, wanted to go to the beach after school. 

This is what he did.

~Not bad for an hour of after-school fun~

Dayton Bottom ~ Go Pro Hero Black 3+
Hermosa Beach, CA

Dayton Bottom ~ Go Pro Hero Black 3+
Hermosa Beach, CA

Dayton Bottom ~ Go Pro Hero Black 3+
Hermosa Beach, CA

Personal Development for 2014

I am working to better myself this year and I am committing to read at least one personal development book each month! Here is my list. Let me know your thoughts on any of these book! Any I should add?

January- The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C Maxwell

February- Go Pro by Eric Worre

March- Failing Forward by John C Maxwell

April- Eat That Frog! By Brian Tracy

May- Push by Chalene Johnson

June- The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson

July- Leadership and Self-Discipline by the Arbinger Institute

August- Everyone Communicates But Few Connect by John C Maxwell

September- Influencer, The new Science of Leading Change by Joseph Grenny

October- How to Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie

November- Entreleadership by Dave Ramsey

December- No Excuses! The power of Self-Discipline by Brian Tracy

You are invited to Cancun with Me!

I am SO excited! I am booking a trip today! You guys know that my family and I travel quite a bit (we are blessed to have those opportunities through hubby's job) BUT THIS trip will be different!

WHY? Because it is going to mean SO MUCH more to me because it will be FREE! I am earning my all paid trip to CANCUN by doing what I love, which is helping people get healthy and happy. I told you my job IS THE BEST! This is just one of the many things I LOVE about Beachbody...I get rewarded for ENDING THE TREND OF OBESITY!

Of course, Mark will be there with me, along with a lot of my friends! The best part is...ANYONE can get in on this action and starting now will:
- KEEP YOU FOCUSED ON YOUR OWN HEALTH GOALS
- Make you GOOD MONEY
- CHANGE your life because you are helping people everyday to achieve SUCCESS! (that is WHY I am SO HAPPY all the time!)

I am starting a new "What is Coaching" Bootcamp on Feb 2nd if you are interested in REWARDING your ACHIEVEMENTS and going to CANCUN with me in APRIL, 2015! Message me and we will chat!

Friday Faves ~ 1.10.14

I get no kick-backs from any of these products. Well, the last one I get kisses!

It is Friday again and here is another list of some favorite things of my week! Be sure to share YOUR favorites in the comments below!

1. Penzey's Spices-  These are new to me. A sweet friend gave me a four-pack for Christmas. It was such a thoughtful gift as I am still building our spice collection back up after moving back to the US. NOW...you might think "spices are spices". TIS NOT SO, my friends! You can taste the difference with these spices! I have used them every. single. day. this week. She gave me fresh ground pepper, mural of flavors, garlic powder, and fresh ground cinnamon. And each comes with a card with suggestions. Oh my word! The cinnamon is sweet and spicy and tastes so much better! LOVE THESE and I happen to live near a store, which is rare thing I have learned. Yay! Find them online here. YOU WILL NOT be disappointed!
2. Peter and the Star Catcher- My daughter, a sophomore, needed to go see a live production during winter break for her drama class. We are lucky to live in LA and those are not hard to find. Again, I had never heard of this show, despite it's success at the Tony's (probably while we in Beijing). I had no expectations whatsoever. She and I went to see it at the Ahmanson Theater in LA. IT WAS INCREDIBLE! I did learn ahead of time two things: it is a prequel to Peter Pan and that it is not a musical. Both of these things made me a little skeptical. All of that FLEW (pixie dust I am sure) right out of the window once it began. The entire show was entertaining, funny, CLEAN and so so so very creative! I have seen quite a few Broadway shows and this is in my top 3! GO SEE IT!
3. dōTERRA Deep Blue Rub- Yep, I've got quite a few friends that sell it. Nope, not getting anything from posting this. This stuff is pricier than Icy Hot, for sure, but this week I have been using it daily (first week of P90X 3). The aroma is not as pungent as the drug store versions, it is ALL NATURAL and works so darn good! I will ALWAYS have this on hand.
4. Jupiter- Of course, he should be on my faves every week, but this week in particular. First, the twelve year old boy has been sick and Jupiter acted differently. He laid right on top of D as if to protect him and comfort him, absolutely amazes me. But then Jupi got an eye infection, darn fur around his eyes. We all love up on him even more when he is suffering. Speaking of...this dog has still had 1 or 2 fleas every single day since we've moved here! I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING, yes everything that I can find (foggers, meds, powder for food, sequestering inside, oils...). I, literally, am obsessed about picking through his fur hourly. The fleas are not in our furniture and we don't have any carpet or bites ourselves, but it is so annoying. Any suggestions will land YOU on a future Friday Faves!

