Brandon.

Back in December I had a contest to find a family that was in need of a photo session that perhaps would not normally be in a position to have a session or were in such an intense part of their life that it wasn't something that they were really thinking about.  We had a large number of entries...however, when I read about Brandon and his family...I knew they were the ones that the session would be the most valuable for.

It was a cold and rainy day when we got together.  This family has been through so much together.  They love each other deeply and have weathered storms that most other families hope they'll never have to face.

One of Brandon's favorite things to do is make cookies...and they're delicious...I know from personal experience!

It was an absolute blessing to be part of this family's day for a brief couple of hours.  

Thank you.

blessed. LIFE.

getting a healthy start.

I'm so excited that there are so many women wanting to get healthy!  There are so many aspects to having a healthy life that reach beyond getting on the scale.  For me though, getting on the scale everyday gives me a goal and something to measure each morning.  A little reminder that what I'm doing is worth the trouble.  I love seeing a 1/4 pound come off here and one pound come off there.  It also helps me to recognize that I'm feeling better, more fit, more positive, more aware of what I'm doing to be healthy.

Here are 10 steps to better health that I found here.

Look through these and see how you're doing.  Take one of these steps and incorporate it into your life this week.  Better yet...pick two! (Kind of like you can at Panera...ummm...I may have good food on the brain too much...)

1.  Eat a healthy breakfast (that may or may not be a bowl of Golden Grahams...)

2.  Drink at least eight 8 ounce glasses of water everyday.

3.  Take a good quality mulitvitamin/mineral supplement.

4.  Connect with other people everyday...many times a day.  For good health give and receive plenty 'o hugs and kisses.  Talk to the people  you love.  Laugh.

5.  Express your emotions appropriately.

6.  Eat fruits and veggies.  Eat the rainbow.

7.  Spend at least 30 minutes outdoors.

8.  Do something physically active.

9.  Take some quiet time for yourself.

10.  Keep regular sleep hours.

bonus:  Establish a relationship with a doctor you can trust.

So what's the contest this month, you ask?

Here it is:

1.  Post here every day this month.  Tell us what you weigh.  Yes.  You read that right.  Tell us what you weigh and what you'd like to weigh by the end of the year.

2.  Tell us what you're doing every day from the list above to be healthy.

3.  The person who is the most consistent poster here everyday in March will be the prize winner this month.

Prize:

1.  A $25 gift certificate to your fave place to shop!

(I'd like to have some really great prizes that inspire you to get healthy...so send me an email or tell me in the comments what kinds of prizes will motivate you!)

healthy. LIFE.

real life is beautiful.

This year has been a difficult for many people and families. In the spirit of the season I would like to give a family an opportunity to see their sweet life and the love they have for the people around them. I would like to give a free session to a family in need of seeing their beautiful life. I'm also including $1500 of products (album and wall art).

One family will be chosen to have a session with me, they will receive an album and wall art...at a value of $1500.

How will this work?

1. Think of a family that you know that would greatly benefit from a session like this. I'm thinking of families who are deploying a family member with the military, someone with a terminal illness, a family who has had an especially difficult year financially, or just a tough year in too many ways to count.

2. Send your nomination to davina@davinafear.com. Make sure to include the family's name and 3-4 sentences about what they've been through and why you think they would benefit from a photo session.

3. If you have a snapshot of the family please attach it to your nomination email.

4. All nominations need to be received by December 21, 2009.

5. I will announce the winning family on Christmas Eve 2009 on my blog.

A couple of rules:

    1.  You cannot nominate yourself or your own family.

    2.  The family needs to be within 1 hour of the Charlotte, NC area.

    3.  You can nominate as many people as you would like.

Thank you so much for participating. I look forward to reading your nominations...I know this will not be an easy choice.

full. LIFE.

NOTE:  This contest has been extended until Tuesday, November 24th at 11am ET.  The winner will be announced on Tuesday afternoon right before we launch the Get your LIFE back kit!

a night away and a get your LIFE back kit.

The get your LIFE back kit is about helping women take a break and rethink the the chaos and overwheming aspects of their lives...it's time to breathe.  And breathe deeply.  SO this contest is going to help someone do just that!

I want to encourage women to live life fully and with awareness.  Stop the break neck speed that you're currently running at and notice the lovely view, the beautiful deep blue sky, the smell of bonfires in the air, the star filled sky, the crisp air, the smell of a warm child just up from a nap, the cuddle of a loved one, the blessing of good food...drink it in and love the moment.

THIS CONTEST:

What do I do?

Nominate a woman (or person) that you think deserves a night away at a bed and breakfast, where breakfast is made for her instead of by her.  In the comments section of this post (or send me an email at davina at davinafear dot com) name the person you nominate and in 2 sentences or less why she (or he) needs a night away.  Give as much detail as you can in the two sentences or less.

What will the winner win?

The winner will receive a night away at a bed and breakfast that she/he chooses (value $200) and a Get your LIFE back kit (value $120).  (Total value $320)

When does the contest end?

The contest ends tomorrow, Monday November 23rd, at 5pm ET (this contest has been extended until Tuesday, November 24th at 11am ET).  Make sure to be quick to get your nominations into the comments...this is going to be a fast contest!

 **See the winner of Contest #1 in the post below.**

sweet. LIFE.

NOTE:  This contest is CLOSED.  See the winner here.  Make sure to check back on Tuesday. November 24th for the launch of the Get your LIFE back kit!!

this is for you.

Getting your life back means taking some time for you...a moment to rejuvenate and listen to your heart.  In the spirit of the get your LIFE back kit that will be launching on Tuesday I want to give away $100 spa treatment to Massage Envy (or a local spa near you).  You must know someone who is in need of a pedicure, manicure, relaxing facial, or a massage...

Here are the rules:

1. Enter a woman or person you know that needs a day at the spa.  Everytime you enter someone else, you are automatically entered as well.  (Make sure to tell the women that you've entered them in the contest...they may want to enter you, too!)

2. To enter a woman or person, just put their name (and yours) in the comments or send your entry to davina at davinafear dot com.

3. If you facebook, blog, twitter (@insightbydavina or @davinafear), or link to the new INSIGHT kit prelaunch post about the GET YOUR LIFE BACK kit, you will receive another entry for yourself. (just email me and let me know)

4. The last entries will be taken at Midnight ET on Saturday, November21st, 2009.

5.  The winner will be drawn from a hat...or something like that.

6.  I will announce the winner and another CONTEST on Sunday.  So be ready!

NOTE:  Please put your email address in the comment section so that I can contact you if you or your friend wins the spa gift.  VERY IMPORTANT. 

On your marks, get set, go!

fun. LIFE.