Agree? Disagree? Suggestions? Helpful?

Be sure to comment below!

Organizing a Home Office

Welcome to my boudior! ;)

 Check out this video of how I work at home and GET IT DONE!

Want more info, just ask!

Thanks for watching!

Ornament A Day~ 25

We MADE it to 25!

Merry Christmas everyone!

It really IS all about the Savior of the world, who came in a lowly manger, when he could have come to us in royal robes! I love this ornament collection and the reminders that Jesus will come again and He has atoned for all of our sins. 

Come unto Him

Ornament A Day ~ 24

This sweet ornament was given to me by one of my best friends. She and I met one day and have been close ever since. We taught at the same school, were pregnant together with our boys, and had them within days of each other. 

Whenever I hang this ornament on my tree, I think of my friend. I also think of all of my friends both near and far. I am so grateful for all of you in my life!

TOMORROW will be the last ornament! 

Thanks, as always, for reading and Merry Christmas Eve!

Merry Christmas from the Beach

Wishing your family a very Merry Christmas from my family!

Thank you for all of your support!

Ornament A Day ~ 23

Ornaments sure don't have to be fancy to be special! It is so ironic to me that we forget how little our kiddos were. This is Dayton at about 15 months old. His BIG brown eyes have always dazzled the women. I loved his bowl cut, until he cut it off on Thanksgiving Day! 

Dayton has always had a great imagination and would play with everything, especially a cardboard box. He continues to be smart, mature and so handsome. He has accomplished much in his first twelve years. I can't wait to see what he has in store for us in the future!

Ornament A Day ~ 22

Like any mom, I cherish my children and the role of motherhood. When Emma came into our lives, almost 16 years ago, a light sparked in me that has never gone away. I knew very early on that she would teach me things I had never even thought about...and that has completely come to pass. As a young child, she was sweet and musical and vibrant. As she is a grown woman, now, she is still all of those things and so much more! She has been tried and tested in these last couple of years and yet still continues to be a light to everyone who sees her. It breaks my heart to know, that in just a few short years, that she will move onto another phase of life where we will be less involved. But, I know, that no matter where she is our connection and her example to me will be just as strong!

Ornament A Day ~ 21

Another example of my mother's talent. She made these one year with glass bulbs and snow. My mom loves to garden and when the weather gets yucky in Nor Cal she usually has an ornament that she works on instead. We are always so lucky to get her ornaments!

Christmas at the Beach ~ Part I

Merry Christmas from Hermosa Beach!

I love Christmas, especially the lights. I snapped some pics of a few of the sights on my early morning run. This is the strand between the Hermosa Pier and the Manhattan Pier.  Hubby and I have a date on Saturday night to walk the strand and check out even more beachy Christmas lights! Stay tuned...

Hermosa Beach Christmas tree at dawn

Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza at dawn

Manhattan Beach Pier at dawn

One example of Christmas lights on the Strand

A beautiful, traditional display

Cape Cod Victorian with red bows

Icicles on the sand

Ornament A Day ~ 20

I can't believe we only have 5 days left! So exciting, but also sad to see Christmastime end. It is just so magical!

Believe it or not, I don't have many ornaments from China (well, that we bought there I mean!). I guess it was something about living there that made us not in the habit of buying souvenir-type things. However, I did pick up a few of these. I can't quite remember the name of this artistic process, but it is very labor intensive and popular. 

Seeing the Pandas in Schezuan province was one of the highlights of our time in China and in my life. I will never forget their sweet dispositions. 

If you missed my panda post you can check it out here. 

Ornament A Day ~ 19

This is our honeymoon ornament! Mark planned our entire honeymoon to Victoria, British Columbia. It was absolutely perfect! We stayed at the legendary Empress Hotel and had wonderful meals, went to the Botanical Gardens and even took a carriage ride! However, we had a little mishap on a scooter that landed me in the hospital. Yep! But it makes for a great story!

THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT!